Well, poop.

Now that my sister is busy with her new baby and all, I have no one to talk to on the phone!! People!! You do not realize the tragedy that this TRULY is! I only clean when I am on the cordless phone.... I do not exaggerate. She and I can talk for 2-3 hours, while taking care of the kids and cleaning the house. Not that we talk that long every day, but at least for an hour each day, during which time I do the dishes, basic clean-up and a load of laundry.

So. Now that lil sis is on day 1 of home with 2 kids and a husband, do you want to know what I did???

Well, it certainly wasn't cleaning....

I managed to save the castle from the "bad guys." Though all I had was a construction guy, a one-armed Boba Fet and a few Little People to defend my "village."



A few smooches. Can't beat that...

I managed to reflect upon the ability of our figurines to coexist without conflict, even though they are from competitive networks.... Why can't the world's human population enjoy the Earth as easily as Mickey and Spongebob share with Leo (from Caillou) and Diego?
Hmmmm... decisions, decisions....
I figure it's never too young to teach that sometimes girls like girls and boys like boys(truly, talk to your kids today)... all to the catchy tune of "I won't, give up!" from those Princess tales dvds...
Yeeeaaaahhhh.... I never did get around to my OWN laundry. I did, however do 6 loads of baby boy stuff. Sniff. Oh! And I sorted it by size and labelled 3 boxes with detailed information of its contents.

Made some red broth soup for dinner. It's simmering away right now....

Yes. I did a bit too much of this....

All that and I managed to freeze my tush off buying groceries. I totally stocked up on cereal cuz I am NOT running out again this week!! Holy moly. My hands are perpetually cold...

See? My selfish sister and her need to care for her family are making my house a wreck and my blog boring. Sigh.... She's lucky that her baby is so freakin cute.

Need a little pick me up juice...

Urgh. Running on empty this morning, and I'm not really sure why. It couldn't possibly have to do with poor diet and sleep habits, though. Right? I mean, coffee and gumbo should be enough to sustain a body. Come ON! The gumbo's got veggies and everything!

