What I learned from Halloween this year...

Every year I think Halloween is going to be fun and calm (I know, that's an oxymoron)...and every year I just seem a bit disappointed, you know??  And so, I have thought long and hard and have come up with a few things to try next year...ha ha ha

1. Pick up kids from school and bring home a pizza at that point.  This will give us more time to get everyone dressed and will also ensure that they eat a decent meal before trekking it out on the streets.  Tonight, it took us 50 minutes to get everyone dressed and out the door...I know, there are 4 kids involved but I think we can improve on this.

2. Give hubby something to calm him down so he doesn't get annoyed at everything they do... you know, like running to the next house w/o waiting for the little ones??  Or asking each kid to get dressed more times then necessary... they are excited about this time and I think get so caught up in the act of Trick or Treating that they can't concentrate on the task of getting ready??  Perhaps some kind of organization on my part would help..ha ha.. laying out costumes and stuff...

3. Drink heavily and make a To Go cup... ok, so I did make the To Go cup tonight but I should have started drinking earlier... seriously, it would have helped me deal with the Big Kid (you know, hubby)

4. Move to a neighborhood like place for the week.  It would just be so convenient to be able to walk out our front door and come back when we are tired and/or hungry.

5. PEE before we leave.  Not just the kiddies either... man, I had to go so bad by the time we got back!!

6. Pack HEALTY snacks for the trek...perhaps that would deter them from wanting every piece of candy they get.  ha ha ha Who am I kidding...

7. Invest in some hand warmers... especially if there is a snowstorm just before Halloween... Franny Girls hands were so cold...

8. If that To Go cup doesn't do it just bring a flask... ha ha ha ha ha

9. Go with the flow and make sure your kids know they might NOT win the costume contest... Kyra was a puddle b/c she didn't win anything... but she did get over it quickly, thank goodness..

I can't think anymore... here's to a better Halloween next year!!  Though, on a good note, Franny won $10 in the costume contest tonight... I think she needs to take me out for coffee...lol

Hope you all had a GREAT night and stayed nice and warm..

Birthdays and a Snow Storm...

Whew...long weekend but a much needed break in there!!

Did my first b-day party at the preschool (I've been training to do them).  And, it just so happened that it was also my birthday!!  So, I got to host a princess tea party for a beautiful 5 yr old!!  Had fun and will totally be able to do them.  Now, to just fit them into my schedule..lol

I also got a huge snowstorm for my birthday.  Geez, I really don't like winter and snow and ice and sleet and all that crap.  I hate the cold...and boy is it cold out there!!  I'm really not ready for it.  But, on the plus side, we had a major break in rehearsals and rehearsals and rehearsals and some work.  I got to spend more time with my mom while she was here and was able to clean a small part of the house!!  I was also able to make cookies with the kids and decorate them...something I wanted to do for Halloween but I didn't know how I was going to manage it.  Turns out the snowstorm made that happen.  And so, while I am praying for all my friends and neighbors with no power I am also happy to have had the extra time this weekend!!  My mother (yes, my mother, not my husband) made me a birthday dinner and it was YUM!!  I do love a good steak and baked potato:)  Speaking of good old hubby...I didn't even get a card from him nor did I get any home-made cards from the kids.  You know, the stuff I make sure he gets.  Does this mean I don't have to worry about that stuff when his bday rolls around or is this part of 2 wrongs don't make a right??  Not really disappointed that I didn't get cake b/c I enjoyed the whole cookie thing better and I got to try out some of my new molds...but, an effort from hubby might have helped???

This snowstorm really pissed me off too.  As I shoveled out the cars and got all the snow off them, I stewed with resentment towards hubby.  He can be so infuriating sometimes.  Thank goodness rehearsal didn't happen and I didn't have to go in to work yesterday b/c there was no way I could have gotten the rest of the driveway cleared.  Hubby, in the midst of an allergy attack, decided that the rest of the driveway didn't need to be cleared b/c it was going to be melted in a few days anyway.  Nevermind the wetness that creates ice and the fact that I have people driving onto our driveway to drop off babies.  And what pisses me off more is the fact that he tells me I never help with this stuff!!  More times than not I am out there shoveling something or hacking away at the ice.  And so, this is the start of me keeping track of all the times I do go out there and help!!  You read it here first:)

Snowstorm makes for a very cold Halloween...brrrrrrrrrrrr... next post is all about Halloween:)

On a positive hubby note- he did make sandwiches for school tomorrow!!

Family Portrait and a little Friendly's

We went yesterday for a 'family' portrait.  Haven't done that since Kyra was about 1...wow...that's been like 6 years.  Now, we've had out picture taken as a family at all those fun events like baptisms and communions and stuff.  But, we haven't been anywhere to have it taken, you know??  Pictures are so freakin' expensive.  And I take pictures of lots of families but we just never get our own done.  So, now we have one (or we will have one when they come in).  I feel like I've cheated too... we went the cheapo route and went to...wait for it... Walmart Picture place.  Yup...totally cheaped out.  I would love to be able to hire a real photographer and stuff...but they can be a bit pricey and once you pay for the actually sitting you have to go ahead and pay for any pictures you want.  Stuff I do for other people on occasion.  But, alas, I don't even think I could afford myself and I'm pretty cheap!!  I guess it doesn't matter b/c we actually will have a picture of all 6 of us.  Holy cow...we have 6 people in this family!!  Where did that come from.  Ok ok... I know where and how it came to us but WOW...

