Black Bath Water

Love for Libby

2011-12-20T12:10:00.000-05:00

So, through the month of December, my wonderful husband, along with a few great men from the Fort Mill area have been growing mustaches to raise money for a local girl who has cancer. Last night they had their final meeting and presented the family with a check for $13,717...and donations are still coming in. This has been such an amazing event to be part of. The Kern family and their daughter Libby are wonderful, as are their friends within the community that organized this and other events to raise money for this little girl.

Last night the men had a pagent of sorts for their mustaches and it was hilarious. They were asked how their mustaches could solve the crisis in the Middle East, and had a competition to see whose lip sweater could hold the most beer foam.

My husband being the ham that he is, decided to grow a handle bar mustache and showed up last night wearing his coveted Three Wolf Moon t-shirt. He looked the part, that's for sure, but in the end, it was the pirate that won the award for most awesome Mustache. We'll get 'em next year babe!

First Meeting

Last Meeting

The Reveal

Rob wins the foam contest

That's HOT

Explaining why he should win

Time to Write Again!

2011-12-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

Over the past few months I have been so busy with my Dad's blog that I have neglected mine, but it was worth it. For those of you that didn't also follow that blog, he walked the Appalachian Trail this year. GA-ME, over 2,000 miles in 6 months and a week (or was it two?). Amazing stuff!

So, now that he's done, that work is done, and I can come back to enrich your lives with my crazy kids stories and rants about overachieving mothers.

Speaking of which, have any of you read this piece: Elf Overachievers? Its hilarious, and those of us with Elves in our houses right now that are lazy and never move will appreciate it. Our elf Scout has been a little more active this year thanks to these moms and their posts on facebook (now, some of them are my dear friends and I love them, despite their time to prepare elf shenanigans at night). Just last night he brought each of the kids a Christmas blanket to snuggle up with. Then, today he fell from his perch on our light and the kids stood around him as if at a crime scene. They knew full well that they couldn't touch him, but he looked so helpless laying face down on the floor, so I told them that it was OK for Mommies to pick up the Elf in times of crisis such as this, and I put him safely on my desk (and will sew some velcro to his hands so that doesn't happen again!).

We did our yearly Polar Express party last week. We had 28 kids in our media room and it was about 100 degrees in there. It still smells like kids and candy. Either because of the heat, or because they've seen the movie 100 times, the kids were over it around the time they meet the hobo on the top, and ended up playing instead. After a few minutes it was clear that anarchy was breaking lose in the basement, and all adults retreated to the upstairs where there was booze. The most magical part of the night was when Santa came down our street and stopped in front of the house for all the kids to see! We managed to get through the night with minor scuffles among the kids, no injuries, and only one cup of spilled hot chocolate. It was a total success!

Now, we wait for the big man to visit our house. This year we told Santa that wrapping wasn't necessary. Instead, we asked him to just put everything together first, to minimize garbage and wait time for playing. Of course, Grandma and Grandpas didn't get this memo, but it wouldn't be Christmas without some wrapping paper to clean up. I've enjoyed seeing everyone's holiday cards as they come in the mail, and each time I get one I get a pain of guilt. You see, I thought I ordered enough cards, but I didn't. What's more, I didn't even get the right amount of envelopes with my cards, so it was a big of an epic fail this year. I even ordered the damn things in October!! oh well. I posted a photo of it on Facebook and called it good.

The new year is upon us! 2012, the year we've all been waiting for, right? How many specials on the end of the world do you think they play on the history channel and Discovery before December 23rd? I hate those shows. Truthfully, my theory is that the Myan creating this calendar figured going up to 2012 was far enough and then went on vacation. Little did her know the controversy it would cause. Speaking of Calendars, at Wal-Mart yesterday I got a notebook calendar for myself to write things down in. You see, I'm becoming quite the journalist for My Carolina Town and am meeting with more and more people and since I can't remember jack and don't really pay attention to alerts on my phone, I decided to needs a hard copy calendar for my purse. Let's hope this helps me and I actually use it and didn't waste $10 of it yesterday.

Lastly, with the new year coming up, we all have new resolutions. I usually don't make any, but I really want this to be the year that I lose this damn baby weight! I'm not having anymore kids and I need to keep up my energy level to keep up with them...its time. we'll see how that goes for me. I signed up to run the Rock and Roll half marathon in November, and along with that goal, my mental goal is to fit into JCrew's fall line. Wish me luck! I gotta stop buying Pizza Rolls.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T09:29:00.000-05:00

Some may remember when we moved to SC, that I had a bit of a problem with this move. I missed my friends in Seattle so very much and often wondered if we made the right choice. Well, 2 year later, I can honestly say that we did. This past week I had my parents, my brothers family, and my sisters family at our house for Thanksgiving and it was amazing. That would never happen out in Seattle (not to say that our Thanksgiving with Cool Aunt Ronnie weren't amazing, because they were, we love you CAR!).

This was the first time I've seen dad since his Appalachian Trail Hike began in March (and ended in October at the top of Mt. Katahdin). He looked great...but older. He was pretty skinny, and was a little hunched over from being stiff from the walk. Then he has cataracts now and can't see well, so in general, he seemed older than usual, but he'll get those pesky eyes fixed next week, and I know that will help a lot! He played legos with the kids and took them on walks with my mom. They were so happy to see both their grandparents!

My brother has never come to visit before. Seattle was to far, and stopping by just never worked out, but he came for Thanksgiving and it was awesome. The girls and my sons were so happy playing together and there were a lot of laughs. Watching Jimmy play Dance Central was the highlight of the vacation. I wish I could post a video of it!

MaryLou and he husband and daughter were here, which is always a treat. We talked babies (she's due in March), and drank while she ate :) My Middle has a special love for Uncle Scott, he was so excited to see him. and Baby Girl and Bailey are the same age and enjoyed loving each other, then fighting with each other. Gotta love that age.

On Black Friday mom said she would watch the kids while all us adults went out to shop and before she finished her sentence we were screeching out of the driveway! We went to Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, and Home Depot...then to lunch. It was so much fun! While at Home Depot I purchased a fire pit and that evening we had a wonderful fire with s'mores and laughter.

Saturday we hit up Anne Springs Greenway and the women enjoyed the craft show while the men took the kids into the woods for an adventure. The afternoon everyone left for home, and that evening my 7 year old was in tears because he missed everyone so much. It was such a great visit.

Now the Christmas season starts! Usually we are decorated the day after Thanksgiving, but we were to busy to put everything up. Next weekend we'll celebrate Sara's 21st (YES 21st!) birthday by decorating the tree and putting up lights. She can't wait :) Of course, today its pretty nice out, maybe I could get a few up outside before it starts to rain....hmmmm...maybe I should go grocery shopping first. We can't eat Christmas lights (although I am sure the kids would be amused by the challenge.).

Happy Holidays!

New bedding makes me happy

2011-11-03T21:30:00.001-04:00

It's the small things in life, right? I am a big proponent of retail therapy, much to my husbands dismay, and while browsing through Target the other day I decided that it was time we got new sheets for our bed. The store had all their flannel sheets out, and using the design tips I have gotten from pintrest, I bought some! The sheets are white with silvery gray snowflakes, so I got two plain gray pillow cases to go with them, and then I bought a purple (real deep) blanket to go with it. It's one of those blankets that is ridiculously soft. The kid of soft that used to be only available to babies!

not my bed, but you get the idea

When I put the freshly laundered sheets and blanket on my bed, I was so ready to curl up in it! Alas, it was only 2:00 pm, so that would have to wait. The kids were forbidden from even thinking of going into my room. No way, the only one getting food on this new bedding is ME! When the opportunity came to go to bed, I was thrilled. I copied up and got my book out and was in heaven!

Yes, getting new sheets has been inspiring (as dumb as that sounds), and I am now on a mission to make my home as cozy as my bed. It will take just short of forever with these four crumb-grabbers under my feet, but it will happen! a throw blanket here, a pillow there, and before you know it, cozy town!

One thing I will be doing is buying flannel sheets for the rest of the house. I can't be greedy and save all this comfort for Rob and I!

An interview with Anna Deskins

2011-11-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

Anna Deskins is the author of the Children's book, "The Adventures of Smitty."

Below is an interview with her about her and her book. Enjoy!!

Your children's book, The Adventures of Smitty looks magically. Tell us about it.It's the story of a magical island of little creatures called Smilies and the mischievous little main character, Smitty. He's such a naughty boy. Haha! All the moms and kids I've shared it with have been giving me such a wonderful reaction. I cannot believe it. I have to tell you how excited I am to finally have a life-long dream come true. Writing The Adventures of Smitty was really about finding a story that I would want to read to my children at night. It has to be exciting but not scary so that my two daughters can go to sleep. Basically, I was looking for that perfect blend to read to my kids at night and decided, "Why not try writing my own?" We've had a lot of changes in our life recently, so I want to make sure that when I put my daughters to sleep that they feel safe. I have short chapters because I know how busy we moms are but if you can just sacrifice 5 minutes at night reading to your kids, it makes a world of difference. Your kids will never forget it. And although we're running around the whirlwind of life, our kids grow up so fast, and that time that we'd rather finish watching what happened in our favorite soap opera instead of reading to our kids will never come again. I hope that The Adventures of Smitty and books like it help moms do exactly that.

And it's only 99 cents this week. That's what I love about it. Now, You are recently divorced. How have you been able to continue writing when going through such a change?Yes, it is by far one of the most challenging points in my life. To see a marriage you thought would last forever to not last forever was difficult for the two of us. I really learned a lot about myself and most importantly, it's brought me closer to my daughters. I think that's what really motivated me to finish this children's book no matter what. When you're going through changes in your life like this, you need something to hold on to. There's a part of you that wants to prove that you can make it, that you will be a success even if it's not with the partner you originally imagined building a life with. I had to keep writing, for my kids. I want to show them that they have to keep strong, no matter what. We as women, as moms really need to stick together to support each other and our dreams. We're living in an age when I think we're finally realizing, although we want love, the men in our life aren't the answer to everything. We have to stand up on our own two feet and keep going. True love will happen, but until then, we have to keep moving forward. Our children depend on us and we depend on us.

In addition to being a children's book author, you're also a small business owner. How do you juggle taking care of two daughters and at the same time running a business?Yes, I am a fashion designer and have a retail store. Any type of creativity is what I'm passionate about. That's why writing The Adventures of Smitty was so important to me. Let me tell you, running a small business in today's economy isn't easy especially when raising two girls at the same time. But somehow, it seems someone's watching over me because my dreams are coming true no matter what. To have that many moms glowing about my children's book, means so much to me. And I know my girls are proud.

When do you ever have time to write?You mean, in between laundry, running a business, chasing my girls around the house, cleaning the house, and flying back and forth fromMiami to New York? Haha? That's one thing I've learned, when you really want to do something, you find a way. Things fall into place if you just go for it and that's what I want to encourage all the moms who are reading this right now. Whatever your goal is, you can do it. Don't let the challenges in your personal life stop you from going for your dreams. Just go for it and it's almost magical how things fall into place.

Where can we get a copy of "The Adventures of Smitty"?Right now, it's available online by going to: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94655 You can also visit my website:http://www.AnnaDeskins.com where you can read more about my writing process, my recommendations for other books and my own adventures in Mommyhood. I'm so grateful for your support and the support I'm getting from so many wonderful moms who dream of writing children's books one day too. Writing The Adventures of Smitty has been such an emotional experience for me, a true journey as I was going through so many changes while writing it. It's truly been a blessing in my life. It, along with my daughters, and that guy upstairs have really pulled me through a challenging time.

Thanks for the interview, Anna! And let's go out and support a fellow mom by getting a copy of The Adventures of Smitty today. I know I will!

The Last Lazy Days of Summer

2011-08-18T10:19:00.000-04:00

Our summer has come to a close, and I haven't told you all very much about it! Oh well, I have four kids 7 and under...writing time has alluded me while getting used to this :)

Anyway, After our beach trip in June, July came in feirce and furious. First we went to visit Rob's parents in Richmond. They had not met Youngest yet, and had not seen Baby Girl in a long while. Needless to say, after having us there for three days (ALL OF US), they were ready for a nap, but it was a wonderful visit. On our way home we stopped by my sisters lake house on Lake Gaston (in VA), and swam and played for a couple hours before getting back home. We would have stayed the night, but trying to figure out how to fit a family of 6 in a small space was giving me a panic attack! I made the executive decision to drive back home after our fun. Of course, Mother Nature punished me with a wicked storm that lasted about half the drive!

After Virginia, came St. Thomas!! Holla! I went with my best friend, and college roommate, Ann for our friends wedding. What an awesome trip. Sun, fun, and plenty of sleep. Karaoke was definately the high light (besides the actual wedding of course!). When I got back, I had one day to prepare my family for our 3 day road trip to Vermont!

We left bright and early with a Van full of 4 kids, 2 adults, and a dog. The trip up was great. We stopped at my moms place (which we had to ourselves because she is in the NE waiting for my dad to finish the Appalachian Trail), then at my Aunt Terri's house in CT, which is always a fun time! We met up with my mom there and the next day she rode with me and the kids while Rob and the dog took her car.

Vermont was awesome (as usual). Seeing my cousin Karen's baby for the first time was amazing, and he and Youngest are only a few weeks apart. I am hoping we can make our little trip together each year so they can have the same close cousin bond as the rest of us have. Seeing Christine and her family was also a total hoot. We knew it would be after the fun everyone had last summer. Eldest and her oldest had a great time playing together while other kids napped, and the girls swam across the lake once again. I also got to see my cousin Sean and his fiance Rachel. I am so happy for them! Bon fires, S'mores, bourbon, beer and your cousins. It doesn't get better than that.

Vermont rounded out the month of July and then we were into August. Here in SC, school starts in August and we had 17 days to play and have fun before that happened. we hit the pool more in those 17 days than we did the rest of the summer, and I am proud to say that Middle and Baby Girl are both super good around the water and Eldest continues to be my fish. Middle also made excellent friends with our neighbors son, who is just a few months younger. They spend most of the day playing between our houses, which has been a true blessing, since its Middle that makes me the most crazy. Turns out it is a blessing for both me and his friends mother, since she can get some work done while they play! Its a win win!

Finally, school was upon us. Edlest started first grade yesterday (Aug. 17th), and from what I gathered from him, it was a good day, albeit pretty hot (especially on the bus). One thing that helped me organize for the school year was discovering that my window crayons work on my black fridge! It looks pretty smart and I am happy to finally just write on the fridge, instead of wasting money on magnetic white boards. I will no longer have chalk board fridge envy :) Best part is, it all comes off with a little spray of windex.

A new school year has begun, which means new ways to organize myself. As the kids get older, more is expected of them (homework!), and we also signed Eldest up for Soccer this fall, which means organizing one more activity each week. Luckily, my favorite store on the planet opened in Charlotte...THE CONTAINER STORE! Oh my gosh, I was so stoked when I hear. I live and breath this store and could do some serious damage if I had no moral code. The boxes, the containers, the gadgets...oh lord! When my dad gets back from his trip, we are going to spend a whole day there. He's never been to one of their stores before and I think he'll be just as happy as me when we step in!

So, there's an update for you. Oh and I started writing a book. It will probably take me forever, but I'm happy that I started. Look for it to be published in 2020!

Grandpa Young and Youngest

Grammy Young, Cousin Avery, and Baby Girl

Edlest swimming in Lake Gaston

Happy 4th of July! (Eldest, Middle, and Baby Girl)

Grandma Jane rides with us to Vermont!

Great Grammy Burke and Baby Girl

Karen, Her baby boy, myself, and Christine

The Baby Cousins

Youngest, Middle, Baby Girl, and Eldest

Cousins Picture!!!

Last day of summer fun (a bucket for two, Middle and Baby Girl)

Popcicles with friends! Middle, Baby Girl, and our neighbors son

Window Crayons make my fridge look pretty!

Daddy and Eldest off to the bus stop on the first day of school!

Life's a Beach

2011-06-20T09:52:00.000-04:00

This past weekend my family of 6 went to the SC coast for the first time since moving here almost 2 years ago. It was on a whim, and it was worth every hour in the car. We went to North Myrtle and stayed in the Avista Condos. On the way down, Eldest barfed in the car, but our good fortune led us to a truck stop with a hose and long handled scrubbers, so even that couldn't dampen our excitment!

When we arrived, and while unpacked the gear, Rob took the three oldest to the beach to run around and play. It was love at first site for Middle and Eldest, but Baby Girl HATED the ocean. She was scared stiff of it. Regardless, the next day we spent from 9 am to 3 PM on the beach. Youngest slept and hung out in a baby tent for the beach while the older three built sand castles and played in the ocean.

What Rob and I were most surprised about is how much more relaxed we were at the ocean vs. the pool. It would seem that would be the opposite, but for some reason, we were less apprehensive with letting the boys run up and play in the surf vs. playing on the steps of the pool. The sun rejuvinated us and the kids have never been so tired in their lives. Even better, SPIKE TV was showing a Star Wars marathon, so the kids plopped down and watched until they couldn't keep their eyes open.

Our Condo had a kitchen, so we made our own meals to save on money. The condo itself was a dump, I mean, the TV in our bedroom was black and white for chirst sake, but it was fine for the two nights we stayed. If we were to go for a week we would rent a house, or find a condo that had been updated since 1984. The one redeeming factor was the pool. They had both indoor and outdoor pools and each had its own "lazy river", which Eldest loved most. It was also RIGHT on the beach, so it was easy to go from the beach to the pool and back to the beach throughout the day.

We'll be back, there's no doubt!!

Middle LOVED the surf. I think he could have slept there if he could figure out how.

Eldest was facinated by the clams that dug holes in the surf as the waves receeded back into the ocean.

Baby Girl! My littls sand flea.

Youngest chillin like a villan in his beach tent.

Screw You Skinny Bi*tches

2011-06-06T20:57:00.000-04:00

There are those who seem to have babies and then look like they just got done with a run way model shoot....then there is me. To those who lose the weight so fast (or didn't gain it to begin with) I say a hearty "ef you". "jealous much?" you might think....HELL yes I am jealous. "well, maybe you shouldn't have had all that ice cream while pregnant." you might be thinking, yeah well screw that.

Yes, I am jealous, I hate feeling out of shape and like jabba the huts younger, more beautiful sister. But what I hate MOST is thinking about how in shape I once was, and how hard I worked to get there, and how now just walking up the stairs makes me sweat. How shopping for clothes was effortless, and now shopping for shorts is plain Impossible.

Back in the day I took a lot of pilates classes and loved them. I could roll, plank, and boat with the best of them. Tonight I took my first class in over 6 years and I could hardly lift my legs...sure sure, I had a baby 6 weeks ago and my core is shot, so this shouldn't have been surprising, but what I didn't like was how fast I gave up when things were hard. This is something I really dislike about myself. Inside I like to think of myself as able to push through and succeed, then I am asked to do a side plank and i go into child's pose like...well like a child.

So, even though this pilates class was my back up to the yoga I wanted to take this morning, I think I'll still go even if I do yoga in the am on mondays to prove to myself and the other classmates that I can do this, and will get better with each week. FYI, pilates and yoga are two different things...yoga is hard, but not impossible, pilates is all core and somewhat impossible at times. I have to admit, I miss my old instructor, Daria, at the pro club. She was great. The woman tonight was good, but didn't ease newbs in at all, and she did class to club music...it's hard to concentrate on your core and breathing while listening to "sexy back" by Justin timberlake. But I will go back, and maybe i will enjoy the club music once I get a little better at those side planks!!!

But still, back to my original rant, those who lose baby weight within the first six weeks can kiss my butt. That is all.

My first blog post from my IPad

2011-05-09T21:46:00.001-04:00

I love my husband. For our 12 year Anniversary he got me this awesome IPad and it is a joy to use. I downloaded the app called blogsy and am trying it for the first time.

So since my last post, I have had a baby! Yay, I feel so relieved physically and mentally. Our youngest is a doll baby and once we gothic in his own room and on the good formula he has been pretty good. No we aren't sleeping through the night and I feel like a ton of bricks has hit me each morning, but I can't complain. rob has been taking the older kids to school and baby girl and i enjoy our morning together while they are gone (so long as baby is sleeping.). She has her moments of jealousy, but has taken having a younger brother well. The boys love him, and talk about him endlessly to anyone that will listen.

