Wow.!.. .or is it Whoah?!?!

I'm trying to figure out if I'm in a downward emotional spiral because I am unable to keep my house remotely picked up since Sweet Pea's birthday or if it's your typical holiday let down. The tables are packed, or at least WERE packed with stuff, lots of stuff, yesterday. I managed to devote most of the day to cleaning up and putting away a lot of things, but there was still a lot of CRAP! Mostly the dining room table is covered with opened gifts (....read as numerous little-pieced toys by evil present givers. These are the people that should be locked in a closet along with those that give loud, noisy toys too) that do not have a home.....

Having felt overwhelmed since, well, since a couple months after Handsome was born, I think I hit my wall. Cleaning yesterday was very therapeutic, although with the kids playing as I was cleaning, I still didn't get much done. But I managed to get one table cleared (and not hidden), four loads of laundry done, dog pooped picked up (that was an hour - yeah for melted snow!), Sweet Pea's gift connected to the internet..cute web site, PixieHollow.com. Someone did not read the age appropriate for a gift and had to see what it was about. Definitely for girls ages 7 and over, girls who are 4.....not so much..... Progress, not perfection. But come ON PUH-LEASE!!!! Give a Momma a break! I'm torn between feeling fine and feeling like that little bubble on the commercial that bounces along that's sometimes sad, the things that once made me happy (other than my kids) don't (at least all the time), being easily distracted, etc., etc. I think I'm alright though....although I'm sure Husband would give an all together different perspective.....but this isn't his blog is it?!?!

Speaking of whom, he actually scored a positive on the gift giving chart and purchased an i-pod thingy for my car so I can tune in my music. I love it and now I still need to download the rest of my CD's so I can get rid of our space hogging CD player, CDs and whatever else equipment we have in the cabinet upstairs and turn it into a full-fledged toy hut....just so current toys can have an 'out of site' home.

The whole holiday was a whirl-wind and it's not over yet. My Brother is in from out of town with New Wife and we still have to get together with them!

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the Day After Christmas, the kids were up until about 11:00 pm each night. There schedules are screwed and poor Handsome has one of those 'waterfall booger' colds! So last night I was up with him from 3-4:30 am, and finally I got tired enough, he couldn't get comfortable, so I put him in his bed, said nigh nigh and crashed. But not before he wailed a little while. Who wouldn't want to leave Momma's arms? I felt so bad, but I was so tired. It's one of those colds where the boogies just back up in the back of your throat, and unless you're an adult and can hack those babies out....you kind of hack and choke on them....it's awful to listen to.......my poor poor baby.... With all these late nights and presents, Sweet Pea isn't so 'sweet' more demanding and crabby......yesterday I think we started back on the course to wellness. How do people with more than two kids do it??!?!?!?!? Although, I would love another myself! Even on bad day!!!!! The smiles and sweetness way out-weigh the snottiness.

2009 is fast approaching...I just need to hang onto this part-time gig for a few more years! Shhhhhh! Don't tell Husband! I have to do a major over-haul on my budget though this coming year (My Christmas shopping was very eye-opening! It didn't sotp me from spending, but it was eye-opening!). I hope to get a few extra hours of work here and there in the summer.....we'll see! As long as I don't lose the job!

Almost Here!

Yes, Christmas is almost here. My two tables in my house are piled up with crap. Remember when I said I was a 'pile-er'. I wasn't kidding. Sweet Pea's birthday gifts are still left on one of the tables. The other is stacked with bills, papers, receipts, and I'm sure a couple sippy cups....Husband hates coming home to that, and I have to admit, it's to the point where something needs to be done.....so, that's what I'll be doing this weekend.....I know, it's only Monday.

Here's what I did get done this weekend. In a fast furry, I got cards done. **NOTE** This means thank you cards for Sweet Pea's birthday AND quick addressing of envelopes for this picture to go out with it!
My wonderfully awesome niece came over for four hours so I could shop (also Husband) on Saturday. Big SMOOCHES for that!!!!! I got about 90% of the shopping done. WOW, does it make a difference to do all the shopping in a shorter amount of time!!! I really saw how much I spent and I can't believe it was that much.....I didn't even go CRAZY!!! Wow!!! So not looking forward to later years. Or bills to come in.....

Handsome was a toughie to buy for this year.......there's just so much that he has and already plays with!!!! Definitely a motivator to get out and 'clean out' the baby toys in the basement.

Other than that, it's freezing here.....literally! I looked at my remote thermometer at 5:00 am this morning and it read 2.2 degrees. When Mom arrived, it read .6 degrees. Winter has come fast and furious this time around! The wind just blows, I mean that literally too! Although it is not to the point where it is taking my breath away......yet.....

Yesterday, I forced myself to take Sweet Pea to Sunday School and went back for church. I am bummed that typical attendees from our family are my Mom, myself and my daughter. Handsome is just breaking out of his two nap a day schedule, so he may be joining us soon....With the new pastor in his 2nd year, our church is more barren than last. It's sad. I've got many things to say about that, but not here. This is my biatch blog about my Husband, so let's get back to him.

I was told that once again, my list for Christmas lacked 'interesting' things. Too bad, just follow the list. Times Husband did not follow the list, I received roller blades, and a few other items I can't recall that I use just as much..... :: eye roll::

Girls night out occurred this past weekend. It was fun, although there was a new attendee and although I met her a couple times, I think I may have offended her during a password game. I just dont' think she was used to my facial gestures.......I was the oldest in attendance......the next oldest person was the 'new girl' and I thought there was at least a connection as we had the same birthday, a year apart, but still.....how weird is that? i thought I could detect some similarities....we both liked to jump into conversations and get our stories/comments in! Ha!

I tortured myself and jumped on the scale this morning.....up a pound.....I am committed to the weight loss plan and am re-affirming my resolve to lose all that I want to by March 21st.....
I have to tell myself this as three of the next 5 days will be food, family and food.....Today was bring a dish day to work.....THAT did not help with the plan either. Although, I have avoided the lunch room for the rest of the day! Baby steps, think baby steps!

Santa Nightmare

Yep, the $8.00 visit with Santa was 1/2 nightmare! The food was fine the atmosphere was less to be desired. Sweet Pea didn't win the raffle for one of four bikes and she didn't get her face painted or a balloon....Put that all together and one major meltdown ordered up! Next year will be totally different! We're going for the nice place that has plenty of activities and I'm also going to take Nana or Husband with me. The people around me were less than nice...I was miserable! Sweet Pea was miserable! Will post more later!

Thank goodness Sunday's Christmas Pageant at church more than made up for it! I have the next Tot American Idle Contestant for sure!!!!!

Must go deliver nuts for work, but had to give a briefing!

Latest Effort....

In my latest effort to save money, we'll be seeing Santa this weekend for a Breakfast Buffet for $8 per person....that's IF I remember to pick up the tickets tonight! So, 9:00 am Sat. morning, we'll be heading to the local mall to visit Santa, get a photo and whatever kind of breakfast you get for $8. I'll make sure and feed the kids before we go. Of course, we'll have already been up since at least 6:30 am, so we'll be good to go for snacks at that time. I'd love to go to the 'indoor' mall where we've went for the past three years and take pictures with the Santa there as he's got a real beard and is very 'real' looking. I'm wondering what we'll get at this.....If it's a bust, we'll trek back to the big mall.

I'm sure Handsome will be in tears (but at least he's free) (3 and under are free wheeeee!) Sweet Pea is good with the man in the red suit. I'd try and sneak her in as 3 too, but she's very proud that she's now four and I couldn't take that away! I'm forcing her to go to breakfast before the Christmas pageant practice, which starts at 10:00 am. Wishful thinking? Maybe, but the pageant is this Sunday! Uggh, which reminds me, I have to take my neighbor off the prayer list! Hooray! Back from Iraq safe and sound....at least I think so, winter keeps everyone inside!

I'm sure I'm going solo to meet Santa with the kids.....Husband, I'm also sure, must get to the school to make sure it hasn't burned down......and to not waste the day of course!

On a side note, I've got to get shopping done this week. Girls night out is the 20th, so that evening has been taken away. Which is alright because I very well may need it by then! Got some great pictures from Turkey Day and an o'kay one from my attempts at a Christmas picture yesterday! We'll see!