I need to start taking better care of myself and my family. We eat like crap. This morning, however, is not the morning to start shopping with a mission. This morning is for cinnamon toast and hazelnut coffee.

~~~~~~
Good Lordy, last night's storm was fierce! Seriously, I couldn't see across my street at times when the wind's gusts were at their strongest. Scared me half to death! Especially since Patrick was stuck trying to drive home in it. It took him forever, but he made it safely. So that means that I need to go out to the van early this morning to make sure I can unlock it. The wind and ice may have frozen all of the locks.... Good times, good times.

Maybe I'll post later on when my joe kicks in and I'm not in such a grumpy mood.

Bleaaaahhhh..

Ayyyiiieeeee!!!!

I'm an auntie again!!!

And, for the first time for me, I have a NEPHEW!! How cool is that??? My sister and her new baby boy (squee!) are doing fine after a really REALLY fast labor (par for course in my sisterhood) and I can't wait to head up to her hospital tomorrow morning with a tiny blue outfit... Too bad I didn't keep the one from her first pregnancy... I was SURE she was having a boy that time, and actually bought a boy outfit! Yeah... enter my niece. This time, I was SURE she was having a girl, but didn't buy anything. Thank goodness, or else I'd be returning yet another gift!

So. I got to share the news with SOMEONE (ones...) and I am just so excited!!! I can't wait to see little Ryan...

I'm off to wash oodles of baby boy clothes from my basement... Ahh.. memory lane will surely make me cry tonight...


Edited to add: Isn't he sweet?? Such a little doll. He looks JUST like his sister did, too! I had a ball last night, washing all of the tiny boy stuff. I'm going to organize it before I pass it over to my sister. I hit Target on the way to the hospital and they were having a winter sale!! Newborn stuff for 2 and 3 bucks each!! :) Totally made my day. (Of course, I just HAD to buy Corinne a cute new spring dress and socks... ahem.)

Still breathing!

Hey howdy hey. Still here, just bizzzzeeeee!!!! Quick recap:

1. Snow. Lots of it. So much that Patrick was really late driving home on Friday. But now it's melting.

2. Speech meet. Judged it, saw some good and not-so-good speeches. Came home to a house that was still standing and kids that were fairly cleanish.

3. Saw High School The Musical on ICE on Sunday (whoot). Lemme tell you, I reallllly don't want to say anything bad about the "actors" cuz they're real people who might actually read this someday, but one of the principals was so incredibly cheesy, that I told Patrick (repeatedly) that I wanted to skate out there and slap her. He said that she seemed to have learned how to speak and move from Mickey Mouse. That's how ridiculous she looked. BUT. Enough mean stuff about it, cuz our kids enjoyed it. Especially Corinne. She was shaking her booty and bopping along to the music. Totally worth enduring the cheese to see her face.

4. My sister is at the hospital! She doesn't seem to be ready to deliver just yet, but the baby is coming soon... Very exciting! Cross your fingers for an easy delivery for her...

Got some laundry to put away and a kid bedroom to finish revamping. I didn't tell you? Yeah... Another big project this weekend was putting up bookshelves upstairs for the kids' books (by myself again. Rawr...) and then rearranging the boys' room so that I could clean under their beds. Also, I got a ton of their crap, er, TOYS to the basement so that the empty space in their room is amazing! Love it.

Peace out.

I am honored. Kami said I get to put this E thingy on my blog, and who am I to argue? Apparently, I get to give it out to 10 others, but how will I choose just 10?

Here goes...

1. Tricia from Four plus Four equals Ten... I love her humor. She has a big family of funny kids. Nuf said.

2.Beck from Frog and Toad are still Friends... Again, a funny lady with a genuine heart. Somebody I can totally picture having a cup of coffee with.

3. Kristi from Interrupted Wanderlust... A fairly new read of mine... I really appreciate her honesty.

4. Maryam from My Marrakesh... She brings a taste of the exotic to my small Midwestern world.

5. Painted Maypole... A lovely writing style, and she's a sweet person to boot.

6. Melissa from My Woolgatherings... We share a lot of similarities with our kids! It's nice to commisserate.

7. Michelle from My Semblance of Sanity... Turn the volume down before you read her heartfelt posts, cuz she usually has some rockin music plugged in!

8. Rach from Life with Hannah and Lily... Reading her blog after her tragic loss has shown her strength, courage and basic humanity. I am always amazed by her honesty.

9. Michelle from Big Blueberry Eyes... Another person that I admire for her honesty and courage in situations that I can only imagine. Plus, she's a truly sweet soul.

10. Jamie from All Things Avery... A mom of another mischievously sweet 2 year old that I would love to hang out with. Her daughter's antics are a sweet story to read.

Ho.Lee. Crap. 10, no ELEVEN links in one post. I'm beat. Thank God I'm drinking wine, or I would have given up around #4.... I may or may not post to you guys to let you know, cuz Honestly??? I'm done. Let's see if you all love me as much as I love you, m'kay?

Here's to hoping you all feel like dancing today!

A hairy topic

I love this picture. They were hanging out together at the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. Evan was telling Corinne stories and she was giggling. The static electricity was ferocious that day and you can see their hair standing on end. It got me to thinking about hair and how it is a big part of who each of us are. How hair can define you, and make you feel beautiful. And how not having it can make you feel different, and not complete...
If you've read some of my previous posts, I've been touched recently by a few stories of cancer that have really struck me. My heart aches for anyone that is affected by a serious illness. And to have that illness out there for all to see, to not be able to just get away from it when a bald head is obvious for the world, well... that's just the icing on a crappy cake.