So, the question is what will I call my kids now that I have more than just oldest middle and youngest? Well here are the new names:

Oldest is still oldest
Middle is still middle (as he is the middle son)
Youngest is now baby girl
And the new baby is ET

Got it? Good :)

So, I had a great mothers day here with the family. I got some great poems from oldest and middle and from those I gathered that I am a great cook and good at helping with homework and they think I am pretty which is awesome. I know I have written many a post about how hard it can be to stay home with these little ones, but I don't know what life would be like without them. Sure, I would get more sleep, but then what? Who would ask me questions about how bones work while they are trying to poop? who would snuggle next to me with the most disgusting smelling lovey ever? Who would say, "tanks mommy!" when I open a juice box? And who would cry out for me at 3:00 am?

I love those little nuggets and I try harder each day to make sure they know it.

Where's the Light at the End of the Tunnel?

2011-04-21T09:32:00.000-04:00

If you've never been pregnant before, then take note for when you might be, the last few weeks are HELL. Not because you feel like a swollen cow, not because you are suffering back pain, and not because you haven't been sleeping well for weeks. Its hell because you are so close to the end of this journey, but have no idea when it will actually end.

I am not good with waiting, and not knowing what will happen. I can't stand to hear "baby needs to cook.", or "it has to happen eventually". Yes, I know this. But I need to know, I HAVE to know when this is going to happen. I'm horribly bored with being pregnant, and my kids are over it too. I am an extreme bitch and have 0 patience with them (or anyone else for that matter) and am just ready to feel normal again, to sleep on my stomach, not have heartburn after drinking water, and get rid of this water weight.

Today I have an OB appointment at 11:00. After my last she said she would schedule my induction for next week, but I never got a call for when that might be. If she hasn't thought about it, I may lose my mind. I've been a great patient so far, just going with the flow, but crazy Beth will come out if she says "maybe another week or two." Oh yeah, I will lose it. No, I can't wait until MAY to have a freakin' baby. I need a beer, I need to breath, and I NEED TO NOT BE PREGNANT anymore. I'm getting a little nutty about it, and my days are long and boring. get up, fight with the kids to do what I say, take rest time, fight with the kids some more, then watch NCIS on USA until I fall asleep. BAH! I want to not say "LEAVE ME ALONE" when my kids come ask me for something.

Hopefully today I will have get that small light at the end of the tunnel, something concrete showing me that this will end on THIS day. If not, you'll find me at CVS buying caster oil.

ahh, the last few weeks...

2011-04-04T15:25:00.000-04:00

I am having some major DeeJa Vu writing this post as it was just 2 years ago that I was feeling the exact same way. However, 2 years ago I was going to have a baby in four days, not 14 (or more). Youngest will be 2 on Friday, Middle will be 4 on the 16th and this baby will be born sometime this month, but we're not sure when.

My appointments are pretty damn boring and if I didn't need to make sure I had a good BP and urine tests, then I probably wouldn't bother. Its not like I need to know I gained 3 lbs in a week because I'm so bored I'm eating all the time. I should be walking, but taking the kids with me sucks when you can't run after them. I did have the OB check things out and I'm 2cm, which basically means I am closed, since this is my 4th baby. She would like things to be progressing more if I am to be induced the week of the 18th (which would be ideal, because its spring break and we wouldn't have to worry about how to get my oldest to school).

So, here I sit again, for the fourth time, feeling each passing second tick by like Chinese water torture. The weather is perfect here, that is one bright note! At least I don't have to endure this endless time suck with the rainy weather of the NW (although I do miss the friends out there that would make the time go by faster...).

The Fresh Air Fund

2011-03-22T15:32:00.000-04:00

Its that time of year again! The Fresh Air Fund (providing summer vacations for under-privileged kids since 1877) is in need of host families and other volunteers for the summer of 2011. Click the link to the right to get more info on how you can help! This is a GREAT cause.

Super Moon = Fail

2011-03-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

So much for the Super Moon causing spontaneous labor. No such luck here, although I can't say I would have enjoyed having a baby at 35 weeks, that's still a little early.

But, I am done. Have you mentioned that already? I'm sorry, but really I am. I am so tired, and grumpy, and tired. The smallest tasks make me want to just crawl in bed, because it would seem I am the only person around here that knows how to do them properly. Sinks full of dishses, laundry rooms full of dirty clothes, floors full of juice marks...its never ending around here and would be a lot easier to deal with if I didn't have this huge belly in my way. Getting up from the couch after folding laundry is an event, and don't even get me started on going up the stairs. I ask Eldest to do things for me all the time and he's started to tell me "I've had it with doing your stuff." Sorry little man, your time of "doing my stuff" has just begun. It sucks getting older doesn't it?

Allergy season has begun as well, and I am getting by with just zyrtec, but sound like a man thanks to this scratchy throat. Its super sexy...not.

Anyway, I was interrupted a million times while trying to write this and have completely lost my train of thought, so the end.

Another Week as a Single Parent

2011-03-07T08:31:00.000-05:00

Rob is in Seattle this week. I am so jealous. Not because he gets a hotel room all to himself (although yes, that rocks), but because he gets to see old friends and enjoy our old haunts. I wish I was with him. But, I did get to enjoy a great weekend with friends and my neice has officially moved in. And THANK GOD FOR THAT!

My belly has started to really impede my abilites around the house, from making a bed, to loading the dang washing machine. and I often times find myself stuck on the couch with no way to get up but to roll around like some kind of sea whale. Its very attractive. needless to say, without her help, this week would be a nightmare. I mean, I can do it, but knowing you have someone to help out makes it all better.

The week started a little rough, with my over sleeping. I managed to get Harrison a ride to school, which is awesome, because I didn't have to wake Logan and MJ up to get him there. Thank you Kristi!, and now I am dressed and ready to shop with MJ after I get Logan to school. But we are in the home stretch, and I have no doubt after going shopping I will be exhausted again. I am so ready to have this baby! I think my kids are ready too, especially Harrison, whom I ask a lot of help from because he's the oldest. If I drop something, he's my go to man for picking it up!

Not only is Sara here to help out, but my parents are coming tomorrow as well, which will be a lot of fun for the kids and for me. My dad is getting ready to start a 6 month hike on the Appalachian Trail (yep, he's walking the whole thing), and it will be nice to see him before he starts, and to have him here to listen to Middle's endless diatribe about his day.

But, the end is near, this baby has to come out. I registered at the hospital today, and will get a tour after Rob is back. Then we just wait until the week of April 18th. Tick Tock, Tick Tock.

We're in the Home Stretch

2011-03-02T19:14:00.000-05:00

I've been pregnant for 32 weeks now, and although that in itself is a VERY long time, the next 7 will feel like a full year in comparison. The last weeks of pregnancy are when things get REAL. I say 7 and not 8 because my OB has let me know that she would induce me in my 39th week, and I am A-OK with that. A lot of new and crunchy moms would say "let the baby cook.", or "baby will come when ready." Nope, baby will come at 39 weeks, and I may even request 4/20 for that matter, just to make it fun. Our friend Aaron in Seattle suggest we name him Robert Marley if that is indeed the date, and I can't say I hate that idea. It would be pretty poetic, and I do already have a "B is for Bob" Bob Marley onesie for him from his Uncle Scott and Aunt MaryLou, its like it was meant to be.

But I digress. As stated, its all becoming real. The baby's room is ready, I can no longer see my feet, I do all the normal things any mom of three does during the day only to be smacked in the face by exhaustion at 4:00, and its getting very difficult to get out of a seated position. My one victory is that I can put my own shoes on still, but that's mainly because we have warm weather here and flip flops aren't that hard to put on.

When I see the baby's room, or put his little diapers and clothes away, I am still shocked that we're starting all over again. I'm excited and nervous. I'm hoping he'll be like our other three kids; easy going, no colic, happy in a bouncer for a few hours...but who really knows.

Delivery is starting to scare me a bit too, I mean the boy has to come out somehow, right? Its a new hospital/experience for me. So far, the best part is having 2 full days of recover, vs. the 24 hours given to you at Overlake in WA. But I need to tour the place and see what its like. I am having dreams of having to find my own room after delivery and not getting an Epidural because they've never heard of such a thing. Its very stressful!

For the most part, these next 7 weeks will go by as fast as they can. We are very busy, not only with the kids, but with guests, work trips, and sport/school functions. Before I know it, it will be 4/20 and I'll be headed to the hospital for my two day vacation!

Glucose...

2011-02-17T10:58:00.000-05:00

I've never failed my glucose test during pregnancy before, so when I got the call that my levels were high and I needed to do the dreaded 3 hour test, I was pretty upset. Not because I was afraid I had GD, but because I really didn't want to waste a morning sitting in the doctors office waiting for them to take my blood every hour for three hours. I also hate that I can't eat!

Here I sit, 2 draws down, 1 to go. Thankfully they have internet here and I can check facebook, e-mail, and write this blog post to pass the time. When I saw my OB for my usual appointment she showed me my numbers. Passing is anything under 135, and my number was 142. She said she really doesn't think I have GD, but they have to follow the rules and do things by the book. Its nice to know my test results will probably be negative.

Now I find myself sitting here wondering what I eat for lunch. I haven't eaten since dinner last night and I am thinking a huge Qudoba burrito is in order. I am STARVING! I'm also exhausted. Between RLS, hearthburn, and being uncomfortable in general, I am not sleeping. I have no trouble passing out with my son in the afternoon for a nap, but when its actually time to sleep, nothing happens. My doc said Unisom would be OK, so I plan on taking that tonight to get some uninterupted sleep. Is it the weekend yet? I'm so ready.

I Salute You!

2011-02-12T15:34:00.001-05:00

Today marks day six without my husband here to help me out. He went to CA this week for work and truthfully the week has been going fine. Sure the days are long and I am exhausted, but for the most part it wasn't to bad...until this morning. This morning my limit has been reached. My faculties are shutting down and its all I can do to keep myself from sitting in a corner rocking back and forth. The kids are about to break me!

All week I have been getting up at 6:00 AM to get my son to school. I had it in my head that I would be getting him to the bus stop, but he wanted to be a car rider, which gives me an extra 15 minutes of sleep, so I went with it. Well, this also meant I had to get my other two up and ready as well. This is an exhausting task, as Middle never stops talking from the moment he gets up until he's asleep and in the morning its usually a bunch of reasons why he doesn't want to get dressed, brush his teeth, eat...etc. So, today I let Eldest stay home. I thought it would mean sleeping in until 7:00, no rush to get out the door...all in all greatness. I was wrong.

Middle got up at 6:00 AM crying about a box I threw out last night that he wanted back (and that he had already gotten out of the trash). I put him in bed with me and he tossed while I turned and then Eldest got up and took said box for no apparent reason except to make Middle shreak like a girl and instantly send dragon smoke coming from my nose. I shooed them out of my room and woke myself up. I had plans to make french toast for breakfast and so I just put on some clothes (no shower, moms aren't afforded such luxories, ever), and started. French toast is a messy breakfast to make. Its made even more complicated when three crumbcrabers are constantly asking you to get them juice, fix the TV, and ask "is it ready yet?' Then in the midst of making it, I spilled melted butter all over my favorite cookbook. Doing something like this is an immediate catalyst for the kids, and they started coming over to me, asking if it was ready, asking for juice, asking when we were going to the store. I told them all to can it, and back off or I was going to lose it. I managed to finish breakfast, they thought it was yummy. yay. Time for me to eat. I make a plate and a cup of coffee and the moment, THE MOMENT I sit down to check e-mail and read news I am assulted. "can we go tot he store now?", "Can I look at Legos?", "I pooped in my underwear."

GAH! I tell oldest to get a movie and set it up downstairs and if any of them wants to do something fun today, they best all get down to the basement and watch and leave me alone for the duration, or we would be spending the rest of the day in our rooms! They take notice and head down to the basement. Not 2 mintues later I hear screaming, shouting, hitting. JESUS! I go down there and they can't get the damn movie started because the controller for the Xbox is missing and NONE of the ones that I could find would sync up with the damn box down there. I was beyond frustrated, with the kids and now my husband for moving the damn controller! I just wanted a cup of coffee in peace, JUST ONE, is it to much to ask? My mom would say "yes," She's always reminding me that these are my kids, my life is over, I need to accept it. Well, I have, for four days straight, but now I WANT COFFEE ALONE!

Finally I just turn Indiana Jones on in my room and tell them if I hear them walking towards me, they will all spend the day in their rooms. I haven't been bothered once since starting to type this. I probably should have taken that time to shower, but I vented instead.

So, to those women who are raising kids on their own or who have husbands that travel regularly, I salute you. I am on the verge of crazy-Britany Spears-shaving her head-nuts here and its only been five days. Rob comes home tonight and I think I'll sleep until 3:00 tomorrow.

Staples

2011-02-10T20:33:00.000-05:00

Well, its happened. I finally took a child to the ER to get patched up. We made it almost 7 years before this happened, which is pretty great, but we knew we were on bor Rob and I left, rowed time. Last Saturday Middle decided to mess around after the babysitter put him to bed. This would happen while we're not home. That's just how things work around here :) Anyway, Middle was using a stool to get into bed and it went out from under him and he landed on the corner and got a good size gash in his head. Rob and I were at a birthday party and my phone was in my purse. What's interesting is when I put my purse in the master bedroom with my coat I thought, "hmm, I should take my phone out", then though "nahh, it will be fine." Luckily our sitter works for a lot of the people that were at this party, so she called another friend to get a hold of me. Rob and I left with a friend that could help us assess the cut. Middle fell to pieces when we walked in and I almost did too, poor guy. We all took a look, and made the decision to take him to the ER.

We packed him into the car with a blanket and puppy, dropped our friend back at the party and went to the only ER we knew. Before going to this ER, the only ER I had frequented was one in Issaquah, WA run by Swedish Medical Center. Most visits were for illness, not stiches, but still, we were in and out within an hour. I expected this to take a little longer because of the procedure, but I wans't ready for the wait. The wait of 6 hours. We got to the ER at 8:30 PM and were home at 2:30 AM. The ER was so quiet, it was hard to just sit and wait. It sounded empty, but they assured us it was full. Well, after a 4 hour wait in the lobby, we finally got a room, and waited another 2 hours for the doctor. Luckily Middle slept through most of this. Rob and I kept wondering how this could take so long! Well, we found out when the doctor finally game in. There was only ONE doctor for the whole ER. Unbelieveable.

The nurse was very nice, and we were nice to them. They have a thankless job and Rob and I knew that if it wasn't about procedure, they would have probably done the staples and sent him on his way without any trouble. She numbed up Middle while he was sleeping, and an hour later the doctor came in and did the staples. He had to get 3 and believe me, I was wondering if the numbing cream (yes, just cream) was enough. Middle slept through most of the prep/cleaning, but woke right up when that first staple went in. I'm talking the white faced, no sound cry. Rob was helping to keep him still, and I was sitting in front of him watching. I almost fainted. The stapler is similar to the gun used to pierce ears, and the doc spent about 3 seconds putting in the staples. So, to recap, we waited 6 hours for a 5 minute procedure.

Luckily, Middle is his usual self. He slept with me for a few days, mostly just milking the whole boo boo angle, and I did keep him out of school, because I was worried he would forget about the staples and bang them up, but otherwise, you wouldn't know he has three staples in his head. We go on Monday to get them taken out. hopefully that will be relatively drama free. I'm sure it will require a few nights of sleeping with mommy :)

I'm ready for Warm Weather...anyone with me?

2011-01-24T20:02:00.000-05:00

I am ready for the warm weather to kick in! Although, I can honestly say I CAN wait for the yellow pollen dust to show. Man that stuff is nasty! I hadn't seen it in years and then BAM, last year it hit just as I left my windows open overnight! My black kitchen table was yellow, the floor was yellow...it was pretty gross.

But I digress, regardless of the yellow dusting we'll get, the warm weather would be a nice welcome. I'm getting a bit of cabin fever around here. Maybe due to my growing belly, which makes getting around a little harder, or to the demanding schedule of two kids in school. Whatever it is, I am ready to be "free". Free of school schedules, free from being a human incubator, free from putting on layer upon layer just to get the mail. I long for the days of getting up and putting on sunscreen and a bathing suit and walking the gremlins up to the pool for a few hours of fun. Having the kids play outside and them staying OUTSIDE for longer than 10 minutes. I am ready to sit on the porch and wave to neighbors as they walk past my house and its front yard full of bearly clothed children. Bring on the warm weather, this mama needs it!

(PS, be ready for the "its hot as balls, where's my sweater weather" post around July 20th)

Playdates...

2011-01-04T21:24:00.000-05:00

So, I am wondering, when did the playdate become the norm? I don't recall having any when I was little. I just walked to friends houses and asked if they could play. My mom didn't have to talk to theirs and arrange something a week in advance. Playdates used to be fun, when I had one kid to worry about. Then I had two and it got more complicated. My older son would be "to old" for the baby mamas, and my younger son would get ignored while my friends and I tried to wrangle the older boys at playdates. I found having playdates to socialize with friends tiresome as well. Most of the time I would have three or four conversations going at once, all cut off at one point or another for a diaper change, fight break-up, or time out. I was starting to really dread playdates in general. I found having someones child over to play for a couple hours was less hectic. The kids would play and I would be left alone to get things done.

This is really what I prefer now a days, especially with a fourth kid on the way. I want other kids to just ring my bell and ask me if my kids can play. I will gladly let them into the basement to have at it for a couple hours while I do dishes, prep dinner, clean up something...nap (just kidding).

But what's more, scheduling a playdate in advance for me is just a waste of time. With the addition of each kid, the likely hood that I would actually keep a playdate made weeks in advance has dwindled. One of them is always grumpy, sick, tired, or I am! Its so much easier to just pick up the phone (or have the kids come over) when the time strikes.

So, now that you know this, feel free to send your kids to my house after school to play for a couple hours. I will gladly let them destroy my basement and backyard for a few hours so that my kids can have fun and I can get something done. Bring it on....DING DONG!

'Tis the Season!

2010-12-09T18:29:00.000-05:00

Ahh, the Holiday Season is upon us once again. I am always so surprised how quickly the last three months of the year go. October we have birthdays and Halloween, then we prep for Thanksgiving in November, and then December is a non-stop party fest with cookie exchanges and Polar Express parties. Before you know it, its a new year! This year, I welcome the fast pace. The faster we get through the holidays, the faster we get to 2011, and the faster we get to April!

We found out we'll be having another boy and we're both very happy about it. The name planning is fun and we've come up with some good ones. Joseph, Jonas, Christopher, Robert (Bobby), Theodore (Teddy), Matthew, Edward...etc. Funny thing, I usually get my names from TV shows or movies, and sprinkle in some family history. Its really fun to pick a name, but boys names can be tricky. If you have any suggestions, send them on.

We got Youngest ears pierced and she was pissed about it, but, man, does she look adorable! I wanted to get it over with. My nieces are pretty amazed, and maybe a little jealous since they had/have to wait until they are 10, but I just wanted to get it done. She'll be our little princess, surrounded by her prince brothers that will beat the crap out of anyone that treats her badly. But don't be fooled, she'll beat her brothers down the moment they pull any shenanigans with her stuff. It will be an interesting time in the Young household :)

Rob has the month of December off and has totally embraced his "Mister Mom" side, even purchasing a flannel for himself today to fit the part. He's installed curtains, taken care of the kids while I went to appointments and out of town, and went grocery shopping. I'm impressed, and I know for a fact he would do it full time if I had a job that would pay the bills. I'm a lucky woman.

Now, all I have to do is get rid of this stinkin' cold. I'm on antibiotics, but the coughing and sneezing isn't going away. It wouldn't be SO bad if I wasn't pregnant. Not only are my medications limited, but I also pee every time I sneeze or cough and its really annoying! One of the perks of being a mom I guess :)

Happy Holidays everyone. Enjoy all those Holiday goodies and traditions!

The Latest and Greatest

2010-11-15T20:19:00.000-05:00

We still live in SC, I am still pregnant with #4, and I am still the smart witted, bad ass you've grown to love.

Life has been a roller coaster these past few months to say the least. Let me just say, moving is not easy, and I say this after a full year of living here in Fort Mill. If I were listening to this from anyone else, I would say "get over it already", but how do I tell myself that?

Being pregnant doesn't really help, because I'm not at my best when with child, but I am trying harder than usual to stay in the mix despite my annoyance with not being able to really do anything super fun. I am so ready for May to get here its not even funny.

This will be our last baby. I can not go through this again emotionally or physically. I am so ready to move ON past the baby making stage and to the baby raising stage so I can get to the "all my babies are in school and I have five hours to myself" stage. I will be 42 when that happens. Suddenly, my 40s don't seem that old anymore!