Hi, My Name is Heather.....

Well, as of today, I have admitted to myself that I am the WORST budget person EVER. Now granted there was a wedding in July that was quite expensive, but still..... I think there will always be something like that, so I have to be a big girl and not spend outside of my means.

I am trying to cut back. I even cut back on the birthday party guest list. I even tried to 'save' money by doing Christmas cards myself.....you know, borrow a really nice camera and take pictures.... Where are the pictures? Are the cards done yet? Well, no, no they are not..... Why? Because the camera I borrowed was my Sister in Law's and I broke it the day I brought it home. It was a Konica Minolta, who is now out of business....I didn't know that until I went to get it fixed and was told, buy a new camera....Well, that'd be fine it was MY camera, I'd buy a cheapy no frills thing. But it wasn't my camera, it was someone else's..... It was a $500+ camera.....OUCH!!!! My choices were:

1) spend $230+ to fix the old one which probably can't be fixed (they are out of business)
2) buy a Pentex camera for $230 that would give the same quality of picture (but who knows if Sister In Law would want a different type of camera)
3) try buying one on-line on ebay......camera shop guy told me not to spend more than $60....buy hey, he wasn't the one who broke his sister-in-law's camera
4) give my brother and sister in law $230 to purchase a new one

The good news is that one week and one day later, I have a new 'used' camera from e-bay that is working just fine. THANK GOODNESS! Husband attempted to get angry with me when I originally told him that I broke the camera....It went a little something like this....

"Hi Hon, I'm having a horrible day, the kids haven't been listening, they haven't been eating, and I broke Sister In Law's camera....."

"Why do we HAVE Sister In Law's camera?!?!?!" (Note: hint of anger in Husband's voice)

"Well, (lump swells in throat as if I were 5), I was trying to save money......(deep breath) by taking Christmas pictures ourselves (tears well right about here).....so I borrowed the camera. As I was taking it out of the holder...(clearing throat....the lump has reached the back of the mouth, voice cracks and trembles) it fell on the floor and I broke the battery door." (full blow tears here.....can't remember much of what was said by me after that)

In Husband's keen sense of concern for his distraught wife, he wisely says "We'll take care of it."

So, luckily, instead of $230+ to repair the old one, I got a new "used' replacement for $105. I paid $30 more than it's worth, but I didn't care cause I somewhat 'fixed' my idiotic move.

On the lighter side,

Sweet Pea turned 4 yesterday. I still don't think she understands why we had a party for her on Sat. when her birthday was on Sunday. She loved many of her gifts and I believe I totally scored with the Leapster2 purchase.....ummm, yeah, that's why my budgeting blows. I bought her 5 gifts....It was too much money, but honestly she got gypped her first 2 birthdays as there's not terribly expensive things to buy at those ages. At least not that I bought anyways. Her brother is likely to get royally screwed on his next birthday. We just have so many toys already! Poor guy is gonna get a lot of clothes (although some bought for his last birthday are fitting him now)! I figure, for birthday parties, we'll just have ourselves and grandparents after the kids turn 5. I figure there will be a little 'school friends' party and then our little one at home......I don't know. I hate to put that on other parents to buy my children gifts......Husband's family never had 'kid' parties, only his immediate family, but then again, their family is a ready-made-party (7 kids).

I've got some ideas for gifts for both kids for Christmas. Sometimes the ideas are the hardest part. There are additional gifts for me to buy this year. Sweet Pea has two, yes two Sunday school teachers.....there are only two kids in her class counting HER! She's got a preschool teacher . Two cousins on one side, two cousins on the other side, God-children, friends kids (thank goodness there are only four of those), two adult gifts to buy, 4 godparents, ....I'm already crying....remember that budget I had mentioned? I asked Husband if we could re-do the powder room on the first floor as a gift . He said no, we tried that once already! Great.....now I've got to get gifts for him! = ( I think I'm going to have to save myself and take it out of savings.....to catch up and start a new. I really think I can do this, I just know it. This is without Husband even pitching in any funds.....which will help out with the debt in the end.....I guess we go overboard on parties because husband never had them.....AND we have to feed everyone like kings and queens when they are here. I'd have been happy with appetizers and a cake.....can't talk husband into though. I tried to cook the meal myself and he was a no go on that too......

So, wedding, Husband and Sweet Pea's birthdays, and Christmas. If it weren't for those, we'd be alright! ::wink::

The first step is to admit that I have a problem. I did do the numbers, I knew I had to stick to them.....it just gets to the end of the year and poof, I explode. I am humbled.....I promise....right after Christmas is over!

Adventures in Babysitting

Last night, we babysat for a neighbor's baby. Mind you, I'd only talked to this neighbor over the fence, but she must've thought we were all right seeing we have two healthy and happy children! They are from out of state so family babysitters are scarce. I can't imagine not having family around!

Their daughter was a sweet little thing! Healthy eater! I was instantly put into a setting of what it would be like to have three kids! Poor Handsome had to 'share' Mommy. He was not too happy about that, but he did relax and he actually was quite helpful, getting the baby's toys and picking up things I asked of him. Not that there was any cause, but he didn't bite his sister, no did he throw anything (even accidentally) at the baby! I think that's pretty good for a first time! I immediately took him out of the 'baby' category that I keep him in, but he's grateful to be back in that seat again today!

Sweet Pea was stuck eating her lengthy dinner through much of the sitting. Not that there was too much food, no more than usual, but the distraction of a new baby in the house added to her typical distractions stretched dinner to an hour and a half for her.......Why can't I have normal children who eat normal meals?

Of course I was told that this baby sleeps through the night. Which, for a parent whose children did and do not do that, is irritating! Well! ::huff:: That's just spectacular for you! I'm so envious of parent's whose children sleep through I can't even begin to describe it! The baby is about 7 months old. I was still holding Sweet Pea in my arms through the night at 7 months! I swear her digestive tract is funky and it never allowed her to be comfortable! Lucky me! Looking back, that is where the bond came through. I had no idea at the time, but I do now! Those are my two jealous things: children who eat well and children who sleep well. Ya can't have it all, and I must say, other than those two minor things (in the realm of what could be wrong) I'd have to say both my children are quite the keepers!

It was also very sweet to see Husband playing on the floor with a little one! It makes me sad to think we are done, but let's face it....we're old, money doesn't grow on trees and the effort that it takes for us to even become pregnant is demanding as there are a lot of people involved......not your typical Man and Woman scenario!

Sweet Pea has a Pre-school program today for Grandparents! I'm sad I'm missing her first program debut and wished I had asked my folks to tape it, but I do want them to enjoy it and not be worried about taping it! I'm looking forward to a report after work.

Big Bird Day is at the In-Law's, we're in charge of sweet potatoes (one of my favorites!) and chicken livers wrapped in bacon (one of Husband's favorites). I've attempted to start a new healthy living regime, which started yesterday. So, yesterday I did great and so far this morning things are going well. Wonder if it'll be an avalanche come Thursday! ::wink::

Christmas List

Here's what I did first thing this morning! Filled out one of those getting to know your friends lists! Enjoy!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper

2. Real tree or artificial? Always real until Husband would procrastinate so long that all were left were Charlie Brown trees

3. When do you put your tree up? I'd love to the first week in December, but Husband doesn't want it take up room during birthday party.....party pooper!

4. When do you take your tree down? after the new year

5. Do you like eggnog or boiled custard? egg nog is okay....the sound of boiled custard makes me want to hurl.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Barbie Doll Dream House, being the youngest and only girl has its benefits

7. Hardest person to buy for? Husband

8. Easiest person to buy for? my kids

9. Do you have a nativity scene? yes, Willow figurines

10. Mail or email Christmas Cards? Mail, absolutely!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't recall one for me, but we all received leg warmers one year for Christmas from my grandmother....I went home with three extra pair, as my brothers weren't so fond of the gift! Ha!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie or Show? I think, The Family Stone.....it's got everything......

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? this year... October

14. Have you ever re-gifted a Christmas present? not that I can think of

15. Favorite food to eat at Christmas? anything. I'm happy to eat any meal that I don't have to cook!

16. Lights on the tree - Clear or Multicolored? hmm... Multi-colored, but for a while there, I was stuck on blue.

17. Favorite Christmas Song? O Come All Ye Faithful

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph

20. Angel on treetop or a star? An angel

21. Open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Christmas Eve with in-laws ... Christmas Day for the rest!!!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? not receiving ideas from the sibling gift grab bag!!!! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!!

23. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? see #15!!!!

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? to sleep through the night undisturbed! = )

25. Who is most likely to respond to this? Bridg, Nicole

Birthday Drama

Well, yesterday was Husband's birthday. My shopping didn't even get started until AFTER the TV guy showed up to fix it. Of course, the thing needs a part that needs to be ordered, that will take two years to come in.....well, maybe not two years, but in the mean time I have a 'wee' TV set up which quite honestly, stinks that we don't have our big boy. I actually have to use my glasses to see the little one......crap!

Just as I was whining to my Mom that the repair man never called the door bell rang....it was him....of course. Speaking in some rough English, he said 'oh, you are home'?!? Uh, yeah, I've been waiting for your call since this morning! So as he says this I'm in my sweats and t-shirt, Sweet Pea is in her undies and undershirt after refusing to put her fuzzy pj's with footies back on......Have I mentioned that I just Love 3+ year olds?!?!?! So while repair guy goes back to his truck to grab his tools, I wisp away up stairs to throw on some jeans (and a bra-not that it matters for me mind you), put Sweet Pea in some clothes and grab Handsome out of his bed.....Dang?!?!? AFTER I put on new pants because his diaper could not hold it all in!!!!

So, repair guy appears to be very afraid of our wuss dog.....she's very non-threatening, but if a big, threatening looking broken-english speaking guy is fearful of her, then I guess that's enough for me! The kids are entertained by this guy and I hurry to fix lunch. I know what he's gonna tell me, it's the same thing as the last time! UggghhhH! This TV has just been a lemon for us! So much so that Husband wants ME to write a letter to the manufacturer about the TV that HE bought! I'll just add that to my list dear! So alphabet soup and cantaloupe fills the bellies of my peanuts and we are off the toy store! I do have to throw a Kudo's to the repair man for knocking back on the door to check on my phone number, which was wrong.....of course.

The kids did surprisingly well at Toys R Us. I got some great ideas for Sweet Pea and Handsome did alright as well. Bad news? They didn't have the large Lego's 'plate' that I wanted.....we sufficed with additional building blocks and a Diego set (we already had Dora!).

Having spent a little too much time at Toys R Us, we hurried to the grocery store.....pork tenderloin, gravy (still have to learn how to make that), apples for Husband's apple pie and milk. We run home and it's quarter to 3. I let the kids watch 15 minutes of a cartoon before wisping them up to their rest. Both not very happy and handsome took FOREVER to fall asleep!

I make the pie.

I wrap the two presents.

I throw the tenderloins in.

Husband comes home.

"Happy Birthday! How was your day?" Now, I know the response will include some Bit@H about something at work and he says...."Fine, until the end." I get some long winded story about yet another co-worker who doesn't inform him of their plans for the day, particularly the end of his day...which includes him. I'd get mad if no-one informed me, that at 4:50 pm, I had to do something that takes at least 40 minutes, which they could've informed me about a day, week or month ago! I know he's frustrated, I'd get frustrated too.

He then tells me 'you don't have to go the trouble of a nice dinner......" Really? Because he tells me every chance he can about the time I didn't give him a card for our anniversary...or was it birthday? Arrrgghhhh! Also, what's the purpose of a birthday if someone doesn't go out of their way for you?! A home-made dinner, a card (that I didn't forget), gifts from the kids, and we are to go out to dinner the Friday after Thanksgiving........

I know what men really want for their birthday, but quite honestly, by this time I was too tired to care, plus I wasn't even showered for fear of missing the repairman's call earlier in the day....I know, gross!

Depression

Listen, I know it's been a while, but I'm grieving. I have no money, I have no pals at work, my husband is all consumed with work, my legs hurt, my brain hurts....Thank GOD I have my children! Seriously, I think I'd be going nuts right now if it weren't for them! Although, at times, they drive me nuts too! But that's typical parenting. The huge TV Husband bought a while ago is out AGAIN. They are to come and fix it tomorrow, which means, it wont really be fixed for a while.......yuck. I look around at the house and there are a million things I can do, if everyone is sleeping!

I've said it before and I'll say it again.....someone who has enough sleep can do ANYTHING! Which is forcing me to start going to bed earlier than normal. Which I did, two nights last week. Hooray for me! It was a bear of a weekend as Handsome and Sweet Pea were getting colds.....

Feeling overwhelmed today. I've got Husband's birthday tomorrow and less than $50 in the checking account. Pay day is Friday and I'd like to take him to a nice dinner ....somewhere...but that won't be until Thanksgiving weekend. So tomorrow, I'd like to make Husband an apple pie, stuffed mushrooms and some type of roast for his dinner....oh, and take the kids to buy him a birthday gift. I've decided to get him some Leggo's so he can build on his own and not have to share....with his children....if he doesn't want to.....He has gotten irritated with them when they start to destroy his 'creation' before he's done.....just like your typical 3 year old..... So.... I'm hoping to buy a couple things, like this red Leggo Duplo building plate.

Priceless in the house, although if i buy red, everyone will want red and not the 'old' green one. I should probably buy two so each child and Daddy can have one...... Then of course, more Leggo's cause there's never enough..... I could buy ten of these Leggo Duplo sets and they still wouldn't be happy.
Please say a prayer for me as I'm bringing both children into the toy store tomorrow!

Jedi Moves.....

My Jedi moves allowed me to maneuver between the 'AX MAN'S' swings! He swung low and high, luckily, I was not necessarily in the middle, but more like hiding in my cove. Today, there were several people, who, at the end of the day, were no longer working with me at my company. I was told that I was safe. But in today's market.....who's really 'safe'?

I'm sad, my stomach hurts, my brain hurts and I'd love to just head home and have a few beverages of choice with family and friends. So, where does that leave me? Well, I'm not so sure. I guess I'm all right until mid-spring. I like the fact that they didn't wait until the holidays and was told that the people who were let go today, was purely for business reasons, not for performance. However, if things don't 'pick up' by spring, I think everybody's screwed. I'm sure I'd be on the 'to go' list. I pray it doesn't get to that. I'm hopeful, but we'll see.

I'm looking forward to home today.....which it's just about that time!

I, just like everybody else, is hoping for a better tomorrow!

Before I forget

Much goings on, but the biggest question is whether I'll still have a part-time job at the end of this week. Word around the water cooler is there will be a big ax swung. I hope I'm not included, but you never know. Everybody has their pluses and minuses. Actually I'd love to start teaching, Husband says I won't, but what does he know? I can't see myself doing what I'm doing the rest of my life. But I think now is a good time to switch over.......of course, funds are always and issue and I've had a few money making ideas, that haven't really gone anywhere.....I'd actually have to DO something for that..... I suppose not much will come of them.....

Before I forget, here's a few pictures:

Sweet Pea's 1st day of pre-school.

Handsome's 1st experience with a toad.

Pumpkin Farm in Wisconsin. Handsome love petting the Momma and baby kitty.......too bad The Beast is no longer around. He would've loved him. The cat would've hated him and probably bit him numerous times by now.....

This was right before the family took a walk/ride around the subdivision. I'm hoping soon Sweet Pea can ride her bike while I jog beside......it's gonna be a short while before the real cold sets in, so we're set for next year and bike riding! Big thanks to Uncle D & Auntie L!!!!

Sat. Night's Event

So Sat. night's event was at the same place we were just at the evening before. A bowling alley, partially turned into a banquet hall, and as I've learned recently, has a bumper car room in the back of the place.....????? Whatever will draw them in I guess. The good thing about the evening is it was casual attire, so I was quite comfortable!

Yep, that's me in the middle of the picture. No one else wanted to be in the middle...Why?...who knows, so I took it! Notice straight back and legs crossed at the ankles? So poised, or is it posed? I guess I put in this picture as you really can't see anyone else. I certainly didn't want to get everyone's authorization.....It's blurry enough not to see everyone....so that's good right?

