1- soup and sandwich (grilled cheese and canned soup - working late)
2- takeout
3- crockpot chicken and stuffing
4- fish sticks/salmon
5- breakfast for dinner - pancakes
6- spaghetti and meatballs
7- sausage with sauerkraut and potatoes (crockpot)
8- soup and sandwich
9- pizza
10- pierogies with vegetables
11- sweet potato chili (crockpot)
12- leftover
13- pizza chicken (crockpot)
14- sausage stronganoff
15- soup and sandwich (loaded baked potato in the crockpot)
16- takeout
17- ham and scalloped potatoe casserole (crockpot)
18- breakfast for dinner - frittata, sausage
19- fish sticks/salmon
20- salisbury steak
21-23 Thanksgiving with family
24- dinner out for my birthday :)
25- spaghetti and meatballs
26- pigs in ponchos
27- pizza
28- leftovers
29 - Kid's choice
30- takeout
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Household Plan 10.29.12
Didn't get much accomplished last week because I was mostly focused on work, pre-school stuff, and the kitchen remodel.
Boys started new daycare today after pre-school - so I'll update on that later and we accomplished everything we set out to do for the remodel - and it looks awesome!
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Water Plants
Put garden to bed
Raking lawn, put away outside toys, and cover grill
Clean top and middle shelves in refrigerator
November meal plan
Grocery shopping list
Grocery shopping
Clean toilets, mirrors, and showers
Sweep porch
Dust DR and Mstr BR
Change Mstr BR sheets
Mop kitchen
Vacuum 2nd floor
Pay 11/2 bills
Organizing recipes
Order cabinet hardware and kitchen backsplash tiles
Boys started new daycare today after pre-school - so I'll update on that later and we accomplished everything we set out to do for the remodel - and it looks awesome!
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Put garden to bed
Raking lawn, put away outside toys, and cover grill
Grocery shopping
Clean toilets, mirrors, and showers
Sweep porch
Mop kitchen
Vacuum 2nd floor
Order cabinet hardware and kitchen backsplash tiles
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Household Plan 10.22.12
Took a weekend trip to visit family so I didn't get mich accomplished but I did have fun visiting and it was nice to see family. And, that's what's important.
Here's the plan for this week. I'm so excited that both of my sisters are coming up to visit us next weekend and while here are going to help me put a new kitchen floor in and change my kitchen countertops. Yeah, independent contractors! I'll have to post some before and after pics. Oh, and getting the furnance and insulation replaced in the next week or so, so meeting with contractors about that too. Busy, Busy.
Best day of the week though should be Wednesday - field trip with the boys' pre-school to the pumpkin patch!
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Water Plants
Put garden to bed
Grocery Shopping list
Grocery Shopping
Clean car
Pay 10/19/12 bills and balance checkbook
Order supplies for kitchen remodel
Paperwork for new child care center
Library books (return before they arrest me :))
Vacuum 1st floor
Clean toilets
Dust LR
Change kid's sheets
sweep porch
Grill cover
Here's the plan for this week. I'm so excited that both of my sisters are coming up to visit us next weekend and while here are going to help me put a new kitchen floor in and change my kitchen countertops. Yeah, independent contractors! I'll have to post some before and after pics. Oh, and getting the furnance and insulation replaced in the next week or so, so meeting with contractors about that too. Busy, Busy.
Best day of the week though should be Wednesday - field trip with the boys' pre-school to the pumpkin patch!
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Water Plants
Put garden to bed
Clean car
Vacuum 1st floor
Clean toilets
Dust LR
sweep porch
Grill cover
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Child care woes
Our daycare provider, the one that the boys have been with since they were infants, gave me her two-week notice the other day. She has found another job. I kind of expected it since the boys have been her only kids for 6 months now - when she lost two school age kids. Well, the boys and her own infant daughter.