Anyway...that's done and we can hang some new pictures in this house soon!!  To be honest, I have to say hubby was a real sport about it too.  He had taken the day off to go hunting and what do I do but make an appt for it on that day.  Originally he was going to hunt in the morning and go meet with his Mom, brothers and her lawyer to discuss that whole sticky situation and her house and the big D word.  Yup, even people in their 70's talk about separation and divorce and all that crap.  Strange, right??  The lawyer cancelled and he was expecting to go out hunting in the afternoon too...but, he came with us so we could do the whole family and not just the kids!!  Thanks hubby!!

Afterwards, we headed to our seasonal trip to Friendly's.  We always go to Friendly's when momma visits.  It's like our 'thing', you know??  At least it's not Chuckee Cheese or something like that...lol..  service was mediocre and the food was the same as always.  Though, the burgers were better (they are supposedly fresh now as opposed to frozen).  And we do love the ice-cream there!!  Of course we ran in to 2 ladies who used to work in the daycare DJ/Kyra went to when I worked and their kindergarten teacher showed up too.  We had to get out of there before any other teacher showed up and they could see just how unruly my children are.  Ice-cream to go was in order b/c they just weren't going to make it through!!

Long weekend ahead of us (of course no break).  Franny is not feeling well...think she's teething.  Her cheeks are rosy red and she may be running a slight fever.  She has been sleeping since about 8:30 and hasn't stirred.  Wonder if she will and how our night will be.

Hope you are all enjoying this snow if you're in the Northeast with us.  I know I'm not... just a little wet flurry tonight but I really could use the sunny warmth again.  I do hate the winters and snow and ice and cold.  I must retire to a nice warm climate!!

Good hubby- well, he went on a family portrait journey and didn't go hunting instead... that's Great!!

Later

ADHD?? and a date night...

Hubby and I met with our pediatrician to talk about DJ and his 'issues'.  Specifically to determine if perhaps he has it or not.  We talked about his inattentiveness, easily distractedness, constantly moving, unorganizational skills and complete and utter forgetfulness of things you've just told him or asked him to do.  He always has been and probably always will be a challenge for me.  I constantly have problems understanding him and trying to figure out what will work with him.  I feel like we (I) have tried so many different tactics to work with him and often times feel like I am failing as his parent.  And so, we are taking the first step to getting him diagnosed as yes or no and moving forward from there.  Hopefully things will become more clear about him and perhaps I can figure out how to work with him.  He is such a smart loving kid and I know that he must also have a hard time with things.  You can see it on his face when you get to the point of yelling at him and boy do I feel like a horrible parent when I do.  I find myself having less patience these days with him and I can't stand myself for it.  It doesn't help that I am always completely exhausted and don't sleep well at night, but that can't be my excuse.  I must breathe more and think calmly before reacting to him, you know??

Side bar here- told doc about the boys book club I started over the summer and he was really a little in awe that I had done something like that as he'd never heard of a boys book club run by parents...yeah me and the other parents for doing it!!  Keep those boys on track and reading!!

On a good note, my mom was here and was able to watch this kids for us so that we could go and talk and not worry about getting back home.  We took advantage and went out for dinner too... had a heart to heart while we were there and we both vowed to COMMUNICATE better with each other.  Hubby needs to be asked specifically to do things and needs notes and/or lists of things to be done in my absence.  I suggested taking time out every Sunday to print out a list of the weeks activities and chores and to hang it in a local place so that we can both look at it and cross of the crap that needs to be done.  My biggest pet peave is all these freakin' dishes that pile up in this house and how once I've got Franny girl asleep I can't just go and do them.

Franny girl doesn't sleep in her crib these days... I know, she's never last longer than about 3 days straight in her crib and we're back on the couch.  For awhile she was sleeping on the floor near the couch and I could sleep a little better.  But, lately, she's not been sleeping there for long periods of time and always winds up back on the couch with me.  This week has not been a good sleeping week and she has not been comfortable.  Teeth perhaps??  Who knows these days.  All I know is that I would like to sleep longer than 2-3 hrs at a time, you know??  How did I ever get to this point with her anyway??  I'm supposed to be this 'mother of Four' who has it all together and knows how to get her freakin' kids to sleep through the night and in her own bed.  But, than she cries out and whimpers and I go all soft for her and just want to make it right.  She definitely has my number and I've definitely gone all soft with her...

Back to dinner- went to a new restaurant in town called Fetch.  It is all decked out in dog pictures and dog stuff...proceeds to benefit local humane societies.  Oh crap...Franny's crying out again.  I'll do a separate 'review' of the place with pics...