Sadly, I wasn't impressed with the DJ or the food, but I wasn't there for either of those.....I bascially ended up talking with the same people as the night before.....pretty much. It was uneventful and to not expereince the slight headache I had earlier that morning, I left about midnight....otherwise they would've seen me turn back into my rags and my ride, a pumpkin.....

Thanks for the Reality Check!

Started the night out with bottle in hand....yes, baby bottle, but what can a Momma do?

O'kay, I guess the previous post was not divulgent enough for some, so I will give you the true skinny now.....

Friday night I was reminded how grateful I was to not be in the group of girls partying. Age wise, they all looked the same to me at the football game. I guess that's good right? They were nice enough to say hello, but I wished I had went straight to the tavern. "Remember throwing up in that bush? How about peeing on that bush?" That was the second 'thank God I'm not like them". The first one was they were still in the 'clique' that they used to be in. I was one of the girls in High School that was not labeled 'loose'. Had I met the right caring guy, I perhaps would've been open-armed welcomed into their clique. ::ouch!:: But if a guy wasn't going to go out of his way for me, then I wasn't about to for him.

Two girls I met were friends of mine in grade school and little in high school. One turned out to have a brain tumor, which was removed years ago, and the second in my summation, appears to have partied down and jumped off the party train quite some time ago. These are two friends that I wouldn't mind continuing a friendship with and I guess we'll just see what happens. I think I may have scared them a way by being a blithering idiot as the first drink I ordered Friday night was a rum and coke....I never order rum and cokes. The rum was horrible and I barely tasted the Coke, if that was even Coke. I now know why you need to order Bacardi and Coke. Drinks that followed were Miller lite......my good 'ol stand by!

I've gathered that I'm a touchy feely huggy person after several beverages. As was told to me by my friend who said another friend's wife would surely tell his wife/ask his wife whom I was. This is the guy I've got a picture of the two of us at my wedding, I'm sitting on his lap and giving him a big 'ol hug.....wait maybe I haven't changed much either! He was supposed to be my 'Man' of Honor.....blah, blah, blah.....I did think about it later and I guess I wouldn't have liked my husband being hugged by anyone either......well, that's not entirely true. There are some people I would know are hugging out of friendship rather than anything more......Besides, I would've still given him a big ol hug if she was there or not....ummmm, I also gave him my number. Hey, in the last 10 years I've called him twice and even stopped by and not even a call back...(right now you're probably saying I should take the hint). Let's get this straight, I've got 2 kids, he has none. I'm sure he doesn't find my child world 'fun' in his world of no kids......So I wrote down my number and to prove that my writing was legible I took a picture.....like I said, I had a few!

Sleep is a Wonderful Thing

This weekend I was reminded that sleep is a wonderful thing and that if I get plenty of it, I'm not a crabby Mommy. All my fault and I'm climbing my way to being level headed and fulfilled of sleep requirements......

Friday night was the Homecoming football game. First I parked out in tim-buck-two since my hometown has grown so much and the High School is three times the size it used to be. Have I told you that we missed the boat on moving back into town? Having been there and seeing all my former classmates and what the school has become, I now feel like I haven't missed much. I guess my memory of what was is just that, what things were, not how they are now. I'm afraid I'd have to move out to Bu-Fu to come even near what my town used to be. I do have a secret crush on my multi-culti neighborhood though!

Well, I did get to see some caddy girls and some too big for their britches guys....you pretty much know EVERYONE because it was a graduating class of about 140-ish people. I was oddly comforted to not be in the crowd of people who do not seem to have changed since High School. I don't believe I was ever in the 'in' crowd, but more of a fringe. Decorative fringe, but fringe. I had lots of friends sure, but I seem to carry on this thing in life that I only carry on the meaningful few. I've got quality, not quantity. :::ahhh, you know who you are!:::

I found out that at least 2, perhaps 3 (Friday night became a little fuzzy) that live in the same town as I currently do. Two of them lived down from me in our former home town. Sadly, I recall beating one of them up in early gradeschool, I'm sure for good reason. Perhaps for picking on me or my neighbors. I'm sure he, yes HE, deserved it at the time. Remember........ I grew up with 3 older brothers........:: I'm throwing up my 'guns' right now! Ha!::

I spent much of Friday night talking with everyone I knew and had lots of fun. I did get to see a guy that I used to hang out with a ton after High School and even into early years with Husband. I missed him and was happy to see him. The old 'we've got to get together' was a part of the discussion, but I'm not quite the party girl that I used to be. Kind of glad and kind of sad at the same time......

All of the sudden Friday night, a huge wave of tiredness came over me, I looked down at my watch....2:00 am.....Awww man! Did I ever have to leave! Of course I got home only to have forgotten Husband's prescription at the pharmacy.....thank goodness it was 24 hours, but I didn't get really into bed until quarter to 3! Handsome made me pay......3:30 am wake up and 5:00 am wake-up......I swear, that boy's teeth won't be fully in until he's THREE!

I promise to add pictures as soon as they are downloaded!

20th High School Reunion

Well, in three days, I'll be going to my 20th High School reunion.....it's interesting. I haven't seen people from High School in years, other than the ones I care about (o'kay really one person), but something is drawing me in to go.

I attended my home town's annual Labor Day parade this past Sept., which was sweltering and I have to admit, the two people I did see, one I knew right away (whom obviously had a chestal enhancement) and the second one's name escaped my brain until I walked away thinking .....OMG! How could I have glazed over like that?!!!??! You know you get that thought process going, I should know this person. Look, she knows me. I should know this person. She's so sweet and nice. I know I know her, she's vaguely familiar. I should know this person....Who the hell IS she?

Thank God, my BFF (I've never used that term to describe her before, but this is the internet), whom I've known since pre-school brought some photos from the year book to a local tavern where another class member was a bartender. She even brought photos that didn't get used in the year book.......which reminds me, I have to call brother to see if he has cork board for that......(no dice on the cork board). So numerous times I ask her "Who is this again?" "And that is?" The caddy-ness has already begun. I don't believe I was ever part of a clique, but it's certainly humorous hearing the comments already......

I think there will be about a 25% turnout at the Sat. event and I'm hoping to see more people, my old friends, at the Homecoming game on Fri. If not, that's o'kay, I still get to go out while Husband is the baby sitter.....for BOTH nights! I gave him the opportunity to go....he turned me down.....watch out for the solo Cougar. I'm not old enough to be one right? Since all the people will be my age, it's really not a 'Cougar' occasion is it?

I'll be much more of a 'Cougar' at the party I've been invited to go to BEFORE the 20th reunion on Sat. My 'lil brother, former pseudo gal pal from work, who ditched me....has graduated from the fire academy. A few more weeks and he'll be everybody's hero! ::awwwwww!:: I'm hoping the gift will arrive before the party! We'll see!

Until later!

Addiction

Hello, my name is HMomma, and I'm addicted to Boggle. I am in so much trouble. My friend (flip-flop Momma!) introduced me to Boggle on facebook........I'm spending way too much time on this game. Of course, not while the kids are awake, so it's not hurting them right? I felt so guilty after playing an hour yesterday that I did the dishes BEFORE I went to bed. Which reminds me, I don't get enough sleep and its my fault. More sleep = happier me.....so easy, but so many temptations!

So, Flip Flop Momma, you are on my poop list. But don't feel bad, I'm right there next to you!

Mark This Date!

Sweet Pea has begun preschool!

Yesterday was the best day we've had in a while! No time outs, we painted, we made cookies and we played and laughed and even continued to play and laugh with Daddy after their naps. It was so wonderful I didn't want it to end! ::sigh....weep:: It's the type of day that you want to hold onto forever. Of course, this HAS to be the day before she starts preschool. I mean, all those outside influences.....older brothers and sisters.....I can't wrap my head around it. Sure, she was in daycare, but when she first started going, she was with either only children or she was the oldest......Then the second place she went, her brother was with her and he was the youngest. Of course, there were some trouble-makers that I didn't appreciate, but I can't hold her forever and I just have to tell her and keep reminding her that that's not the way we behave.........