I told the boys that night that she would no longer be able to watch them. It was a difficult conversation because they don't really understand that that's her job, and also that they kept saying that they love her and the baby and when will they see them? Will they still see them every day? Ugh. It was hard and it was breaking my heart. My children are experiencing a loss and there is nothing I can do to make it better. So, I ended it with that we would set up playdates with them as often as we could and that if they had more questions about it they can always come to me to ask them.
Then I began frantically looking for a new provider. For those of you who utilize out of home care, and have multiples, you know how difficult this is. Our state regulates the number of children that a home provider can have, so asking for 2 out of 6 slots is a lot - it's 1/3 of the spots. Needless to say, out of a possible 15 providers I called, only one had slots open. And, there were a few that refused me when they found out the boys were twins?! What is that about?! Does that make them bad, or more difficult to handle??!! That pissed me off. I mean really, suck it up people, they are 4 years old. And I handle them by myself every single day. Ya know what, I wouldn't want my boys in your wimpy ass house anyway.
We went to visit the one provider with space, and while extremely nice and a perfectly suitable place for children, there were 12 school age kids there. And, not early elementary school age. I'm talking 9, 10, 11 year olds. My kids were overwhelmed. And, the days consists mostly of free play. We left. I asked what they thought and Alex kept telling me, for days, that he does not want to go there.
So, I go to the daycare center in town. More expensive, more institutionalized, but more like the pre-school environment that the boys have in the mornings. Playground, and a room full of only four year olds, with four year old toys, and games, and activities. I took the kids to visit and they seemed to enjoy it. When we left I asked them if they had to choose between this place and Miss D's which would they choose, and they chose CC. So, there we go. They will be going 3-4 afternoons a week, after morning preschool. I've decided to cut out Friday afternoon care to save some money. That had been my me time as I only work half-days on Fridays, but I figure, if I can save a little, maybe I could hire a sitter once a month for some me time. Plus, who am I kidding, it wasn't me time, it was clean the house time, and the boys can be home with me for that.
They'll start in the new place next week. I'm a bit worried about the transition.
I told the boys that night that she would no longer be able to watch them. It was a difficult conversation because they don't really understand that that's her job, and also that they kept saying that they love her and the baby and when will they see them? Will they still see them every day? Ugh. It was hard and it was breaking my heart. My children are experiencing a loss and there is nothing I can do to make it better. So, I ended it with that we would set up playdates with them as often as we could and that if they had more questions about it they can always come to me to ask them.
Then I began frantically looking for a new provider. For those of you who utilize out of home care, and have multiples, you know how difficult this is. Our state regulates the number of children that a home provider can have, so asking for 2 out of 6 slots is a lot - it's 1/3 of the spots. Needless to say, out of a possible 15 providers I called, only one had slots open. And, there were a few that refused me when they found out the boys were twins?! What is that about?! Does that make them bad, or more difficult to handle??!! That pissed me off. I mean really, suck it up people, they are 4 years old. And I handle them by myself every single day. Ya know what, I wouldn't want my boys in your wimpy ass house anyway.
We went to visit the one provider with space, and while extremely nice and a perfectly suitable place for children, there were 12 school age kids there. And, not early elementary school age. I'm talking 9, 10, 11 year olds. My kids were overwhelmed. And, the days consists mostly of free play. We left. I asked what they thought and Alex kept telling me, for days, that he does not want to go there.
So, I go to the daycare center in town. More expensive, more institutionalized, but more like the pre-school environment that the boys have in the mornings. Playground, and a room full of only four year olds, with four year old toys, and games, and activities. I took the kids to visit and they seemed to enjoy it. When we left I asked them if they had to choose between this place and Miss D's which would they choose, and they chose CC. So, there we go. They will be going 3-4 afternoons a week, after morning preschool. I've decided to cut out Friday afternoon care to save some money. That had been my me time as I only work half-days on Fridays, but I figure, if I can save a little, maybe I could hire a sitter once a month for some me time. Plus, who am I kidding, it wasn't me time, it was clean the house time, and the boys can be home with me for that.
