Friday, December 31, 2010

Reflecting on 2010

Some things I've learned about myself this year....
10. I am still very naive. If I am told something, chances are I'll believe it. This is a blessing and a curse.
9. My family is the biggest source of contentment to me.
8. Thad and I don't do enough together, as in alone.
7. Hockey season = single parenting
6. Going to Las Vegas with my mom & sister (and staying at the Wynn) is completely fulfilling and relaxing.
5. Going to Las Vegas with Thad is like four date nights in a row...although we tend to seperate.
4. Chicago is a very cool city! Traveling with a group of teachers made it even better.
3. I really can try different foods and survive.
2. I can apply for and get accepted into education programs. Go me!
1. I can leave my family for a week, travel with no one I know, and gain more knowledge and appreciation for history than I ever could imagine. Richmond holds a very special place in my heart.

What will 2011 entail for me? Hopefully a girls' weekend with Melissa & Elli, hopefully a vacation with Thad, hopefully a vacation with my family, and continued love, health, and happiness. Happy New Year!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Just a typical vacation day

Vacations for me as a working mother are packed with a ton of stuff that I prefer to do when school is not in session. This makes for non-relaxing days...here's today:
Lie awake in bed from 2-4am thinking about all of the things I have to do. This includes baking, wrapping and buying a few more gifts, seeing friends coming into town, etc. Get up to find Ryan and Brady making chocolate chip pancakes (read HUGE mess), eat breakfast, tell Olivia she can't pack quite yet for her upcoming sleepover tonight that she is over the moon about, get dressed, sitter comes over, I go work out and do Zumba, run to Cake and Candy World for baking supplies (this is the year for me to make pretty sugar cookies!), come home, pay the sitter, call the ortho's office to see why they are calling me only to find out I have an appointment today at 1:40, panic as my three kids have dental appointments, call my mom to see if she can take the kids to the dentist, call my friend to see if Brady can go over there, shower, eat, send Ryan off to play hockey at the park with his team, finish getting ready, put Brady down for a quick nap, sit for a few minutes, Brady wakes up, change his diaper, make girls brush teeth again, leave for my appointment, sit there, have them literally try to saw off cement from my upper retainer, get two impressions, find out I have to come back in an hour to pick up my retainer, call my mom and ask her to stay at the dentist, get Brady, go back to ortho, sit way too long for my 5 minute appt, deal with him talking non stop to a Santa Claus balloon, get my new retainer, drive to my parents', look at Olivia's eye which has been funny for two days and decide that I will take her to the walk in after their chiropractor appointments, pull away as my mom tells me she think Olivia has a fever, Olivia tells me she is just peachy, go to the chiropractor, get everyone adjusted, Kate tells me Olivia has diarrhea and needs me to wipe, go do that, get Brady adjusted, leave for walk in, get checked in, find out Olivia has a 102 fever (say what?), tell her no sleep over, Olivia crumbles, my heart breaks as she was so excited to be with the big girls tonight, hold a sobbing/feverish Olivia in my arms, try to occupy Brady, Kate leans forward to watch her necklace sway, falls forward on to her head, starts crying, wants her mom, Olivia's crying, and then Brady gets mad at everyone for ignoring him, nurse comes in to tell me that the doctor has a patient that is taking more time than expected, I say that's okay, we're just a three ring circus in here, doctor finally comes in, says she has an ear infection & pinkeye & possibly strep since it's really going around, but no need to put her through that since she needs antibiotics, schlep the kids back home, call Thad who had to work late to call Hi-Ho for burgers as that's what I'm cooking tonight, get food, eat, and sit!
Thad and I did something we never do: we left the kids in Ryan's care while we went to get Olivia's prescrption. Hey we will take any sort of 'date' we can. Of course it wasn't ready, so we found some stocking stuffers in the meantime. Then we went to Hockey Zone to get a few more things, came home, found our four kids happily in pajamas, and got Olivia her medicine. Then I made a double batch of sugar cookie dough for tomorrow's baking-fest, cleaned the kitchen, and got the little kids to bed. Kate is reading, Ryan is watching tv, and I am going to read soon. I also rented at the little kiosk outside of Walgreens "The Kids are Alright." It's gotten rave reviews, so I am looking forward to watching it.
Hey no complaints here about my day, but this post is one reason why there is no such thing as a vacation once you become a parent!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

I thought I'd ask

Maybe you have the answers to a few of these questions that I often ponder....

Why is that right after I clean the bathrooms--specifically the toilets--someone takes a messy poop and re-dirties it?
Why is it that when I see my kids doing something cute or sweet, I pull out the camera, and wham!, that ends immediately?
Why are most of Ryan's hockey games lately scheduled during my child's naptime?
Why when I have money to spend at the mall I can't find a dang thing?
Why when I shouldn't buy something at the mall, I find a million things?
(Okay this is sarcastic) Why do children point out the obvious to us? Example: Olivia yesterday: "Mom when it's winter it's cold out." Me: "yes it is Olivia." Inside my head I'm thinking, "Well duh, I've lived in this hell hole of a state for 34 years, and I hate winter!" But I would never talk like that....
Why does cold weather across certain parts of the United States--or snow for that matter--make national news? I thought New Yorkers were used to this weather. I guess not.
Why are my children incapable of resigning themselves to the fact that they are exhausted? It is so hard on their pride to say, "Wow I'm tired."
Why after I buy $125 worth of groceries is there 'nothing to eat?'
Why does Olivia not cry when girls at the salon comb her hair, but at home, you'd think she was being tortured?
Why is food at everyone else's houses so much better than at home?
Why did Kate put marker on her eyelids to 'see how it would feel?'
Why is a quiet two year old usually a naughty one?