So last night she got up twice (once while I was spending quality time with the dogs of our vacationing neighbor) and again at about 3 am......then of course Handsome had to wake and I gave him a bottle. He woke again while Husband was getting ready to go to work, so I shoved, I mean pleasantly gave him a bottle again at 4:30 am......I forced everyone to go back to sleep until 7 am.....yep, whoops, 7 am. This means since I didn't shower yesterday ( I know, gross) I had to shower myself, dress myself and the kids, let the neighbor's dog out while the kids watched a show, get the kids fed, give our dog her doggie downer, check the grocery list since I'll be at work tomorrow, get the kids in the car, bring the neighbor's dogs back into the house, and make it to preschool on time.....we promptly arrived at 8:55 am! Yeah Mommy! I would've felt better had I had more time, but I think it went just fine! I only left the house 5 min. late.......

I take pictures of my girl outside her preschool and in the classroom (I'll take another when I go back). Also got one of her and her brother. She's in the Blue Room. The whole room is decorated with fishes. It's just adorable and Handsome loved the decorations! She was fine until two of the other Moms tried to leave and their children had some melt-downs. Yes, I felt sorry for the kids and the Moms but I'm really hoping it doesn't affect Sweet Pea, who at that point, got a little clingy. I told her she was a big girl and that the other girls were sad, but she knew I'd be back to pick her up after school and she was going to have a great time! Sadly, I could hear one of the little girls screaming her head off outside in the parking lot. Sweet Pea gets upset when Handsome is whining and crying......I guess I'll see what happened when I get there.....I have to remind myself that all children are not the same......but didn't these girls experience ANYTHING else? Sunday school? park district classes? without their Mommy's? I highly recommend it! So, I was very proud of my non-crying, non-meltdown girl! I'm so sad and happy at the same time! I've just never felt this way!

I switched days at work to be able to do this and I'm really glad I did! This morning didn't go quite as planned, just scrambled eggs, cantaloupe and milk for breakfast, but at least we were on time! Perhaps we'll stop at McDonald's afterwards for lunch!

I'm sitting here at Nana and Papa's (they are at the lake house) and Handsome is napping......I have to tell you, this preschool class feels like it's taking FOREVER! I keep looking at the clock and it's moving SO SLOW! I almost forgot what it feels like to have one baby! With her safe at school, there's only Handsome and since he's still naps twice a day....well, I have this free time! Too bad it won't be me, it'll be Nana's free time! (Note to self: tell Nana how awesome this is gonna be for her!!!!) As for preschool, there's a list of snack items that need to be brought each day. We have to bring our first snacks on Thurs. The snack consists of apples, peanut butter and apple juice......I'm putting a lot of faith in Nana, that she'll remember them! ha!

Before I forget, they had this list of accomplishments that you wanted your child to achieve. Well, at the time, Sweet Pea was refusing to write her name and I thought that I'd like her at least to be able to do that at the end of preschool. Then I read what the learning would be, ABC's, numbers 1-10, shapes and colors. I thought to myself, man, she has all those DOWN!?!?!? But then I remembered, she needs to learn to share, play nicely with others, learn how to be patient, so my hopes for what she can accomplish has already switched a bit.

Hope to post pictures tomorrow. If you're lucky, I'll do it this afternoon or tonight!

39 more minutes!!!!!......

Wednesday Whatever!

Boring day today. Supposed to be cloudy and possibly rainy.....I've got a ton of hand-me-downs from Sister-In-Law to go through. Size 4Ts.... ::sigh:: my baby is getting big! Speaking of big, Handsome has graduated to a big boy car seat. This is what he looked like right before he was given Sweet Pea's seat, just this past weekend.

All right, I'll agree with you there. He's a tad bit big, but his weight had been teetering at 20 pounds since, well, FOREVER!

This is Sweet Pea as she sees the hand-me-down purple Princess bike from Aunty L and Uncle D. Ummmm......Notice the middle finger pointing. That's been a difficult habit to break. Well, because we haven't broken it yet.....
And lastly, here's a picture from Sunday night. This was right after dinner. Nana was behind the camera. It was good to have her along. After all, she's a mom, she could've taken care of any miss happenings......wait a minute....so am I......

Baton Club

As a belated bachelorette party, I gathered a few friends, Mom and Sister In Law and headed to the big city for some fun on Sunday night. As usual, I was in haste getting ready for the evening. I went shopping for an outfit for myself. New York and Company saved me and I only spent $24! new shirt and new pants! Woo Hoo! After waiting for Husband to finish his shower, which he decided to take at 5:15 pm (the girls were leaving at 5:30 pm........), I rushed to say goodbye as we were not about 10 minutes late from the departure time, not kissing either of my children goodbye ::slaps head::...Thank goodness for cell phones!!!! I also forgot a gift I was to give to the Bride......::eye rolling:: I was comforted by the fact that the only person who is as forgetful as me was with me in the car!!!!! Sorry Mom!

We entrusted our faith in a 'Garmin', which is a GPS navigator. It was great until we got downtown and kept 'recalculating'. I think we may have even drove by the place, but you know how women get and we were all chatting just way too much. Once we were paying attention, we scoped it out along the route. We put a little too much faith in 'trusting the Garmin'.....We arrived about 5 minutes late....not bad at ALL!

We dined at the Italian Village, which you have to walk up a stairwell to the second floor to the restaurant. We had reservations. The twenty people we walked past, did not. It felt fantastic!!! Right this way, your table is waiting for you! Wheeeee! I couldn't help thinking "This needs to be done much more often!!!!" Dinner was lovely and our waiter was great as he got us out on time and gave us transportation recommendations to our next destination.

Having valeted the car at the restaurant, we cabbed it to our final destination. The Baton Club. I had made reservations and, for a Sunday night, it was not packed, but a fairly decent group. But what do I know? I'm a suburban Mom......As noted in many reviews, the service was cruddy. I think had we all ordered our two drink minimum right away, it would've went very smoothly. I would recommend a little more friendliness on the servers part would go a LONG WAY! I'm sure he had to do his thing and get us to order drinks, but he could've been a little more pleasant. Onto the show!

The Park West was holding the Miss Continental Pageant and the girls were all supporting someone in the contest and arrived a little late. It would've been nice for someone to have mentioned that. Instead there was music and you never quite knew when the show was going to start. So we kind of started out on a bad note. I'm not blaming the girls for supporting their friend, but somebody could've said SOMETHING! We would've just relaxed and patiently waited as opposed to getting a little irritated. So we did what we do best and chatted up the place.

First impression when I saw the girls......I thought....note to self. If they can look like that, than you can get a little more gussied up day-to-day! I had went to the bar for singles for tips and was still in shock at how awesome one of the girls looked. Our server told me it's the sincerest form of flattery......All I know is I need a little more estrogen and boob job to begin to measure up to these ladies. Well, most of them were ladies! The red head (sorry I didn't get her name) had the rap 'attitude' lip-syncing songs. Lot's of "F" this and "Bitch" in the songs. She had the whole attitude and was also awesome! Ms. Chilli Pepper was the MC (I think). Whomever the MC was she was great. She had incredibly quick wit and great humor! The girls were definitely entertaining and beautiful! I was definitely jealous of the curvy blond! Peaches and cream had some great attitude! Great show and I'd go again and again! I'm adding it to our annual outings for sure!

Happenings

Well, when there isn't enough excitement in one's life, you must create it! I'm gathering a small group of friends to have a belated Bachelorette party for the new Sister In Law. We're going to a female impersonator club in downtown Chicago (http://www.thebatonshowlounge.com/baton.htm). Sounds like fun and although I'd rather have a lot more people, those that are going will have a good time! A little dinner, some laughs and men who'll probably be dressed better and look hotter than myself, it'll be uplifting I'm sure!......We'll hit the Baton Club on Sunday.

They termed it the 'slow night'.....perhaps we'll be the only ones there! Nice big 'ol target on our heads! The guy that I made reservations with on the phone was a real charmer.....just thrilled to be there.....I hope Sunday turns out to be at the very least a little fun, I'm sure we'll make something of it!

Otherwise, it's a typical day here in the 'hood'. I've bathed both kids.....unfortunately I have to wait to shower.......only because if I do it now, I'll wake up Handsome. Everything is vacuumed and things are 'mostly' picked up......Rather boring, day to day stuff. Groceries, new school bag, etc. See, this is why I need some excitement! It's past noon and I'm still waiting for Handsome to wake up. Sweet Pea is occupying herself rather nicely this morning. What a treat!

Weekend

Summer fun!