They'll start in the new place next week. I'm a bit worried about the transition.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Household Plan 10.15.12
I know I've been MIA lately. Work has not really slowed down quite yet, looking for a new daycare provider as mine quit and I now have 2 weeks to find someone new, took a trip, and fall soccer began for the boys. Arrrghhh.....I feel like I am completely out of control. I promise more updated posts with pictures and such soon. Really soon.
For now here's this week's plan:
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Water Plants
Put garden to bed
Grocery Shopping list
Grocery Shopping ?
Vacuum 1st and 2nd floor
Clean toilets, mirrors, bathtubs, sweep/mop bathrooms
Dust DR and Master BR
Clean car andpurse/wallet
Pay 10/19/12 bills and balance checkbook
Change Master BR sheets
Order supplies for kitchen remodel
Change kids car seats
For now here's this week's plan:
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Water Plants
Put garden to bed
Grocery Shopping list
Grocery Shopping ?
Vacuum 1st and 2nd floor
Clean car and
Pay 10/19/12 bills and balance checkbook
Order supplies for kitchen remodel
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
September ends
I finished everything on my household list last week. I have a ton to do this week. I know I won't get to it. Work is INSANELY busy right now. But the light at the end of that tunnel is it probably will slow down within a few weeks. Two-three more weeks of craziness.
Have to pack for a trip to the city this weekend.
Not even going to post my household plan - I can only focus on the absolute necessities this week.
I have got to start my 5 things for me again - I was finding it was really helpful to my sanity. So, my thing for me for this week is to only worry about necessities.
Tree man came and took down the trees that were giving squirrels access to the attic. Great - thought I outsmarted them buggers. Today I saw one squirrel with a big walnut in his mouth scale the side of my house to get back up to the hole in the soffit. Shit!
That's it - hopefully a few weeks from now I will emerge from the craziness with my sanity intact and a semi-clean and organized house.
Have to pack for a trip to the city this weekend.
Not even going to post my household plan - I can only focus on the absolute necessities this week.
I have got to start my 5 things for me again - I was finding it was really helpful to my sanity. So, my thing for me for this week is to only worry about necessities.
Tree man came and took down the trees that were giving squirrels access to the attic. Great - thought I outsmarted them buggers. Today I saw one squirrel with a big walnut in his mouth scale the side of my house to get back up to the hole in the soffit. Shit!
That's it - hopefully a few weeks from now I will emerge from the craziness with my sanity intact and a semi-clean and organized house.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
October Menu Plan
1 - Foil pack chicken and broccoli
2 - pierogies
3 - breakfast for dinner - eggs
4- rotisserie chicken
5-7 family visit
8- takeout
9- spaghetti and meatballs
10- applesauce chicken (crockpot)
11- fish sticks/salmon
12- pizza
13- leftovers
14- crockpot chicken and stuffing
15- leftovers
16- sausage with sauerkraut and potatoes (crockpot)
17- spaghetti and meatballs
18- pizza fondue with breadsticks, veggies (crockpot)
19- takeout
20- breakfast for dinner - pancakes
21- kid's choice
22- pizza chicken (crockpot)
23- leftovers
24- fish sticks/Salmon
25- pizza
26-27 family visit
28- golden apples and pork chops
29- spaghetti and meatballs
30- ham and scalloped potato casserole (crockpot)
31- takeout
2 - pierogies
3 - breakfast for dinner - eggs
4- rotisserie chicken
5-7 family visit
8- takeout
9- spaghetti and meatballs
10- applesauce chicken (crockpot)
11- fish sticks/salmon
12- pizza
13- leftovers
14- crockpot chicken and stuffing
15- leftovers
16- sausage with sauerkraut and potatoes (crockpot)
17- spaghetti and meatballs
18- pizza fondue with breadsticks, veggies (crockpot)
19- takeout
20- breakfast for dinner - pancakes
21- kid's choice
22- pizza chicken (crockpot)
23- leftovers
24- fish sticks/Salmon
25- pizza
26-27 family visit
28- golden apples and pork chops
29- spaghetti and meatballs
30- ham and scalloped potato casserole (crockpot)
31- takeout
Monday, September 17, 2012
Household Plan 9.17.12
I knew I wouldn't get much done last week - but that's OK, right?