In the meantime, my goal is to not live in the distant future, or the unattainable past. Neither will help with my current situation, so its best to just be in the now and enjoy what is happening. For instance, this morning Middle got out everything I needed to make pancakes while I was getting dressed. Including the griddle (set on the stove (which was off)), mix, bowl, and whisk. I was so proud and excited for him that I made the pancakes, even though I had already told him I wasn't going to. I try to enjoy the time I get with Youngest while the boys are in school, and I try to sit on the porch with Oldest after school for a few minutes so we an talk before the other two take over. The key word in all those sentences is "TRY". Everyone tries their best to do what's right.

OK, I'm off to have some ice cream with Magic Shell because I am pregnant and I can :)

World Habitat Day

2010-10-01T07:17:00.000-04:00

I love Habitat for Humanity. They provide housing for those who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it. October 4th if World Habitat Day. World Habitat Day is a day the United Nations has set aside to call attention to the dire need for affordable, adequate housing. In recognition of World Habitat Day, Habitat for Humanity is collecting photos to display in a Photo Wall. Submit your photo to remind decision makers in Washington, D.C., to make housing a priority.

Getting involved is easy. All supporters need to do is:

1. Write “What will you build?” on a piece of paper.

2. Take a photo holding the message.

3. Upload the picture to Habitat’s Photo Wall.

4. Share the photo with friends and family

for more information click here.

Thanks for your support!

I've always liked even numbers....

2010-09-10T21:17:00.000-04:00

If you scroll down a bit, you'll notice one of those cute "tickers" for pregnant mothers. This is no joke, I am actually pregnant with our 4th child. If only I looked like that broad in the cartoon, then maybe I would be totally over the moon!

Don't get me wrong, I am happy and excited, but this is my 4th kid. I'm under no illusions of what this will be like. I will gain weight, I will barf for a while, I will piss myself when I sneeze, cough, or laugh to hard, and I will, in general, want to kill everyone around me for the next few months. Let's just round it up to a year. If you haven't guessed, I'm not one of those "OH WHAT A MIRACLE! I COULD HAVE OTHER PEOPLE'S BABIES!" type. I know women like that, and I love them, and surprisingly, they love me, but I will never be one of them.

So, for the next 7 months I will try my best not to fade into the abyss and lose the friends I have manage to make in the year we've been here. Friends from WA have posted some hilarious comments on my personal facebook page about how glad they are about not being close by this time (seriously, I usually make a couple friends cry during pregnancy). But, I am a ball of fun afterwards, so I can only hope my new pals will stick around long enough to see that side of me return once again near the end of May when things have settled.

Having four isn't a huge surprise, or burden really. Once you have more than one you can handle just about anything. I do have to buy a few things for this baby since I gave a lot away. You know, things like clothes and car seats, but this being my 4th, I'll skip the diaper genie and the wipe warmer. I think I'll even just get the generic bottles, and I already know I'll be getting the target brand formula and diapers. They rock (do not post about breast feeding, unless you want the full fury of this pregnant woman to rain down on you like a ton of bricks that are having babies themselves).

But seriously, Rob and I are BOTH the fourth, so this makes sense. We will now have an even number of kids, which means no 'middle' child (although the current Middle has really made his place known). I just hope Eldest can handle it. He is elated, but I also think he feels more pressure being the oldest because we expect more from him. I mean, is changing diapers and night feedings to much to ask a 6 year old? I'll have to google that.

Rob is hoping for a boy so that Youngest (I'll have to come up with new nicknames for these kids soon) is unique in being the only girl. Eldest wants another girl so things can be even (two boys, two girls) and has said if we have a boy we'll have to have2 more baby girls to make things even. My response, "Sure babe, if you're up for those night feedings, we'll do whatever you want!" Just kidding. I want Rob to be fixed by the end of the year. If he doesn't have an appointment made, he may just wake up strapped to the bed while I warm up the soldering iron. Hey, in my second trimester, anything is possible, ask my NW friends. They'll tell you.

It Begins!

2010-08-18T20:05:00.000-04:00

Today was Eldest's 1st day of school. I can't believe it! He did so great. Got on the bus without any issues, and was a happy kids when he got home. He said he had a good day and was happy to take off his shoes and socks. It was blazing hot outside. He wasn't very chatty, which is understandable. I let him have his black and white cookie that I got special for him and then he played some Lego Batman to deflate. He has to read 100 books in 100 days, and he doesn't know how to read yet, so we read a couple books together tonight. To Many Toys by, David Shannon and The Lorax by Dr. Suess. We used to read the Lorax all the time when he was little and it was great sharing the story with him again tonight. So far, school has been a GREAT experience, but it is only the first day. They won't all be green star stamp days, but he's going to learn so much!

SCHOOL!

2010-08-16T11:11:00.000-04:00

Its hard to believe it, but in just two days Eldest will be going to his first day of Kindergarten! His bus comes at 6:47 AM and we are all very excited and a little nervous. Tonight we meet his teacher and I'll learn more about what to pack him for lunch and what he can/should wear to school.

Him starting kindergarten has gotten me thinking about the kids in general. This milestone is proof that they really do grow up. When we're in the trenches of diaper changes and snack requests its hard to imagine one day they won't be home all day, then all of a sudden they aren't. Its great, I am looking forward to this a lot, but it is also a bittersweet moment. My little man is not so little anymore.

Middle starts his first day of Pre-school on the 1st of September and after that, I will just have Youngest in the AM M-F. I am so looking forward to this. I keep imagining all the errands I'll be able to run with just ONE child in tow instead of three...all those errands that should have been run weeks ago, but haven't because the thought of putting all 3 in the car makes me want to crawl back in bed.

But, back to my soon to be kindergartner. I realized something else when thinking about how much he's grown. He is not old enough to have memories of his childhood (good and bad). I remember when I was in kindergarten! Now he's at that point. I am trying to be more conscious of this each day. I want his memories to be mostly good and for him to remember our home life as stable and friendly. sure, we all have our moments, but this is my goal.

Gosh, 6:47 is going to be a nightmare for all of us. I got him up at 7:00 today to start prepping him and he kept telling me he was still tired and wouldn't get up! I suppose now he's prepping me for the teenage years :)

Happy School Year everyone!

Back to Basics

2010-07-25T10:50:00.000-04:00

I've spent a lot of time and money in my life trying to "organize" myself to the point where I don't have to worry about forgetting anything. I have a fantasy of having a place for everything and everything in its place. However, it seems that no matter how hard I try, I just can't keep up with my own wants. After a few days of putting a new idea in place, I am back to my old habits and once again, forgetting about what I had planned for the day.

The ADD meds have helped, that is for sure. I am no longer obsessing about being organized, but it is still something I strive for, then this week during therapy, my therapist said that maybe I just need to "be". I don't give myself much time to just "be" during the day because I wait until the last minute to get up and waste the time I do get to myself at night catching up on endless hours of TV, which results in my staying up to late and starting the whole cycle over. She said I needed to concentrate more on doing things that nourish the body instead of harm it (i.e. not getting enough sleep).

What's funny is while I was on vacation in Vermont, I felt like I was finally in harmony. The funny thing is, there we have no real conveniences. No TV, no dishwasher, no laundry room, and hardly any phone/Internet. We started the day making coffee with a press and breakfast on an old gas stove. We recycled everything we used, and even composted everything we could. Days were spent playing outside in the fresh air, swimming, in the lake, reading books, and chatting with family. It was so relaxing and it made me happy and for the first time in a while, I didn't feel like I was missing something.

After getting home, things went right back to being a bit manic around here, and I started to really spiral a bit. Then after seeing my therapist, I remembered how I felt in Vermont and I decided there was no reason why I couldn't have a similar life here at home. Sure, I will use my dishwasher and washing machine, but I try not to turn the TV on first thing, and encourage the kids to just play like they did there. I've also set up a more visible recycling center in my pantry and am looking into composting for our family. Lastly, I have a couple goals for myself. I love TV, and I don't think that will ever change, but I am going to try and read before bed more often and the biggest goal will be to get up in the morning before my kids and just sit outside and "be". Read from a book of encouragement and contemplate the words and just let myself start the day knowing I am a good person and can do this, and will do it to the best of my ability, which is all I can ever do.

Wish me luck! Hopefully by my 35th birthday next year I will have found the balance.

Its a hard knock Dad Life

2010-07-03T10:20:00.000-04:00

I love videos like this, although they missed my hubbys genre - nerd, video game lover!

Fresh Air is On The Move!

2010-06-30T14:42:00.000-04:00

This morning The Fresh Air Fund had their first departure of Fresh Air Fund Friendly Town trips for the summer. Could you imagine being a child and getting your first ever vacation to the beach, or to a lake where you can run free and be, well, a kid? That is what the Fresh Air Fund provides for children that grow up in mainly urban areas. If you would like to find out more, donate, or be a host, check out their site by clicking their box to the right. Every child deserves a fun summer vacation, and the Fresh Air Fund is helping to make that happen.

Happy travels!

Country Roads, Take Me Home

2010-06-29T13:53:00.000-04:00

When I think of Vermont, I think of John Denver. We would drive up to Vermont from NY and then VA for vacation and John Denver's Greatest Hits cassette was always a favorite for the ride. After it was over, my dad had to put up with us all asking him to change the station, or telling him to turn it up because, "This is my favorite song.", all the while thinking, "wasn't the last song your favorite?" We would stop at the same rest stops, and eat the packed lunch my mom made, and would always sing "She'll be comin' round the mountain" while we all competed to see who could see the lake first. It was great.

Times have changed since then, and now parents can't go to the store without putting a movie on for their kids...OK, maybe that's just me, but if my kids need a movie for a 30 minute car ride, then what will I do for 16 hours? True, I have managed to keep them entertained for the 5 hour trips to Richmond, VA by packing snacks and drinks, and having two movies ready at my finger tips, but 16 hours??

We're driving from Fort Mill to Lake Willoughby in a few weeks. Our plan is to take two days to get there, stopping off in NY or CT to stay with family. Right now we're thinking we'll leave at 12:00 AM (yes, midnight), so the kids sleep most of the way there that first day and, who knows, maybe with enough Starbucks, we'll make it all the way to Vermont. We'll each take a shift driving, 3-4 hours per shift. It will be interesting.

I already plan on searching through the rest areas to see which have play grounds, or which are at good intervals. I will pack our food because I don't want to blow a bunch of money on fast food and picnicking in a new state could be fun. I'll probably pick up a few new films so the kids are excited to watch them, and rotate them between old favorites. I can't forget the loveys, blankets and pet pillows. Oh, and batteries for the head phones so I don't have to listen to the movies :) Oh, and that also reminds me, with no jack for our media player, I'll need to make a bunch of mix Cd's for the trip so we don't get bored when the radio stations blow.

This will be out first BIG family road trip and we're pretty stoked. I just pray no one vomits, pees, or poos in their car seat. If we make it there without that happening, I will be happy :) What do you do to keep your family happy and entertained during long trips?? Send me your tips/suggestions :)

This spoke to me!

2010-06-23T21:15:00.000-04:00

I have a feeling my boys will have conversations like this.

Zumba!

2010-06-23T11:08:00.000-04:00

Ahh, today was my second day back with Dominique at the Y. She teaches Zumba and is an amazing instructor. I am drenched with sweat, and feeling free and happy after every time. Today we danced to this song, and it is SOOOO happy and free, that I had to share it. This one is for all your "football" lovers out there!!

Metabolic Makeover!

2010-06-22T09:13:00.000-04:00

So, today started my second week doing the Metabolic Makeover at the YMCA. I signed up for it as a Mother's Day gift to myself, because we all know that moms take care of themselves last, and frankly, I'm tired of being fat.

As I've stated a million times on this site, I used to be in spectacular shape. This was due to a program called 20/20 that was available at the Pro Sports Club in Bellevue, WA. It was pricey, but thankfully, at the time, I was fat enough to have Microsoft's insurance cover most of the cost (Microsoft has the BEST insurance). The program was April through August, with 12 weeks of hard core work, and 10 weeks of maintenance. I saw a trainer three times a week, a nutritionist once a week, and had group once a week. In the end, I was at my peak. I weight less, was all muscle, and could RUN like the wind. I base a lot of my success on my trainer, Marcus McMahon. When we met, he had just turned 21 or 22 and had gotten married. He was blond, buff, and a drill sargent. We had a great relationship and I did everything he told me to, and he told me to keep going when I said I was gonna barf. If you need a trainer look him up!!!

Anyway, after 20/20 I got pregnant with my first son. then my second, then my 3rd (a girl this time), and with each baby I lost less weight. Now I am 50 lbs heavier than I was when I ended the program and I am at my heaviest weight of my life. I don't "feel" fat, but I don't feel healthy either. I long to enjoy shopping for clothes again, and not feeling like "the fat one" at most events. So I signed up for this Metabolic Makeover to help reach that goal.

The class if run by two teeny-tiny women, that could probably beat my ass in a fight if it came down to it, even if they are half my size. They are tough, and they work me to the brink, and I LOVE IT! Thanks to Marcus, I am familiar with all the routines and am quickly getting back into the mind set of competing with myself to achieve my goal. This is what I've been looking for. Add in a little Zumba for fun and I'll be lookn' even hotter in no time!

So, here I go! Today was day three of doing the class, and I am already stronger than I was last week. It goes to August, and I'll keep you posted on the results!!!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T09:57:00.000-04:00

I made this little diddy for my husband for Christmas 2007. This was just after Middle was born. I need to update it, but I love watching this version. Its fun to go back in time to the beginning when we became parents. Rob has always been a great father. Stern, but fair, and always loving and playful. Happy Father's Day to him, and to all the Dad's out there!

I'm Baaaaaaack

2010-06-16T22:11:00.000-04:00

So, I would apologize for not writing in a while, but truth is, I don't know how many people really care, so there.Ha! Instead, here are some fun storie from the last few weeks.

one - So, my life in the last few weeks has revolved around poo. I wish I was kidding. Poo in the yard, poo on the carpet, and poo in the kitchen. My Eldest son was born to be a mountain man. The kind with a beard to his chest that houses a small family of birds. He has told me since we moved here that he likes WA better than SC and that he will move there when he as old as Daddy. Fine with me, but littl man, until then, you have to stop shitting in the yard. Truthfully, when it happens, I think, "at least it wasn't in his pants!", but he'll be 6 this year, time to move on. The last time he did it it was with a bunch of kids from the 'hood. Mostly boys. I heard "ewww! Mrs. Beth, Harrison pooped in the yard." The mom to these boys and I were enjoying some white wine together, but in an instant I was walking out into the yard with latex gloves on and used wal-mart bag. One boy said "it looks like a potato!", the other said, "why are flies on it, I wonder what's in it!", my friend and I both screamed, "DON'T TOUCH IT!!!!" Lordy. Next poop story...I cherish my little break time during the day. I put Youngest and Middle down for naps and set a movie up for Eldest and slink to my bedroom to watch crime shows and eat my lunch. The other day, I did the usual. After I finished my sammy, I went out in the kitchen to get something to drink and was smacked in the face by the smell of crap. Immediatly I had Eldest prove to me he had not pooped in his pants. Nope, he was fine, then I heard this tiny voice from behind his bedroom door say, "Mommy, I poop on carpet!". Oh, he had pooped on the carpet alright, and then he used his plastic Black and Decker hammer to pound it INTO the carpet. To be fair, I think he was trying to scoop it up and toss it, because some had made it into the trash somehow, but in the end, his efforts only made it worse. One again, the little green bissel machine saved my hide, but cleaning that up was pretty shitty, no pun intended. The final story, is about my sweet baby girl. She is so dang cute. The other day she took her own diaper off and before I knew it all my kids were naked running around with glee. Again, all three were born in the NW, so this isn't all that surprising, and I don't really care. I let them all go comando while I got the house cleaned up a bit, and then, I hear, "oh man, Youngest just pooped on the kitchen floor." Sure enough, she had dropped a duece on the floor...and stepped in it. I grabbed her, wiped her feet off with a clorox wipe, then got the floor clean. Three kids, three poops. awesome.

Two: So, as we all know, poop isn't the only bodily fluid (unfortunately) that most moms have to deal with. As it turns out, Middle is a bit of an exhibitionist, and enjoys being naked, or "whipping" it out. He also likes to pee in just about anything (except the potty). I've found pee on his carpet (way to many times), pee in a cup in his room, and even pee in the play tool box. We had a party Memorial Day Weekend and one of the moms came in and said "none of the kids wants to play in the kiddie pool anymore because Middle peed in a bucket and dumped it into the pool." I laughed and said, "well, water isn't cheap, at least they got to play in it for a couple hours." hahaha. Luckily there were a couple families there that just have girls, and the hubbies were LOVIN' this little display. He peed off the deck, and in the grass after that and they thought he was such a little dude. He really is, but walking around naked, grabbing your junk, and yelling, "Penis!" isn't really a party trick everyone wants to see. The latest happened at the pool today. I was watching Eldest swim around while wading with Youngest. Middle was playing on the steps with some friends. I hear women screaming and pointing and I freak thinking one of my kids is drowning! I turn to see Middle with his pants down pissing in the pool as if its his own personal toilet.Was I embarassed? Sure. But good LORD! These women had older kids, don't tell me those precious spawn NEVER peed in the pool, or worse, SHAT in the pool! I really think the screaming was a little over the top. But, whatever...I stayed, and kept playing after I pulled up his pants. He wasn't the first to pee in the pool today, I'm sure of it :) hahaha.

Three: Good news, I sent some of my stuff to the Fort Mill Times and they liked it! I was surprised. I was so nervous when I sent it to them, because lord knows I'm not thinking about grammer and spelling when I type this stuff out. But, they liked it and are interested in having me write features and possible a column. Fun!

Four: Its hard to believe, but its been just over a year since my cousin Chuck passed away. We all remembered him with a toast at 1:30 PM EST. I plan on getting an add-on to the Tattoo I got in February, and it will be one of Natasha Wescoat's trees. Google her, and you'll know why. They are beautiful. I'll be going in July and will be taking my niece and nephew for their first tattoos at the same time. My parents gave me a huge eye roll, but they'll be 20 and 18, old enough to get tattoos, and who better to go with.? It will be great.

OK, so that's all the update I have the energy for. The summer here is HOT, and I am beat by the end of the day!

Fresh Air Fund

2010-05-18T22:12:00.000-04:00

I love this cause. It helps kids from all walks of life come together to play in the summer at parks, pools, lakes, and rivers. Right now, all donations made to this charity will be matched. For more information go to www.freshair.org or click on the link I have in the right margin. Every child deserves a fun summer, if you like in the area this program supports, I urge you to sign up to host a child, and if not, I request you give a donation!

"Baby Ruth!"

2010-04-28T22:16:00.000-04:00

Have you ever seen that scene in Caddie Shack where the Baby Ruth candy bar falls into the pool and the pool is then evacuated because the swimmers thing its a big turd floating around? If not, watch the video below:

We joke about this scene a lot around here. What can I say, Rob and I are third graders when it comes to our humor. Anytime we hear about a swim lesson getting canceled or a friends kid pooping in the tub, we think of this scene.

For years I've listened to and read stories about parents who have dealt with their kids pooping in the tub. I thought they were hilarious, and although I sympathized with them, I was also VERY glad I had never had to deal with this particular nasty event before.

I mean, sure, I've been peed on (I do have two boys), and I've had a fart blown into my face while changing a diaper (again, TWO boys), I've even been barfed on many times, but I've never had poop in the tub. Tonight, however, Middle decided my streak would come to an end. I let Middle play in the tub while Youngest toddled around watching him and bringing him things to play with. After about 20 minutes I went in to check on him and he was out of the tub, dripping all over the floor, looking into the tub. I walked up to him and peaked over the rim to see what was so exciting and there it was. The theme to JAWS immediately started goin' in my head, as I watched this perfect, brown turd, about 4 inches long, swaying along the bottom of the tub. "Wow, you pooped in the tub!", I said, and Middle looked at me not knowing what I say at first (he probably expected me to get pretty pissed...thank you Concerta), and then he smiled and said "yes, I go more on potty?", "Yes!" I said. and sat him down to finish the job (and believe me, this turd was impressive, I didn't believe he had more, but sure enough...).

all in all, I felt like I handled the whole thing pretty well, and it cracked me up. I mean, at least he didn't crap on the carpet. I'll take the tub over that any day.

Hello, my name is Beth...

2010-04-28T21:44:00.000-04:00

and I have A.D.D.