Well, I went to the folks 'country house' over the weekend.....we left Fri. afternoon and came home last night. I was getting LESS sleep there than at home, so I made the call to come back. I'm happy to know at least it wasn't Seattle, it's anywhere you travel to! I'm grateful Handsome has two naps a day, but sometimes they totally "F" things up!

We had fun a the beach and the pool, until Handsome decided he wanted no one to help him in the pool, which means no-one could HOLD him in the 3' shallow end.......He was banished from the pool, which did not go without a nice loud, wailing protest! That boy just LOVES WATER!!!! I guess I can start training him for the 2016 Olympics, ....right? I don't think he'll have Phelps' height, but long torsos are genetic in my family! Ha!

Besides not getting sleep, there's this bothersome thing called 'work' that needs to be done..... so, I'm getting just enough done and will type like a mad woman tomorrow.

The weather has been weird....hot, hotter, cool, summer's coming to and end......:: insert sad face here::...... Although Autumn ::wink:: is my favorite season!

Quick Suggestion.....

Here's a suggestion. For those of you traveling thousands of miles to your Brother's wedding, grab one of the two photographers at some point during the day and force them to take a picture of your family.......Hind-sight is a wonderful thing, isn't it? I would've had someone take a picture of our family when we were out there.....after all, we were ALL out there! Not once during the whole weekend did it come across my mind. Then, when we were all dressed up for the wedding, I went stupid and didn't get one then either........Oh, if you can't get one of your family perhaps you can at least get one of you and your brother. There's a great one of my brother smiling at me happily......but you can only see the back of my head......Which by the way, the back of my head looked fabulous!

We had a good weekend here! Handsome can say many 'words'....Mama, DAda, Wa-err, Fow-err, Hi, Ahhhmmm(sister), Nigh nigh, baby, PaPa, Nana, ball, Cheese, bah-bul (bubble)......

We got the papers for the start of Sweet Pea's pre-school! Wow! pre-school! The list is tiny, but she's already asking to go! Hope the excitement doesn't wear off before Sept. 9th!

Sunday was our 12th Anniversary! Bonus points for beautiful flowers! More bonus points for not going overboard on roses that'll die! When Husband started his new job, for some reason, we started going to brunch for our anniversary. A strange tradition, but it seems to work rather well. Yesterday we went to a beautiful place for brunch, we've had much better food, but the scenery couldn't have been beat. The sweetest picture I got was walking out of the place.....

Monday! Last Day!

Monday started with an 8:30 am wake up!!!!! How fantastic is that!?!?! However, with such a late wake up and having to pack, we missed breakfast. When I say we, I mean me, the kids had dry cereal, juice and milk to snack on. I did manage to scam a bagel from the restaurant downstairs.

By the time we had the car packed and everything else together, we had about 2 hours. Not enough time to sight see, plus we hadn't been to my brother's place yet. So, we went to my brother's. We were the first ones there. I'm not sure if they had made it there prior to us making it there, but no-one was there when we knocked or rang the bell so we strolled around a pond next to their complex. After our stroll, we checked again and noticed the windows were open, so I tried the door and it was unlocked and we walked right in. (Husband hates doing that kind of stuff). About 20 minutes later, everyone showed up and we visited for about an hour and then it was off to the airport. It was another beautiful day we got to see, just not sight-see. The car rental went smooth, as did check-in . The flight was on time and other than an annoying 12 year old girl sitting in front of us the whole flight, it was a decent flight. Two movies (cartoons) and we were home. Off to retrieve luggage where we had a slight disagreement on how to carry our luggage by ourselves (Poor Husband trashed his shoulders.....woops).

Handsome had had enough.....

When we got to the Park N Ride, Sweet Pea asked why our driver didn't have a 'red shirt'. When he dropped us off, I asked him if they also have red shirts and remembering back to Thurs., I recalled our driver wearing a red shirt. How do they remember that stuff?

Trip is done! Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Home!

The Wedding - Part II

Ahhhh, so you're thinking 'the wedding is over, the reception should be a breeze'......well, of course you remember I didn't know about the baby sitter, so I watched my little ones, her cousins and the other flower girl run around.......and around and around. We went up to my room, as I had promised a snack and sucker and she got it! I took them to go potty down by the reception........there was a lot to do! I think I got 1/2 glass of vino in......

I just wanted to take a second to say that the bride looked amazing! Just beautiful. I think that's when I got to appreciate how wonderful she looked!

So as the kids were running around....they had drinks on the side lawn while they changed the tent over from the ceremony setting to the dinner setting. During dinner, Handsome wanted nothing to do with sitting. So I think I got about, no joke here, 7 bites of my dinner in......It was at this point I found out where the sitter was.......I tired to leave Handsome with her who was smiling when I left to go get Sweet Pea, but was in tears when I got back.....no go there..... In the mean time, Sweet Pea had told Daddy at the dinner table that 'my eyes are closing!!!' which means, she's so tired, she'll fall asleep any second. So Husband took her in his arms, where she immediately fell asleep. I continued to chase my little man.

Our family time was up. The kids needed to go upstairs. We made our way through the tent and were heading to the elevators where the Wedding Planner stopped us and said, 'You can't leave yet, the Bride has a surprise for the Groom'. She hastily walked away and Husband gave me "the look". I shrugged, raised the eyes "You Wanna?" hoping he'd stay, which he said "No Way!".

I told him I'd come upstairs after the 'surprise'. I was glad I watched the fireworks and it was pretty cool. The DJ announced the Bride had a special surprise for the Groom, so could everyone head over to the lake side. It as really pretty cool. Two songs worth of fireworks from a barge. I really wanted to stay, but with a 16 month old, you really can't and made my way up to the room. I stayed for a few minutes. Sweet Pea was already undressed and sound, and I mean SOUND, asleep in her (or should I say our) bed. Husband was kicking back and told me to go back and have a good time.

By this time, the reception had moved into ballroom of the hotel for desserts and dancing. Mind you, we had to have MORE desserts than just the adorable mini-banana splits! Yum!!! Unfortunately, big unfortunately here, I missed the Best-Man's speech........(the Groom's Twin Brother......my brother).....Auuugggh! Can't a girl catch a break? I found Nana and my Oldest Brother. At that point Nana said, I'll head up to the room so Husband can come down and have a dance with you. I did get to hear 3 more speeches which were great! The Matron of Honor, Sister-In-Law's Boss and my Father.

The Bride and Groom danced an adorable dance together, including a hip bump and my brother picking her up and spinning her in his arms. There was lots of dancing and a sweets table which was a nice touch. Eventually my Oldest Brother went up to the room to reprieve Husband, who was almost asleep at that point. I got to dance one dance with Husband (a slow one, he can't dance what so ever) and he retreated back to the room. Thank you Big Brother!

I witnessed the cake cutting, the throwing of the bouquet and garter. I am glad I was there, really I was and I would go with my family again. It was important for me to be there. Would I do things differently? Knowing what I know now? Absolutely!

The night ending wit the Bride and Groom jumping on a cool refinished boat which took them on a ride around the lake. I got back to my room at 12:30 is that am or pm? The ride up to the room in the elevator was shared with a drunken, barely standing man, who oddly tried to pick me up...."where are you going?" he asked. "Luckily nowhere with you" I responded...... With that giggle to myself I made back to the room.....YAWWWNNNN!!!!

SUNDAY - The Main Event

My first post about the wedding totally had to be how great and beautiful it was, well, because it was! Being a Mother of 2, and being held up in the hotel the prior three days did not bode well for my energy level nor my children's 'sleep/napping' schedule and it took full effect on Sunday.

Which, of course started off with a 2:00 am(again....or was it 3:00 am???) wake up call from Handsome. Of course, Husband and Sweet Pea lay sound asleep in their beds......After his bottle, which by the way, did I mention that by now our hotel room was an embarrassment because, well, we squished everything on the 'writing' table which for us became, the catch all, desk, pantry, activity storage (read place to throw toys, coloring books, sticker book) munchies, gift bag, keys, cards, and everything else storage place. The lovely big bathroom cubbie holes were taken up by makeup, toothbrushes, curling irons (which I did not use all weekend.....of course) and jewelry and more than half of the bathroom sink counter top was dedicated to drying bottles and sippy cups.......YUCK!