Here's this week's plan.
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Water plants
Weed and put garden to bed for season
Make grocery shopping list
Grocery Shopping
October menu plan
Buy kid's Halloween costumes
Vacuum 1st floor/furniture, 2nd floor
Sweep/mop bathrooms, clean toilets, clean bathtubs
Dust DR
Sort through kid's summer/fall clothes
Clean microwave, dishwasher door
Change sheets master bedroom
Mow the stinkin lawn
Here's this week's plan.
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Weed and put garden to bed for season
Mow the stinkin lawn
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Household Plan 9.10.12
With busy season at work I am not planning on getting much done, but here's the plan.
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Sweep porch
Garden
Vaccum 1st floor and furniture
Clean toilets
Dust hall, LR
Clean under kitchen sink
Mow lawn, weed wacking
Spray around house for spiders
Mail out September cards
Change out clothes for kids (fall clothes out of closet)
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Sweep porch
Garden
Vaccum 1st floor and furniture
Clean toilets
Dust hall, LR
Clean under kitchen sink
Mow lawn, weed wacking
Spray around house for spiders
Mail out September cards
Change out clothes for kids (fall clothes out of closet)
Shorthanded
It is September. My super-busy time at work. There is no escaping it. Add to that the fact that the boys have started pre-school, and religious education, and soccer, and I feel like my calendar, and my head, are going to explode!
So, while I had extravagant thoughts in my head about the posts I was going to write about what we've been up to, you will have to settle for the shorthand version for now. For a few weeks. Until work calms down a bit. Until I settle into our new school year routine. I can do that, right?
Late-August:
September -
First day of pre-school. Where does the time go? Can't believe they are in pre-school. This eases my mind a bit about whether they will be ready for Kindergarten next year. I hate that our school system has become so stringent that Kindergarten is the new second grade. Thank you Mr. Bush for your fabulous "No child left behind" act. Nuff said.
I didn't cry at the first day of pre-school. But there was a definite feeling of sadness. Although Mommy can act happy when trying to convince two kids that preschool is gonna be FUN! My babies are no longer babies. I won't have anymore babies. A bit sad.
First game of mini-golf too. This was funny! Landon actually yelled at Alex for blocking the hole when he could have made a score in one. I'm beginning to see some competitiveness coming out of them.
Update J -
He called me. Back in rehab again. 5th time. Supposed to be finding a sober-living house for him at the end of 30 day program. But we all know the drill. There will be some reason why he can't go, he will just get out, continue to think that meetings/counseling are not important, and be right back at it again in a matter of months. Difference this time - he has no resources to use. Without my resources, he has no resources. We'll see....still waiting for him to prove me wrong.
While I was hugely angry at the judge for imposing the stay away order for three year and taking the control over my life out of my hands, I am glad it's in place. I don't have to worry that he'll show up here after getting out of rehab, and continue to find a way to use my resources for his benefit. And, at the end of three years if he's still on the merry go round then I can have the order extended. But I don't have to think about it for three years.
last night we made Trix treats. Marshmallow treats made with trix instead of rice crispies. My kids review: Yuck! Great, now I have a whole pan of these things for me?!
So, while I had extravagant thoughts in my head about the posts I was going to write about what we've been up to, you will have to settle for the shorthand version for now. For a few weeks. Until work calms down a bit. Until I settle into our new school year routine. I can do that, right?
Late-August:
Had the boys 4th birthday party at Grandpa's house. Avenger's cake, decorations, and so many super-hero toys. New big-boy bikes. I believe Alex would like an electronic bike - he doesn't seems to like to have to pedal. I guess it's too much like work. Landon got his most prized Hulk hands - I see boxing matches in my home in the future.