By the way, I most certainly have not asked why to the things Brady has done in the last week: put my brush in the toilet, put my toothbrush in the toilet, squrited toothpaste on my carpet, smeared toothpaste on my toilet seat, and dumped numerous handfuls of uncooked noodles on the floor.
And those are the things I dare blog about. I will hint this much: he has become almost obsessed with my...ahem...chest. Squeezing, squishing, asking, squeezing some more, and asking if they are penises like he has....god lord.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Hockey

Ryan (& Thad who is always with Ryan at hockey) came home with his team pictures. I think they are pretty cute. It's frightening how much money we spend each year on pictures for each kids' activities. After doing this for several years, I now have the goal of displaying all of these photos at their graduations. Those of you who know me also know that I struggle keeping track of things, so this likely won't happen.
The black/orange jersey is for his travel team. The blue is the in-house team. Squirts are the busiest two years in hockey (so they say) because of being on two teams. Compared to last year, I would argue that this year (his second year as a squirt) is much busier. He has practice every day this week other than Wednesday. Sometimes (normally on Thursdays) he has practice for both teams back to back as well as dryland. Good god! If I am correct, he has another four games this weekend too.

Here is my obviously uncooperative child Ryan who gave me his 'nicest face.' Ha. He is too cool for school and his mother.

**If you enlarge the blue team picture you will see Thad's photo as well.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The Katester




Kate had another performance this weekend. She is taking a second class this year--jazz. Seriously how cute are those uniforms? Here are some pictures with her friend Kailee. Fast forward about 25ish years, and you have Bonnie and Jenny doing the same stuff!
Oh and this morning, Kate told me she drew my portrait. I think you will all enjoy looking at how my daughter sees me. She pointed out that she made a point to give me moles too. Thanks Kate!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Love, Olivia

We have a little work ahead of us on the fine motor skills and drawing/writing all on one side, but I thought this was pretty sweet.


Sunday, December 5, 2010

Happy Birthday Ryan

My Ryan turned eleven years old today. I told him that today was one of the four best days of my life. I have so many memories of my pregnancy, his birth, and him as a baby. He asked why having a baby is such a big deal. I told him when he is a dad someday he will understand.

*Unfortunately I have no digital baby photos of him, and I have no scanner.* What I will do is rewrite what I wrote in his baby book....

We went into the hospital after supper on Saturday, December 4. All we were going for ws to hve my blood pressure checked. It was too high, so I was admitted. Dr. Dangerfield ws on call taht weekend so I was very happy. He said that I would be induced in the morning. We couldn't believe that it was actually going to happen! We were nervous and excited. We called our parents and they got very excited. At 10:30pm, the nurse gave me something to get me ready for labor & a sleeping pill. I ended up having contractions ALL night & not sleeping! (I didn't talk about the drug they gave me which made me higher than a kite. I remember talking to Thad about frosted cookies, ocean jumpers, and other stuff. I also recall telling him that I know I made no sense, but I was really seeing this stuff. Oh my.) At 7:30am, they induced me. At 10:30am, the doctor broke my water. Then things got sort of rough. By 12:00pm though, I had an epidural & felt no pain. I think your dad was relieved! (Actually I begged for that epidural, and told the doctor I would give him anything he wanted. He requested a Vikings leather jacket. I said no problem.) At 4:20pm, I behang to push, and out you came at 5:42pm. (Didn't mention the vacuum either but oh well) That was easily the happiest moment of our lives! We both couldn't believe how beautiful you were...and you were ours! We loved you instantly.

How did we celebrate his birthday? With three hockey games, a late Friday night practice, a dance performance for the girls, and Thad's sister/daughter came to town. He asked if we could go out to breakfast this morning, so fifteen minutes after dragging my duff out of bed, we went to IHOP. YUM!





Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Kate's Christmas List

I'm not really sure what to make of the list Kate presented to me tonight. I will write it they way she did.

1. Easy bake food
2. dog/dog/dog/dog
3. Litte House on the Prairie movies
4. Barbie/Barbie car
5. cell-phone
6. camera
7. jewelry
8. Diary of a Whimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth
9. Baby pig
10. Husband

whaaaaaat?

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Thankgiving

Thanksgiving was very nice and low key this year. I could tell you that the food was awesome, and that I pigged out, but Jeanne makes this kind of meal year-round, so while I loved it, I can't say it was super special. Yes my mother is a domestic goddess. Some day I do need to take a moment and express my gratitude for my children. I'm even going to try my best to not complain about them.I hope to be able to cook the way she does.

I am thankful for Ryan. I'm thankful that when he has an early morning game, he gets himself up and eats without a fight. In fact, we rely on Ryan to get the rest of us up! I'm thankful that he isn't a complainer or a whiner. I love that he usually tries his best in school and sports. I love that he is friends with so many diverse kids. I love that he doesn't just befriend fellow jocks.
Ryan is so good to Olivia and Brady. I said I wouldn't complain, so I will not comment on how he treats Kate. I love that of all my kids, he and I share one genetic trait: our eye color. Once again I won't complain, but you'd think after FOUR kids, there would be more similarities between us all.
Ryan will forever remain my mystery child, but when all is said and done, I feel like I get him. I think we are more alike that he realizes.

I am thankful for Kate. I love her dramatic flair, her bizarre sense of style, her kind heart, and spending one on one time with her. Last weekend, she and I went to the mall and dined together. She begged to try Chinese, and I happily obliged. Finally she admitted, she didn't care to ever try Chinese, she just wanted to eat the fortune cookie. Instead we dined on Taco Johns. There during our meal I learned that: she meets 20-30% of her friends in the bathroom, she thought Haiti was in the United States, she knows where it is because she had a map of it but threw it away, and countless other things that had me smiling to myself.
I love her beautiful dark brown eyes, the way she loves to draw, dance, sing, and play make believe. I am thankful that she lets her little sister play with her and her friends without complaining too often. She is such a sweet girl.