It turns out, its true. Of course, this is based on an hour meeting with a psychiatrist, but the signs have been there for years. Based on my history, he found it was clear I suffered from the "Inattentive" (daydreamer) form of ADD and could benefit from some kind of pharmaceutical aid.

Do I like taking drugs? No. I joke about it, sure, "We're all medicated, we're all OK!!" haha, yeah, but really it bothers me. I don't like to take to much stuff, and currently I am on the celexa I went on after I had Youngest, antibiotics for a Sinus infection, and Allergy Meds from the doc (samples). The last two are temporary, but taking all this stuff seems like a lot to me. Now I have added Concerta.

Concerta and Celexa affect my brain, and this is not lost on me. When I started the Celexa I felt like such a failure. Taking something to help me get through "it" was never something I wanted to have to do. To me it meant I had failed. I probably should have gone on something after my Eldest was born, but was to proud. However, it couldn't be ignored after I had Youngest, and the OB and his nurse and my wonderful, wonderful friends told me not to feel like a failure. Turns out a lot of them were medicated as well, and I was soon telling other people to just do it if they felt they needed help!

Thankfully, taking the Celexa may also temporary. My doctor thinks a lot of the feelings of failure and depressed thoughts are due to my inability to focus like anyone else can. With the aid of the Concerta, I will soon have the ability to focus and have more control over my life, and in turn, will no longer need the Celexa. I can tell you, I can already feel a difference, maybe its the drugs (which I was told would work quickly) or maybe its just having something to explain my problems, but I was able to get through my day without feeling overwhelmed and it was so nice.

So, here I am, a 33 year old mother of three kids under 6, on a Ritalin based ADD drug. haha, sorry, I know, I know. I shouldn't laugh, but *snicker*, its kinda silly. Ah well, it is what it is, and I'll do whatever I need to do. Oh, and I have been told that the ADD drugs cause weight loss...HOLLA!

A.D.D.

2010-04-08T21:22:00.000-04:00

When I was in Kindergarten, my teacher had a conference with my mother, where she told her the following, "I'm sorry Mrs. Gorey, but I believe Beth is mentally retarded." Seriously, this is a true story. I struggled with school most of my life, but pulled it all together in college (well, the last two years of college) and graduated with honors, much to my parents surprise (and I did it in 4 years).

Anyhoo, I've always been a bit scatter brained. Rob will tell anyone the crazy things he's watched me do, his favorite being forgetting to turn the gas off on the stove. He checks the house after I go to bed to make sure nothing has been left on or placed in a dangerous place.

I am also addicted to lists. I get a real sense of satisfaction when I create a list and check everything off, but on the flip side, I get a real sense of frustration when I don't get to any of the items. I also use lists to shop, and without them I end up getting a lot of crap and none of the stuff I needed. Case in point, I went to Target to shop for cake and such for my little girls 1st birthday party. I left with a few bags of things that I probably didn't really need and NOTHING for her birthday.

So, anyway, today I went to my therapist. I see one now, and its great. I got all weepy as I usually do, mainly because today is my little girls birthday and a year ago I gave myself a "year" to lose the baby weight and have stopped and started so many times. Needless to say I haven't lost any of the weight, and although today is such a happy day for our family, I started it with a sense of failure. While telling my therapist all this, including the above stories, she finally came to the conclusion that she strongly believe I have A.D.D. Yes, THE A.D.D. that you hear about in kids, but not so much with adults.

I am in the process of making an appointment with a psychiatrist to go over what kind of medications I could use to help with this new discovery. I left feeling a little lighter in the heart. If taking something will help me keep on task in all aspects of my life and actually devote my FULL attention to the activities and people in my life then I am willing to take whatever they give me!

"LEMONADE!"

2010-03-26T22:18:00.000-04:00

Moving? Want to make friends and meet new neighbors? Set up a lemonade stand. Eldest saw an episode of "Ruby and Max" where Ruby set up a lemonade stand and immediately wanted to do the same. He had it all planned out. We would use our rolling cooler as the counter, and I would make the lemonade (crystal light, it was a hit). We found some day glow orange cups in the garage and off we went.

I told him we may have better luck on a sunnier day, but he was determined. He started out by shouting, "Customers!" hahaha. I loved it. I took photos of all three of them standing around the cooler. After some consideration, Eldest decided to sell his product for "1 coin", and started adding that to his announcements, "Customers! Lemonade for one coin!"

Our first customer was a babysitter of ours named Hannah. She's the sweetest girl, and after finding our lemonade stand she ran home to get her penny. Her mom insisted she tip her servers, so she came with 52 cents. 26 for Eldest and 26 for Middle. They were thrilled and I helped pour her lemonade. Next one of our neighbors sons came down to check it out, and we gave him a glass for free, since our first customer paid for 52 glasses.

Hannah stuck around to help Eldest sell his lemonade. She, Eldest, and Middle shouted at cars and people going by. A couple cars stopped, and the men working on the house next door to us came by and bought some. Each time they got whatever change was in their pocket/car. The boys were THRILLED with their booming business. Eldest really enjoyed the thrill of having people come for lemonade, so near the end he started shouting, "Lemonade! 1 coin. If you have no coins, its free!" Finally, Daddy came home and purchased 100 cups! Eldest immediately wanted to count his money, and the final total was $3.00. He used it to buy new Legos today.

I told him when it gets warmer our business will get even better, and suggested we raise our price to 10 cents. We could even put some otter pops in the cooler as a second product. We have prime real estate living just down the street from the pool and the sky is the limit! I am so glad I went with it and put up this lemonade stand for them. It was 4:30, it was a little chilly, and it was cloudy, but I did it, and they loved it, which made it totally worth it. Sure, I stayed up a little later to clean up the house, but my kids went to bed happy and that is all that matters.

TV

2010-03-25T21:01:00.000-04:00

You know, I used to be totally addicted to TV. I mean, I still am really, but the addiction has softened a bit. I used to do a spread sheet of over 45 shows that I taped in various rooms on different DVRs based on when they came on, and where I wanted to be when I watched them. It was an art form.

However, since our move, I have lost this luxory. The new fall TV season started while we were living in an apartment with only *gasp* one TV, and *double gasp* no DVR. I found myself having to watch things live and make choices as to what I really loved to watch and what was just filler.

As a result, I have fallen out of love with a few of my favorites. Greys Anatomy was one that was put on the chopping block. I couldn't take the stupidness of it all. To much drama, is that even possible? Well, they made it possible. I also stopped watching Thursday night comedies like the Office. Having not worked in one for over 2 years, it wasn't all the funny anymore. I kept loyal to my crime shows, though. I loved that stuff.

Anyway, one show that I was really looking forward to was LOST. I've had a love hate relationship with this show since it started. In season three I cut it from the spreadsheet. It made no sense and trying to figure it out was no longer fun. Then all my friends that were still into it, told me I missed the best season. So, back on the spreadsheet it went and I really enjoyed the last two seasons (mainly because I had friends to drink and watch it with!). So, here wer are, the final season of LOST. Finally some answers, right?

WRONG. This season is such crap. I'm seeing more and more friends drop off as fans and I can't blame them. I've just finished the last episode. Its compelling, I like knowing Richard's story, but the alternate life angle is bugging me. I don't get the reason its necessary. They have a few weeks left to turn it around, and because I am loyal, and have already invested so much time, I'll see it through, but I have a feeling I'll be pissed when its over.

Anyone else watch? Anyone love this season? If so, tell me WHY???

I Love Frogs

2010-03-22T21:10:00.000-04:00

So, its finally here. I've been waiting with baited breath for Spring to arrive, and it is FINALLY HERE! After the worst winter of all time in South Carolina (figures), we have hit the 60s and they are here to stay. Being from the NW, 60 is pretty much summer, so this past weekend I broke out the pool and bathing suits and the kids had a great time. Eldest even got sunburn, but I'm not used to applying that until late July. It was wonderful (well, not the sunburn, but you get the picture).

The air smells like spring, and the South has a special "spring" smell. Its hard to describe, but if you live here, you know what I'm talking about. Its a smell that makes you happy, like cookies in the oven, or babies after a bath. It conjures up thoughts of BBQ dinners and shopping at Lowes for new flowers.

Tonight, I am sitting in my room and I can hear the frogs, and crickets outside. I don't even have the windows open! These guys are loud, and peaceful all at the same time. There weren't to many night time noises out in the NW, barring the random wolf howl, or racoon vs. cat brawl. Maybe there were frogs, but they were NW frogs. These are SE frogs and they bring back memories of my childhood here. Its comforting.

Now, the big show will arrive once summer hits, and I am hoping we didn't move to late to see them. Fire Flies, or Lightning Bugs, are becoming rare in the summer months around here, but I am really hoping the kids will get to see a few for the first time in thier lives this summer. How exciting for them! We'll catch them and put them in old jars and watch them glow a while before setting them free. It will be wonderful and I can not wait.

Until then, I will be collecting old jars and looking around for nets and hoping the fire fly gods will bless us with some fun summer nights.

I love my kids

2010-03-13T11:01:00.000-05:00

No matter how much they drive me crazy, I love them to pieces, but there is something to be said about being able to vent the things you're thinking when your kid(s) are being total animals. its hard not to take what they do very personally. Like when my 5 year old kicks me in the gut because he won't let me brush his nappy hair, or when my 2 year old hits me because I won't let him have ice cream for breakfast, or when my 1 year old screams all day because I won't pick her up. Every mom reaches her limit and finally just thinks, "I gave up everything to take care of you! I used to have a life, money, and privacy, and I gave that all up to mold you into a decent human, and you thank me by hitting, kicking, and throwing stuff at me? screw that."

Yesterday was one of those days. It didn't help that Middle got up at 4:$5, and that I had a countdown going in my head until I left to go to my sisters for the weekend. I was ready to go at like, um, 3:00 in the afternoon. I had prepped the house for the weekend, packed my bag, taken a shower, and gotten the kids ready for bed (yes, at 3:00). Then, the witching hour hit and they all turned on me. They were jumping on beds, fighting with each other, screaming and crying. I wanted to get in the car and just leave them there on their own. Instead, I let my sons fight it out while I sat on the front porch in a rocker with the 1 year old to keep her happy. I couldn't hear the screams as well out there and it was very peaceful.

We all need a break. There is a reason that its the law for most companies to allow their employees time for one based on the hours they are working. Sucks that there is no law for us moms though. Wouldn't it be great if the Government started organizing drop off centers (FREE drop off centers) for our kids so we could take our hour and a half break alone in our own house with no one grabbing at us? Imagine, eating lunch without having to share! Are you smiling yet? It just seems fair, right?

Well, I finally did make it out the door, and drove through driving rain, lightning and thunder to get here, but I am here. My sister just has a 10 month old baby girl, and her house is so calm and quiet. I slept until 8:30, straight through. It is worth it, my kids will live not seeing me for a couple days and I will be a much happier mom when Monday roles around. Take care of yourself and life will take care of itself.

Shit Storms...

2010-03-03T19:44:00.000-05:00

Don't they always happen at the VERY WRONG TIME? I suppose we wouldn't call them shit storms if they happened at convenient times. Then maybe we would call them "chocolate" storms, or "awesomeness" storms. Whatever, shit storm is what I'm in now, maybe the eye, but I know more is coming, I can smell it.

The trip to Seattle was AWESOME. Loved it, but maybe it was to soon for us to go back. Again, not that we don't enjoy it here. I adore my new home, and I've enjoyed meeting new friends. However, when you live in a place for that long, you just can't help but feel at home there. Even my friends felt like it was as if we never left. So, I'm thinking we went back to soon...because we did, and we're not coming back. Oh sure, for visits, but the next won't be for another year or so...by then maybe they would have lost interest.

Upon return, our kids greeted us with loving smiles and I enjoyed every one of them. My mom and I polished of a box of wine and we all watched the end of the olympics. It was great. Monday was spent looking over my house and putting things back where they belong. I don't care that they were moved, but I can't function in a cluttered, unorganized house (like my mom can hehe). It was a good day, and I enjoyed most of it with my parents. The kids were upset about them leaving, but it is nice to know our visits won't be so far apart anymore.

However, that night? Well, things didn't go so well. Fights with the hubs to be exact and I really hate those. They take everything out of me and afterward I felt like all the awesomeness I had acumulated on my trip had been sucked out and replaced with bitterness and anger. Love that, right?

I'm still recovering from it, or I should say, "we" are still recovering from it, but it brings up the question of why marraige has to be so damn hard. You marry someone you love, you live together, you have a family, and life is good. Why isn't the path as easy as it sounds? I figure as you grow older, you grow up into different people at different stages. Its like Pangea breaking apart. You'll have earthquakes that rock your world, but eventually you'll find balance in the new structure and people will live on with the new design. However, how many times must the tectonic plates shift? It always seems like once you're comfortable and feel like things are settling down, another big one hits and you're left picking up the pieces and starting over again. Its exhausting.

Anyway, that is my two cents on the totally Debbie Downer tip. I did have one funny comment today though, sometimes I feel like the live-in babysitter. I just wish I had the body to match the job title! Mine totally screams "MOM" not "HOT NANNY!"

I'm going home....

2010-02-24T11:16:00.000-05:00

I can't help but have that Daughtry song in my head as I sit here in the great NW this rainy AM. Rob and I landed yesterday afternoon and while the plane decended we felt those familiar bumps in the air due to the mountains that surround Western WA. I told Rob it was kinda wierd coming here as a visitor and not "coming back" from the trip. He asked if I considered WA "home", and I thought about it for a few seconds and then said "yes".

We lived here for 9 years. Longer than anywhere else together and close to the same length I've lived in one place my whole life. When we first moved to the NW, we would tell friend we were going "home" when we flew back to VA to visit family, but eventually that turned into "We're going back East", or "We're going to visit family", because WA had become home for us.

Of course, this is not to say our move was the wrong choice. We love being closer to our family, and we've made some great friends, but we have a ways to go before SC is home for us. We'll get there though. For now, we're enjoying the small comforts we've missed in the NW. Hearing Pearl Jame on The End, watching Jeff Renner on NBC talk about the storm systems coming in, seeing the space needle from I-5, and cursing the crappy drivers out here. Its even raining, how appropriate.

We're staying at the Tulalip Casino and resort. It is a business trip afterall, and this place is amazing. Tulalip's slogan is "The #1 place for fun" and so far, they're right. The hotel is beautiful! Lots of totems and Native American art, and it has a very lodgy feel and our room is gorgeous! The shower has three heads all at different levels. WOOOOOOT!

I'm sitting here this AM watching the Today show and they're taking a trip to Victoria. I've been there and its fun to see them go to a place I am familiar with. In face, we are only 100 miles from Vancouver. I told Rob, "Hey, want to go to the olympics?" as we drove up here yesterday :)

So, today I see a friend from lunch and then I am getting a new Tattoo (much to my mother dismay). I'll send out photos and post about it after I get it. I can't wait.

NW, I love you, I miss you, I may have to change my plans to retire to NYC...maybe Seattle instead :)

Did I Even Move?

2010-02-15T09:32:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't you know it, we moved the year the South gets the worst winter in hundreds of years. I mean, isn't this just my luck? Moving was hard enough, but the thought of having warmish weather starting in February was enough to get me through the harder times. Well, here we are, its February, and guess what? Its raining/snowing/windy/cold. Sounds familiar? It does to m? This was the weather I endured for over 9 years. Every year between February and April I would be totally over it and start to get very grumpy, and some days, angry about it. Now I'm almost 3000 miles away from the NW, but the weather seems to have followed me!

I'm convinced Mother Nature hates me. She has been such a bitch to me these last few years with all the rain, snow, and floods, in the NW, and now she's taking away my warm, sunny weather. The winter funk is setting in. I weight more than I should, I hate taking the kids out because bundling all three up is a real pain, and I am so tired of being in my house!

I want warm sunshine, WARM, not bitterly cold windy sunny days, but WARM sunshine. My friends here have told me it will be here in March...well guess what, March is only two weeks away! I don't see an end in site. Seems like every Monday and Friday a new snow storm blows in and brings us rain, sleet, and cold temps. What's the worst part? We leave for Seattle on the 23rd, and I have NO DOUBT that it will follow us back and it will snow/rain/wind/whatever there while we're visiting. Its like I live under Gargamells cloud on a regular basis.

hmmmm, maybe I should stop complaining and it won't seem that way. hahaha, yeah right, like that would happen!

Fits...

2010-02-10T08:37:00.000-05:00

Its been a while, but today my five year old pulled out the big guns and threw a fit worthy of a 2 year old. All in all, it was very impressive, but he chose the most inconvenient time to do it, but isn't that always the way?

Today I went to a new neighbors house for a playdate. Whenever you do this, you always hope that your kids will behave, because you don't want to start off being the mom with "that" or "those" kids. Sure, later on, after you've gotten them hooked on your awesomeness, they can know it, but not at hte first playdate!

We showed up, and everything was going great. Eldest was playing well with the other kids, whom were all younger. I was very pleased with all three of them actually. Youngest was charming and practicing her walking, Middle wasn't in my face and was happy to play with other kids (which was a real shock), and Eldest wasn't getting annoyed with the younger kids. I was feeling pretty good about my mothering skills.

Then, Middle pulled out the "Parents Drum" to play with. You know the one they sell at Target with all the parts inside? We used to have it, and about 2 days after getting it, it was in the good will pile because the boys thought the drum sticks made great weapons. I was a little nervous they would start that again, but Eldest was enjoying a snack and youngest was drumming, so it seemed to be OK.

Of course, my predictions eventually came true. Eldest found those damn drum sticks and started out banging them together, then banging them together very hard around other people. I told him to stop, he wouldn't, then he hit me with one and I took them away. He started to get punchy after that. pushing me, giving Logan shoves. getting upset that other kids weren't letting him play with certain toys. I told him if his attitude didn't change we were leaving, and he hit me. So, I stood up and told my new neighbors we had to go because Eldest wasn't listening. This started the big fit worthy of an Oscar.

Middle gave me NO trouble, which was so refreshing, but Eldest really made up for it. He was screaming at the top of his lungs about not wanting to go, he slapped me in the head (ouch!), he refused to put on his shoes and jacket, and he held onto the banister of the stairs as if fighting hurrican force winds. I had to ask for help to get out of the house. Someone had to get Youngest and put her in the stroller, another had to help Middle with his shoes and Jacket and another assisted me in prying Eldests hands from the stairs. Luckily, everyone was all "been there done that, don't worry about it.", which is refreshing.

Eldest SCREAMED all the way home and it echoed through the neighborhood. I'm sure people were wondering what I had done to this poor kid. I very calmly told him he would NOT be playing any lego games today, and I was taking his Legos from him for the day. Oh man, that made him VERY angry, but I held strong. The worst was that he had his heart set on taking a plane he had made out of Legos to school for show and tell on his "helper day", but I wouldn't let him. He had to take a sticker book instead.

He cried in the car, and I would catch glimpses of him in the back, fingers in his mouth, calming himself, then thinking about his legos and crying again. It was hard to watch. When we got to school he was finally calm enough to talk to and I told him if he behaved at school, he could earn his Legos back. When his teacher opened the car door, the water works started again and I told her about what happened and how he could earn the Legos back and she said, "Come on Eldest, I'm going to help you get those Legos back." So sweet!

Well, it worked. When I picked him up, he came bounding to the car and told me right away what a great helper he was and how he listened and did everything he was told. That was a proud moment for me. I had finally followed through with a punishment and didn't let all the crying, shouting, whining break me down and it felt like it was all worth it in the end.

I rewarded myself with a Skinny Captain and a night over at a friends watching American Idol. :)

IKEA!

2010-02-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

Oh man, I love IKEA. If you've never been, look up the closest store and make plans to visit. IKEA has some really useful stuff AND some very unique designs. They also have a kids play area! BONUS!

My neighbor and I decided to go to IKEA with the kids today since it was raining. The drive there was horrible. People in the SE think putting on thier lights when its raining is optional. Isn't it a law? I can't tell you how many people were hiding in the my blind spot. It was quite a challange. But, we made it to IKEA in one piece.

We ran through the pouring rain to get inside and went right to the kids area. I was pretty disappointed to find out they don't take kids that aren't potty trained. Middle was already taking his boots off ready to go. Poor kid always gets the shaft. We dropped the older kids off and were told we had an hour to shop before we had to pick them up. As predicted, Middle was a total nightmare. I finally found a cart that would contain him, and then before we knew it, our hour was up. My friend found her curtains in that time, but we didn't get to go through any of the really fun sections, not to mention that our kids did NOT want to leave. While eating our 5 dollar lunch (YES, 5 bucks for the kids AND us), my friend had a good point, Logan was big enough to go in, and he would have only been in there an hour. Unless he pooped, they wouldn't know he wasn't potty trained because he wouldn't have asked to go. I'm such a nerd, I wouldn't have ever done that without someone suggesting it. Next time I"ll try it...or maybe I'll start with the right cart, OR, maybe I'll take the time to potty train the poor kid!