I happen to have hair that is thick and grows extremely fast. It is currently past my bra strap and always in a ponytail. (please ignore the pasty and pimpled face. It was early. I hadn't even had a shower or coffee yet.) I was feeling bummed about how boring it's become again (a problem for me with the fast growth, is that I have to continually get it cut to keep it shaped), so I decided to go for a new cut with some funky color and donate my long pony to Locks of Love. You need 10 inches of hair for a wig, which I have, but they will accept 8 and 9 inches for other pieces. So even a few chunks of longish hair can help. Check out their site and see if it's something you'd be interested in doing, now or in the future.
And hey! Maybe having short hair again will save me from pulling it out when these adorable faces above create messes like the one below... (a few days ago. Thankfully, it all came up. But I saw a PRIME picture for the blog immediately!)

Life under a magnifying glass...

As if having twins and then sextuplets isn't attention drawing enough, how about having your best and worst qualities made into a reality show for all the world to see and analyze?

I can't imagine. Can.Not. Imagine what having 8 children would be like, let alone the 2 multiple sets that the Gosselins have. Nor can I imagine dealing with my own issues (we all have them!) in front of a television crew. Yes, Kate is controlling, OCD and rude to Jon at times, but I can also see her patience with the kids, her love for her husband and her desperate attempt to make her household run the way she sees fit.

Can you imagine having your 7 year old throwing a fit over something minor (ahem. I don't need to imagine that one) but then also having millions of people ranting over what a "brat" your child is and how one child is "better" than the other? I think it would break my heart to see my babies torn apart like that! The Internets can be vicious and cruel. Many people don't know how to utilize the saying "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" when it's on the internet. Somehow, having the computer screen as a buffer makes all of the nasty comments "ok."

I'm just putting this out there to say that it doesn't. The computer doesn't give you immunity from being a cruel person. If you wouldn't walk up to someone in person and say something, then keep it to yourself! You may say that they "asked" for this by agreeing to a reality show, but that is a mistake that many people make. Can any of us honestly know what we'd do if put into that same situation? I know that I am against selective reduction for myself. I would have done the same if presented with the possibility of 6 babies. I don't know that I would have chosen to do a television show, but that's mainly because I'm a fairly private person. And also, a slob. (i.e. my floor is not only NOT mopped 3 times a day, but not even 3 times a month. Also, I walk in hotels barefoot. Yes. It's true. And I'm still alive to tell the tale...)

I happen to love this show. I also love any show that gives me a look into lifestyles and families that are extremely different from my own. It gives me a perspective on how vastly unique we all are. I don't have to agree with every opinion in every family to understand that they are all ENTITLED to live the way they want! Why is it so hard for some people to realize this?

I happened upon a mass quantity of negative comments on various message boards regarding this family. I felt I had to say something, anything to state that while you don't agree with someone else's choices, there is no need to be cruel. There is no need to criticize to the point of a frenzied argument. Let's try and remember that there are always several sides to every story, every "reality" show is heavily edited, and that this is a FAMILY. They deserve to live the way they want! Jon and Kate and their beautiful children have my support.

And also? Their privacy.

Snowy Tuesday

Is it wrong that 7 pairs of little girl undies make me so happy? They are so FREAKIN cute! Tiny little princess underwear with sparklies and happy faces. Why isn't MY underwear so uplifting? (Also, why isn't my underwear small and cute? But that's a different story...) I thought of posting a picture, but that's just crossing some invisible line for me of what's appropriate and what's not. I really don't want some guy googling l!ttle gi$l p#nt!es... (Geez. That's hard to type without being googlable...).

Corinne is potty training herself. If you knew, only KNEW the four-letter word that potty training is/was for me with the boys, you'd know that for me to say it now without cringing is nothing short of a miracle. Also, I am TOTALLY expecting this to backfire and be a total disaster... this may be giving my daughter less credit than she is due, I realize, but I cannot let myself be led down this path again. At least, not without looking at the ditches to see the pain and misery that was potty-training of the past. (I truly am not exaggerating. To spare my children at least SOME embarrassment in their futures, I will leave it at that, but I have some DOOZY stories, trust me!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~
It snowed! Big old fluffy flakes covering up the lovely sheet of ice we got beforehand, so I am so excited to drive today! Whoot!!! "Slipppin and a'slidin in the slush".... Yes. I watch too much Wonderpets... Maybe, just MAYbe we can go sledding this winter.
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Um. I have nothing to say that is very exciting.... La la la la.... Oh! How about the fact that my sister is due with her baby in less than 2 weeks? That's pretty freakin exciting! Especially since the little brat doesn't find out what she's having ahead of time. Do you have ANY IDEA how frustrating this is???? I'd smack her if she wasn't, you know, with child. I'm usually completely wrong when I have guesses. I was wrong with Andria, Jaymi, my sister's first, several friends, and various other people for years now. I mean, if I have a TRUE feeling of what someone is having, not just a random guess, then I am wrong. I was so positive that my sister's first child was a boy that I bought her a boy outfit!!! Yeah. She had a girl. So. I am dead positive that this one is another girl. I even had a dream! So, I am pretty sure that she will have a boy...

Hmmmm. I still have nothing to say. Are you still reading? Hello? Is there anybody IN there? Don't you just love that Pink Floyd song?

Well. I guess I'd better start the van and scrape it and such. Oh, and make sure the kids aren't in jammies for school... I promise to have a more riveting post next time. Well, I'll try....