Later

Rollercoaster Road

Whew... thankful that these last couple days are over... there have been highs and lows and lots to do, but I guess that's what life is, right??

Got home late Thursday night and passed out, up early Friday and didn't stop 'til about 2AM... 2 babies plus my 2, jazz class, ballet class, baby shower, and a pick up at the train station.  Throw in some baking and an attempt at dishes and that was Friday.  Saturday included a soccer game, some more baking, a fabulous halloween party at a friends, some cookie decorating and another night of passing out.  Today, we had religion (yes, missed church again), last minute grocery shopping and dollar store, Franny Girls bday party and will soon be passing out again!!

The 'highs' of the weekend: my mom is visiting, DJ scored 2 goals in his soccer game, the Halloween party, hubby stepping up to the plate and helping us through the party, and Franny having fun, seeing friends and family (well, some family), and having the weekend over!!

The 'lows' of the weekend: getting stuck in traffic 5 minutes away from the train station so that it took an extra 1/2 hr to get there, not having enough time in the days, almost not having a cake for the party today (had I had more time, I would have made one but I had to cut out something), Trio of Terrors and their mother (ha ha ha)...

Some pics and than I have to pass out again.  I could go on and on about my SIL and her Trio of Terrors but I'll refrain for now...

Dirty Rotten Mood...

Today I woke up yelling at the big kids and hubby and didn't really stop at all today.  I don't know what my problem is today but I need to get out of it.  I feel like all I did today was yell at everyone...except Max.  Today, Max didn't make me want to yell at him but everyone else did.

I think, I thought going away for a week would make hubby a little more helpful and so I keep waiting for it and hoping for it and when it just doesn't happen I get a little angry.  He really did check out when I got home and he still has no desire to become a part of my world with the kids and their homework, after school activities, dishes, etc.  I get that he works hard and he's used to me being and doing all that crap.  But, now that I've got babies galore and preschool for Max and a new weekend job, things are going to have to change around here.  I know he helps in his own way...but why do I feel like it's never enough??  I feel like I don't have time to do anything these days and I'm running on fumes here.  Franny girl still doesn't sleep through the night and I am always utterly exhausted trying to hold it together.  Yesterday, I picked Kyra up from girlscouts (yeah, I didn't realize it was at the library when I just gave a note to stay at school for it...thank goodness for another Mom who realized I wasn't there to get her from the school to the library) and forgot her dance bag.  Thankfully she had on white leggings and the nice lady in the dance office had a leotard for her.  One of her little friends had her old pair of ballet shoes and there is a big box of tap shoes, so it wasn't so bad.  But, boy did I feel like the loser of the day and a failure as the mommy.

Hubby worked from home today so I didn't have to watch my baby at friends apartment...but I still didn't get anything accomplished.  Franny's party is on sunday, my house is a disaster, I have no idea when I'm going to bake anything and again, FUMES... My mom will tell me just to buy the desserts.  But, again, I will feel like that failure for not being able to bake for my own kids birthday.  I am a baker and I love to bake so how could I not have the BEST desserts for my own kids party???  It's not even a big party...just an excuse to have some friends and family over to celebrate her 1st birthday.  But still, I'd like to be able to put out my own desserts b/c they really are good!!  Oh, we all know I will get it done and will be completely exhausted.  And hubby feels the need to figure out when he's gonna hunt this weekend.  Gotta love hunting season, right??  NOT

Fast forward to tonight...DJ has a small project due on Friday... he got the assignment while I was away and hubby decided that I would deal with it when I got home.  Looked it over, talked about it and he was on board with helping DJ with it.  They were supposed to work on it this past weekend but b/c I didn't remind hubby about it, nothing got done on it.  And so, it needed to get done and tonight was the only night with the extra time to do it.  However, hubby would have to do it with him b/c Kyra wanted to do the Polish dancing...yelling match ensues in which hubby denies saying he would do it with DJ and I was the one who said he HAD to do it with him.  Jerk...yup, tonight I thought he was jerk and Kyra cried b/c I told her we couldn't go to the dancing.  Dishes are piling up in the sink and the laundry I asked him to bring downstairs and start was still sitting in our bedroom upstairs.  It's not like there were any kids here while he was 'working'... DJ had gymnastics and I had to take all kids with me...come on and just throw that load in instead of getting caught up in some stupid hunting or ghost hunting show (I don't know which one is worse).  I hate fighting about this trivial stuff in front of the kids...  Kyra and I still went to the dancing and hubby did the finalized project with DJ but I still feel like nothing was 'learned' between us.  I got home and it was like nothing happened.  Hubby always seems to think that nothing is wrong sometimes and life will just go on.  Somethings gotta give... gonna have this baby 5 days a week soon and the other baby 2 maybe 3 days a week.  Plus, this new weekend gig and I really will have no time for anything during the day.  I am having  a hard time figuring out when I can get to the dentist.  I've already cancelled twice!!