I am thankful for Olivia. Man if there isn't a sweeter little girl on the face of this earth. I love that she is learning to read. I love that she is learning to say her "r" words the right way. I love that she almost always goes with the flow. I appreciate how she doesn't really care about what she wears or how she looks. She's too busy being herself. She has been working hard all weekend making Christmas gifts for friends and family. She is such a good helper. She is a wonderful big and little sister. I love listening to her sing. I swear she knows the words to every pop song out there!

And, who can forget this little stinker? I love how Brady can take a clean house and tear in apart in under a minute flat. I enjoy watching go through countless loaves of bread 'cooking.' While I don't love his new fixation on flushing the toilet and putting things in it (including Thad's cell phone), I love how curious he is. I am thankful to finally have a boy who loves his mama. "My mama" is what he says. He is the best cuddler, gives the best bear hugs, and is also a pretty good little hockey player.
I am thankful for these four kids. Even though they fight, scream, hit, pinch, yell, scream, cry, push, shove, holler, and enjoy hurting one another, I think they are thankful for each other too.

Monday, November 22, 2010

50s day

Miss Olivia got to dress up today for 50s day in Kindergarten. I think they were celebrating the 50th day of school. Someone lent us a costume, but it was too big, and with a surprise 5 inches of snow this morning (which grew to over 10 inches), we settled on this.
I am so grateful to say that Olivia is one of the most amiable people I know. She really didn't care what she wore. She never does. Olivia just goes with the flow and is for the most part, a very sweet and joyous little girl.
As you can tell by the picture, Brady idolizes his "Leeleeah." It's pretty sweet.

In other news, after two days of enjoying our washer and dryer, our dishwasher took a poop. It was supposed to arrive today (thank goodness), but to my dismay, it is actually not coming for a week. Eek.
Then to top it off, Olivia had a cavity filled. Only it turned into two, and another two were found. What the heck???? I am totally embarrassed to even write this, but I swear she is a great tooth brusher.
To say that it's been an expensive week would be an understatement....but hey, I'm eating apples and doing a puzzle with Olivia and Brady while Thad and Ryan are at hockey, and Kate is at dance. What do I have to complain about?

Thursday, November 18, 2010

I suppose I could write about our brand new washer/dryer that we had to purchase on a whim. I could talk about the fact that I'm sucked into reading Melissa Gilbert's (yes the actress who played Laura Ingalls) autobiography. Or I could discuss how my oldest two children are on thin ice with their parents. But really...who cares? These are more fun.

The last time you felt honestly broken? Last December when I broke my foot.
Would you rather have ten kids, or none? TEN
Are you there for your friends? Yes I think I am
Last person to see you cry? Okay this is embarrassing, but my students saw me get pretty choked up last week, which has never happened. Long story short, another student was crying about her level of stress being a new English language learner, lonely, failing most classes, and feeling so lost. I spoke to my students about reaching out to her.
What do you do when you get nervous? Um…if it’s really bad I have to use the bathroom
Be honest, do you like people in general? I think so
Does anyone completely understand you? No I’m too complex to be fully understood
Do you have a reason to smile right now? Always :)
Do you tell your mom or dad everything? Not necessarily, but I also don’t hide anything
Are you easy to get along with? Yes…I’m pretty amiable
What was the last drink that you put in your mouth? Water
What size bed do you have? KING—I highly recommend it!
Have you ever done something you told yourself you wouldn’t do? Never say never
Would people refer to you as a goodie goodie, bad news, or neither? Goodie for sure
Have you ever been hurt by someone you never thought would hurt you? Yes
Do you regret a past relationship? YES…two specifically
Would you rather spend a Friday night at a concert or a crazy party? Neither
Are you a jealous person? Only when I’m feeling really insecure
Have you bought any clothing items in the last week? Today, but Thad doesn’t know
Is there anyone you want to come see you? My former students and my D.C. friends!
Do you like cotton candy? YES!
Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to? Yes
Who was the first person you talked to today? Brady when I asked him to please stop talking before 6am

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

I am, I think, I know

Taken from Vicky's post...I encourage you to do the same.

I am: 5 feet 4 inches tall.
I think: obsessively over people who I know are sad, sick, or suffering in some way.
I know: that I shouldn’t want to change certain things about myself, but I still do.
I want: to go on a big family vacation….
I have: no tatoos or body piercings, although some days I would like a tatoo.
I dislike: when people use religion as an excuse to be super judgemental.
I miss: the free spirit that accompanies youth.
I fear: certain things that don’t need to be repeated here.
I feel: every single thing. I swear it’s related to my astrology sign. Being a Cancer is both a blessing and a curse.
I hear: not so well on my left side thanks to Olivia breaking my ear drum a few years ago.
I smell: good?
I crave: the opportunity to travel next summer to another historical seminar.
I search: through my closet and drawers all the time. I can’t keep track of my stuff.
I wonder: why can’t we all just get along?
I regret: my inability to be wild.
I love: loving others.
I care: too much for my own good.
I am always: listening to music.
I worry: about everyone and everything
I remember: everything. The joke is wha.t a clear memory I have.
I have: not enough time
I dance: with my kids and their friends. Or at Zumba. And I look like a freak.
I sing: all the time…even for my students. No one likes it.
I don’t always: have patience although I try to.
I argue: if I feel it’s really important. Or more than that.
I write: texts and emails more than ever.
I lose: track of time when I’m napping.
I wish: That everyone felt loved in this world.
I listen: to my children. Even when I don’t want to, I try and listen to them.
I don't understand: cruelty, the new method of math used in elementary schools, and Phil Spector's hairdo.
I can usually be found: at home, work, or at Target.
I am scared: of snakes but not spiders. I don’t like to kill them.
I need: to see my girlfriends who live too far away..soon!
I forget: nothing long term, but a lot if it’s short term.
I am happy: that I get to go to Vegas next summer!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

See what I mean?