Magic Shell

2010-02-04T20:09:00.000-05:00

There are some things from childhood that you can't let go of. For me, its Magic Shell. I love this stuff, and put it all over my ice cream. I don't get it everytime I shop, but when I do, it doesn't last very long. I had some tonight and was thinking of other childhood treats I looking forward to.

I always loved getting pizza from the italian place near the UKrops on Court House Rd, in Richmond, VA (before UKrops moved down Midlothian Turnpike). The pizza was real NYC style and we always got to have soda with dinner on pizza night. Coke or Root Beer, and I would pick Root Beer because its what my dad would have.

My sister, MaryLou, and I would BEG our parents to take us to McDonalds and on the rare occasion that they did, it was so exciting. We loved the the smells, and especially the toys. In particular, I remember the Muppet Baby toys. What Happy Meal toys do you remember? Remember the glasses? Smurfs, princess characters. Collect them all. The pokemon of our day, right?

When we went on long car rides we got paper sacks and went to the candy store to fill them with our most favorite treats. Mine were gummy worms, starbursts, and fire balls.

These days, parents are scared into giving their kids the heathiest foods possible everyday. I don't knock it, I'm glad our kids are eating better, but I am thinking a night or two of indulgence, where they get soda with dinner or a trip to the candy store before a car ride could be a good thing. I want my kids to meet up when they are in their 20s and 30s and not only laugh about how crazy I am, but remember all the fun things they got to do as kids. For some reason I don't think "remember eating hummus and carrots for snack? Boy, that was the BEST!" would really cut it. haha.

Where Does the Time Go?

2010-02-03T21:20:00.000-05:00

Today, I got lucky. Middle fell asleep on the way back from taking Eldest to pre-school. When this happens I am so very happy we have a garage that my car goes in that is attached to the house (yes, I did NOT have this in WA!). I just pull in, open his door and leave him in the car. He's capable of getting himself out when he wakes up and I can put Youngest down for a nap and actually have quiet in the house for up to an hour and a half.

Today, I was really excited about it, because I wanted to watch the season finale of American's Worst Cook. I sat down at 1:45 with my sandwich and pressed play only to hear Youngest crying. I pause the TV, make a bottle and give it to her. I come downstairs to find Middle upset in the car, so I carry him into my room and put him to bed. Ahh, time to eat my lunch! Everyone is happy...I get to the couch and watch about five minutes and hear Youngest crying again. PAUSE! I go up and find that she has decided to take a huge poo! I change her, and put her back down, wash my hands and sit down to finally enjoy my show. Everyone is fed, clean, and asleep. PLAY! I watch 15 minutes and eat my sandwich and when I'm done I look at the clock...2:55!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have to leave at 3:00 to pick up Eldest. Where does the time go? Seriously?

I really can't wait until school is over and the afternoon is free. Next year Eldest will be in kindergarten, and Middle will be in Pre-school in the morning. I can't freakin' wait.

New Tabs

2010-02-03T11:38:00.000-05:00

Maybe you noticed, but just in case you didn't, there are now some new tabs just under my header. Home, About Me, Contact Me, and Comments. Please check them out, and leave as many comments as you want. I like to get feedback on what you're reading! Drop a line if you have time.

Question of the day, what have you done in your moments of weakness to keep yourself sane? Yesterday my 2 year old came to me while I was having a playdate. I was talking with some girlfriends and really didn't want to be interrupted. Well, he came to me with a carton of ice cream and a spoon. I didn't even blink. I opened the carton and gave him a spoonful (just one mind you) to keep him happy and keep myself sane. it was 10:00 AM. Oh well, I say it was a win win!

American Idol

2010-02-02T19:13:00.000-05:00

You know what, I kinda like this show. I watched the first season, then just got pissed that I was a year over the cut off, and stopped watching. I didn't like how they exploited the people that couldn't sing and that were obviously mentally unstable, and I also didn't like that people that could sing were passed over because they didn't "look" the part.

However, this year I decided to watch. My friends are all loyal fans, and I usually get suckered into watching the final episode with them because they lure me over with the promise of drink. Last season's finale was AWESOME, and I decided I would give this show another chance, from start to finish.

Of course, what makes it SUPER fun is I get to watch it with my new neighbor Trish and her 12 year old daughter. Trish and I talk through the whole show while her daughter "shhhes" us. Its a lot of fun. I've been impressed with the singes that have made it and brought to a couple tears with the back stories of a few. The guest judges so far blow, the worst being Katy Perry and Avril Levine. The two of them were so very rude, but I suppose they're already jaded at what, 20?

I have high hopes for Hollywood week, which is when Ellen starts to fill Paula's spot. So excited because I LOVE Ellen. Her show used to air at 11:30 West Coast time and I watched almost everyday while I made the boys lunch. It comes on much later here, so I haven't seen it, which is a total bummer. But, I digress, Ellen will no doubt add something to show this year.

But, back to what I said about being pissed about being to old to try out, well(!), as you may know, Simon is leaving A.I. to promote X Factor in the US and as it turns out, there is a category for those of us older than 30. I have a right mind to drive to Atlanta or New York to try out. I doubt I would make it, but how fun would that be? I'll let you know if I get the balls to do it.

Until then, I will watch these people try out and cry about not making it while their parents hug them and curse in outrage. I mean, its hard to say, would I let one of my kids try out because I support them and want them to believe in themselves even if I knew they were horrible? Probably not. Would you?

This is REAL snow, SC

2010-02-01T20:14:00.000-05:00

Black Bath Water: It Snowed!#links

Click the link above to read about how it "REALLY" snowed in the NOW a few years ago.

We got about an inch here and schools are closed. Oh, did I mention the snow came LAST FRIDAY!?!?!??!??? It did. I suppose it melts then turns to ice, but God bless, I am over this. First its cold as all get out, then it actually snows. Did I even move? bah!

Really? its 2010 for crying out loud!!!

2010-01-27T09:43:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I can't believe the things I hear about intolerance in this day and age. I would love to believe that we're moving towards a world where people are free to be themselves without being hated for their differences, but then I hear stories like this one and I am tossed right back into "reality". It pisses me off, to be quite frank.

A friend of mine was telling me about a house she had almost sold. It wasn't the best looking home, but the family that wanted it loved it, and were ready to sign on the dotted line, but then the mom/wife found out that their neighbors would be a gay couple. That was all it took for her to let go of the house. She didn't think living next to a gay couple would be a very good environment for her kids.

Now, I understand that people are entitled to their opinion, and are free to make their own choices, blah blah blah, but really? Do people still think GAY = pedifile, unsavory lifestyles, drugs...etc? Are they THAT misinformed? I would think living next to a gay, or lesbian couple for that matter, would be an excellent opportunity to teach your children to be tolerant and to show them that love comes in all forms. Part of me kinda hopes she gets really crappy neighbors in the house she did end up in, but that isn't very "christian" of me is it?

You know, I live next to a man in his 50s that lives alone and loves model trains. Do you think I"ll let my boys over to his house alone (no matter how nice he is)? Hell no. I would prefer a gay couple next door!

OK, that's my rant for the day. For the record, I think my neighbor is very nice and he is always very helpful and neighborly...

Laundry calls...I wish it would fold itself.

I Hate Labels

2010-01-19T19:50:00.000-05:00

So, my last two posts were kinda debbie downers, and yesterday afternoon I found out why? Aunt Flo came to visit. I'm actually relieved, as its a confirmation that I am not pregnant :) hahaha. Not that I thought I was, but not having any surgical confirmation of this NEVER happening again, you can never be to sure. Rob told me he had a dream I was pregnant...time to get that little job done if you ask me!

ANYHOOOOO, So, that means its that time of month to feel large and in charge and when I go seaking out the fastest/easiest way of losing weight. I did Weight Watchers a few years ago and had great success. Of course this was before kids, when I was drinking most dinners. HAHAHA. Hey, Beer counts as points...if I had my fill of points, then I wouldn't nibble the nachos and have Rob drive home. But NOW, well, now I eat. So, I went to their site to see what had changed and took their "Whats you're BMI?" quiz. After inputing my height and weight, my BMI came back as 35. OK, I know 35 isn't good, but the word underneath is what made me want to vomit my dinner back up....OBESE.

ugh, When I think "Obese", I think contestants on the Biggest Loser, not a mom that had a baby 9 months ago (I KNOW I KNOW, you're only a "new' mom for 6, but give me a break, she's my 3rd!). Not a woman that goes to the gym on a pretty regular basis, and knows that eating right and exercising is how you stay in good health...no, no, no, not me! Well, as it turns out, KNOWING ISN'T HALF THE BATTLE (screw you GI Joe). If this were the case, I would have lost 25 pound by just KNOWING what to do. Stupid cartoons.

But, really, I do know, and even have all the helpful paper work from my weight loss program days. Implementing it is another thing. You would think seeing the word "OBESE" would make me dump the wine I just poured and put the kettle on for some tea with nothing in it. Nope. I'm drinking the wine. I just don't have it in me to give up anything. I give up plenty daily already, including crapping in peace. I don't want to give up my wine, chocolate, or dairy. Nothing may taste as good as skinny feels, but maybe, secretly in my subconscious, I don't want to KNOW what skinny feels like.

I have a little saying over my key ring holder that says, "Enjoy this moment, for this moment is your life." (Thanks mom), so, if this moment is my life, then I will enjoy my 3 buck chuck and the episode of American Idol that is about to come on. Maybe TOMORROW I will enjoy the moment I sign up for weight watchers, or take a walk around the block. We'll see.

Screw you "OBESE". You're just a word, and as Pat Monahan from Train sings, "If some words don't make you feel good, treat them like firewood, and let 'em burn" BURN BABY!

Earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-18T11:40:00.000-05:00

I'm hoping many of my readers have already donated to the relief effort in Haiti, but if you haven't, visit the RedCross site below. There you'll find out updates on whats happening and get information on how to help (either by donating money, time, blood...etc).

My older sister Jill is part of a group at her church tha orgnizes yearly trip to Haiti to help out with medical care in local areas around Port Au Prince She was scheduled to go in just over a month for her yearly trip. Haiti holds a very special place in her heart, and its hard to see them all suffer even more than they already were. Although her trip hasn't been canceled yet, there is really no doubt that it will be. Haiti is no place for people that are not properly trained in humanitaian care or for people that aren't armed (sad as that may be). We can only hope that those who are able to go help, are able to make difference and get these people back on their feet. When disasters like this happen, its amazing how quickly the world can come together to aide these fallen countries. We should always keep that unity close to our hearts.

Photos: Earthquake in Haiti

Posted using ShareThis

Sick Days

2010-01-18T11:31:00.000-05:00

Moms don't get them. We just get the, "aw, man, hope you do OK today!", or "Aw, hope you and the kids feel better soon!". Sometimes we all wish to hear, "Aw, let me come over and watch your kids so you can sleep away the day and get better quickly." Really, I am exhausted.

I had a wonderful time visiting my sister at her lake house with Eldest, but came home to find that Middle and Youngest are sickly and I wasn't feel all that awesome either. I was up half the night with Middle, and then bright and early with Middle nagging for juice and Dora. Eldest has a stuffy nose, but is happy, and Youngest could be doing better, but isn't as needy as yesterday. Middle is my real challange today. He looks so very tired, but refuses to just relax. I am exhausted (I think I mentioned that), so having him wine about toys is not something I can handle right now.

I was talking to my mom today and was telling her that what I want more than anything, more than being a size 12 even is to have my energy back. If I had more energy, I think things would start to click a bit. I haven't slept well since we moved. Restless leg, babies up at night, scary dreams, you name it, it has kept me up. I find that I may have even started a pattern of wanting to sleep during the day and not the night. Maybe I'm a Vampire?? I can't seem to get to sleep before 11:30, but should really be asleep by 8:00! Maybe I need to read instead of watch TV.

I hate it when life feels so out of whack. Routine has always been a struggle for me since I started staying home. I thrive on schedules and plans, and although I've laxed on those rigid ideals, it is still difficult when I am still in my PJs at 12:00 and have no clear path to the shower because a million other things have come up. They always do.

But, what I am focusing on right now is how lucky I am to have three kids that are healthy (colds will not kill them), and a home, and medical care if needed. Sure, I am tired, and can complain all day about how hard my life is right now, but its no where near as hard and dismal as the lives of the people in Haiti right now. I have to remember that. We have to remember that even on our worst days, our lives are blessed and we should be thankful that this is all we have to really be worried about, not getting enough sleep in our heated homes, in our big beds, because we stay up to late to watch cable TV. yeah, my life is so hard (ha!).

OK, I'm off to clean my dishes with the running water I have. Life is good.

Sweat Shop

2010-01-13T11:55:00.000-05:00

No, this isn't a post about the conditions my clothes from Wal-Mart are made in, its about a class at the Y called Sweat Shop. At least, I think that's the name. If it isn't, this SHOULD be the name!

I got maybe 4 hours sleep on Monday night, and Tuesday morning came way to early, but nonetheless, I made it to the gym to workout. I took this class with some girlfriends, thinking it would be a good addition to my already fun Zumba routine. WRONG! Never workout on just 4 hours sleep. NEVER!

My first indication that this class would suck was having to set up a step/riser. I suck at step cardio, SUCK AT IT. But I thought, well maybe its just to lay on for weights. Maybe we won't actually jump around on it. Then we had to get glider discs. Round discs with felt on the bottom that we put our feet on. What the hell could these be used for? Why wouldn't I want traction when working out? This can't be normal. The class instructor walked in and I knew I was in trouble. She was a 40 something woman with maybe 2% body fat that was way to happy to be there.

Class started out with your basic cardio warm up, then it moved to a place I hope to never go again. She had is "bunny hop" over our steps. We had to keep our hands on the step and hop over. I looked at my friends and said "is she f**king kidding?" The rest of the class was more of the same. About 10 minutes in I wanted to run crying from the room. I was so out of shape, and so not wanting to be there. When it came time to do tricep dips, I just sat on my little riser and watched all these crazy women dip, dip, dip their way to Michelle Obama arms. All I could think about was how 5 years ago I would have totally rocked this class. Five years ago, Michelle Obama would have wanted MY arms.

Its been hard to get back on track. Its hard to feel like I am just another out of shape mom, when I know I didn't used to be. I talked with my brother in law about it, he's a trainer, and he said I am to focused on the end result and I'm putting a lot of stock in the end result fixing my body image. He said I should enjoy the journey better. Work out, and once I've gone to the gym, don't worry about it anymore that day. He's right, the journey is more important than the end result. It's going to take a LONG time to get there.

still, I had Obama arms, want to see?

I'm the one in the white tank...WHITE OBAMA ARMS!!!! No double chin...ugh!

Just one of those days...

2010-01-08T17:29:00.000-05:00

to be honest, it was yesterday, today has been good, although I am chompin' at the bit to get outta here and go to my 2 hour Zumbathon tonight. Yes, 2 hours of dancing like a white girl to hip hop and latin music! I can't wait!!!.

Anyway, YESTERDAY, well that's another story. I haven't been sleeping well for a while, and after another night battling restless legs and hearing noises in the house, I am awoken by my 2 year old at 7:00 AM. Actually, this isn't all that bad, he usually comes in at 6:30, but not having had much sleep, I was annoyed. We go to the kitchen and I start to think about breakfast. I decide to make pancakes. Don't get to impressed, its the "just add water" mix by Aunt Jemima! I go to the pantry and find the boxed totally soaked. WTF? I look around and turns out all my boxed goods are soaked through, ALL OF THEM! I freak thinking a pipe burst or something, but no, it was a bottle of Mountain Dew that was on the top shelf that fell over and leaked all the way down. I don't even drink Mountain Dew, hence it being on the top shelf out of sight. I think we got it free with a pizza. Damn Dew. I make a bowl of cereal for Logan and get to work, mostly throwing away food, taking out my shelf liners to wash, and wiping down the walls and floor. NOT how I wanted to start my day! But, I figured it could only get better, right? WRONG!

Later on, while searcing the web for coupons, Eldest comes to me saying "Middle is making a mess with something in your room." Great, probably another bottle of shampoo on the carpet! Nope, this time he upped the stakes. He had found a bottle of Linkin Park After Dark nail polish (darkest purple out there) and dumped a good portion of the bottle on my carpet! CARPET! He had also stepped in it and had it all over his hands and some on his mouth. HIS MOUTH! Again, I never paint my own nails, but got the whole bottle for free after a recent manicure. I should have thrown it away.

The moment I saw it, I wanted to run from my house screaming "I QUIT, I QUIT!" I was so over being a mom at that point. I wanted someone to come sweep me off my feet and carry me to a padded room with a bed. But, a moment later, I was dumping nail polish remover on the paint and scrubbing it out of the carpet. It took my bisel, oxy clean, nail polish remover, and a tide pen to get it out, but I got it out.

It so exhausting having kids. I know, I gave up the right to have a life of my own when I got pregnant, but there are days where I just want to be like them and throw a huge fit about how I can't even take a crap in peace. You barley make it into the bathroom before someone is seaking you out for juice, food, or more "Diego". Middle has taken up saying "mommy, wha are you?" its cute, and freaky all at the same time. Kinda like "Chucky" coming to find you.

But, alas, the time has come for me to go to Zumba and dance my cares away. If you've had a bad day, play the video below and dance your a$$ off. You'll feel so much better, trust me :)

Happy New Year!!!!

2010-01-04T20:31:00.000-05:00

ahhh, 2009 is over, I am so glad. 2009 was a great year, but the end was very stressful, so the beginning of 2010 is the beginning of a fresh start for me. This move has been harder than I expected and I think I've written about that already, but can't remember because I feel like I haven't written in ages (well, except the odd facebook update...). I want to actually write a book, do something very big this year. Of course, I have the usual "lose weight, save more money" resolutions and have begun to do so. I am still addicted to Zumba and now just need to add some good weight routines and...oh yeah, stop eating! hahaha. As far as money goes, Rob gave me a great goal to reach and if I pull it off, I'll be having a great trip to NYC in October for shopping with my gal pals from Seattle. Fingers crossed!

My goal is also to put myself out there and make some great friends. I've started. I've met the nicest family down the street! The kids are older, but the parents are great fun! They have been over for Rock Band and we've been over for New Years. I've also met a great neighbor across the street that has three boys, that are all within my kids age ranges and one will start kindergarten with Eldest next year. I'm also hosting my first Moms Night In next Friday! I am super excited about this. Having people over is something I love and I am hoping they'll love it too. I'm also hosting a playdate this month as well. I'm jumping in head first and hoping it all works out.

The kids are doing well. Turns out Eldest is a total Lego sevant. He is building things from memory on a daily basis and the things he makes are incredible. He's made a "lego rock band", a few trucks/cars from Indiana Jones, and animals using pieces from all the sets that he's gotten. Its pretty remarkable, but don't ake my word for it, check out these photos!

Lego Rock Band: made soon after he played Lego Rock Band for a couple hours with friends

Elephant

Llama: made after watching "The Emporers New Groove"

Wall-E!!!

Indiana Jones Truck: Short Round driving Willy and Indi in the getaway truck :)

Middle is middle. As hard as we try to keep him from becoming the "middle" child, it seem totally impossible. I am going to start potty training him soon. I don't think it will be as nightmarish as it was with Eldest, but I am still gun shy after that experience :) We'll see how it goes. Regardless of his behavior, this kid is the cutest kid on earth.

Youngest is the cutest princess. She is amazing and doing so much for a 9 month old. She's crusin like crazy and is close to walking. Its just incredible, Middle and Eldest weren't even sitting up at 9 months! She also has just the slightest bit of hair and I've had some fun putting it up in little "fountain" pony tails. Its really a lot of fun. She is growing up so fast.

I am so happy with these three kids. They are such great children.

OK internet friends, I am off to watch Law & Order: Criminal Intent! There was a marathon and my DVR is FULL! I can't wait until new eps of my favorite shows start again, and lets not forget the final season of LOST starts in February!!! MARK YOUR CALENDARS PEOPLE...MARK THEM!

"Hey Mommy, I see Washington!"