September -
First day of pre-school. Where does the time go? Can't believe they are in pre-school. This eases my mind a bit about whether they will be ready for Kindergarten next year. I hate that our school system has become so stringent that Kindergarten is the new second grade. Thank you Mr. Bush for your fabulous "No child left behind" act. Nuff said.
I didn't cry at the first day of pre-school. But there was a definite feeling of sadness. Although Mommy can act happy when trying to convince two kids that preschool is gonna be FUN! My babies are no longer babies. I won't have anymore babies. A bit sad.
First game of mini-golf too. This was funny! Landon actually yelled at Alex for blocking the hole when he could have made a score in one. I'm beginning to see some competitiveness coming out of them.
Update J -
He called me. Back in rehab again. 5th time. Supposed to be finding a sober-living house for him at the end of 30 day program. But we all know the drill. There will be some reason why he can't go, he will just get out, continue to think that meetings/counseling are not important, and be right back at it again in a matter of months. Difference this time - he has no resources to use. Without my resources, he has no resources. We'll see....still waiting for him to prove me wrong.
While I was hugely angry at the judge for imposing the stay away order for three year and taking the control over my life out of my hands, I am glad it's in place. I don't have to worry that he'll show up here after getting out of rehab, and continue to find a way to use my resources for his benefit. And, at the end of three years if he's still on the merry go round then I can have the order extended. But I don't have to think about it for three years.
last night we made Trix treats. Marshmallow treats made with trix instead of rice crispies. My kids review: Yuck! Great, now I have a whole pan of these things for me?!Monday, September 3, 2012
Household Plan 9.3.12
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Make shopping list
Grocery shopping
Vacuum 1st floor and 2nd floor
Clean toilets, tubs, and bathroom mirrors
Clean LR windows
Dust master bedroom, DR
Planning for September and October occasions
Cleanmicrowave, toaster, bottom shelf of refrigerator, and dishwasher
Pay 9/7 bills
Sweep porch
Change sheets - master bedroom and kid's room
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Vacuum 1st floor and 2nd floor
Clean toilets, tubs, and bathroom mirrors
Clean LR windows
Dust master bedroom, DR
Clean
Sweep porch
Friday, August 31, 2012
September Menu Plan
1-3 visiting family
4 - sausage and peppers (crockpot)
5- mini corn dog mufffins, fruit
6 - newlywed beef tips (crockpot)
7 -cheesy chicken tater tot casserole (crockpot)
8 - takeout
9 - kielbasa kabobs
10 - teryaki chicken (crockpot)
11- spaghetti w/ meatballs
12- pizza
13- cube steak and gravy (crockpot)
14- kid's choice
15- mini chicken pot pies
16- sweedish meatballs w/ noodles
17- leftovers
18 - breakfast for dinner (eggs)
19- meatball sub casserole
20- baked chicken, rice
21- takeout
22- BLT pasta
23- pierogies, veggies
24- ham and noodles
25- spaghetti w/ meatballs
26- breakfast for dinner (pancakes)
27- fish sticks/salmon
28 - pizza
29 - chicken parm (crockpot)
30 - leftovers
4 - sausage and peppers (crockpot)
5- mini corn dog mufffins, fruit
6 - newlywed beef tips (crockpot)
7 -cheesy chicken tater tot casserole (crockpot)
8 - takeout
9 - kielbasa kabobs
10 - teryaki chicken (crockpot)
11- spaghetti w/ meatballs
12- pizza
13- cube steak and gravy (crockpot)
14- kid's choice
15- mini chicken pot pies
16- sweedish meatballs w/ noodles
17- leftovers
18 - breakfast for dinner (eggs)
19- meatball sub casserole
20- baked chicken, rice
21- takeout
22- BLT pasta
23- pierogies, veggies
24- ham and noodles
25- spaghetti w/ meatballs
26- breakfast for dinner (pancakes)
27- fish sticks/salmon
28 - pizza
29 - chicken parm (crockpot)
30 - leftovers
Thursday, August 30, 2012
What I'm Thankful for - Guided Journaling
Take some time to list all the things you're thankful for in your life
I remember reading a quote one time, I don't remember where, but it stuck in my mind. "What would you do if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for tonight?"