This kid is bizarre...and oh so inventive!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Scary

Since it's Halloween, and I'm snuggling with a traumatized two year old who hates masks (ie most boys), I thought I'd share some things that scare me....
(and yes this is tongue in cheek)

1. Men in tank tops. Eeeeeek! Unless you are Hulk Hogan, don't do it. Ever.

2. Phil Spector....enough said

3. Donald Trump's hair. How can you be a bazillionaire and have such odd hair?
4. Beef Carpaccio or any other raw meat 'delicacy.' Ewwww.

5. The Teletubbies....have you watched that show? Seriously frightening!
And that's all the fear and fright I can handle for one night. Happy Halloween everyone!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Blooper of the Day

and yes...I did it.

To set it up, we are talking about the Roaring Twenties in history. We had gone through everything, and the next topic was the music...you know the jazz age. I mentioned George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong. I mentioned that one of the was a famous pianist. That got the boys laughing. And then they kept saying it.
I looked at a boy--knowing in my head to say give it up--but I said, "Grow it up!"

Yes me. I told a boy talking about a pianist (use the mind of a fifteen year old to have it sound different) and then imagine the class's reaction to hear grow it up.

Lovely!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

quick date night

Thad and I actually got two and a half hours to ourselves tonight! I think the last time we went out to dinner alone (other than our trip to Vegas) was for our anniversary. How sad! My mom and dad watched our kids.
We went to Red Lobster, ate too much, had drinks (okay I only had one), and then ran a few errands.
We don't do it enough, but time rarely permits us to get away. It was fun. It was nice. It was relaxing.....
So maybe we'll do it again in another five or six months...

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

children....

Today Thad and I wento to conferences for Ryan, Kate, and Olivia. I was reminded early on that our children really are a product of their parents.

Ryan's conferences went well. He is a very bright kid who is quite social. My parents used to come home from conferences telling me that my teachers said I was social (read: talks a lot).
I see a lot of other similarities between Ryan and me. Ryan is private. Believe it or not, for as much as I talk, I keep a lot to myself. (I know hard for you to grasp) He seems to have an easier time being himself around his friends than his family.
Ryan perplexes me almost daily, but more often that not I find myself thinking, "I so get him." It's difficult to explain....
Friends are Ryan's world. Mine were too. Family comes in handy either a)when he's bored or b) when he's grounded.
I could write a book about Ryan, but hey, this post was intended to be more about Kate.

Kate's conferences also went well. She is also very bright and incredibly sweet. I discussed my concern over her flightiness. As we described things Kate does (or doesn't do), her teacher said, "Based on what you're telling me, she seems to not be too concerned with closure. Does she leave cupboards or drawers open?" Thad looked at me (hello I am the SAME way), and said, "Oh yes she does that."
It hit me today that maybe I'm flighty. I like to think of myself as a disorganized organized person, but lately I'm becoming straight up distracted. Kate and I are both messy people. We care about how we present ourselves, but our surroundings are rather....chaotic.
I wouldn't say I am as flighty as Kate, but like my dad always says, "She comes by it honestly."

Liv's conferences were good too. Her handwriting is atrocious as is her coloring, but she's a young five. She also doesn't seem to care about coloring within the lines. What a change it is going from a fifth grader's conferences to a kindergartner's.
Olivia gets from me her rather outgoing/though exterior. Beneath that, we are both incredibly sensitive. She, like her mama, can crumble rather easily.

Brady...who the heck knows. So far he is sweet, busy, and super friendly/happy. My mom says I was like that as a baby. Thad's mom says he was that way too.

All I know is that we can not create perfect children. When they are the genetic combination of their mother and father, anything can happen. Hekc with the genetics my kids have, they very well may be screwed!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

What can I say?

Better late than never right? We've been a little busy...











And it's only gotten worse over the last couple of weeks. No wonder I plan my vacations for months on end!


Thursday, October 7, 2010

Why not?

Share...USING ONLY ONE WORD! It's not as easy as you might think! Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? - here
2. Your significant other? - cranky
3. Your hair? - up
4. Your mother? - thougtful
5. Your father? - giving
6. Your favorite? - sleep
7. Your dream last night? - interesting
8. Your favorite drink? - watfee!
9. What room you are in? - kitchen
11. Your hobby? - thinking
12. Your fear? - loss
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? - family
14. Where were you last night? - Bennigans
15. Something that you aren't? - negative
16. Muffins? - blueberry
17. Wish list item? - Millions
18. Where you grew up? - Moorhead
19. Last thing you did? - bathroom
20. What are you wearing? - jammies
21. Your TV? - off
22. Your pets? -gone
23. Friends? - awesome
24. Your life? -hectic
25. Your mood? - eh
26. Missing someone? - Yes
27. Car? - dirty
28. Something you're not wearing? - jewelry
29. Your favorite store? - Target
30. Your favorite color? - PINK
33. When is the last time you laughed? - tonight
34. Last time you cried? - Yesterday
35. One place that I go to over and over? - past
36. One person who emails me regularly? - jenny
38. My favorite place to eat? Lobster

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

I saw this post last year. It was on another blog. I thought I would do it again, but keep my original answers. My new answers are in pink, because I love that color.
1. What is your current obsession?
Staying sane
Finding time for everything
2. What are you wearing today?
pink and white fleece pants, a pink shirt, and a pink fleece zip up
Jeans (we can do that when we have 7am meetings) and a coral t-shirt. It's neon day. This is as good as it gets.
3. What’s for dinner?