2009-12-10T20:37:00.000-05:00

We found our new woodsy hike area. Its on an old farm and the kids love it. You can see the animals (horses and goats), and walk through a beautiful old farm area that includes old log cabins, one owned by Billy Graham's grandfather. The boys especially loved the suspension bridge over the creek, and I won't lie, I did too! At the end of our walk there was a little shelter with picnic benches and Eldest says to me, "Mommy, that looks like Washington!" I took a look and it did, the trees were evergreens :) He says, "Mommy, let's go there, let's go to Washington.", so I smiled and said, "OK, lets go!" We had our picnic lunch there and then headed back to South Carolina. Its now a very special place for us :) He really loves Washington, my little hippie at heart.

ahhh, I think life is getting back to normal

2009-12-10T20:30:00.000-05:00

I have been to the park the past two weeks more times than in the past 6 months. Its nice to finally "know" people and places around here. The park we like most is in the woods (SHOCKER I KNOW!), and far from the road, so I can let the boys run wild without to much worry. Youngest loves the swing, and the boys are loving discovering fall in the SE. Ditches full of leaves to jump in. There is nothing more fun!

I've gone out to Karaoke a few times, and see the gals at the gym weekly (well, if I go...that's another story). Its nice to have routine, and to have some sense of normalcy again. So, now that things are normal, I'm going to throw in some crazy and sign up to do a triathlon in Las Vegas in May. OH YEAH!

Rob has agreed it would be my Christmas gift and I have a dear friend committed to doing it with me. We'll meet in Las Vegas and enjoy the warm weather and fun times. The triathlon is for women only, but won't be as crowded as the Danskin. We're both very excited and I am really hoping that the training gets me back into shape and feeling comfortable with myself. I am determined and motivated and will succeed. I plan on registering the 31st and training will begin as soon as the holidays are behind me. Don't get me wrong, I'll still make it to Zumba as often as I can between now and the new year, but after that, it will be running, swimming, and biking most of the time.

What I'm really excited about though, besides the triathlon, is a trip to with Rob to an exotic, all inclusive resort that doesn't allow kids. We have been having fun looking at the possabilites and are thinking of going to Adventura Spa in Mexico. The place is beautiful, and we can travel to the Mayan ruins free (ALL inclusive). Its on my list of places to see, and I am very excited about the opportunity and am hoping the training for the triathlon will help get me in enough shape to get up all those steps! Ahhh, five days of sun, surf, pools, all you can eat/drink, trips to acient ruins and NO KIDS!!!!!!! None with us and none allowed in the resort. Of course this means we'll be surrounded by newlyweds with smokin' bodies, but whatever, we'll people watch and have a grand time making up stories for everyone we see/meet. Oh man, its going to rock!

Did I mention its our second vacation ever as a couple? 10 years, 2 years of dating, one vacation. I can't wait.

Youngest...

2009-12-01T09:13:00.000-05:00

OK, I'm really not that mom that thinks her kids are the best at EVERYTHING and has to tell everyone about it, but its hard not to when you have a daughter like mine. She's 8 months old and is all over the place. She's going to walk before the new year, I just know it, and she's smart as a whip. She's been the easiest baby to take care of, and on top of it all, she's down right beautiful. Babies are cute, but she is PRETTY! Don't take my word for it...see for yourself:

Trader Joes Anarcy

2009-11-24T14:51:00.000-05:00

OK, I love Trader Joes, especially during the holidays! They have the best appetizers (frozen for our convenience), and their holiday selection is to DIE for! I bought peppermint bark and dark chocolate covered peppermint Joe Joes. If my sisters are lucky, I'll have some left over tomorrow :)

Anyhoo, as much as I love Trader Joes, it does have its flaw, one of which is the size of their stores. However, since moving to the Carolinas, I've noticed that the opposite problem occurs here. Their stores are HUGE by comparrison to the one in Issaquah, WA (I'm sure the people that live here think its pretty small), but their parking lot is ridiculous! I really do think compact only spots should be outlawed. They don't have "huge SUV/Mini-van only parking" anywhere, so why the compact spots? They are the only spots people DON'T like, even the damn compact cars.

This does have something to do with my little rant. Today, I went to Trader Joes to buy some goodies for Thanksgiving. I have a gift card burning a hole in my pocket and was dreaming of all the goodness I could get, but when I arrived, all the joy was replaced by stress and frustration. The parking lot was CRAZY! People were blocking lanes so they could stalk people to their cars, only to find out, those people were walking down the wrong lane and crossed over to the other where another got their spot. Yes, this was me, I was the stalker. This happened twice! I couldn't believe my bad luck. So I started to drive farther away from the store, because I really don't mind walking, even if I have two kids. Then I saw a compact spot open. The minivan next to the spot parked all wonky, so I did the same, knowing I was taking up the spot next to me, but I figured it gave me room to get the kids in and out, and people could just deal. Yeah, maybe I'm sounding like the asshole here. Well, before you get all preachy, a woman (by herself in her little lexus) asked if I was leaving and I said no, I'm shopping and she was like, "oh, you're taking up two spots, you should fix that". REALLY? OK, I'll park INCHES from the van next to me after I put my kids BACK into their car-seats. She didn't move, so I said, fine, get out of the way and I"ll move the van and I did. I was INCHES...maybe ONE from the minivan next to me, but there was still no one parked on the other side, so I just got everyone out on that side and went to shop.

Trader Joes is a happy place. Being inside made me feel better, and not being a newb made my day! I knew what I wanted, where it was and how to bag my own groceries so I could get out quickly and I did. With two kids, I was in and out in maybe 5 minutes, 10 tops. As I got back to the car, I notice someone is next to me now, but I have room to get in. but the woman in the van next to me also arrived at the same time and was like "HOLY MOSES!" her daughter said the same thing and I smiled and said, "yeah, its a tight fit, but we'll make it work". She didn't seem to give a crap that I was making an effort. She huffed and puffed about getting both her girls in the car on one side (BOO HOO BITCH), and was determined to leave before me. A man was helping me load my wine so he could take my cart and I'm getting the kids in the car and she says to the man "Could you help me? There is NO WAY I won't hit her car backing out unless someone guides me." Dramatic much? Good lord. She can do it just fine and did! I was walking to my drivers side as she was putting it in drive and she said "YOU HIT MY CAT WHEN YOU OPENED YOUR DOOR!" What? I never opened a door on that side of my car. I went out the other side because I knew I couldn't do it without hitting her car. But, I said, "really? I don't think so, I didn't get in or out over there." She eye rolls and pulls up to park on the corner to take a closer look. Meanwhile another woman is talking to me about how this BEOTCH in the minivan yelled at her in the store and is in a bad mood. I shouldn't take it personally. Really, I wasn't, I just wanted to know what I did, because I didn't know what this crazy mom was talking about. She gets out of the van, walks around it, takes a look at the van, then at me, and then drives away. I was standing there ready to talk to her about it and she just drove off.

serves her right, because I was in no mood for a bitchy mom today. I would have taken her down a peg with one blink of my right eye for sure. Her gain, really, and here is what I took away from the experience:

1) Moms are crazy
2) Trader Joes is not for newbs at the holidays and if you're an experienced shopper around a newb at the holidays, help them out, don't be a jerk and huff and puff around them. Its will go faster if you just show them where things are!
3) Dont' shop at Trader Joes if you leave in a bad mood almost everytime. Its not the store for you and we don't want your bad attitude making the produce go bad

Blurg to you crazy mom in the parking lot. I bet your girls were totally impressed with the stink eye you threw my way and are practicing it on each other now. Meanwhile, MY daughter learned how to stand her ground and scare off crazy ladies like you!

Jen's 40th Birthday Video

2009-11-16T12:16:00.001-05:00

The Fresh Air Fund

2009-11-11T14:49:00.000-05:00

I really love this cause, and now, for the fifth summer in a row, OneSight offered to bring their traveling optical clinic to all five Fresh Air Fund camps.

This summer at Fresh Air camp, OneSight's staff screened 3,295 children and counselors, gave 1,757 eye exams, and made 1,629 pairs of glasses, with 1,458 of them on-site and 171 specially driven in. The team stayed at Camp Hayden-Marks for two camp sessions, to make sure every child who needed the gift of sight was screened.

What a wonderful gift these kids are receiving. If you want to find out more about the Fresh Air Fund, click the button to the right.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T18:44:00.000-04:00

My boys true form:

My favorite Haloween Video:

Damn You Pottery Barn

2009-10-29T21:09:00.000-04:00

Damn you and your sexy catalogs that make me think "yeah, I can make my house look like that!" I love Pottery Barn, and I love their catalogs. I get a lot of great ideas on how to organize my stuff from them. I also enjoy making a mental list of things I want to save up for. In our last house I bought some awesome chandeliers and had the last one for a year before leaving them for the shrew that bought the house from us. I hope she likes them (grrrr).

Despite my love for this store, and their tempting furniture combos, today I am just fed up. I took a look at my house, and thought, why is this so hard? Why can't I have a house that looks lived in, but not like a disaster? Then I remembered...I have 3 kids under the age of five, and lets face it, the set ups in Pottery Barn are total fantasy, especially Pottery Barn Kids. Give kids chalk and they aren't going to just write on the area of the wall painted in chalk board paint...am I right? Thought so.

So, I went to the site today and am going to share photos of the things I love, and why I can't have them until I'm in my 50s (maybe 60s...I do have 2 boys).

We'll start in the Kitchen:

It looks so beautiful. Couldn't you see your kids eating a home made breakfast including buscuits made from scratch in this kitchen? You at the sink washing dishes with a red checkered apron on? A smile on your face?

Yeah, in reality, my table is covered in Aunt Jemima syrup after the boys eat the waffles I threw in the toaster for them. Meanwhile I survey the sink full of dishes from dinner the night before that I was to tired to do and wish I had done them, because I'm still to tired to do them. I also wonder if I brushed my teeth before leaving my room, because if I didn't the chances of getting that done are slim. The best I can hope for is time to put on a bra before taking Eldest to school. Suck it Pottery Barn.

Next, lets go to the home office:

I love this office set up and to be fair, I own it in black. Its very functional, and looks AWESOME, but this picture leads one to believe that you could actually store priceless art under your desk or leave out your key board cleaner without any worry that your children will touch them. Let me tell you, this is not true. This is false advertising! My kids crawl under my desk all the time (or they did), to turn my computer off from the power strip, unroll all my wrapping paper, and play with things in my drawers (like push pins and permanant markers). This picture is so beautiful, but just because you own it, doesn't make it so!

This is another fav. I love how organized this person is and I have wanted that little paper/ribbon holder thingy for a very long time. I keep saying "I could probably make that myself", but never do. The jars full of pencils and various other things are adorable, but again, they would be destroyed in a matter of moments if I actually took a que from this pic and did that in my little home office. I also love how the desk doesn't go all the way to the wall and breifly thought about doing that in my new house, but then I remembered that I don't have a sexy lap top. I have a desk top (that is totally hot by the way), and there would be wires and a CPU junking up the room scape (and not having it against the wall would make it easier for the baby to pull it all down on her). Kids.

Don't have one of our over priced book shelves? That's OK, just stack your books in a neat and orderly pile next to your desk for an instant conversation piece and a make shift table. Its the new thing...WRONG! nothing says "come f*ck with me" to a kid like a neatly piled stack of books.

OK, moving on to the bedroom:

Oh Hudson collection, how I love thee. And again, to be fair, this is what I have in my own bedroom. I LOVE it (side note, I don't have that end table). When it arrived I felt like a true adult. no more Ikea bedroom furniture. Then slowly the kids starting using the base board as a car ramp, and the cats kept "missing" when they jumped up and scratched the wood in a few places. I also don't have the luxury of having sheets that truely match, like in this photo. Mine are from wal-mart. Fitting the bed is really the only criteria I have for linens at the moment, so they work. I also love that this person has a book on his/her nightstand as if it will be waiting there for when they return. I have lost two wrist watches since moving in because my kids take them from my night stand. Our bedroom is just another playroom to them...*sigh*.

Lastly, we have the always elusive "entryway"

I would give my right arm for this set up. So organized, so fashionable, so chic. The people that live in this "house" obviously have important things to do and all the right things they need to get them done fashionably and on time. I mean, even this ladies thermos and yoga mat match! I can picture my kids, grabbing their monogrammed back packs as we leave to go to school. Me in my skinny jeans and trendy shirt with a mug of awesome coffee that I brewed myself in one hand and my designer purse in the other. All done up, but not to the point that it looks like I made an effort. *snort* yeah right. Remember my comment about the bra above? I wasn't kidding. I sometimes leave the house in what I slept in to take Eldest to school. Middle doesn't have shoes on half the time and the baby is usually still in her PJs. I don't have to get out of the car to drop him off at school, so that has a lot to do with my minimal effort. If I did have to get out of the car, I would certainly make sure my teeth were brushed, hair was combed, and a bra was on, but it is what it is.

I keep telling myself that once the kids are all in school, I'll have that time to organize, do yoga, and grocery shop with a coordinated outfit on. Thinking this makes the end of the day bearable, when I still see the dishes from the night before, now sitting under the dishes from that night and I just turn off the light and go to bed in what I wore that day, which just so happens to be, what I slept in the night before.

We're moved in...

2009-10-27T14:35:00.000-04:00

Thanks to mom and dad, we are now box free. Well, at least in the house. The basement has a few more boxes in it, but nothing "important". I've even decorated the house for Halloween! What do you think?

Being in the house has been SO great. I love it. The kids love it. What I don't love? climbing up the stairs two to three times a night to feed my "She Beast"! I swear, that girl is going to be the death of me. She is eating so much and yes, that does include solids. We're getting close to making her deal with it at night, but Logan's room is right next to hers, and he sleeps like a feather. I don't need two kids up in the middle of the night! Hey, at least I'm getting a workout, right? I just wish it wasn't between the hours of 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

Speaking of Youngest, she is amazing. This girl is doing so much! She's full on crawling, she started solid foods like a champ (and like I had been depriving her all along), she never stops babbling, and she just starting pulling herself up yesterday. Really? I'm not ready for a walker, especially a walker than is under 9 months. That's just creepy.

The boys are doing well. Eldest has made a friend at school, and her mom and I are taking them to the Zoo. Its taken longer than I would like to round up some moms to hang with on a regular basis. I really miss having that group I could hang with whenever out in WA!

Rob and I did get to hang out, and we went to Karaoke at a bar near our house and it was....AWESOME! They had a competition and the contestants were outrageous. A man dressed like Lady Gaga, another busting through a screen singing Beyonce, and a 9 month pregnant woman singing "Me so Horny" in a Nuns costume. So hilarious. I'm so going back!

I've been enjoying Wal-mart a bunch, and even had an opportunity to send in my own "People of Wal-Mart" photo, but I couldn't do it without being obvious. The man has a slicked back mullet that he obviously spent a lot of time on, an old Jeff Gordon racing t-shirt with the sleeves cut off, the shirt was tucked in into his jeans in the front only, and the jeans...well they were dungerees...not denim, not jean, DUNGEREES. They were bright navy blue and looked brand new. He had his cell phone clipped to his jeans too, and it had the checkered flag pattern on it. He was taking his time picking out the right coffee to buy "dunkin donuts, or Starbucks...hmmmm" it cracked me up.

I finally got cable. What's scary is its been so long since I had a DVR, I don't know that I have the energy to program the new ones! They are different from my last four, and the seasons are half over. Hulu continues to be my saviour, but the kids take up so much time in the evening, that I rarely get to the TV before 9:00. What is going on? Hopefully daylight savings will help. Yeah, the kids will get up earlier, but they'll go to bed earlier too! I'm down with that!

OK, I'm off to pick Eldest up from school.

Amazing

2009-10-14T22:13:00.000-04:00

Want to be inspired? This is my friend Katharine from WA. She has five kids, her youngest being 5 and really is a true inspiration to me. Not only because she was able to do this, but because she was able to do this and take care of her family and her friends. Love you girl!

Houses and Zumba

2009-10-05T10:38:00.000-04:00

OK, we have two days until we close on our house, and by Friday we'll all be sleeping there. I can not wait!!!!!!!! In the last week, this apartment has been such a pain. Harrison put a hole in the wall when opening the front door, Rob broke a drawer, and my massive amounts of hair have plugged up the master bath drain. Really, the hair is starting to bug the heck out of me. I know you loose it after having a baby, but its been six months and I'm still combing out enough for a small doll in the shower everyday (EVERYDAY!). I am going to start taking vitamins and see if that helps, but I digress.

The sooner we're out the better! We went to check out the house yesterday and found that they still had to do a lot of the stuff we asked about last week. That sucked, because we had to keep the kids from pulling all the blue tape off the floor/walls! They have two days to finish...sucks for them. Rob is taking off Wednesday through Friday and will in charge of getting all our stuff into the house and I'll be going by after taking Harrison to school to help direct on where things should go in the rooms. I really need to get a plan put together for Rob so he doesn't put things in the wrong place and create more work for himself.

Now, to keep things sane, I plan on just hanging out with the kids as usual. Going to the Y, going to the park, and going to school. Today I plan on going to Zumba. I tried this last week and fell in love. Not only is it a GREAT workout, but I am doing dances that I always wanted to learn! We JAM in that class, and to all my favorites and its all ages/sizes, so its easy to cut loose without feeling like all eyes are on you. its going to be great!

Alright, I've spent the morning in my PJs and have let the kids watch way to much TV. Time to get myself organized for the day. Not much longer and I will have my own computer again...and a DVR! Although, Hulu has really been awesome. If you haven't checked it out, do it. Its the bomb.

Habitat for Humanity

2009-09-30T21:00:00.000-04:00

I love this cause. My father worked a lot of houses in the Richmond, VA area when I was in High School and I went to Mexico in High School to help build homes and it was so fulfilling. People in the US and around the world deserve a home, a safe home that will last.

Let's stand up on World Habitat Day and let it be known that affordable, adequate housing should be a priority everywhere—in our communities, in our towns, in our country, in our world.

Its Tough Being Five

2009-09-24T20:24:00.000-04:00

Eldest got this book for his birthday. Its really cute (Its Hard to be Five, written by Jamie Lee Curtis), and its so true. Pick it up if you have a five year old (or soon to be). The title says it all really. At five we expect more from our kids, and I think that's mostly because we know they're starting to remember their lives. I can remember "back when I was five", and as a parent, I want to make sure Eldest "remembers" being well behaved and helpful to me and his fellow humans.

However, at five we as humans are still learning its not all about us. Today I got a good example of just how far Eldest has come, but how quickly they revert back to their old ways. You see, he's been playing Xbox now for a few months and its his favorite thing to do before bed. Its also great leverage for us. He recently lost his Xbox privelage for seven days and today he was going to be down to three days left before he got it back. Things started out great, he was helpful, he played well at the gym, but then he got angry...because I didn't have a turkey sandwich. I had peanut butter and jelly. He took the sandwich, tore it in half and threw it at me in the van. OH NO HE DIH-INT! I told him how upset I was and how his Xbox and Boba Fett lego man were on the line. He clammed up quick and said sorry, and ate the broken sandwich.

They had worked up a good sweat at the park the gym has, so I took them to Chic-fil-a to cool off in their indoor playground. They loved it, and its pretty small, so I watched through the window in the seating are. It was nice to see them have fun, but then it was time to get to school. I picked up MJ, and our stuff and went to get them. Of course, this is when all the other parents decided to go in as well, and of COURSE when I told Eldest it was time to leave he turned on his "fit" maker. It really couldn't have happened at a worse time, in a smaller space, with THOSE people around me. Those people being moms with one toddler that feel any child over the age of 4 is a possible deadly threat to their kid. I even saw one mom keep her daughter from playing until we left..."keep away from the crazy five year old, Becky! He may have a knife or be a terrorist!" Whatever bitches, your kids will throw fits too and when you have more than one, don't come crying to me about how "hard it is...waaahhhh".

I digress. I pull the old "I'll leave without you then" and turn to go and he screams after me (and yes, I had his shoes in my hands and made him walk in his socked feet to the car...hey, he should have listened!). we get out of the store and to the van, and little miss "mom of the year" with her precious spawn is of course parked next to me! OF COURSE! So, she gets to see put my three crazy kids into my mom-mobile (she had a stylin BMW SUV...so you know, she's cooler than me). ahhh, whatever. I told Harrison he was five now and five year olds need to LISTEN to what their parents tell them, or they do not get what they want.

Looking at this whole thing from his end, it must have really sucked. He was probably embarassed too, and very upset that he may possibly gain another day on his Xbox punishment. Lucky for him, we were in a giving mood, and as it turns out, after school he got it. He started helping me and being thoughtful towards his brother and sister. He'll get there, and until then, we'll help him along the way. As Rob said, "we can't expect him to be perfect everyday." No one is, afterall. Oh wait, except that bitch that parked next to me.