~~~
Edited to add: please send love and support for Susan at Toddler Planet (also known as WhyMommy). Today is her double mastectomy... Her husband is planning on reading the comments after her surgery as a kind of bedtime story. Please send her sweet, encouraging and funny thoughts to help speed the recovery along...

It's a new day, it's a new start...

(don't you just love the music from Spirit? My kids have played that cd at least 10,000 times...)



Well, that's how I'm feeling this morning. A fresh beginning to the week. Good things are abundant around me. I just need to recognize and relish them.



Corinne spent the entire day wearing princess underwear yesterday and kept them dry. What more do I need to make me happy?



I do have a question about the whole Martin Luther King Jr day, though: why is it only a halfway holiday? Either make it a day that companies are off, or don't. Enough with this halfway thing. Patrick is at work, but all schools, banks and anything important is closed. It's not as bad as Casimir Pulaski day, but it still bugs me. Either we honor the day or not! Enough with the middle of the road!

Anyway! Dumb post, sorry! I have to get dressed and get Justin to a friend's house soon. Hope your Monday is a Funday!

Sorry. That was extremely lame...

Getting a grip on reality....

Hearing about little Julian's death just now, made me cry and want to smack myself for letting my hormone fluctuations get the better of me. I was at Chuck E Cheese with my own children, sad over no real reasons, just sad, as he was passing away.... Priority check, anyone?

My heart goes to his family... May his soul be free to play and run, with no more pain...

And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for...

Da da da DA da da DAAAAA!!!

My living room/office.

Where all the magic happens....

Where I attempt to not destroy musical masterpieces.... Oh, and the book shelves that are half as empty as they were a week ago. Aren't they BEAUTIFULLY empty??? My dad made these when I was little, and I stole them from their house about 10 years ago for our first house...

Notice that big empty spot? I am looking for just the right pieces to fill it. I have seen some brass-type sculpture pieces that I like, but I am so cheap, that I need to keep looking. Hobby Lobby is calling my name...

The black shelves that I built last night by mySELF. I am the one who really assembles most stuff in the house, anyway. I tried to mount it to the wall, but the stud wasn't really a stud, so I guess I need my husband for something in the living room after all... I was SO EXCITED to do 98% by myself, though! (Oh, and the shelves? $28.47 at WalMart. They are nice! And even if they only last 5 or 6 years, they were less than $30!! I am totally buying another set for the boys' books!)

And, just for fun, what we did last night with the remaining paint from Justin's pinewood derby car. I dressed her in junky stuff today (she looks like a boy!) so that we can paint again.

Cancer sucks.

Please send any support or love with a comment to Judy, a fellow blogger who is beginning chemo on next Tuesday for breast cancer. She has a sweet little boy and a husband who love her desperately. She sounds incredibly down today, and needs as much love and support that you can send...
~~~~~~
I still remember hearing my mom sobbing on the phone and then turning to my grandpa, and saying "It's cancer!!!" when my dad's results came in. We had just lost my grandma, her mother, a few months earlier to cancer. I was only 8 or 9, and all I knew was that cancer meant people went into the hospital and died. I was petrified, to say the least. My mom had 3 young girls, and was a SAHM with a high school degree. I can't IMAGINE the fear she must have had.

It's strange how a child's memory works. I was in fourth grade during my dad's chemotherapy, and treatments, hospital stays and lovely cathedars in his chest. All I can remember from that year is iodine... The strange bloody brown that scared me, smeared all over my dad's chest, so that he could receive his medications, I think. And THAT'S IT. Nothing. Not a single other memory from my entire fourth grade year. Fear just knocked it out of my head, in a protective method, I guess...

My dad recovered, slowly but surely. I am so grateful for the gift of my family, and I can't imagine my life any other way.