Tonight Kate, Olivia, Brady and I went to Grandma and Grandpa's for some M&H chicken after church.
That's a good question.
4. What’s the last thing you bought?
Does bill paying count?
Nike yoga pants to wear to school yesterday for "twin" day. I wore an old ugly football jersey.
5. What are you listening to right now?
Nothing! Brady is asleep...
Papers rustling.
6. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
Florida or California
Anywhere beautiful with my friends and family.
7. What is one thing you want to change about yourself?
I wish I could be WAY more organized
One thing? Ha! Still want to be organized, I would like a few lifts, enhancements, and tucks too.
I wish I had thicker skin.
I wish I didn't over worry about everything.
8. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
DisneyWorld
Las Vegas!
9. Which language do you want to learn?
The language where my kids would listen the first time I said something
Same as last year's answer
10. What’s your favorite quote?
We choose happiness when happiness is actually a choice (or something like that)
Not at the table Carlos!
11. Would you cook for me?
If you don't mind basic food
I would do most anything for anyone.
12. What is the right way to avoid people who purposefully hurt you?
I guess I avoid them
Stay far away from them...or talk it out.
13. What are you afraid of the most?
My children suffering. And vomit.
Vomit!
14. Who do you want to meet right now?
A live in organizer/house cleaner
I want to meet....screw it, same answer as last year.
15. What is your favorite color?
pink
pink
16. Give us 3 styling tips that work for you.
If I had one that I felt I was good at I would share. Too bad I have none.
Sorry people. Some things never change.
17. What is your dream job?
I have it, BUT I sure wish I could decorate cakes professionally
I would love to be paid to travel and write about it.
18. What’s your favorite magazine?
Entertainment: People/US Weekly
Beauty: Glamour
Inspiration: O
Life: Good Housekeeping
Same
19. If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?
A bill
A massage
20. What do you consider a fashion faux pas?
pinned jeans
When boys here dress up for a sporting event yet wear sports sock.
21. Who, according to you, is the most over-rated writer?
No clue
I don't know, but I sure think Judy Blume is an amazing writer.
22. What brings a smile on your face instantly?
Funny comments that my kids make. Brady
Any good memory. I am terribly nostalgic.
23. What is one word that you say a lot?
MAGGIE!

Ryan! Kate! Olivia! Brady!
24. What kind of haircut do you prefer?
Whatever compliments someone's face
????
25. What are you going to do after this?
I think I will take off my toe and nail polish, take a bath, and attempt to primp myself
Correct stuff
26. What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed?
Become a hermit
Withdraw into myself
27. What makes you go wild?
Frosting
Black jack tables in Las Vegas--especially when I get to see one of my favorite dealers.
28. What are your favorite movies?
Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club, Rocky IV, Wedding Singer, Hangover, and anything else that doesn't require 100% of my attention
Same
29. What inspires you?
Children who refuse to let illness knock them down for too long. People in general inspire me.
People who choose to enjoy life rather than complain about it.
30. What do your friends call you most commonly?
Bonnie, Bon, Bon Bon
I'll go with teacher nicknames: Mainly Staff and B-Staff, but I've heard them all. The boys like to try and call me Bonnie. Lame!
31. Would you prefer coffee or tea?
Coffee! But I do enjoy a nice cup of green tea too.
Coffee all the way
32. Which other blogs do you love visiting?
Too many to list.
The ones written by my friends...
33. What is your favorite dessert/sweet?
A good cake/frosting
The best one I had all year was in Vegas at Fatburger: peanut butter smores.
34. How many tabs are turned on in your browser right now?
What?
I just have about 20 different things up.
35. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
Ugh.
I didn't look in the mirror.
36. What is your favorite season?
Summer. I love warm weather
Summer!
37. What is one wish that you really want to see come true?
That everyone is treated equally no matter their income, skin color, sexual preference, etc.
Same
38. What breaks your heart?
People who are cruel to others just for the sake of being cruel
Bullying
39. What's one thing you really want to do in life?
Travel more
See the world

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Brady

Brady will be two tomorrow. It's so surreal to me that my baby really isn't a baby anymore. It seems like just week I was waddling around MHS capturing the stares of many students who hadn't seen someone quite so....large. If you think I'm kidding, I'm not. Even the pediatrician asked me at 34 weeks if I was sure there was only one baby in there.
It took about two hours from when my water broke to deliver my new son. After it happened I remember feeling so dazed like, "What the hell just happened?" It's probably the closest to shock I have ever been.
I remember, while awash in my hormones, feeling so sad that this was it. No more feeling a baby kicking inside of me. No more feeling hiccups. No more watching my belly go topsy turvy. I remember feeling cheated that Thad told me it was a boy before I got to see for myself.
Don't get me wrong....I was elated with my new baby. I was full of love and happiness. He was so beautiful. I had another healthy child....who looked just like his dad. Damn my genes must be weak!
People say all the time that you'll know when you're done having kids. I have never felt that. If money allowed us to have more and more and more babies, I would do it. (I'd also have a full time nanny, a tummy tuck, and a boob job just so you know.)

So on this eve of Brady's second birthday, I am again filled with happiness and excitement for him. He is one of the happiest kids I know. He is hilarious. He is charming. He is mine.