Another Show to Check Out

2009-09-23T19:38:00.000-04:00

Don't forget that Glee comes on Fox tonight, but even more importantly, don't forget that the second episode of Community comes on NBC tomorrow night. I watched the pilot on Hulu today and adored it. Joel McHale was effortless in his portrayal of a lawyer that is in danger of losing his license because his degree was invalid. The shows focus is around a group is misfit community college students in the same Spanish class. You can view it at Hulu.com, or below :) If you like Joel McHale, check out The Soup on E. He does a great rundown of the best moments on TV each week on Friday evening.

Enjoy!

Moving on...well kind of.

2009-09-22T21:43:00.000-04:00

Tonight is night 2 of the 2 concert series in Seattle. Pearl Jam ROCKED it last night (well, from what I heard, saw, and read), and I would not have expected any less. I am looking forward to the pics, videos, and reviews from tonights show tomorrow. I miss my friends...

But, moving on, because life is short and Pearl Jam will tour in the SE again and if not, I'll just go to Seattle to see them.

Tonight I am watching the Biggest Loser and man they picked some FATTIES for this season. I remember the first season when they allowed a girl that was 175 at the beginning on the show. Of course she was voted off first, but still, back then Hollywood thought 175 was fat. I would kill to be 175, and I am sure that the folks on the show this season would as well. One of the girls was 479 when she weighed in. DAMN!

Speaking of weight...I'm loving my new YMCA. I know what you're thinking...the Y is ghetto. NOT SO! The Y I joined is awesome. Sure, its no Pro Sports Club, but it has everything I could need, and all I need to do is bring my own towels. They even have child care and its FREE! YES FREE! I am taking Yoga, and Water Aerobics, each twice a week. Sure, my classes are full of a bunch of blue hairs, but let me tell you, that is FINE by me. After spending 9 years working out next to pro sports athletes and their wives, and wafer thin women with 4 kids, I am happy to workout with "normal" women and old ladies that are just trying to stay in the game.

OK, what is up with Jillian and Bob's matching bikers jackets during the weigh in tonight! Is that another "sponsor" of the show? hahaha.

OK, I'm out. Having wine, and praying for patience for the next 2 weeks. Our house got shrubs and trees today, the sprinkler system has been put in, and grass is soon to come. Walk through next week. YAY!!!!!

Oh, and there is no spell check feature anymore, and I'm to lazy to check it in Word, so deal.

Pearl Jam Rules MoFos!!!!!

2009-09-21T20:03:00.000-04:00

Here I sit at 7:50 PM EST, knowing full well that I have more than one friend in Seattle headed to the pre-funk for the Pearl Jam concert tonight...and tomorrow I'll be knowing the same (they are playing two shows...and yes I would have gone to both).

I have put in requests for VMs and videos to be sent to my phone detailing the concert(s), and descriptive e-mails as well tomorrow and Wednesday. I know some of my friends will pull through. And I still hold out hope that they will add more tour dates next year to promote the new album....WHICH ROCKS by the way.

So, here is some shameless PJ promoting. First, here is the link to the video for "The Fixer" the latest single off Backspcer, PJs latest album, released Sept. 20th (in stores now!): The Fixer You'll love it. What I loved most about this video is it was familiar to me. I have seen shows at the Showbox in Seattle and love the venue. I also went to Microsofts Xbox 360 release party there, which was a night I'll never forget (what I remember of it anyway). Its a great "Seattle" venue. One thing about the video that isn't typical is the crowd for a PJ concert. These people are a) pretty (not that fans of PJ aren't, but usually the pretty ones aren't up front), and b) they are pretty tame. My friend Ali has left PJ concerts batter and bruised after mashing with the frat boys up front. So, don't watch this video and think, "I think I'll get front row seats to PJ, seems like a good crowd." You'll die.

Second, here is the link to the video for 'Alive'. My first PJ experience in high school as seeing this video on MTV and loving it, but not being able to say as much because the cool kids around me didn't like it. I eventually (like a day later) got over it, and embraced their whole albume and think "Ten" is the best album to date. (even if I still have to make up half the lyrics because I can't understand what Eddie is saying *ha*): Alive

I could write all night while I wait for the latest updates from my friends, but I have new TV to watch (thank goodness for that), and Rob wants the laptop (3 weeks until we move in and we each have our respective computers).

PJ RULES PEOPLE! WOOOOOOOO!

Just an FYI...

2009-09-16T20:25:00.001-04:00

My comment section works now people! Feel free to post 'em!

GLEE

2009-09-15T20:07:00.000-04:00

OK, I know some of you are dissapointed in the fact that I didn't put together my yearly spread sheet of new shows, but give me a break! I don't even have a DVR in this apartment. I have to watch *gasp* live TV, and *gag* only one show per hour *cough*.

But, one show that I refuse to miss is Glee. Say what you will about this already colt classic, but you can not deny it makes you feel good and makes you want to sing out. Now, maybe I am biased because I was in show choir in high school (STEPPIN' OUT...HOLLA!), but the kids in this show are adorable, the songs they do are relavant and current, and the teacher trying to put the club together is hot and his side story is pretty great. If you haven't already checked out the pilot, do so here:

You will not be dissapointed by the cover on Journey at the end. Ahhh, if only good old Mr. Graham had let us do something as cool at Journey. *sigh*

Its so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday....

2009-09-14T20:18:00.000-04:00

This song always spoke to me in high school. Whenever I heard it, I thought of all the people that I had met and no longer saw for whatever reason and the good times we had together. This could be the cousins we left behind in the NE, the friends we left behind in the NE and Roanoke, or friends that had graduated and gone to college. Who knew, but it spoke to me.

Today I thought about this song and wanted to see the video. Upon viewing I had a good chuckle at 90's fashion and then started thinking of my friends back in the NW and the memories that I have of that place. I realized that when I left I didn't say "goodbye" as if I was leaving for good, it was more a "goodbye" as if I was going on vacation. I knew I wasn't going on vacation; I KNEW I wasn't going to return for a while and when I did it was only for a visit, but regardless, it’s how it happened.

It wasn't until last week that I started to get a little weepy about the whole thing. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to hop a plane back. Seeing my parents and two of my sisters in the first two weeks of being here was worth every headache of this move so far. I also know the kids will really enjoy the East side of the country. However, I got a little pang of sorrow last week and it all started when I got an e-mail from the Ten Club (Pearl Jam's website).

I've always been a fan of the band, but when I lived in Seattle, I felt even cooler about being a fan. Call it what you will, but being IN Seattle and loving Pearl Jam is just awesome. I joined the Ten Club again before moving to stay connected and got an e-mail last week announcing a pre-sale for the special posters they sell at each concert. I was stoked and went online right away to buy one, but was denied because I hadn't purchased tickets for the show that I wanted the poster from. It sucked!!!! I couldn't go to the concert and now I couldn't even buy the damn poster! JERKS! Then I started looking at the tour dates to see when they would be close and well...they aren't going to be close by! Philly was the closest tour date, so then I thought I would go and stay with a cousin, but realized the shows are during the week or on Halloween, which I can't miss. Bummer, I did a little more searching, pre-ordered the new CD and then watched "The Fixer" video (great song). OH SNAP! It took place at the Showbox. OH MY GOD. So, let’s recap, not only had I missed out on a concert, the poster, and seeing them on the East Coast, but I also missed out on a secret taping of the video for their song.

It seemed to all pile up, after that I noticed more shows and movies have Seattle as a background (new Jennifer Anniston movie, iCarly (don't ask)...etc) and I can't help but think "I used to live there, I was cool" when I see that. I had a total pity party for myself to a friend and told her how the move was great, but I felt less special now that I was here. First I had the I-live-in-Seattle-and-work-at-Nintendo street cred, and then I had the I-live-in-Seattle street cred. Now what? People here don't even recognize Pearl Jam stickers, and Microsoft is not a house hold name. It’s like living on another planet, but I grew up in the SE, how can it seem so unfamiliar?

After reading my rant, my good friend (we'll call her Jeannine ) wrote me back an e-mail that was a virtual bitch slap and it made me laugh so hard, but even better, it made me realize that I was coming off the rails a bit. She reminded me that although people "know of" pearl jam out in Seattle, not many of my friends loved them as much as I did (except Ali), that it was raining there and it was getting cold and would stay like that for the next 6 months, and that I had plenty of historic things surrounding me...they were just older. She was so right. Then my friend Ali who adores PJ as much as I do let me know that even she missed out on the posters because she wasn't fast enough when it came to buying tickets from Ten Club and that the Showbox video was only for pretty people and total nerds. She was quick to point out that the crowd in the video was to tame and pretty lame at best. I watched again and she is right.

All it takes is a little perspective. However, back to my original rant, the point is, I didn't say goodbye to my friends and family properly (my friends that are my family and my cousins). Not that this blog post is a good way to do it, but I am now saying good bye. I will miss seeing you everyday, every weekend, and or every month. I will miss our IM vents, e-mail rants, and drunken nights out at the pub (or in my Romper Room). I will miss enjoying the glorious summer in the NW with you, and making it through the shitty winters with booze and chocolate. I will miss being surrounded by liberals that made you think or just gave you something to laugh about (or at). I will miss the true friends I made there and the times we had together laughing, fighting, and laughing about the fights we had. I love you guys. And I love the NW.

Now, to be fair, I will also post what I look forward to here. I look forward to no snow in the winter except on random years where you haven't seen snow in so long, you look forward to it. I look forward to more sunshine in general. I look forward to seeing my family for holidays and special occasions and having sister weekends at my sisters lake house. I look forward to my kids growing up with their cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents (regularly). I look forward to watching the kids catch fire flies in our back yard next year.

Life is good, and I will make new friends, but will always cherish those that I have already made that live in the NW.

Random Stuff...

2009-09-02T21:05:00.000-04:00

Lots to write about tonight!

First and foremost...the moms night out was a huge success. The women I met were down to Earth and not at all socially retarded, which is a complete relief. We had delicious margaritas and then went into Charlotte to party at Whiskey River (which happens to be Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s ("Junior" for short in these parts) bar). We stayed out until 1:00 AM and the only reason I didn't try the mechanical bull was because it was broken! haha. Oh man did I feel old, but still cool, since I knew most of the songs they played. I try to stay current. One thing that really surprised me was how young the women I was with were. Not that I'm old or that they were to young, but I'm used to being the youngest of most groups and in this group I was one of the oldest and that really was surprisingly annoying. One girl graduated high school in 2003. They played Run DMC and one girl didn't know the artist (but knew the song). Oh lordy. They are cool gals though and they didn't think I was uncool, so we're all good in the 'hood.

Eldest and Rob started school/work this week and it’s been nice trying to get a routine down. This apartment is the pits. I am grateful for it, and I appreciate having it while we wait for our house to be finished, but it is TINY TINY TINY and the kids are bored in this place within about 20 minutes of waking up. I've found a couple parks and thank goodness the weather is cooling off enough to where we're not melting anymore. We've gone on a toy binge the last few weeks to keep them entertained and I told Rob that was going to end. First off, they don't need more toys, and second, I don't want them to start thinking that just because they woke up in the morning they get something new. Man am I tired of having to bribe my 5 year old with something to get him to do the most basic tasks. Here's an excerpt of a typical conversation:

Me: get yourself dressed
him: NOOOOO, I want to stay in pajamas a little longer (ignore me)
me: you need to get dressed so we can go to the park
him: I don't want to go to the park
me: If you don't get dressed right now you'll lose your Xbox privlage!
him: FINE!

Really? He's five...FIVE! Right now all he can talk about is getting a Bobba Fett action figure from the Lego store, and I swear the more he talks about it, the more I want to burn down the Lego store and all those within a 100 mile radius.

Life in the South is the way I remember it. It is taking some time to adjust to things, but it won't take long, especially once we're in our house. What I've loved coming back to so far are sweet tea and nice people that ask how you’re doing and actually care about the answer. What I am not happy about returning to are the biggest damn bugs you've ever seen and the crappy driving. Crappy driving is universal, it’s in all states, but there are various types of crappy driving. Like in WA, people didn't know how to merge and their highways were built so poorly there was no chance of not having gridlock at any time of day. Very frustrating. Oh and they liked to go VERY slow in the fast lane. Here in NC people don't let you merge and everyone (including semi-trucks) drives about 10 over the limit, so once you've merged (aggressively), you have to pick up the pace and get in the race. Its Nascar here all day every day. Oh, and another thing I noticed while out in the city was the women here look a lot more like prostitutes. I asked my new friends about that, and they think it’s because the weather is so mild. Out in WA it was cool at night, even in the summer so jeans and a nice top were the staples when going out. When I was out here the other night, most women had on dresses and some had on booty shorts, fishnets, and tube tops. For real! I really thought they may have been hookers. Who knows?

What else have I seen that's funny? There's a church on every corner down here and I am currently living about a mile away from one that is so big, we thought it was some kind of military base. No kidding. None of them are Catholic of course, but they'll still let you come in a look if you're curious. There are a lot of transplants from New England here, so my accent is all messed up at the moment. I can go from North to South in a matter of moments. It’s pretty funny.

Lastly, the new TV season is about to start and I have no clue what is even coming on. Has my love affair with TV started to wane? I sure hope not. I chalk it up to the move and knowing I won't have a TiVO until October. Why pine over shows you can't even tape, right? I have been writing down start dates for shows I really want to see (like Glee and Greek) on my calendar. That way Rob knows those nights the TV is mine that night!! Oh, and lastly, one show that I did get hooked on thanks to the ability to download eps on the Xbox is "The Guild". Hilarious show (10-30 minute spots) about people that play an MMORPG. If you don't know what that it, you may not find it funny at all.

OK, I'm off to watch Hulu and have some ice cream. It’s like I'm in a dorm or something! College life, now those were the days, right?

Tonight is my initiation into the moms group!

2009-08-28T17:08:00.000-04:00

Tonight I am meeting the moms in the meet-up I joined before I even moved here. I am really excited to get out and have some drinks with some gals, but I'm nervous, as anyone would be, about going alone and not knowing anyone.

However, before moving from WA I kept hearing "you'll do fine!", "you're great, who wouldn't want to be your friend.", and my favorite "listen to you, the person that can talk to a wall and make friends." Those words are keeping me positive about how tonight will go. The boys are at the park with Daddy and MJ is sleeping and I've taken this time to take a shower and get myself "ready for the city" hahaha. Don't worry I'm not going to smear purple glitter stick all over my face (see previous post about the boys and make-up).

Tonight the plan is to meet for margaritas in Rock Hill and then take the lynx (light rail...yes, my WA friends, they passed LIGHT RAIL here and it works!!) to Charlotte where we'll go dancing at a place called Whiskey River. I haven't been, but they have a mechanical bull, so its bound to be fun! I just hope I'm dressed the part. Without my Jessica Simpsons I feel all frumpy, but I did the best with what I have.

The house is coming along! Can't wait to move in. 5 weeks to go and counting!

We Bought a House!!!

2009-08-21T21:10:00.000-04:00

Gosh, do I hate having to live off this little laptop! I am over not having my stuff, and I have to wait another month and a half to get it. grrrr. However annoying it is, it will be worth it. The house we purchased it BOSS!

Its actually slightly smaller than our house in the NW, but it is so beautiful and perfect for guests. It has four bedrooms (including the master) and one of the bedrooms has its own bathroom. We're going to put Eldest in there and when people come to visit he can sleep with Middle in his room and our guests will have their own bathroom...what a concept!

The Kitchen is Gourmet, which means it has double ovens, which is something I've always wanted, and its open and airy and bright. The master is on the first floor and the bathroom isn't carpeted, which I LOVE...our old one was and please don't as me why...I think it was because the bathroom was above the garage and without the carpet our feet would freeze to the floor. Anyway, this master has tile and nice big walk in for Rob and I to share with great shelving. Youngest (Baby Girl!) will have a room that has a bump out near the window that will make for a great place to sit and right in her diary, but for now her crib will go there. Middle's room has a "smurf" door to attic storage, which we'll have to lock, since I have NO doubt he'll go in it regularly and, if not kept from doing so, will come right through the ceiling.

The yard is big, and oh yeah, it has an unfinished basement! its already plumbed for another full bathroom and we'll put another bedroom/bathroom down there for guests as well once its done. It will be the ultimate playroom for adults and kids. We just need to learn how to wire things, install HVAC, and put on drywall..easy right?

Here's a photo of what it currently looks like.

We close on the 7th of October (my parents wedding anniversary...lucky day!) and I can't wait. This apartment is nice, but I miss my TVs, my DVRs, and my computer! I mean, I can't believe I'm going to have to pick one or two shows to watch a night during the new TV season! how barbaric! Yeah, I know, no one should love TV this much, but I can't help myself.

We've Moved!

2009-08-16T21:30:00.001-04:00

I can't believe I'm typing this from our two bedroom apartment in Charlotte. The time from finding out we were moving to actually being here slipped by so fast. My last nights in WA were fun filled (and tear filled) as we left our life for the past 9 years and started this new adventure. Thankfully we eased into it by taking a weeks vacation at Lake Willoughby in Westmore, VT.

I went to Lake Willoughby almost every summer as a kid. When we lived in NY, my parents would get us up before the sun and pack us in the car with our gear and a cooler of sandwiches, grapes, and drinks. The 7 of us would make the 8 hour car ride up to the lake, my older siblings fighting over the FM/AM walkman and my younger sister and I fighting over who got to sit up front between mom and dad. Whomever saw the lake first would get the first quater for the candy store, and that was a lot of money for the candy store back then!

The water is ice cold, but you couldn't keep us out of it, and the nights were filled with board games, funny stories, camp fires, and the occasional skunk and bat siting.

When we arrived, it was immediately apparent that not one thing had changed, and the best part was this time I got to see my own kids enjoy the magic of "The Lake". We spent a week doing NOTHING. We swam, took boat rides, walked up to the candy store, had happy hour, and read books/magazines. we played board games, and told funny stories at night and even had a camp fire one night. It was so wonderful to be on a real vacation. The pictures are awesome, but you'll have to wait to see them because we don't have a way to upload them to the lap top. I miss my desk top so much!!

The kids are doing great, and see this whole thing as a big adventure. Eldest is a little creeped out by the different rooms and shadows on the walls at night, but I'm hoping he'll do better once we're in a home and he has his stuff back. I know we'll do better.

OK, typing on the floor is getting old fast. Time for some tea and TV.

Its Not That Hot Anymore

2009-08-04T01:42:00.000-04:00

Now that the heat has subsided, I'm happier. Man, I was a grumpy bear when I wrote that last post, and where the hell is Vermonth? haha...I meant Vermont, but you all knew that.

The going away party was Saturday night, but the realization of things coming to an end hit me on Friday. I had my last softball game with the Nintendo team and it was so sad leaving the bar and knowing it was for the last time. I've been on that team for 7 years, and we've gone through a lot of players, but I could always count on it being fun.

Saturday night was so fun, and then it had to end and I was a mess. Not only because I had more than my fair share of Coors Light, but because I was saying goodbye to the pool, and the friends I've had fun with there for years...before and after having kids. It was an epic party and it included both Rob and I getting thrown into the pool one last time, and I loved every minute of it. We even went to Dicks afterwards, which is a staple in Seattle and I was so happy to have that late night Dicks experience one last time.

The urgency of moving has hit Rob and I both. We're scrambling to unbolt shelving and furniture from the walls, I'm washing everything I can find to make sure we have enough clothing to bring on our trip until we move into a new house, and we both seem to add more and more to our to do list, which is absurd because we only have four more days here in the NW...really, we should have been doing this weeks ago, but it just didn't seem real. Rob interviewed, got the job, accepted the offer, and we sold our house. everything is falling into place...its happening for real.

I'm going to miss my friends so very much. I'll miss being able to see them, but I know that we'll be in touch often thanks to the wonders of e-mail and facebook. I'm glad Jess talked me into joining. Who would have thought it would become such a lifeline for me and my friends.

Alright, time for bed. I have a long day of laundry and packing ahead of me tomorrow. Lets hope Logan has no interest in UNPACKING my bags while I'm working.

Its Hot

2009-07-30T18:00:00.000-04:00

just a quick note to whomever thought A/C was optional in homes in the NW...I HATE YOU and have for a long 9 summers out here. Of course, our very last summer in the NW has to be the most brutal. The past week temps have been in the high 90s and the past two days well over 100 and without A/C we're angry, sweaty, and just plain miserable.