Every night, as i lay on the floor of the boys' room, because (and please do not judge me) I still stay in their room until they fall asleep, I quietly thank God for everything I'm thankful for that day. It typically is something like this:
my healthy children
my good health
my families' good health
my job and the fact that I have enough money to buy food so my children do not go to bed hungry at night
a supportive family who loves us
my friends
a daycare provider who cares deeply about my children
a warm house and comfortable beds
a car that gets us safely where we need to be
that my children and I were not in the throes of my husbands issues for this day
that I have the wisdom, patience, energy, etc to be a single parent
I remember reading a quote one time, I don't remember where, but it stuck in my mind. "What would you do if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for tonight?"
Every night, as i lay on the floor of the boys' room, because (and please do not judge me) I still stay in their room until they fall asleep, I quietly thank God for everything I'm thankful for that day. It typically is something like this:
my healthy children
my good health
my families' good health
my job and the fact that I have enough money to buy food so my children do not go to bed hungry at night
a supportive family who loves us
my friends
a daycare provider who cares deeply about my children
a warm house and comfortable beds
a car that gets us safely where we need to be
that my children and I were not in the throes of my husbands issues for this day
that I have the wisdom, patience, energy, etc to be a single parent
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
5 Things for me
Last week I bought myself a new pair of yoga pants. It was nice go into a store and get something for myself. So now I can either use them for the yoga I would love to be doing a few times a week or for relaxing on the couch with a glass of wine.
Either way, happy me :)
This week:
1. Take a free yoga class
2. Read a chapter from book
3. Take a 30 minute walk at lunch
4. Give myself a pedicure
5. Go to happy hour for a drink
Either way, happy me :)
This week:
1. Take a free yoga class
2. Read a chapter from book
3. Take a 30 minute walk at lunch
4. Give myself a pedicure
5. Go to happy hour for a drink
Monday, August 27, 2012
Household Plan 8.27.12
Almost everything from last week accomplished. We'll see how this week goes. Have to get ready for a long weekend trip to go have the boys' birthday party with family.
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Color hair
Pack for weekend trip
Order cake for boys' party
Get party stuff - food, decorations, etc
Call tree guy to cut down tree that allows attic access to annoying squirrels
Make Dr. appointment for boys' 4th wellness visit
Water plants/garden
Clean top shelf and middle shelf of refrigerator,clean stove
Vacuum 1st floor
Clean toliets
Pay 8/24 bills - balance checkbook
Dust kid's room, LR
Sweep porch
Change kid's sheets Save until next week
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Pack for weekend trip
Get party stuff - food, decorations, etc
Water plants/garden
Clean top shelf and middle shelf of refrigerator,
Vacuum 1st floor
Clean toliets
Sweep porch
Change kid's sheets Save until next week
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Happy 4th Birthday
Alex and Landon,
Happy Birthday! I can not believe you are 4 years old today. I know I say that each year but I really do not know where the time goes. The day you came into my life was the happiest day and you make me the happiest Mom alive each and every day.
Enjoy your new video games, lunch at Chuck E. Cheese, and cake tonight.
Have the happiest birthday! I love you 1,000,000, to God and back, and all the flowers in the world.
Mommy
Happy Birthday! I can not believe you are 4 years old today. I know I say that each year but I really do not know where the time goes. The day you came into my life was the happiest day and you make me the happiest Mom alive each and every day.
Enjoy your new video games, lunch at Chuck E. Cheese, and cake tonight.
Have the happiest birthday! I love you 1,000,000, to God and back, and all the flowers in the world.
Mommy
Friday, August 24, 2012
Happy Blogoversary to me!