Now, for those of you who've had enough of my cheesy post, here's one for you: Tonight Brady touched his belly button and said penis, only it sounds like 'peenith' when he says it. "No honey that's not your penis, that's your belly button." Nice try though huh?

Monday, September 20, 2010

A conversation with Kate

Kate: "Mom when I grow up, I'm not gonna be a teacher anymore."
Me: "Why?"
Kate: "I hate getting up early."
Me: "Well Kate no matter what job you have, you will have to get up early."
Kate: "Then I'll just be a mom."
Me: "Kate you have to get up early when you are a mom." (and all night honey...but I didn't say that)
Kate: "Well then I'll just spank them."

Sometimes you can't win when having a conversation with your children.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

A new blog to follow

If you look on the right of this page, you will see that I am following a new blogger. She is new to blogging, but she is one of my oldest and dearest friends. Stephanie and I go wayyy back. I know I have written about her before, but I am so proud of her. I encourage you to follow her too on her journey.
She is embarking on a new life. She is my age. She has decided to live for herself instead of others. She is following her heart, her dreams, and her desires.
I love this girl so much I can't even express it. She's been with me every step of the way in my life, and it's only right that I am for her, even if we live two time zones away from one another.

Some people their lives never once doubting themselves, their career, or anyone in their life. Even more question their life continually and complain about it. Steph is a reminder that sometimes in life, things pop up that take us by surprise. We don't know where those emotions come from or that we even had those within us. I for one have questioned, "Why am I feeling what I'm feeling? Is it me, someone else, the circumstances, or even fate?
We can't control how our heart feels. We must be more in tune to ourselves.
She's following her heart and as she said, listening to herself. I love that. I just love that.

Here's to you Stephie....!

PS: Do I sound like Oprah?

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Whirlwind week

It's been a whirlwind week now that school is back in session. Can I just say that I am love, love, loving being back in the classroom. It's energizing. It's fulfilling. It's my passion. It helps that I had not one but two awesome educational experiences this summer. Oh how I love my job.
Yes I am a mom first and foremost, but in all honesty, this is a calling as well. The only current downside is a few boys are continually stopping in to visit me....I'm feeling slightly stalked.

Ryan and I are going to sign him up for orchestra. Where the heck did that come from??? The teacher is a-mazing, and he has fired up a huge crew to sign up. Part of me is thinking, "Really? Do we need to do this? That's expensive...it's time consuming to practice. He isn't home as it is." But he wants to and what kind of parent would I be to not encourage music? Especially when he is an uber sports fanatic.

Olivia, after many tears is getting better with kindergarten. I have pictures, but like some of you, I have no time to load them.

Kate and Olivia have started dance again. Ryan still has football. We are busy.

Now if only my brain would shut down at night so I could sleep....

Monday, September 6, 2010

Summer recap

Gone is another summer. Bummer! I did so many new things this summer. I can honestly say that I challenged myself in more ways than I thought I could. No I didn't do anything real major, but I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone a few times. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Chicago. After a week-long seminar at MSUM, our Teach American History grant gang headed to Chicago. We saw a lot, froze our butts off, got poured on, and most importantly, laughed like crazy.

2. Richmond, VA. Below is the dorm I stayed out. I loved flying in, spending an evening with my friends Ryan and Kara, and spending almost a week with total strangers. I will do it again. I learned so much. I am so pumped to share with my students and colleagues all I gained.

3. Baseball. Watching Ryan play travel baseball was great. The parents were fun, the games were exciting, and other than the 'ball-to-the-face-black-eye-swollen-shut-fiasco' it was a fun experience.

4. Being home! I got to take the kids to the pool, work out, and just enjoy my children. Priceless.

5. Our neighbors. We have some wonderful friends. We hang out, watch each others' kids, and enjoy one another.

6. Seeing my cousin Mike. He is the coolest, nicest, funniest guy ever. AND he's a single dad. He deserves major props for that. Jasmine is a doll.


7. Getting these butt a$$ ugly braces off. Enough said.

8. Spending four days in Vegas with these two and our hubbies. May we be bonded forever by our experience at the adult pool BARE at the Mirage.

8. Yeah, this place.

9. The lake. Kim C. is a saint for having us down not once, but twice. Talk about being a scaredy cat in the water...but I did it. I tubed. And jet skied. Damn.

10. Brady. I swept up more messes, dealt with more broken glasses and plates, chased, wrestled, and snuggled more than ever with this little hunk of burning love.


**You know what's funny? I had no intention of having a perfect 10 list. I guess the list spoke for itself.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Ryan



Ryan never ceases to amaze me. He is currently in football season. Right now he is playing quarterback on offense and safety on defense.
On Saturday he played a game. He set his alarm for 6:45am to get up, eat, and shower before pictures and the game. We stayed in bed as we knew he was fine.
I rested in the afternoon as I was feeling crummy. I went outside to see him playing baseball with a group of boys. He asked for a glass of water, because his throat hurt.
At 5:45 that night, we had him come in for supper. I asked how his throat was (he hadn't come in at all) and said, "Horrible. My body hurts and head too." I proceeded to feel his forehead. Sure enough, he had a fever.
This is typical Ryan. He does his own thing. You never know what he'll do next. He drives me crazy, but in so many ways I so appreciate his self sufficiency. It's not like the other three kids are like that!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Future chef

If you want to get Brady to sit still, then you may as well keep him in the kitchen. Last week he (and Olivia) helped me make a chocolate/peanut butter cake.
After we baked the cake, he watched me make some teryaki (sp) chicken. He will pull up a chair and just watch the food cook.