Playdates are about to become extinct in this house unless people come to us.  It is really going to be hard for me to not go anywhere or be able to be in control of getting Max from pre-school.  I have someone to pick him up 2 of the 3 days but even that is not 100% guaranteed every week.  What am I going to do when she can't pick him up and I can't get him??  This income is something that will make our financial lives easier but I'm not so sure it will make my mental life easier, you know??  I have to find someone for tuesdays still...have someone in mind but I have to ask.  I really do hate having to ask for anything or any kind of help and perhaps that's my problem.  Oh well...I will get through it somehow.

I know...not a very positive entry today but I am feeling pretty glum today.  Though, I did break in to that chocolate cake today...didn't even plate it...pried the lid off and dug in with a fork (I was holding the baby, Franny crying at my feet and Max begging for a piece...but it was pure bliss while I was savoring every bite)

Positive hubby ... I know, you're thinking how could I possibly find something positive today, but I vowed to do it every day and today he was nice enough to plate some food for me and heat it up so I could eat lunch!!

Hope you all had a better day!!

Friendships... and a little jungle hacking:)

Friendships, I think, can be compared to your clothes... Just as your clothes/style may change throughout time, so do your friends.

The Little Black Dress:  this is the friend you can always rely on for everything.  There is always a need for that little black dress to come out of the closet and you know it won't disappoint.  You know when there is a function, that little black dress can come out and be enjoyed and will always be in style.  Thus said, this is the friend that you know will always be there for you through thick and thin and will not be judged nor will they judge you.

Bell Bottoms/Skinny Jeans: this is the friend that you may have had at one point in time but lost touch with and then will reconnect with but on a different level.  Remember when those tight fitting jeans were in style but you wore several different colored socks at the bottom??  20 (or so) years later, the tight fitting jeans are back in style but instead of the multi-colored socks at the bottom, you wear ballet flats or skin tight boots.  These are the friends that you had, maybe in high school and/or college and lost touch with.  Years later, you found them again and realize that you can pick up that friendship where you left off but with all your life experiences added to that friendship to make it that much more fulfilling.

Shoulder Pads:  okay, this style will NEVER come back into style...at least it better not.  These are the friends that you cherished and loved and 'wore' with pride at one point in your life and you always think about those pads but you know you will never have them in your life.  All you can do is think about how you learned from them and moved forward.

The 'NEW' style out there:  this is that new friend you've found and you embrace them with all your might while you are with them.  You wonder if they will become a Little Black Dress or if they will be a Shoulder Pad.  But, you also enjoy every moment you have with them just as you enjoy those thrilling moments of being hip in your new digs!!

The moral of this entry is the same thing we all say:  Friends come and go in our lives and we can learn from each and every one of them in a different way.  (I don't know, do you say this??  I believe it)  Everyone who comes into our lives is someone special and unique and I believe you can learn something new about yourself (like, bell bottoms really aren't for me or those skinny jeans must stay in my closet forever).  Recently, I have become close to that 'new style' of clothing and I feel very blessed to have the friendship that has formed.  I have also welcomed back those skinny jeans with a difference and I am embracing that friendship as well.  I have learned so much from these 2 people in such a short amount of time and I am truly blessed to have them both.  One makes me want to be a better mother/wife and the other makes me want to be a better friend.  Both, I think, have potential of becoming a Little Black Dress in my wardrobe.  I love them both for very different reasons (in only a way a woman can love another woman...mom to mom).

Thank you for coming into my life and thank you for re-entering into my life:)  I am truly blessed to have such wonderful 'women/mom' friends in my world!!  We can all learn together, grow together and be better people together!!

How's that for positiveness??

Positive hubby- he did my dishes and a load of laundry today!!

What makes me happy- ummmm, that fabulous, scrumptious, delicious chocolate cake from BJ's (yes, something I didn't bake myself...lol)

Oh, and I got hack the jungle tonight!!  YEAH:)

Romper Room

Today we had to hang out at my girlfriends apartment while I watched Baby C.  I cannot drive him anywhere so I have to stay put once he comes.  The problem with that is Max gets out of preschool at 10:15 and the baby arrives at my house around 10.  Hmmmmmmm..... what to do.

Plan A was activated and that resulted in 2 adults, 4 toddlers and 3 babies (2 one yr olds and 1 itty bitty baby) in a small apartment (Baby C could come to me wherever I was as long as I don't drive him anywhere).  It was kinda crowded but I think we did ok.  Schedules were out of wack but we got through it.  It was like we were the Brady Bunch of babysitters...you know, we added our 'clans' together??  We will have one more day of Plan A on wednesday but after that I have found someone to pick Max up from his school and bring him home!!  Yeah:)

Perhaps we should have looked into the Looking Glass today...LOL

Franny's 20 minute nap in the stroller..

Max found a stick...

some of the gang

And now onto tomorrow... just went through some dates and found out Girl Scouts is tomorrow afternoon.  Oh, why did we do this??  Kyra really likes it but it's just another thing to try and get to.

I also have to drive our little itty bitty car tomorrow b/c it was giving hubby problems coming home.  He needs to make sure he gets to work for some meetings... so I'm stuck with it... here's hoping I don't break down anywhere.  