It's kind of unreal that I've been writing my blog for 5 years. When I started over here I didn't think that someday I'd end up where I am now. That was a dark, sad, and angry time and I so needed that space to share my thoughts when I knew I couldn't always share them with people IRL. They just would not understand. So thank you for listening then.
Now, I need my space to share both joy and sadness. The roller coaster ride that is my life as a single parent with twins. Chronicling the boys milestones, triumphs, joys, and meltdown moments as well as the train wreck of my marriage - which although caused by J's problems, ultimately was wrecked, in my opinion, by our long battle with infertility.
Thanks for listening and walking down this road with me. We've got a lot of traveling still to do - I hope you'll stick around.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Tell it Thursday
The picture from yesterday is because my babies will be turning 4 this Saturday.
4.
Four.
They are not babies anymore. Four brings so many questions, so many independent moments, so many new and exciting things. But it is also one step closer to them growing up. And, while of course that's what I want for them; to be happy, healthy, well adjusted adult men - I want it only someday.
Not so fast.
4.
Four.
They are not babies anymore. Four brings so many questions, so many independent moments, so many new and exciting things. But it is also one step closer to them growing up. And, while of course that's what I want for them; to be happy, healthy, well adjusted adult men - I want it only someday.
Not so fast.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
What I've Learned - Guided Journaling
What have you learned about yourself since becoming a parent that you might not have known about otherwise?
One thing I've learned since becoming a parent that I would not have known otherwise is how strongly I feel against using spanking as a form of discipline.
Before having children I used to immediately think that for kids who seemed out of control, having a tantrum, or otherwise doing something wrong, that their parents should spank them.
Now that I have children I am completely against it.
I feel it important for my family to send consistent messages about non-violence. I also believe it important to know the difference in a child purposely being bad, or something like inability to express emotions due to lack of vocabulary or lack of self-control due to their age and development. I truly believe that my use of talking things through with my children will have a positive effect on them in the future.
One thing I've learned since becoming a parent that I would not have known otherwise is how strongly I feel against using spanking as a form of discipline.
Before having children I used to immediately think that for kids who seemed out of control, having a tantrum, or otherwise doing something wrong, that their parents should spank them.
Now that I have children I am completely against it.
I feel it important for my family to send consistent messages about non-violence. I also believe it important to know the difference in a child purposely being bad, or something like inability to express emotions due to lack of vocabulary or lack of self-control due to their age and development. I truly believe that my use of talking things through with my children will have a positive effect on them in the future.
Monday, August 20, 2012
5 things for me
This past week I took time to read again. I had set a goal for myself back at the beginning of 2012 to read 12 books this year - I'm only on #2. So taking some time to read more was nice and relaxing.
This week:
1. Read another chapter
2. Walk 30 minutes on lunch hour
3. Take a free yoga class
4. Give myself a pedicure
5. Buy something for myself - staying with a $10.00 budget
This week:
1. Read another chapter
2. Walk 30 minutes on lunch hour
3. Take a free yoga class
4. Give myself a pedicure
5. Buy something for myself - staying with a $10.00 budget
Household Plan 8.20.12
Almost got everything done last week! Plan for this week doesn't look too tough.
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Vacuum 2nd floor
Clean toilets, bathtubs, and bathroom mirrors
Sweep porch
Color Hair
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Household Plan 8.13.12
Got through nearly the whole list last week. Not so sure about this week.
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Water plants/garden
Vacuum 1st floor
Vacuum LR furniture
Clean out purse
Finish paying 8.10.12 bills
Dust hallway, kid's room, LR
Wash laundry room, LR, and kitchen windows
Wash kitchen curtains
Clean refrigerator door shelves
Change kid's sheet
Sweep/Mop bathrooms
Mow Lawn
Weed Wacking
Pick veggies from garden
Color/Cut hair
Register kids for fall soccer (and hope we're not so far past the deadline my kids won't be able to play - how do I explain that to them??)