And when he's done eating whatever it is he's eating, he starts playing with it. Normally he makes a big mess.

Today when Ryan made bacon, Brady was right there to help. All I heard was "Whoa!" come from his mouth.

Today he only shattered one glass. It happens a lot more often than I care to admit...

In other news, I have had monster pink eye. I was under the weather Wed-Fri. During the night Fri/Sat, I felt my eye watering a lot. All day I used the drops I had from last week when the kids had it. But, noooo, that didn't work. By Saturday evening, my eye was hurting, swollen, goupy, and redder than red. So I went in for better drops. The doctor also have me drugs in case the crap causes a sinus infection. Sure enough, I am feeling crappy in my head too.
That's okay. I didn't want to enjoy the weekend weather anyway. ;)
Well I sort of did...b/c I went to Ryan's football game. More on that soon!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Some things I like....

Might as well turn it around today huh? Oh and I promised myself nothing in this post would be about kids.

Here we go...
the smell of coffee
the taste of coffee
drinking water all the time
Young and the Restless
SoapNet so I can get caught up
General Hospital now that my favorite girl is back and might get back with my favorite boy
staying at the Wynn
laying poolside anywhere in Vegas
travel planning
searching travel sites
disboards.com--it's an all Disney site that I go to a few times a day
Bejeweled
Sodoku puzzles--a current obsession
a good book
when my house smells good
being alone
driving alone
music all the time
when my People comes on time which never happens
naps
Sirius satelite radio that is free for a year in my car
listening to Howard Stern in my car.alone.on Sirius
teaching
my students
my colleagues
my family
talking to people
anything Disney related
history
learning new things
discussions with people who aren't trying to push their beliefs or agendas
smiles
pedicures
thoughtful people
picture taking
when my friend Shane capures wonderful photos for me since his son plays on Ryan's teams
talking to people about travel
children
making people feel special
when church is over b/c normally it's a disaster
when the Vikings win
listening to Spuds sports on the radio
my friends
picking up the phone and talking to friends who live far away like we just talked yesterday
not being cold
good health
when Thad picks up the house
frosted cookies from the store (not those ones that have sprinkles and come in a pack)
cake
frosting
facebook
my neices and nephews
traveling with my mom and sister
sunshine
summer
a non windy day
pink

Monday, August 23, 2010

Some things I dislike

I should title this "Some things and people I dislike." I am doing this for fun. I am a pretty positive person, so let's change it up!

In no particular order here are a lot of things I dislike greatly. Enjoy. No really, enjoy! :)

mosquitoes
Dustin Diamond (aka Screech)
beer
wine
anything food with alfredo
most Italian food
Spencer Pratt
bees
dill seasoning
Levi Johnston
being tired
putting away groceries
putting away laundry
putting away clean dishes
carrot cake
cantelope
most vegetables
whining
back talk
Disney shows
anything related to stomach illness
picking up
people who preach
uber judgemental religious people
lack of manners
unwillingness to see another perspective
leaches (that's for you Kim!)
aquatic life in general
how it feels to have my feet in the lake
my fears of water, vomit, and anything related to those things
when there is a good storm coming and it moves in another direction
unwillingness to break out of one's comfort zone (I have put my feet in the lake. I just hate it!)
gross teeth
super obvious unwashed hair
people who think they are better than others
the way girls dress today
the way kids text rather than talk
knowing I'll never have another tiny baby of my own
that I have no real sense of style
anything sci-fi
movies made from a book
the choice of actors to play Edward and Bella
Lindsay Lohan's parents

and that's it for today!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Monday, August 16, 2010

Well...

...I haven't heard as many tips as I hoped. So if you still have some, let's hear them. My friend Kim sent me a great website last night (while her son was having a vomiting marathon no less) called: moneysavingmom.com It looks cool. There is a lot to go through, but I want to share it with you all in case it can be beneficial to you.

I was/am worried that you might be thinking, "I have a solution--quit going on trips!" Well two of the three trips I took this summer were paid for. The trip that Thad and I took was saved for, and to be honest, well worth it. It does stink that we have to shell out a decent chunk of money for a sitter for five nights, but what do you do?
Our next big family trip gives me 20 months to pay off. If I can't, we won't go. I have two free flights right now, a bunch of Disney points I have/am acquired/ing, and so I am really trying to get the most bang for my buck.

For me the biggest challenge is to try and not hit Target so frequently. If I need detergent, I end up buying much more. Thad pointed out that it's not him who is buying crap, even though he relies on my to buy most everything....

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Pinching pennies

Thad and I had a discussion this weekend about finances. We had several things creep up on us in the last month that took our pocketbook by surprise: a unexpected large dental bill after flex ran out, an early xmas present for my mom/pictures of my kids/xmas cards already ordered, Ryan's hockey camp that we thought we had paid half for (they waited to charge us all at once), registration for hockey, school clothes, etc, etc.
Then I was bellyaching to my parents. My dad got out a calculator and showed me how many meals/snacks I am responsible for each week based on the size of my family: 126! Holy cow.
So my new plan is to try and 'need' to hit the store less often and get a weeks' worth of purchases at one time. It's not entirely possible. Sorry I won't pre buy two dozen bananas to let them rot!
What this requires of me (and I do okay with this during the school year) is menu planning. We eat the same stuff over and over and over. I bought a cookbook at a rummage sale yesterday for a dollar, and really what I found was more desserts to make than anything. Soooo....I have an assignment for you all.
1. Please provide me your money saving tips. (Sorry I am not willing to make my own detergent. I like Tide too much) Give me things that you do, little things, that maybe will go a long way.
Right now eating out less often is on my list.
2. Give me good "my family likes this a lot" recipes. My kids are picky. Never do they all like what I make. But, I have a little plan for that too. Tonight as our kids were being horrible at supper, I said "This is it for the day. You will get no bedtime snack or dessert." Of course as I said it, Brady threw a bean that hit me square in the face but whatever. I am tired of them eating crap prior to and after mealtime, but saying, "I'm full," right after taking two bites. Nope, sorry people. Mama is sick of it.