Later...have a great night:)

Good hubby- made lunches for kids tomorrow!!

The Power of Change...

Change...you know, that stuff you toss in the bottom of your purse or drop in the cupholder of your car?? Yeah, I'm not talking about changing here...though, that is another thing that is powerful in our lives:)

Today, I talk about all that little round metal things we use a currency.  Let me tell you, it can definitely add up and be very useful when you need it.  This week was a 'change' week for us.  I needed some groceries and I didn't have the funds so I needed to cash in that change I keep adding up.  This time around I only had about $54 worth of change to use, but it was definitely needed.  You see, when I go away and spend money, I also don't get a paycheck at the end of that week.  And b/c I watch kids in my house w/o a contract (you know, the ones from daycares that say you pay whether you go or not...or you pay full month even when there is a week vacation and the daycare is closed?), I don't get paid when I'm away or when they don't come.  And so, this was one of my 'change' weeks.

Change can be a great thing for all of us.  I always opt for giving the extra dollar to get change back instead of fishing for exact change when paying for things.  And I throw it all in my tall Jameson 12 year holder...great place for it, don't you think??  And let me tell you, it can really add up for that extra something you need.

Here is my biggest example of saving change:   I used to bartend and they started Happy Hour prices of drinks.  Drinks were half price which made the total always have .50 at the end.  Most customers left that 50 cents on the bar along with some dollars and I would never cash in the coins at the end of the night.  After about 9 months of holding onto these coins, I was able to cash in $1400 dollars...yup...that's right... $1400.  Now, that's my biggest score yet and I'm sure I won't be able to top that b/c I cash in more frequently and I'm not bartending anymore, but, you can see how it can add up.

So, tonight's word of advice- next time you are searching for those couple of cents to make it the exact amount,  DON'T DO IT!!!  Give that extra dollar and throw that change in a jar at home.  Whether you want to save for a big fat purse or just need it for a couple of groceries, you will be glad you did!!

That's my 2 cents for today:)  Have a great day!!


Now- I am seriously considering starting a new blog about baking.  Trial and error on recipes, you know.  Pick a book with only baking recipes and just plow through it one recipe at at time.  I just need a really good baking book and a cool blogging name...any suggestions??  I have a couple of books I'm considering working with and I will post them soon.  And I need a name... I'm going to pick a book and bake it all...I will post my failures as well as my 'happy' endings... tell you what I did and what I think went wrong (if it did...)
Trial and Error Baker
Come Bake with Me
Ms. Bakes-a-lot
Baking Momma

Any suggestions would be Awesome!!

Good hubby today: He made dinner tonight b/c I was at work!!  yeah hubby:)

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites

I haven't linked up with my friendsFall Friday Recipe Linky Party for a couple weeks so I thought I'd go for it again this week.  This is one of my all-time cheesecake finds (found it from Paula Deen)

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter

16 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar plus 2 tbs divided
2 eggs
2 apples cut into tiny pieces (I always make hubby do this part)...Granny Smith is preferred but use what you have
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
(I also add a pinch of ginger)

Add flour and brown sugar...cut in butter until crumby
Press into a 13x9 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes

Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar.
Add eggs and Vanilla and beat until smooth and creamy
Pour over crust
Mix apples, 2tbs sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and pour over cream cheese filling
Sprinkle with streusel topping (recipe below)
Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes

Streusel Topping:
1 cup Dark brown sugar
1 cup flour
1/2 cup quick cook oats
1/2 cup butter
Combine all together using your hands until you make crumbs

I cut these into bite size pieces and put them into mini cupcake papers.  Drizzle with caramel when done.

Homemade Caramel (this is a very basic recipe)
1 cup cold water
3 cups sugar
2 cups heavy cream

In medium saucepan combine water and sugar and heat over med. heat until sugar dissolves.  Increase to high and boil w/o stirring until liquid becomes an amber color.  You can swirl the pan occasionally to create even heating.  Once you have that amber color, remove from heat and add the heavy cream very slowly while whisking vigorously.  Once all combined, move back to a med/low heat and stir until sauce is smooth.
Note- to get rid of sugar on the sides of the saucepan, wet a pastry brush and brush the sides of pan downward into mixture.

Enjoy!!  Up next week, the other cheesecake bites you see...wonder what flavor they are...

Exhaustion continues...

I don't see an ending in sight but I know we will get there eventually.  As if I didn't have enough going on, I have offered my photographic services to do some 'portraits' of kids (stuff I love to do and have done in the past).  Now, to find the time to do them...ha ha

Franny girls party is in 9 days and I have to figure out when I'm going to make everything for it.  When I say make, I mean the dessert stuff.  I already have the food crap under control and I know what I'm baking/making but now I have to come up with a schedule for the next week...hoping I can get stuff baked during the daytime hours instead of late at night...  And, there is a baby shower for a neighbor that was moved from tonight to next friday night...they assume that b/c I bake I will automatically make the 'cake' for it.  Not gonna make a cake but am making some mini cupcakes with 'pink' stuff on top and maybe some baby decor as well as some apple streussel cheesecake bites (love love love these).  This week would have been so much better to get that out of the way... oh, well...these candles need to keep burning until Thanksgiving break I guess.  Oh, Thanksgiving...wonder what we're doing for that this year as I generally make the turkey and stuff here...