~~~~~~~~~
Cancer sucks.

Random thoughts...

Oh where to begin, where to begin? Shall I complain and talk about the tantrum that came from one of my male offspring at the family party on Sunday? About the horrific embarrassment of an out and out hysterical fit from a child that I can no longer physically restrain? No.... Too negative, I think.

How about talking, yet again, about how happy I am with how my living room is looking? It doesn't take much to make me happy, you know! The bookshelves I've picked out, the plans for the new wall decorations and some fake plants (cuz real ones? In MY house? Please...) No... Too much exposure, already.

How about how I got NO SLEEP last night cuz both of the boys slept in our bed, and I couldn't, and I mean Could. NOT. get any sleep? And I'm still wearing what I wore yesterday and then to bed last night? But it's kinda ok, cuz no one saw me yesterday and no one will see me today... and I don't smell. At least, I don't think so.... Not that I care. - No... Kinda gross, and I might lose some readers...

I could brag about Evan's abstract art from yesterday, done in watercolor medium. We decided that one looks like a caterpillar crawling along a fence in the grass, with the sun high above. And the other looks like an amoeba. I kid you not, both Patrick and I thought the same thing on different occasions. I'll go scan it now, and you can tell me what you think. I told him I'm gonna frame them. I think I'll start an art wall upstairs...

Caterpillar in the grass...Amoeba? Bacteria? Cosmic constellation?

The cool thing is that he wasn't being instructed to PAINT something. He just did it. Which is rare for Evan. He likes to be led in art most of the time, so I get really excited about anything truly unique.

Sunday, Sunday

Hello!!! A busy weekend, but a good one...

First of all, the room is PAINTED! And I feel like doing that Tim Allen grunt here (oah, oah, OAH!) as I am a wonder woman who can move heavy desks, couches, a piano, bookshelves and computers all by herself! Isn't it an empowering feeling to be physically able? Other than finding the screwdriver to finish installing the bookshelves and moving the piano the last 6 inches (it got stuck in a dip in the carpet) I did it all. And I am totally patting myself on the back. I'd be posting pictures of it but for 2 reasons:
1. I haven't bought any of the new accessories I want to finish it off. I'm thinking Hobby Lobby in the next few days...
2. my camera still won't let me delete so I have no space on it!! Patrick promised to look into it as I still haven't the dvd into the player to watch the demo. I hate demos...

Another fun thing was meeting Christina from A Mommy Story! She brought little Mira with her, and let me tell you, that baby is every bit as adorable as her pictures! I even got to witness a few of her hard-earned baby smiles which are just precious. It was also nice to know that no matter how long Justin whined about the ice cream (McD's was soft serve only. He can't stand smooth and "melty" foods like that), or Evan bounced off of the walls (he knocked down half a rack of clothes in Hanna Anderson) or Corinne attacked people (she pinched a little boy at the Hanna Anderson's bead toy. Literally knocked him down and had her way. But the mom was so nice about it...) Christina was going to say she understood. And actually, despite the kids being less than pride-generating, it was a nice afternoon. Of course, neither of us remembered to take a picture... doh.

We are off to my niece's 2nd birthday party today! Looking forward to a party that isn't as high stress as Christmas parties can be and just hanging out with my family. Hope you all are having a relaxing weekend!

DELURK NOW!!!

Edited to add: Please delurk as it is apparently national delurk day or something. Whatevah! (as Halfmama's baby would say. Watch it. It's a riot!) Let me know you love me!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Edited to add again, that Evan has slept through the night 2 nights in a row with no more stomach pains at all! Thank God! I have been a much nicer mommy (despite the fact that I just shrieked at them like a banshee because GAWD! I'm blogging! Can't you kids be quiet for a minute or 20 while I hang on the puter???)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ahhhh.... I am 99% done painting! I just need to re-roll in the daytime over any spots that aren't as smooth as they should be and take a bit of white to the ceiling spots that got touched on accident, and I'm DONE! I love the brown, but I am so SICK of looking at it in close view!