So, back to the 2:00 am wake-up, the rest of the 'sleeping' morning did not go so smooth. I got a lot of feet butts, head butts and body butts from the top of my head to my shins.....I think we roused ourselves up by 7 or 8 am. The kids munched on some cereal and we fed Handsome breakfast in the room. Sweet Pea and myself ran down to eat breakfast, which went surprisingly fast!?!?!? I think a continental breakfast will do that to you though! I believe we came back up and I gave the kids a bath, and then, well by that time it was time for Handsome to go down for a nap. It was 10 am. Husband and Sweet Pea left the room. Mommy closed the drapes, turned off the TV and let Handsome cry himself to sleep as I lay on the bed......It was the most beautiful time of my trip. Quiet indeed! So, so peaceful. Turns out, the Bride and Groom were across the hall from me, but I didn't know that til later! The size of their suite did not allow them to hear the cries of my child, so that was good. I took my shower, did my nails and lay on the bed for about 10 minutes!


I had no idea what time my hair was to be done(my fault, I said a little too late I wanted it done for me). My or myself were to get makeup done at noon and 12:40.......She went first and I changed places with Husband as Handsome was still sound asleep in his pack-n-play. Sweet Pea was dragged from Nana and Papa's room to the Bridal suite. Nana looked fabulous and I was next in line (the second person) to get her makeup done. I do have to say, it was fun as I had NEVER had my make-up done for me before! So I was very excited about the hair. Sweet Pea played in the suite and had fun, but I knew there was a looming thought of it being an exhausting day for her. I had checked on Handsome and Husband a few times and it turns out, he had slept about 3.5 hours! What a nap! I knew he'd make it! My hair wasn't started until 4:30pm. The hair dresser assured me it wouldn't take too long. With my make-up done, I was hopeful, but not counting on anything. I wanted to be downstairs with Sweet Pea while she took pictures to make sure she was in the right places. While getting my hair done, I was horrified when I saw the floral headband a top of her head......my hairstylist stated the other hair stylist put it on upside down.......Great! She stopped my hair and started to fix Sweet Pea's. Then my hair progress was stopped again because the Bride came back into her room (shocking, I know!) to use the restroom and freshen up her makeup. (I also had to stop another time to grab Sweet Pea's dress, socks and shoes to get her dolled up.) So I was booted out of her bathroom and waited. When she left everyone else (in the wedding party) left to take pictures, it was now 5:00 pm.


Husband had spent his time in the room and was going a little nuts himself. Someone had Sweet Pea, I wasn't even sure who, I was told not to worry and to get down when I can. I was supposed to tell everyone in the party to get down there, but I had no idea where everyone was, nor was I ready. I think I got down there about 5:45 pm. after wisping into my room where Nana and Husband were dressing Handsome. Only for Husband to give me the "look"....."I need to get dressed too!" I took Handsome down with me and found my daughter with her cousins. Thank goodness they were entertaining her! Sweet Pea was exclaiming she was tired, wanted to lay down and didn't want to be in the wedding now........OMG!!! Let's add THAT to the pot!


I would like to say, at this point, I loved my make-up and my hair which was a 1/2 up-do. Not a style I normally do, as it was a little 'edgy'. But when I through that dress on I got my second "you look nice" comment from Husband. That's twice in one year!!!! Whoa!


I am bummed I didn't get any pictures of my Daughter getting her hair done..... hope someone else did. Although the second hair dresser only did my and Nana's hair, I'm sooooo glad she stayed until before the wedding, as for Sweet Pea was running around with her cousins and the other flower girl and the flower wreath was bouncing up and down on her head. I had a Momzilla moment when I saw that and demanded hair pins from the Wedding Planner...or was it her assistant? Big Kudos to the second hair dresser who STAYED because she fixed both my daughter's and the other flower girl's wreaths. Which, looked tons better the second time around.


My poor Sister-In-Law was also to get her make-up done and she was recuperating from the long night before.....they had stayed at another hotel the first few days and then moved to the wedding's hotel the day of the wedding. So she kind of had to pack and unpack again in the morning and she was a bit overwhelmed herself. She had to get herself and her girls ready.


It was about 6:45 pm.....and the wedding party was waiting in a conference room next to the tent the wedding was to be performed. Sweet Pea started up again......she was tired, wanted to lay down and didn't want to be in the wedding anymore. (there were attempts to make her re-think her thoughts by the Bride and Groom, but I knew my girl so I did what any self- respecting mother of a 3-year old flower girl would do......re-direction and BRIBERY!!! What video did she want to watch? What kind of snack did she want? Was she hungry? Did she want chocolate? Did she want to play with her cousins? How about a sucker??!?!?!? Yes!!!! A sucker! She wanted a sucker! What kind?!?!? (they are lining up and the Bridesmaids are walking down the aisle.....How about a purple sucker? Yes! A purple sucker! You've got it Honey!! As soon as the wedding is done, we'll go up to the room and get you a purple sucker for doing such a good job!!!! I reminded her of her demands all the way up to the door where I had to let her go and walk down the aisle with the other flower girl. She did it!!!!! FanF'ingtastic!!!! She did it!!!! She made it to the end and did her job and spread petals along the aisle!!!! Whew! The bride came down and at this point I already had Handsome in my arms because he'd had enough of a day with Daddy......Unfortunately, Sweet Pea was calling out "Mommy!" about 5 minutes into the ceremony. She wanted me, Handsome wanted me....Husband had to walk away with him during the ceremony or he just wasn't going to be happy. The good news is the pastor was able to pick up on that right away and excused her to be with me during the ceremony. I really liked the pastor and his wife as we were able to talk with them in length during the rehearsal dinner a couple nights ago.


Even sitting next to her favorite cousins in the world was not enough to keep her happy. She'd had enough and I had to get up and do the 'sway' move.....you ,know, where you throw your kid on your hip and sway to music that's only playing in your own head?! There were many more whines and I again re-directed and told her if she didn't finish her job and sit til the end and go back down the aisle, no sucker, no deal Howie! I barely got to hear their vows, I'm sad that I ruined it a bit for Nana as she had a whining child (at times two) next to her. I didn't think Sweet Pea would make it back down the aisle, but SHE DID IT!!!! I was very proud and totally did not expect her to walk back down that aisle.


Ahhhh, your thinking, what a relief, the ceremony is OVER!!!!! Well, no-one informed me, or I didn't hear, that the conference room we were waiting in would be the baby sitting room too.......she was there the whole time and instead of me watching Sweet Pea get tired out by her cousins, running around like crazy, she could've been in a nice quiet room doing something creative or just having quiet time......THAT KILLS ME!!!!!

More later, as this is only 1/2, well more than 1/2 of the day.

SAT - STill on that TRIP!

Again, Handsome woke me up at 2:00 am.....or was it 3? So, I made up a bottle and he took it fast, but wanted nowhere near the pack-n-play. So again, I went to bed with him and Sweet Pea, was scrunched the whole time and had a horrible sleep.......What a way to start the day! Ha!

Unfortunately, we had another two hour breakfast in the restaurant with Nana. Papa and my brothers all went golfing. Husband decided to take this as "me" time, or shall I say, 'none of wife's family" time. By the time we were done with breakfast, it was time to get ready and head out to the bridal shower a short drive away. There was no time for a nap.....well,.....Handsome did get a catnap in the car. After some cruddy directions, we got there about 10 min. late. I had originally said I would help with decorating, but I had no idea how long these things would take and I embarrassingly just had no time. The weather was just beautiful though! Sunny, clear skies with temperatures rising. Unfortunately, we were inside for the shower, so we had to wait to see the pretty day. The shower was at a Mexican restaurant, which had a buffet style luncheon set out. It was really good food! I, of course didn't get to enjoy much, always watching the kids (just what we Mommys do). I wasn't sure which one would have a melt-down first, but luckily, their cousins were there along with the other flower girl to keep them entertained. I would've loved to talk to the Bride's friends and family more, but you are just in lock-down mode with two kids under 4.....Bummer! Maybe at her 'baby' shower I'll get to talk more! Ha!

We had gotten back to the hotel and Husband had a lovely time boy himself and even layed out in the sun for a while! Lucky boy! After the shower, we tried to force Handsome to take a nap, but I told Husband there was NO WAY he was going to sleep with the room all bright and the TV on!!!!!! (guess he was done napping from his sunning himself earlier! Uggghhh!