I can't take my kids out of dance.  I just can't.  I love it so much and I see how much they are loving it.  You should see DJ when he comes out of his classes.  He is so excited to show me what they are learning and Kyra just loves anything and everything about dancing.  So, we will be keeping that.  Soccer will not last forever and neither will Nutcracker rehearsals so we just have to get through the next 2 months.  Right??

We will figure out Max's preschool and is he stays or not.  Let's see how out arrangement works out next week and go from there.

Momma's coming for a visit for a whole week!!  Yeah!!  Can't wait so that we can go to Friendly's with the kiddies and get those cool Monster Mash sundae dishes!!  And, perhaps I can get some things done?? You know, like get rid of all the bags of clothes lining my upstairs... oh wait, that is a neverending project so when I do get rid of the current bags, more bags will come...

I can't think straight anymore and you're probably spinning from trying to figure out what I've just written (I think it's a little chaotic but there you go).

Good hubby thing- he will keep 3 kiddies home on friday evenings and feed them dinner while I take DJ to his classes...so nice not to have to keep them entertained for 3 hours at the dance place:)

Exhaustion...

I don't know...perhaps this jetlag crap is settling in or something but I am completely exhausted this week.  Ireland was so completely relaxing and easy.  I am falling asleep randomly at night here on my couch and waking at weird intervals.  Now, I know my sleep was never the best before I left, but this is crazy!!

My brain is muddled and my kids lives are never-ending.  I had a few hours today where I could actually catch up on some of my cleaning/organizing crap.  I cleaned Kyra's room today and just started throwing stuff out...the girl is a mess!!  Got my toilets cleaned...hooray!!  And, I got most of the island in my kitchen cleared off!!  I can see the countertop:)

Kyra's tap class has been moved to another night...yuck... but, with that, she will be able to take a 2nd ballet class along with it, so I guess there is a positive to it.  She was in a more advanced class last year and was put in a different class for this.  Worked out well for us b/c she was able to take tap on the same night as she remains in the more advanced tap class.  Now, she will be taking a ballet class with the girls from last year as well as the new ballet class.  So, she will be challenged in one class and will move with ease in the other!!  On a negative side, we will be making an extra trip to Goshen during the week.  Wonder if they have a gymnastics class on tuesday DJ could take so that we can eliminate Wednesday's trip??  Hmmmmm...I will have to look into that...

Still pondering if working on Thursday's is still beneficial to us.  If I am going to be watching the baby every day instead of just 3, than perhaps it is.  But, will they still want me if only for that every other sunday shift??  I really do love working at the library...it is so peaceful and I'm surrounded by books!!  I just haven't made a full decision on this...gotta talk to my boss.

Working birthday parties on saturday is starting to stress me out.  I haven't been 100% trained on them and they are putting me on the schedule and my 'time' slot will hinder my ability to get to my 'dance' rehearsals.  Need to figure this out as well.  I started to train for this with the thought that it would only be as a 'fill-in' when someone needs coverage.  Now, it has turned into a weekly gig that I will have as long as a party is booked for that time I am doing.  And, they've added a sunday time slot to me as well.  The extra money will be awesome but the next couple months are just crazy busy weekends:(

OK- gonna try and go back to work...hope you all are having a great day!!

Good hubby thought- he made dinner tonight to be ready when I got home from work!!

Some of my Favorite Things..

I went Polish dancing last night...and boy do I miss it.  I miss all kinds of dancing and am really glad that we rushed like heck to get out of the house last night to get there.  It just makes you happy, you know??  Lively music and getting the heartbeat up!!

And so, I've decided to write down those things that make me truly happy so that I can remember them and figure out how to keep them in my life...some will be easier then others, but let's start here.  I may be a mom of 4 and a wife, but that doesn't mean I can't take of myself too, right??  Something I think mom's tend to forget about.

So here goes...a list of what makes me happy:

1. Dancing - I grew up dancing and absolutely loved it.  Everywhere I went in my life, I always found a way or a class.  Went away to college and took a tap class...lived alone and took another tap class...took several swing classes with friends (this would be really fun to do again)...danced in a Polish Festival and learned a great new dance (started this more than 10 years ago)... I'm not a brilliant dancer but I don't suck either...I just really enjoy it!!
     I am so glad that my children share my joy in dancing!!

2. A clean house - ha ha ha   Now, this one is a touch and go...if only I didn't have to do the cleaning myself (lol)  And so, I think I really need to come up with a 'system' for getting things done.  You know, a schedule of when to do it all and try to do a little bit each day.  I guess after 10 years of marriage and four kids later I am starting to realize that making 'goals' is still an important part of life.  Guess my 'real' job came in handy after all...ha ha

3. Pretty nails - this one is always a tough one...my nails chip, peel, crack, break, etc very easily.  Pre-kids, I had my nails done every 2 weeks and loved it b/c they always looked nice.  Now, it's kind of sketchy.  And so, perhaps I should figure out how to do them myself??  And etch out an hour to do it??  Who knows but I think I'm going to try and do it!!