So. That's the quickie post of the week. Oh, also, I can't figure out my new camera. Damnit. I knew it was too good to be true! I can't figure out how to erase certain photos without deleting others! In fact, the entire menu has changed on the screen, so that I can't even get into the selection area! Frickin technology. Probably made by a man...

And here we go again...

Evan was fine, FINE, all day, until 7:00 hit. Sure enough, he started asking for the pain reliever, which I gave him. He is now yelling in agony. Tell me, is there a psychological reason for him to start having problems at nighttime? Cuz I'm gonna kill him if this continues, night after night. He hasn't had nightmares, new stresses, or major life changes. He hasn't changed his diet or routine in any way.

I was signing on to say how well he did today and to show these remotely funny pictures, but now I'm all pissed off and anticipating another horrific night. Pray that I keep my mind... that I remember that at least he didn't test for something awful. Things could be much, much worse, right?

So. Here's my pictures. yay... Take a good look at those unfinished walls, cuz they apparently aren't getting done anytime soon.

Oh yes. I am DEFINITELY having another one of those...

Yawn....

It was a long night. Evan woke up several times last night, screaming in pain. He said it felt like someone was stabbing him in the stomach... Long story short, I got him to the ER around midnight in the middle of a thunderstorm and flooding roads. He was PETrified of going to the hospital. Absolutely shaking with fear, poor baby... Also, let it be said that Evan has never been a "good patient." He isn't usually the one to be calm and put on a brave face. So when he was brave through the i.v. insertion and then the cat scan later on, I was very proud. Especially when you consider the lack of sleep he's had lately, and that it was 2 am when he had the cat scan.

Luckily, there was no appendicitis, no inflammation, no problem with his blood. He had moderate stool which we're going to use a prescription for today, but I really don't think that that is the issue here. The doctor wasn't sure of it either, but we're going to try this route and see if things get better.

I walked back in my door last night (this morning?) at 4:30 am. My mom had come over in the middle of the night to stay with the other kids, (relieving my neighbor who came over immediately. Thank God for good neighbors!) because Patrick is in Ohio. Of course he's in Ohio! Where else would he be in the middle of a rainstorm when I have to rush a child to the ER? He was really worried, and couldn't do anything about it. I don't know if I had the worse parenting role or if he did last night. I can't imagine knowing that Evan was in the hospital and I couldn't even see him...

Thankfully, he's resting upstairs, peacefully. We will get the pain reliever and softener and see what tonight is like. I was actually in the middle of a painting frenzy when he started crying again, so I am surrounded by a half-painted living room/office. I love the color, and will post the funny pics I had planned on showing you guys last night, before the fun began.

Working on 2 hours of sleep here, so I have to go and lie down while Rinny watches Shrek. Cross some fingers or something that he's ok, would ya?

Here comes the rain, again...

All of you Illinois residents can blame Patrick for your bad weather tonight. It only ever storms this badly when he leaves for the week. Although, I loved walking to school today in just our shirts and feeling the warm breezes in JANUARY for cripe's sake, I would have rather had icy weather and no potential tornadoes in the freakin winter, thankyouverymuch.

(ah yes. There's the hail outside... lovely.)

I have begun painting!! There is a whole section that I managed to paint the border of during Corinne's nap today. It's a warm brown that will blend in with the other painted walls. I had thought of a different color, but when I actually put the samples on my wall? I just couldn't picture an entire room in that color. So! Brown it is. Should hide the dirt from 3 kids better, anyway, right?

And just so you all can know that I am NOT a neatnick, perfect person (cuz I know you were ALL thinking that. I exude that in my personality, I know...) here are some pictures of my house (if the lightning doesn't zap my computer first. Type faster! No fancy stuff!!) as they really are...

This IS a cleanish boys' room... Trust me....

Yes, my blinds are a bit broken, and there is laundry on the floor. But the walls! See the walls? That's what I did the LAST time Patrick was out of town!And my baby daughter's room... Ok, so the border slightly curves up in the corner... Your point?