Shopping for kid's birthday gift
Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels
Other -
Color/
Monday, August 13, 2012
5 things for me
My list for this week:
1. read another chapter on the kindle
2. take a free yoga class
3. take a 30minute walk on my lunch hour
4. go to a movie Friday afternoon before the kids get home
5. enjoy one whole day of not doing any chores/errands/etc
1. read another chapter on the kindle
2. take a free yoga class
3. take a 30minute walk on my lunch hour
4. go to a movie Friday afternoon before the kids get home
5. enjoy one whole day of not doing any chores/errands/etc
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Friends with Kids review
After the kids went to bed last night I decided to watch a movie. A movie not animated, not for kids. A movie all for myself. OMG. So I chose Friends with Kids. It looked comical, and I felt like i could relate a bit because, well, I have kids, so I thought it would be fun to watch a story about people who don't have them and what they think of people who do.
The movie kept my interest, it had some funny parts to it, like the explosive poop diapers, and the awkward moments when Ben and Missy returned to the dinner table after having sex in the bathroom. There were also moments I could relate to like seeing how difficult it is to maintain a relationship when you have small children, and also wanting, but not necessarily knowing how to, reenter the dating world after a time away. I had to laugh though, when Jules and Jason were talking about how long it had been since they had been intimate with someone, and they said that it had been 3 months. Let me just say, they've got nothing on me.
I was glad to see how the movie ended for both of them too.
While not the most in depth story line, Friends with Kids entertained a tired worn out mom who needed a light-hearted, comical movie.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
For me
The things I chose off my list of 5 things for me this week was to take myself and the kids out for dinner. I needed one less day of cooking and cleaning. So much going on this week - a crisis at work, an email from my stepdad about how he feels I don't include his new girlfriend and his side of the family enough in my life, J calling me to tell me he had emergency surgery on an intestinal problem. Too much.
So, I got a certificate from restaurant.com and took the kids out to eat. They, of course, got pizza and I got my usual at this restaurant, and something I never make for myself, eggplant parm. I love the cheesy, saucy goodness of it and it is far to time consuming to make for just me - the kids won't touch it. I enjoyed a delicious glass of wine with my dinner, and made a stop at the store on the way home to pick up a bottle of said wine, to enjoy more at home.
Inexpensive, good dinner with no cleanup. Now that is something good for me.
So, I got a certificate from restaurant.com and took the kids out to eat. They, of course, got pizza and I got my usual at this restaurant, and something I never make for myself, eggplant parm. I love the cheesy, saucy goodness of it and it is far to time consuming to make for just me - the kids won't touch it. I enjoyed a delicious glass of wine with my dinner, and made a stop at the store on the way home to pick up a bottle of said wine, to enjoy more at home.
Inexpensive, good dinner with no cleanup. Now that is something good for me.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Tell it Thursday
The picture from yesterday was of our first trip to the ocean - while we were visiting Aunt Amy and Uncle Stan. While not really the ocean, because technically it is just a bay, it is still salt water, and therefore dubbed our first ocean visit.
The kids liked the water, and the fact that there was seaweed and a few dead crabs on the shore. They are still not at the point of wanting to play in the sand for any length of time, though, so beach trips are usually short-lived unless there is a playground nearby.
I do hope that one day they will love the beach. I have very fond memories of our family trip to Virginia beach every year, where my sisters and i could boogie board, or play on the beach for hours each day. The smell of the salt water, and the feel of the sun and the sand on your body, well, I love, love, love it. And I hope that in a few years time, my kids will look forward to that same vacation experience too.
The kids liked the water, and the fact that there was seaweed and a few dead crabs on the shore. They are still not at the point of wanting to play in the sand for any length of time, though, so beach trips are usually short-lived unless there is a playground nearby.
I do hope that one day they will love the beach. I have very fond memories of our family trip to Virginia beach every year, where my sisters and i could boogie board, or play on the beach for hours each day. The smell of the salt water, and the feel of the sun and the sand on your body, well, I love, love, love it. And I hope that in a few years time, my kids will look forward to that same vacation experience too.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
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