In less than a week we'll be in a hotel room with A/C while the movers work in this blistering heat and I can't wait. in just over a week we'll be in Vermonth where it rarely gets this hot, and even if it does, we'll have a lake to jump in. Finally, about three weeks from now we'll be in NC where every house has A/C.

Being cold sucks, but being hot sucks more. Softball tonight...was hoping they would cancel the games due to heat, but I suppose allowing your team to get heat stroke is more important. I can't wait for this to end.

ugh...

2009-07-15T22:44:00.000-04:00

Life. I am so excited to go back East and be with my family again and old friends. I am getting nervous though because, man, do I wish I was looking a little different. Its funny, the way I feel is WAAAAYYYY different from the way I look. In my mind I feel like a model for an upscale active women's clothing magazine...in person I feel like I look like a shabby mom that would be mistaken for an animal that needs help from PETA getting back in the ocean.

There are so many things I've said I'll do/try and with the move coming up, those things have fallen off my radar...WAY off. I've gained back most of the weight I lost (which was what...4 lbs), and my eating is really bad. I forget to eat, then over eat when I do get a chance because I'm starving and I'm not over indulging on veggies.

I have a case of "slim fast" from Costco and thought I would do the old school "shake for breakfast, lunch, and then a sensable dinner." Yeah. I can do breakfast, then lunch comes around and I'm so hungry that the grilled cheeses I make the kids look like gourmet meals. Then I look for something sweet and then I think, oh well, I can't wait to have dinner...mac and cheese from the box!" Let me tell you, the last 4 years I have only had two or three bites of the boxed mac and cheese when I made it, but not last night. I had a full bowl. I can't help myself...probably the stress.

Not to mention all my fun nights out with the gals. I mean, I only have three weeks left, I have to get in all the Karaoke, Trivia, and softball after parties that I can, right? Things will calm down when I get to Charlotte, I won't have anyone to hang out with for a while, but I think of that week in Vermont with the family beforehand and how I'll be the "fat one". I gotta stop thinking that way. I need to just look forward to seeing my family.

Whatever, either way I'm not losing 20 lbs in 3 weeks, and I can't sit around and get bigger because I feel sorry for myself. I do have a case of slim fast...time to do a Tommy Lesorda and see where it gets me. Oh, and maybe I should stop buying sweets at Trader Joe's...do you think that would help??

TATTOOS!

2009-07-13T22:13:00.000-04:00

I love Tattoos. I remember my first tattoo out here in Seattle. I went to Liberty Tattoo and was all by myself. This was before kids, and I was pretty nervous. Rob was engrossed in some kind of computer thing, and all my friends were busy, so I just went alone to the University District and got my bad ass "Shadow" tattoo. It took two hours, and it hurt, but I was hooked.

A year and a half later I went back to the same parlor with Rob and we both got new tattoos. I got the "Pearl Jame Guy" to mark my completion of a weight loss program, and Rob got a decepticon symbol (Transformers), because he's a nerd (and I love him). It was so fun to go together.

We had always talked about getting more together, and knew we would as soon as we were done having kids, because we wanted something to commemorate them. This past weekend the planets aligned and we got into the city to get this new ink while my dear cousin Ronnie and her husband Mark watched our three kids.

We went to Slave to the Needle in Wallingford and had our Tattoos done by Tomas. He's there until October if you're interested in seeing him. He's great! My tattoo is the Hindu Symbol for "Aum" with my kids initials (H,L, & MJ) under it. Rob got the kids full names in some ancient language with the eye of Horus in the middle. They both came out pretty bad ass. I got mine on my forearm, and Rob's is on his back.

I told my mom that this would be the last one, but I think we'll get more. Rob already has ideas for his next Tattoo as do I. Tomas' wife is a huge Pearl Jam fan (like me), and they've thought of moving to NC for a while, and if they did I would have her Tattoo the lyrics from Eddie Vedder's song Guaranteed: "I know all the rules, but the rules do not know me. Guaranteed." Sweet, right?

If you've always wanted a Tattoo, I say do it. Its a great experience, and I highly recommend Liberty Tattoo or Slave to the Needle. Luis Martinez did my first two Tattoos, but he moved to Olympia, so if you're in Olympia, look him up. He's great.

Time is Moving so Fast

2009-07-13T22:04:00.000-04:00

I am excited to move. I am SOOO excited to see my family, but up until now, that excitement wasn't much different than the excitement I've gotten before any trip back East with my family. But in these last few days things have changed.

I am still excited, but knowing I won't be coming back after a week is making me sad. I am going to miss my friends so very much. Its so bitter sweet leaving a place you've grown to love to be close to family that you've always loved. Rob and I are giddy about our kids catching fire flies, and having regular vacations at various lakes, but we're also sad that they'll be saying good bye to their friends, and the free loving people out here. Where can I take them in NC to see naked bikers every year? UMMM, NO WHERE.

We keep saying how lucky we are to have made such wonderful friends. People that are honest, and fun, and like us just how we are. We've never played the keeping up with the jones' game, and it was nice to know we weren't the only ones. I never did join the juicy coture mafia before leaving, but I'm sure there's a chapter in Charlotte that is even more bitchy...We'll see if I can go in under cover. I'll have to lose half my body weight first of course.

Man, I already miss my friends, but I probably won't cry until the finality hits me. When I'm on the beach in Vermont and am hit by the reality that my return ticket no longer says "Sea-Tac Airport". I'm so lucky to have lived here for 9 years. Those of you that have come to visit know what I"m talking about and I am glad you were able to see where we called home. Its amazing.

In My Mind, I'm Goin' to Carolina

2009-07-08T00:46:00.000-04:00

Well, after nine years, its not just in my mind.

After taking in the excitment of the new mini-van and the freshly painted bedroom, Rob told me there was a job in Charlotte that he was going to get more information about. I said that was cool and didn't think much of it. I know better than to get my hopes up about moving by now. Well, before we knew it, they had extended an offer and he took it. We'll be leaving the NW the 20th of August.

We are so excited to be going back East. Being close to our families will be so excellent. Just knowing I'll be at the Lake House for Labor Day for the first time...EVER is making me giddy. The move is going to be stressful as all get out, but we're working with some great realators and moving CLOSER to family rather than far away makes it easier for us. We'll have some good help.

The one catch about the whole thing...leaving my NW family. My friends have been my second family for nine years. They all knew this day would come eventually, but that didn't make telling them any easier. I'm scared about having to make new friends. I get a lot of laughing when I say that because (according to them), I'm so outgoing, and so fun. but it is still hard thinking of starting over in that regard. Of course, Jeannine says to me, "you know what to do, find a mom's group to join, go to moms night out, get drunk and see what sticks." hahaha. Love it.

This past weekend was our fourth of July celebration in the neighborhood and the weather was so nice. I soaked it all in, and thought back to when we used to live in our little house of Ridge Street and the family we've grown in this house off Fairway. I'll miss the mountains, the minimal bugs and humidity, and, most of all, my free lovin' hippies.

Actually, most of all I will miss our friends. These are people that I trust with my life and my kids lives. People that lift me up when I'm down and make me laugh everyday. People that love my kids as much as I do and love me more than I love myself. This is what I will miss the most. Please come to Carolina to visit me...and I'll come back to the NW to see you and get my "hardcore liberal" fix. I love you guys.

FYI, regardless of whether they get an MLB team in Charlotte, I will be a Mariner's fan for life and will only hope they are part of the American League so I can see them play!

KIRBY!

2009-07-08T00:35:00.000-04:00

So, a few weeks ago I am at home in the afternoon with the kids when the door bell rings. I answer the door thinking it is probably my friends picking her son up, but no, its a solicitor (so much for that ROA guideline!). He says to me, "we're promoted our business, and want to know if we could clean the rug in one room for you for free?" I'm thinking, "man, the playroom could use a good cleaning and if they do a good job, I'll probably hire them for the rest of the house", so I said "sure!"

well, wouldn't you know it...this douche bag was a vacuum salesman. Have you heard of the Kirby? I have, but I've never seen one in action. You can't buy it in stores, they only sell it door to door. I'll admit, its a cool vacuum, but it killed me to sit through the sales pitch (and I did because I am to damn nice ). This poor guy vacuumed everything to show me all the dirt in my house, which wasn't much because the cleaning people had just come. The kids really enjoyed watching him, so that was a good for me, but this guy was NEW and his pitch took forever. I swear, he was in my house for almost three hours.

Whats more, I was going to Seattle for a concert that evening, and I needed to leave my house at 6:00. Thank goodness I had showered already, but I had planned on doing my hair! No dice. No matter how many times I told this guy I was leaving soon, he just kept on with his pitch telling me, "we're almost done". No kidding, I made dinner for the kids while he continued cleaning the floor. FINALLY he got to the carpet cleaning and that is when Rob came home.

He asked what was going on, I told him "this nice mane is cleaning the carpet in one of our rooms for free." then I went and changed my clothes, threw on minimal make-up and left the house. YES, left the house with the guy still there cleaning the rug after being in my house for THREE HOURS! After telling me to never let sales people in the house (DUH...I'm nuts), he told me the guy finished and Rob said "great, thank, goodbye." He also wrote down their license plate numbers for extra precaution.

ANYWAY, the point really is this. When the pitch was finally coming to the close, he asked me how much i thought the vacuum cost and I said I had no idea...he gave me a price sheet and I about crapped my pants. This vacuum was $2500 dollars. No, that is not a typo...two thousand, five hundred dollars! ummm, yeah I'll stick with my Dyson.

Respect the Van

2009-07-08T00:05:00.000-04:00

I'll admit it, I used to be a hater. I thought Mini-Vans were only for those moms that didn't listen to anything but Barney and fed their kids the apples instead of fries at McDonalds. In other words, not for me.

Then I had three kids and tried to squeeze them all into my very "cool" Honda Pilot. It worked, but I can't say I wasn't wishing I had picked the van five years ago when we got a "family car". The pilot is paid for, and with the economy the way it is, I never asked for a van. The pilot had the room, so what if Eldest had to crawl over the seat to get to the 3rd row or climb in through the back. It worked.

Well, I guess not complaining about it worked, because my husband did something VERY amazing while I was away on my trip to Vermont. I had a feeling he was going to do something and I figured it was paint our bedroom because he kept asking me about colors before I left. Well, Youngest and I get to the airport after a LONG day of traveling and pick up our things. I called Rob to tell him I was ready to be picked up and he tells me to walk towards an unfamiliar airline. I walk the wrong way and am getting annoyed because I have my hands full and in my mind I feel he should just find me instead of me finding him. I call again and ask him where he is and why he couldn't just pick me up where I came out and he gets frustrated and starts telling me to turn around, he's waving and I see him finally and Eldest comes running up. I was so happy to see him that I didn't notice the Van at first, but when I did, my first instinct wasn't "hey a new van", it was "why did Rob rent a van?", then Eldest says, "Mommy, this is your new car!"

FOR REAL??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I leave for four days and Rob buys a van, and let me tell you, this van is pimpin. Auto doors, nav system, sun roof, 6 disc changer, built in sun shades, DVD player with wireless headsets...THE BOMB! All these upgrades were SWEET! However, I was even more excited about the detail that Rob remembered on his own...he gave me a brand new Pearl Jam sticker that he had specially made for the car. OH MAN was I excited.

My cousin Ronnie came up with the nick name: Fambulance, and now I am a VERY proud owner/driver of a "van" and all you haters out there can kiss my butt.

The Fambulance

My car and I have the same Tattoo :)

P.S. Rob also painted the bedroom...he rocks.

So much to Blog about, So Little Time.

2009-06-22T22:35:00.000-04:00

There are SO many stories to tell! So much has happened since my trip to Vermont for my cousin Chuck's funeral. I don't know where to begin. I'm just checkin' in to let you know that the family is making it through. The funeral was the saddest thing I have ever experienced in my life, but I am so glad that I got to go, and that I brought our little baby with me. She was a true blessing to everyone that attended.

More on everything else tomorrow. I have to write down all the things I want to write about, and I'll try my best not to put it all in one long boring post!

So Young, So soon.

2009-06-09T07:54:00.000-04:00

on June 6th I was awakened at 6:30 AM by a phone call from my cousin telling me that our cousin Chuck had passed away suddenly. He was only 31 years old, and in just a few weeks time, he was going to drive cross country with another cousin to his brother's wedding in Utah.

The death was shocking, and I wasn't able to believe it at first. I'm not sure if its because I'm so far away, or because something like this has never really happened to me before, but here I am, 3 days later and it has become real. Over the past few days, cousins (I have over 20) have been posting pictures and notes about Chuck to their facebook accounts and on Sunday night I put together a nice tribute video using those photos. After finishing, I watched it and realized that I would never see my cousin again.

My cousins are like extra siblings to me. We are a very close knit family and I have always cherished this. Losing Chuck is like losing a brother, regardless of how often I saw him. He spent some time in Portland, OR and during that time he would come to visit us and we would go visit him. It was a fun time.

Youngest and I are off to Vermont this morning to attend his funeral. It is going to be a very sad week, but I am so happy I can be there. The trip there will be long for me. I've never traveled alone with a baby before, and the first leg is a doozy at almost 6 hours, but it will be what it is and hopefully Youngest will be the sweet angel she's been since birth, and if not, I'll tell anyone that gives me dirty looks to shove it.

Here is the video that I made for my sweet cousin Chuck. He will be missed so very much.

How About This Heat???

2009-06-04T18:07:00.001-04:00

haha, that title reminds me of a funny Dennis Leary song. Don't know it? Google it.

Its pretty darn hot out here in the NW right now and as some of you know, we don't have A/C in our house, so I'm baking in my own home right now. Thankfully we got ceiling fans installed last summer and that takes the edge off a bit, but it makes falling asleep a little tough. I can't seem to get to sleep until around 12:00 AM or 1:00 when the house has cooled down to at least 75. Then, before I know it, I'm up for a night feeding and feeling like a Zombie as I sweat into the leather of the rocker. Nothing like hearing the sound of your own skin peeling off the chair as you stand up and hoping it doesn't wake the baby!

Well, today I took a rare nap while the two younger ones slept and man I feel like I've been hit by a mac truck. I mean, I know I'm tired, but man...when you get sleep you finally realize how much you need it and you don't want it to end...especially by hearing your son press the "morse code" button on his walkie talkie! man that's one rude awakening.

OK, I'm off to collect my thoughts and wipe the sweat off my brow that has accumulated from just typing this out. YAY SUMMER!

What the Foot!?

2009-06-03T14:23:00.000-04:00

Goodness, just when I'm on track and enjoying my workouts, something like this happens. I get up this morning and I can hardly stand on my right foot. I went to the ER expecting to hear that its broken or fractured or even sprained, but there is nothing wrong with it. The doctor says to take tylenol and motrin and stay off it. Stay off it...yeah right. I have three kids pal, I can't just lay around all day long (as nice as that would be!). He thinks it could be a nerve issue and I should see a neurologist to determine if that's the case. Luckily I know a guy, so I won't have to wait to long to find out.

I apologize for my blog posts being so boring latley! I have a lot of funny stories, but no brain capacity to remember them when I finally get time to sit down and write, so I just write what's on my mind at that moment, which usually has to do with the spare tire I am carrying around my mid section!

Here's something...those of you that have been long time readers know the troubles I went through with potty training Oldest. He loved to poop in the yard...he even prefered it for a while. Well, yesterday during Middle's "Naked time" (that kid LOVES to be naked) he took a dump outside...in the pool! I've never cleaned up poop from a pool (or bath for that matter) and it was nasty. However, I have to give him props because he tried to use it like a potty by sitting on the edge and squeezing it out. I don't want to potty train Middle because I'm not there mentally yet, but he may just have other plans. Rob and I have decided training him will be difficult, not because he won't go, but because he'll only do it on his terms.

I will think of something fun to write about later...promise.

Flogging: Day 1

2009-06-01T13:32:00.000-04:00

So, I got my Flogg book in the mail yesterday and I'm starting to log my food today. I will also log my exercise as well. Its going to be hard to make this into a habit, but I'm hoping to keep up with it because your diet is 80% of weight loss!

Youngest...almost 2 months

2009-06-01T13:29:00.000-04:00

2 lbs...

2009-05-27T00:16:00.001-04:00

I'm down 2 lbs from last week. Feeling good about that! I was also able to hold some yoga poses longer than last week tonight as well. Its harder than it looks, people!

That's 2 lbs I'll never have to lose again! Hooray!

FLOGG!

2009-05-24T22:11:00.000-04:00

I don't know when it started, but somehow I've gotten a subscription to Women's Health Magazine. You know, the one that has all the lovely ladies on the cover that always say things like "I eat healthy, but there are days where I eat a pint of Ben and Jerry's just for dinner. bahahaha" liars.

Well, turns out the articles (all but those mentioned above) are pretty good, and as I flipped through the April issue (hey, I just kept them through the pregnancy, and figured I would catch up after I had Youngest) I found two articles that interested me. The first was an inspirational story of a young lady who went from 314 pounds to 130 pounds in just over a year. She did it via Gold's Gym (I belong to Gold's, so that was inspiring!), and by keeping a detailed food journal.

Food journaling, bah! I had to keep a food journal while I was on the 20/20 program at the Pro Sports Club (Great program, if you can afford it, do it!). While on the program I was great at it because I had people to answer to (trainers, nutritionists, doctors...etc). However, now that I'm on my own, keeping a food journal lasts about 6 days and then I just stop.

Well, the next article in Women's Health was about how keeping a food journal can help you lose more weight than just exercising and "eating right" alone. I knew this already, but what what was new were the suggestions for the journals. I have never found one that really worked. I have tried notebooks, small diaries, and actual food journals. These were all to big or to generic. I needed something portable that had all the room for the information I wanted to track. Well, the one that this article talked about was called the Flogg Daily Journal.

I went to the site and loved it. Its small, and it is organized in a way that is useful for me. I ordered one right away. Then I read the testimonials and was inspired by one woman who found having the journal kept her from eating poorly because she didn't want to have to write it down. I thought that was very interesting. The journal became the "thing" that was holding her accountable. She didn't want to have to write down "Chocolate cake - 500 calories" or "6 beers" in there. I liked that way of thinking, and I'm taking that approach.

I started today. I was feeling hungry, probably because the kids were all occupied or napping and that is usually when I eat and watch my Tivoed shows. Instead of falling victim to my habits, I got up and walked the parkway (5 miles) with Middle in the stroller. It felt much better than downing a bag of chips! Let's hope I can keep this momentum up. Its hard not seeing "immediate" results on the scale or in my clothes, but I know it will happen and I don't want to be saying five months from now, "if only I had just stuck with it."

So, now not only am I blogging, but I'm also, FLOGGING...hehe.

Sunshine and Beer

2009-05-23T21:44:00.000-04:00

Why is it when the sun comes out the Bud Light always seems to get put in the fridge by the 18 pack? I'm not complaining, but its a hard habit to break, and with this weight loss goal looming over me, NOT having beer in sunny weather is the pits. Don't get me wrong, I am having a beer, but I feel guilty about it...of course, that doesn't burn any calories. Maybe I should switch to that beer that's only 65 calories. Then the act of getting up and getting another one would burn off what I just had. Its a win win.

Jeez, so, is it just me, or does it seem like every other woman in America seems to have the uncanny ability to have a baby and be stick think within months, nah, weeks of delivery? I swear, I think its some kind a trend that I missed the memo for, because if I'm not sucking it in and pass the mirror, I would think I was still about 4 months pregnant. Yes, yes, I did the Belly Bandit thing, but that only worked to save my back. It didn't help me lose weight, and now that my 6 week time frame is up, its really not helping me at all. I also realized at Yoga last week that my abs feel like they've been assaulted with a hand grenade. There is NOTHING there, and moves that were once easy for me, I couldn't even pull off. It made me feel like the sad, overweight woman that just decided to try working out for the first time in her life. Hey, news flash Yoga people...I've been working out for years and have done triathlons, half marathons, and other various "thons"...I'm not new!

I'm having a moment. One may even say I was "off the meds", but I'm not. I'm still taking them. But as the doctor said, they don't make everything sunshine and rainbows. The road ahead is long. I just wish I could "see" what I was working for. A picture of what I would look like if I just stuck with it. Maybe I should take a picture of what I actually look like and put it up all over the house to deter me from getting off track. I swear, my mental image of myself is vastly different from what I actually look like. Don't worry, if I do that I won't post the picture here. I wouldn't want anyone to have a stroke!