4. Baking - actually, I think I like making other people happy through my baking.  I do love to make something and see how it comes out and the reaction people have to it... I really don't like the cleaning up bit, but I guess that comes with the territory.  I've thought a lot about finding a huge Baking book of some kind and just going through it recipe by recipe... you know like the Julia Childs experiment??  Only this would only be desserts and I think I would only be able to do 1/week and not 1/day.  Anyone know of a good baking book to look into???

I think that should do it for now.  I don't want to overwhelm myself with trying to do too much!!  ha ha ha ha ha


What makes you truly happy in life???  Would love to hear about it!!

Dilemma of the Day

Today was a pretty big dilemma and a lot of stressful thinking.

You see, I realized last night (yes, last night) that Max's pre-school program was a Mon/Tue/Wed cycle.  The problem with this, you see, is that I watch another little baby Mon/Wed and he arrives around 10ish in the morning.  The pre-school ends at 10:15.  Hmmmm...what to do with that??  Oh, and the parents of the baby do not want him driven in a car with a person who is not them (or their family).  

so, yeah, what to do with that.

Max's school costs pretty much nothing for him to go to b/c it is a training center for future daycare/preschool teachers.  That he even got in was Awesome!!  And I would totally hate to see him not be able to stay in his school b/c he was so excited to have his own school.  But, the income from watching the baby is a blessing in disguise and we totally need that.  And then I think about the other kids who wanted to get into this program but didn't and how we took up that spot.  Long story short, we've figured out a plan for now.  We will have to see how it goes and hope it works out b/c there is the potential to have the new baby mon-fri...which would also benefit our family financially.  Worse case scenario, Max will have to drop out of preschool.  So, let's hope that the plan works and he can stay!!

On another note, am running on fumes as always.  Looking ahead and wondering how I'm going to accomplish all that I have said I would do.  Am supposed to be doing b-day parties on the weekends and am trying to finish my training for that.  Both kids made it into the Nutcracker and the rehearsal schedules are definitely infringing on our weekend 'social' life.  Looks like DJ will miss some fun stuff this fall.

I know hubby doesn't think so, but I am kinda glad he lost his prime hunting spot this year.  I will need his help on getting kids where they need to be this fall.  We will have to seriously think about activities next year and what I can and cannot do.  If all works out with the baby and I am still watching him next year I may not have to take on so many weekend jobs or even keep the library job on Thursdays.  But then, if I give up the Thursday nights am I going to keep my job??  Yet another future dilemma I'm sure I will have to consider.  The library job is a future-thinking position with hopes that once all of my kids go to school I can switch my hours to work while they are all in school.

I think baking might have to take a back burner and I will have to just take orders for people that know of me already and word of mouth.  I just don't see how I can actively advertise for that when I know baking will only take place at night.  I don't think I have the energy to try and make a go for it right now.  Who knows if that will ever come of anything at this point.  Somethings gotta give and sadly, that might be it.  I know there are other things that can be given up but that's one I know will have to take a break.  I'm sad that Max and Franny girl will not be able to do what Dj and Kyra did and do now.  There will be no Mommy and Me classes and no gymnastics/dance classes for them.  At least, not when they're little like the big kids got.  But, at the same time, I'm happy that I will be able to be there and home with them.  Yes, I am finally starting to enjoy the throes of motherhood and being that stay at home mom.  Now, if only I could organize my home a little better and perhaps have some time to get things done...lol

Good hubby thing: he sat down with DJ and studied with him tonight

Coming Home..

Back from Ireland and back from the Peacefulness!!  I thought about writing about Ireland and everything that I did and the flight out there and back...but, I think the coming home part is what I'll write about tonight.
I missed my kids tremondously while I was away but at the same time I was glad to have the time away from them.  While I did have Franny Girl with me, it was nice to NOT count kids for a change (I am constantly counting up to 4 or more kids just to make sure I've got them all).  Franny and I really didn't do much except hang out and enjoy family and scenery!!  Wedding was a blast, flights were ok, Tea was awesome, and relaxation was much needed.  Now, let's say it in Irish:  The wedding was just gorgeous, my wee little pet was a hit with everyone, a spot of tea was delish, the crack was fantastic and entertaining and the food was lovely!!  ha ha  ok, so back to REALITY