So give me your ideas, tips, advice, or anything else you have!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

(Not) proud mom moment

It's no secret that Brady has turned into quite a busy almost toddler. I am ashamed to say that yesterday I thought to myself, "I need a day for him to be a little under the weather for a break."
I know, horrible right?
This morning when he woke up very warm, I felt horrible. I felt horrible for him, and then I remembered that I had the gall to think about this happening. Jeez!
Now I know that other moms have done this. My friend at school said casually one day at lunch, "I am due for a sick day with one of my kids." That night her daughter got the stomach flu. Nice jinx huh?
So this was Brady this afternoon. He woudn't sleep, eat, drink, or do anything.
I felt relieved when, for only a half hour, he played in the kitchen sink.
I brought him in this afternoon. For certain he has an ear infection. His tonsils were huge and swollen. The doctor tested him for strep, but since we didn't hear back, I'm guessing that was negative. She also took a rectal swab for a staph infection. Who knows.
While we were there, I had Olivia looked at for her beastly cough. She had a fever as well and was given antibiotics for her cough/wheezing thing that she has going on.
When we got home, Brady slept four hours. Now he is in my bed watching Baby Van Gough. He wants his mama, and I am gladly cuddling with him.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Duggars

I just saw on People.com that my new issue (that is supposed to arrive on Saturday, but never does, which drives me crazy. I just got last week's issue yesterday which is bs.) will have the Duggars on the cover. You know, that family that had their nineteenth child.
I remember back when they caught the media's attention for becoming pregnant with their 16th child. I thought they were nut jobs. I mean who has that many kids?That can kill you. The uterus can't handle that much that fast right?
Then one day last year (or two years ago), I watched their show. At the time it was called 18 Kids and Counting. You know what? This family really seemed to have it together! They had everything down to a science, all the kids were respectful, no one yelled (thank goodness they don't have my house on reality tv), no one was trying to teach their little brother (Brady) to say boogers and fart all the time, and what especially struck me was this: they are getting by financially. Whoa. They chose to let God to decide how big their family can be, yet they are also financially sound enough to handle what comes their way. I'm sorry, but I can't argue with that. I really can't complain about anything they do, other than her bad hairdo (sorry). Have you noticed her skin? Holy cow that women has a beautiful face...ditch that hair and you have a cute gal on your hands.
So here's my personal opinion: They are good parents raising good kids. They make ends meet. I say more power to them. If they were having baby after baby, but couldn't provide simple things like food and shelter without needing help I would be so bold to call that slightly reckless. I am not meaning to say that you have to put a price on life, but whose responsibility is it to care for kids? (I am liberal so don't even go saying I am bashing welfare or foodstamps people)
Another thing: This is in no way written to offend any one in this planet. This is just my opinion. I have been secretly fascinated by the Duggars for a long time. Why am I losing my patience so frequently and I have "only" four? Why do I have a mortgage on my home and they are debt free? Their house is huge! I am so impressed for lack of a better word.
I am curious as to what you all think of the Duggars. Love them? Hate them? Think they are doing something wrong or right?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Brady...

Brady is killing me (slight drama here)
This week he has:
Created a toaster fire complete with flames.
Been taken off the counter that he can climb on to roughly 500 times.
Make taken away from the stove 500 times.
Dumped a box of fruit strips into boiling macoroni and cheese boiling.
Broken part of our floor right in our main floor for the world to see.
Scream and said "I don't want to" approximately 1500 times.
Flailed and hit at me 700 times.
Refused to play with any toy in our home.
Put my toothbrush in the garbage several times.
Brushed with carpet with my toothbrush.
Poured water out of the tub.
Refuse the high chair, get placed at the table with the rest of us, and choose to get up and run around a million times during dinner.
Throw half of his food on the floor during any mealtime.
Dump glasses of water on any carpet.
Turn the tv on and off for entertainment.
Used my make up.

And now my mind is blank. HELP ME.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Do you need a good laugh today?

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/80742118/

Then you must click on the above link. Erin emailed it to my dad and me....she's right. You will laugh out loud. Watch till the end. I promise it's worth it.

Monday, August 2, 2010

I get it

It's taken me 34 years to finally understand the draw of going to the lakes. Ryan was invited to sleepover at a friend's lake for a birthday party. The next day, the families were asked to come. We all know each other well through travel hockey and baseball. Not only are these people all good friends, but we all have kids similar in age so it works perfectly.
My friend Kim was a most wonderful host. I can't begin to tell you about the spread of food she provided: ribs, wieners wrapped in bacon, four different dips, texas cavier, crackers, fruits, veggies, birthday cake, bars, and more than I am forgetting.
The best part? Watching my children enjoy themselves. Kate in particular amazes me. This little girl, for as shy as she can be, has more gumption in her than anyone I know. She tubed, she jetskied, she jumped off the dock, and did everything I never would have dared too.

Oh, and this old bat who is dreadfully afraid of lake water, was coerced to tube with Kate. I thought we were going at a blazing speed, but Kim's husband Jeff said that if I wanted to continue, we had to go faster for the sake of his boat. What? Thad made me jet ski too. I think most of Big Cormorant heard me screaming bloody murder.
Even Brady after about four or five hours of fearing the water finally got in with his dad. Can we go back???