The Bride and Groom had set up a 'duck boat' tour of Seattle for all friends and family (especially the ones from out of town), but there was no way we'd be able to put the kids in lock down any more for today. It would've been disastrous! I heard we missed out on a really lovely good time. I'm sorry we missed it, time alone with my little family (dinner at the first night we went to - shorter dinner, happy Mommy!) was worth it and we were asleep by 8:30 pm!!! After dinner we walked around the lakefront and took some photos.

Friday

FRI

My glorious Friday morning started with a wake up call from Hansome at 2:00 am......Who cares what time zone it was! What a way to start the day. He refused to return to the pack-n-play so I took him into bed with Sweet Pea and myself. Between the two of them, making sure niether would fall off and getting arms, heads and feet in all parts of my body.....I got little sleep.

The bonus of the morning was, they slept til 8:30 am.....but not me, I was laying there, staring at the ceiling from about 6:00 am. So, how does one keep their children quiet and occupied in a hotel room......TV of course! We threw on the TV and sound-blasted Daddy......couldn't say I was saddened by that......::evil grin:: No worries as Daddy fell right back a sleep! Not finding much on TV, I gave the kids a bath and then down to breakfast with Nana and Papa and Daddy. I was definitely hungry, but not hungry for the breakfast to last 2+ hours......YOU TRY AND ENTERTAIN TWO KIDS FOR THAT LONG!!!!!

By this time Handsome was ready for a nap......this is one of the things I dreaded......Husband said he'd stay with him and Sweet Pea and I left for a while, leaving a screaming baby as we closed the door. I was told he screamed for about 10 minutes, both Daddy and baby got a little rest. Sweet Pea and I walked around, got some pictures and spent some time at Nana and Papa's.





With the rest over, we needed to go to a store and get a few things, so we went shopping...we didn't get as far as the place my brother gave me directions, but we got what we needed.....Only to lose a piece of a toy of Sweet Peas.....OMG!!!! She was so tired at this point, nothing would make her happy......She has this little Aerial doll with a teeny, tiny shell bra....she lost the bra. I gave a minimal effort of scanning the parking lot, but that was it. I could've been ANYWHERE in that store. In her fit, Husband said that when they find it, they'll send it back to her. "how will they find it?" "How will they know where we live Daddy?" "I left them our address" . Yep, you got it, now he's got her mind set on receiving this thing, which the questions about it didn't stop until we got home and had to purchase another $11 duplicate toy, just for that dang bra!!!!!! What was sweet, and what he gets extra credit points for, is that Husband did write her a letter from her 'friends in Seattle', about how they found the bra, and please take care of your toys so you won't lose them and be sad. It was very sweet.


We had to be back at the hotel by 3:00 pm for the rehearsal for the weadding. The bride was delayed due to some law enforcement stopping her and congratulating her on her upcoming wedding. Although we waited, we zipped through the ceremony, although looking back, I'd have asked a few questions regarding a few things, but with me with Sweet Pea wandering and Husband with Handsome (who couldn't keep his eyes and body away from the lake front), there wasn't any time. I I knew is that people were going to start to get ready at 12:00, briday party pictures at 5:00 Pm....family at 6:00 pm....I can't even remember now......

(Did I mention that awesome Nana HAND MADE the flower girl baskets?!?!?!? Isn't she AWESOME?!?!?)

Reservations for dinner were across the street, I think at 4:30 pm, thank goodness Sister-In-Law had purchased some activity books for the kids, as, get this, dinner lasted 3.5 hours.........If this were a girls night out it'd be a different story, but trying to keep 5 kids entertained for that long was torture! The party pretty much had our own room, which was good to let the kids get down, but of course someone got her, which was Sweet Pea, when she smacked her head into the corner of a wooden table. She displayed a loevely red bump on her forehead, between her eyes, which luckily went away before the wedding.


After a short stroll along the lake front, it was time to go to bed! I think we watched Cinderella, but of course, at this time I passed out....It was about 10 pm.....

Reality Check

Quick update regarding work......I'm so sad the my pseudo"girlfriend", Alex, at work, is leaving. It's kind of like your younger brother leaving home. I trained him to perform part of the work we do when I was pregnant with Sweet Pea. He was one of the three worker bees in the department. He's the guy I can look to and have a mutual humorous understanding, biatch or whine. Now our department consists of one other full-time co-worker, two mid level bosses and one department head. The good news is that I get along with pretty much all of them. The sad news is, I don't have anyone to BS with. The good news is, that he's leaving for something he'd started pursuing 4 years ago, to be a fire fighter. I'll miss him a lot......sniffle.....weep.....SOOOOBBBBB!


I know, you're already asking, where's the biatch part about the wedding? Well, I thought it deserved it's beautiful description before I got into the details of our 'hardest vacation ever"!! ::wink:: Let me first say this, Handsome is still on a two - nap - a day schedule, Sweet Pea needs a nap on most days. They both wake up so early that they need them. I have to say, I wrote all this down in long hand and I felt better after it was all out, so hopefully, I can look back at this trip a little 'rosier'.


WED

The WED. before the trip was a late night, the kids were bathed, the bags packed, my bags packed......I fell into bed at 1:00 am. Not the greatest start, and I still had some work to do. I had done the on-line (24 hour ahead) pre-boarding passes and thought I was doing great with A51, A52 and A53.


THURS

We woke a little later than normal time, somewhere around 7:30 am, I showered, fed and dressed the kids and as I packed my last few items......Husband strolled out of bed......Nana called twice during the morning and I called her back once. Which, is awesome.......for us!


We arrived at the airport Park and Ride at 10:30 am (I would recommend this to anyone). They picked us right up and right away, Sweet Pea had to know his name (I don't recall his name, but know he was wearing a red shirt). When we arrived at the airport we still had to wait in line and check baggage and to re-do my boarding pass, as we had to prove Handsome was less than 2 years old. There turned out to be a 35 minute wait due to the plane being delayed, which actually gave us some time time sit back and relax. We grabbed a good 'ol Happy Meal for Sweet Pea to enjoy before the flight.


Just as we finished the meal, and some really horribly salty popcorn, we started to board. Although we were in Group A we boarded after many people(eye roll), you'd think they would have kids and families board first (I was told many other airlines do that, but for some reason, not Southwest). We boarded the plane and all 4 of us took up a row with Nana and Papa and an empty seat behind us. Handsome was terrified during take-off and was in Daddy's arms, whom, I really didn't see do anything to help sooth my baby. Handsome does not like when his stomach drops, which is probably why he hates elevators. I take Handsome half way along the 'climb' and sing the familiar Ariel song, during which he seems much more relaxed.


During the flight, we watched The Little Mermaid and some Dora. Sweet Pea popped back to Nana and Papa and colored in her new Princess coloring book. Handsome fell asleep just before landing.......more tummy drops and white-knuckling for my baby boy.


The luggage retrieval and car rental went pretty fast. Fast enough to arrive in rush hour. It wasn't terrible and the scenery was beautiful. The hotel was upscale and on a lake outside Seattle, Washington. Our room, well, our room did have a sliding glass door that opened, however there was no balcony. Our view was the busy intersection of the small, I guess you'd say, plaza, where many wedding occurred over a short period of time. So that meant a lot of traffic was coming and going past our window.........The decor was serene, the beds were lush and the bathroom was one that I want for my own! They had a pack-and play set up for Handsome and it had it's own sheet, blanket, and little towel with a miniature J&J lotion and head and body wash. After we got settled and unpacked DH accidentally ordered a "Dora" on demand......25 minutes and $2.99 later, we found the PBS channel. Grrrrr!

We called Nana and Papa who gave us Uncle D's number who I called to remind him to bring out the box of stuff I had mailed a week earlier. We ate dinner at the restaurant connected to the hotel. Great food, but dinner went too long....Little did I know that that would be a little forewarning to many of the meals we had that weekend. So a tired Mommy and Daddy and kids retired to the bedroom, later it would feel like our 'cell', where the kids stayed up until 10 pm Seattle time, midnight Chicago time. Uncle D had forgotten the box and made a round trip for us so we were ready to hit the ground running in the morning!