What's that word, REALITY???  Gosh, my brain has been swimming in some muddy waters since I've been back.  I kinda thought hubby would see what I do at home and perhaps have a different view about how things get done while I'm gone...but, he is very laid back about it all and gives off this vibe that it was a piece of cake while I was away.  It's kind of disconcerting, you know??  He followed a 'manual' that I created for him (times of activities, what to pack, what to feed them, etc) but it feels like he did little else while I was away.  No wait, he did 3 loads of laundry I think and perhaps he did dishes.  But, the bathroom smells b/c the toilet wasn't cleaned and there were crumbs all over the floor.  Ha...he said he swept on Wednesday... but, alas, we all know you have to sweep more than once a week and the toilets need cleaning.  And there are always more than 3 loads of laundry to do.  Now, he also only had Max during the day, so why couldn't he have gotten more stuff done??  Oh, wait, I think he was doing 'outside' stuff but than the tractor broke and he was done with that.  I'm often asked, by him, why I don't have the time to get the cleaning done during the week and all of the laundry and why I absolutely loathe doing dishes and making iced tea (the iced tea container seems to always be empty) and yet, while I'm gone these same things are not done.  AND, he still thinks it was a cake-walk to stay with them last week.
Perhaps I should have left the baby home???  I just feel kind of deflated that he gives off this attitude that it was just so easy.  It's like he still doesn't get it, you know??  He slapped my hand and said 'tag, you're it' and I'm done...so that's it, he's done.  You see, it was a piece of cake to him b/c he can check out and doesn't have to do it on a regular basis.!!  ha ha  
Oh well, I guess that's that.  I'm still completely exhausted and this is a very hectic week to come home to after a week of rest and relaxation.

On a positive note- the kids were dressed, fed, perhaps bathed, sent to school on time, picked up on time, delivered to all their activities, homework was done and hubby said he learned how to BREATHE while I was away.  Always good things!!
Hope you all had a great week and I missed you all!!

RIP to my dad and many blessings to my 'step' mom on her new marriage:)

Ireland or bust...

In less than 24 hours I will be on a plane somewhere over the ocean on the way to Ireland!!  Yippee.

I can't believe it's here already...I can't believe I'm going either!!  The last time I went to Ireland, we all went (hubby, DJ and Kyra...Max was in utero) and it was for my father's 1 year Memorial Service.  And now I'm going for his widow's wedding.  Strange, right??  Lots of emotions will come out this week.  You see, my dad and I didn't really know each other very well until towards the end and even then I feel like I wanted more. I didn't go to his wedding when he got married in Ireland...was too young I guess??  Who knows.  I feel closer to her now than when my dad was alive and so it feels kinda natural to go out there.  Perhaps it's b/c I feel like I can get to know him better through her??  And now she's marrying someone else.  I'm very happy for her.  I know how much she loved my dad and I know how much it has taken for her to get to this point...and I am truly very happy for her.  I can't wait to see everyone over in Ireland.  I'm sure there will be lots of fun, some tears, and some good 'ol Irish food/drink!!

And what a week it's been leading up to it and how much of my ToDo list did I actually get done???  ha ha ha

Some things I'm gonna miss while away:  my other kids of course, facebook updates (ha ha ha), facebook games (what am I gonna do...think I'll go through withdrawal...), bus stop chats, and I think I might even miss hubby...lol, Max's kisses and hugs (3 times b/c he's 3), preschool orientation, Kyra's outfit of the day, DJ's outfit of the day (you know, the plaid shorts w/the striped shirts...), my glass of wine, my bed... oh, wait, I don't sleep there anymore...think I might actually miss this couch...blogging and reading everyone else's crap (smile)

Things I won't miss: attitudes, homework, dishes (although, I will still do these over there but they aren't mine), cooking, laundry, cleaning, driving, after school crap, sibling rivalry, whining, talking to walls


Franny will turn 1 while I'm there...got a onesie for her to wear and a frilly dress:)

Getting packed- it was pretty crazy trying to figure this one out.  Went and bought a new suitcase that would be big enough for all of our stuff.  Filled it and it was 8.7 pounds overweight.  Now, the airline charges 75 bucks for all suitcases weighing 51-70 pounds.  BUT- if I have a 2nd suitcase (one that I could also fill to 50 pounds), they will only charge me 60 bucks as long as I check it in before I get to airport.  Um, that's 100 pounds of luggage and is cheaper...go figure!!  It was an adventure getting that all settled between weighing them and Franny 'helping' me...ha ha

Things I'm nervous about- flying in general, flying with Franny, being stuck in a seat with not a lot of room and Franny on my lap...Franny crying instead of sleeping, carrying all my stuff along with her, being searched at security (would they think anything of it if this happened and I asked someone to take a picture of it happening...lol), hanging out in the airport with just us and having to manage Franny and our bags, lost luggage, etc.     Geez, you'd think I wasn't a mother of 4 thinking of all these things... I don't know why I'm feeling so nervous/anxious and stuff.

So, hopefully I will be able to check-in and write a couple entries...but am not sure if I will.  I am not taking a computer with me and I don't know who has one over there.  But, we will see!!

Hope you all have a great week and I will have some pics and lots of stuff when I get back:)

Good hubby:  Wow, he is going to be home with 3 kids for a whole week...what husband does that??  MINE!!!  even though I did write up a manual and time schedule for him, he is gonna do it.

What makes me happy: SUNSHINE   too bad we don't have any and too bad it isn't sunny in Ireland:(  ha ha

yup...I could do that during a past trip there...wonder if I can still jump on this thing w/o peeing my pants..lol

last trip there...prego w/Max