At least she gets to wake up to butterflies and fairies over her every morning...

Come on. Show me your messes, if you dare!

Ohhhmmmm....

Apparently, all I need is to read a good book and get some time for myself. I'm almost done reading Eat, Pray, Love (I love this book. I plan on reading it again once I finish it!) and I now want to travel and meditate. Cool. Just what I can do about renewing my travel longing. I'm thinking of chanting while painting the living room this week. What do you think?



Patrick will be in Ohio for the week, so I am gearing up for many nights of drunk painting. Like when I painted our bedroom... but that turned out so nicely! I forgot: I have a digital now. I can post pictures of my painted rooms! Await a house tour soon. (Don't get yourself all worked up, though...)



Also, where can I fit in a meditation space in a 3 bedroom home? Hmmmm...

Morning....

Ahhhh... it's Saturday morning and I am off to judge a speech meet. Evan is still having bathroom issues, and was up late last night, again. Waiting for that medicine to kick in.... Patrick came in our room last night, after having to get dressed again and rescue our friends from Woodfield Mall (NOT close to us, at all!) where they were stuck outside of their car. Their key had broken in the lock! He swooped Evan up and I didn't hear another peep all night!

So, here's to hoping I come home to a happy little boy!

(I swear that my posts will be more interesting once the kids are back in school. Not that you don't all love to read about constipation and all....)

Let me not strangle either of them...

It is 2:30 am. I am up. This is not my choice, especially since Justin and his friend are sleeping on the family room floor and expect eggs and sausage at 8 am.

I am up because Evan has the Worst. Tummyache. Ev.ER. And has been whining since 11 pm. I am up because I asked for help from Pat and was made to feel like I have no compassion. Actually, those were his exact words. Honey, if you read this, you really REALLY hurt me. I was making a big confession to you in stating that I needed you to take over, or I was afraid I was gonna slap him, but instead, I feel like I'm not allowed to be frustrated after 3 HOURS of ridiculous whining. (You have never heard whining till you've heard Evan. He's the master.)

AFter a good 10 minutes of crying and googling "childhood stomach pains," I am willing to go back upstairs. Wish me luck... and sleep.

Wordy Wednesday.

Geez. I'm getting all picture slap-happy lately. Sorry bout that. Just a quickie here to say that you never know how much crap you can accumulate in one room until you attempt to empty said room. I am going to paint the living room/office soon and have been taking everything down and out of here... Oy. Loads of crap.

I'm exhausted but it'll be worth it. No more dingy walls. No more knicks and scratches. I'm thinking a warm red or green... not sure. Anything is better than this boring old white we moved into!

Oh. And I am NOT happy at my DARLING husband. He brought the trash out last night and didn't separate the recycling from the trash! So I went out (in the 2 degree windchilld) and opened bags to see what was what. Put it in 2 piles and ran back in after 10 minutes or so of swearing. All this, just to see the garbage man only take the ONE BAG that was inside of the recycling box and leave the other 4 or so!!! WTF??? I was not thrilled to go out and pull the bags back into the garage. Frickin frackin freak.... (my new swear words. Like 'em?)

Later dudes. Pat's pulling up with the tacos.

A Merry New Year it was...

We left the kids at their great aunt's house, to be crazily spoiled and loved upon, while we headed out into the quickly falling snow towards my sister's house and their yearly New Year's party...

Not even remotely sad to see us go... It was definitely one of the tamest parties we've been to at their house, what with many people cancelling due to the snow, my pregnant sister and her designated husband, but we still had fun. My BIL loves to ring in the new year as it hits every time zone, so we got to toast 2008 many times...
We picked the kids up this morning and found a disaster zone, but their aunt doesn't care. She had a lovely brunch for us, and then we headed home, in MORE falling snow.... Justin's nest...

The lovely window seat...

Rinny and the hugest cat in the world...

We tried to go sledding today, but the drifting snow on the road was so scary, that I turned around with the boys. They were not amused, but I hate driving in bad weather. Especially with the kids in the car.

Hope you had a good one. I'm tired. I am headed to bed soon, and Patrick is off to his new job in the morning. Crossing my fingers that this one is a good fit!