Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Susie Homemaker?


Nope, not Susie Homemaker, nor Martha Stewart nor Betty Crocker could create this kind of crap. I have to make mini-cupcakes for Sweet Pea's Tea Party for her Preschool......My first attempt at the mini cupcakes included under cooking just enough for the muffins to be cooked, but NOT to come out of the tin. My second attempt even got more creative as I went in the direction of new and unusual. I had tried to make cupcake filled mini ice cream cones. The result was what looked like a melted ice-cream cone, which I thought was pretty funny, but not to send to preschool with my Mom and daughter tomorrow.

It's been pouring all day the house was a wreck and now it's a semi-wreck. I still have to cook dinner, work for work (because I've become sort of a slacker - it happens when there isn't any work) AND attempt to cook mini-muffins again.......I've got nothing but time on my hands.

I'd love to post more, but I've avoided work far too long!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, for the past two weeks I've been healing and so has Handsome. My recovery from vericose vein surgery went relatively smoothly. I'm still bruised and I think two areas of stitching were rather deep and will probably scar, but what can you do? I feel as if I have aged, only because who, before they are 40, gets vericose veins removed in their leg?!?!?!? The awesome news is that even though there's been some wicked weather, hot, cool, cold, raininy, snowy, my leg has never felt better! Weee! I was shocked when insurance said yes, I was just preparing for a long battle after they said 'no' to the surgery, but they didn't! I and the ladies in the Dr.s office were shocked. Hooray for Husband's Insurance coverage!

Handsome's surgery is another delicate matter, literally. Regarding that surgery I will only say, I'm so glad we did it now that he's so young and not do it when he's older.......The recovery is very difficult in such a sensitive area, but he's such a sweet little boy, most of the day you'd never know he had surgery a week ago!
You know, they say kids heal faster, but I can't imagine how long it would take to heal if he were older! He shivers at every diaper change.....my poor sweet strong little man! I'm still nervous about everything healing appropriately and avoiding infection, they say the percentage of the area becoming infected is remote....but as a Momma, you still worry! By the way, I wouldn't recommend having ANY parents remove the 'bandage' as it comes off after surgery, it was heart-wrenching......the nurses prepared us well and said to just keep going and get it over with.....we did it, or Husband did it.....

I'm guessing he'll be able to handle a drive down to St. Louis for Easter. I'm looking orward to happy posts!

An aroma from a certain diaper is calling, I bid you farewell for today!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Don't Ask Don't Tell

Just forget about the weight thing for now.....it just seems like I have no time for exercise and with a 'procedure' coming up later this month, I have no desire. I am trying to eat right and I've given up candy for the Lenten season.....It's everywhere at work, many of my favorites.....it's my downfall to my diet......Jolly Rancher's, little Snicker snack thingys, and I even eyed some Twizzlers at my Brother In Law's this past Sunday. It's everywhere and they are all against me!

In the realm of good news, we got our taxes done. The bad part being Husband wants to shove it all in savings where I'd love to pay off some credit card debt. Not that it's bad mind you, but I'm at the highest I've ever been. I did talk him into contributing to the kid's savings. They deserve it!

I've banished myself to a torture budget, which I unknowingly kicked to the curb last week and went $57 OVER budget. I only get $93 this week to make up for last week's insane purchase frenzy. That probably sounds like a lot, but with diapers, dog food, etc. last week was a crazy spending fiasco. Husband insists he'll be paying for the food for Handsome's birthday party....we'll see.

Husband is on my poop list. We, when I say we, I mean HE, had a company come out two weeks ago to measure our basement windows for covers so that skunks will no longer spray in our window wells. I received what I thought was a quote for the covers, $710 for 3 window covers with metal grates. Husband went out to look at the windows as I had pleaded with him to check out the local hardware store as they were $80 each , but were only the plastic part.......he comes back inside and asks if my father installed covers. I say no. Apparently I didn't read a quote, I read an INVOICE!!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Holy $hit! We just spent $400 more than we should have!!??!!? We never authorized the work, but conveniently, they are EXACTLY what Husband wanted......... I so would've rather paid off more of my credit card bill!!!!!! I'm not letting Husband off too easily as I told him to give them a call and tell them we NEVER authorized the work......::Note to self, NEVER LET HUSBAND SET ANYTHING UP IN THE FUTURE!!!!::

In the children department, if someone would tell me what I can do to make my child eat normal food, it would be much appreciated. Handsome is still on a refusal to eat anything that will make me gag diet(perhaps I should try this), which includes any solid food that involves chewing. Pasta is alright, hot dogs are alright, yogurt, ice cream, puffs, my choices are limited. I think it's time to break out the blender and start pureeing some chicken so at least he'll eat it......

Sweet Pea has had an attitude lately. I can't seem to find the right method to counteract it. I can't get her in time out to save the life of me and I've threatened spankings. I won't spank her as now that seems to be the easy way out. How do you reason with a four year old? I'm not giving up......I know 50% is my fault.......Not that she's terrible mind you, I get compliments on how wonderful she is......just not in the safety of her own home where she can be herself! ::wink:: Oh, she's also a crappy eater. I could give both of my children ice cream and cake for dinner and they would both still eat horribly.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

BFF

Well, last night I spoke to my High School BFF whom I hadn't spoke to in 13 years!?!?!? After Junior College we kind of parted ways, she went off to College and I stayed home and went to a local college. I met Husband during College and when I spoke to her about Husband I unknowingly filtered much of the information and mostly spoke of the things that were wrong and included nothing that was positive. My theory is she probably couldn't understand why I would want to stay with this guy, and if I had heard only what I had told her, I would've thought the same. That's my guess as to why we split as friends even further. It's a guess......but I always knew Husband had a good heart, and he still does.

After the 1.5 hour phone call I lay in bed thinking of a few embarrassing things that happened while we were BFF in High School (ughh......don't want to even go through one of them), but also the many fun times we had which way out-weighed the negatives. She and I were inseparable in High School. Although we hadn't spoken for years, I felt that pang in my stomach when she told me about the fall out with her husband. I even welled with some tears. Strange, I was so sad that she was hurt even though I hadn't talked to her in so long.

I have now learned that people are in your life for a reason, some to stay, some to not stay and I'm o'kay with that. Perhaps we'll meet up in the future, perhaps not, but it was sure good to talk with her!

Big day tomorrow! Fashion Show at pre-school! My little starlet is so excited to walk on the TABLE....errrr 'runway'!!!!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Failure

WOW! THAT was fast! You bet it was! I worked out on Friday afternoon, only to have Husband make fun of me when he came in and I was trying to work out.....oh, PLUS I weighed myself this morning....back up to the same poundage I was....life is beginning to suck in the working out/being athletic department.

First things first, I have done that Jillian 30 minute shred thing three times, my knees hurt for two days afterwards after each time. I'm not that heavy, but something about my knees isn't as forgiving as it used to be.

Saturday was filled with getting myself and the kids ready for my nephew's birthday party. Husband's assistance included getting the kid's shoes and hats on......my list consisted of waking up, taking out my neighbor's dogs, feeding the kids breakfast, feeding the dog, bathing the kids, giving the kids lunch, doing the dishes, playing with the kids, giving the kids lunch, putting both kids down for a nap (a very short nap), showering myself (fast - I may say), going next door again to let the dogs out, drying my hair over there as to not wake the sleeping kids .....in the mean time, Husband comes home from work, sits down on the couch......and rests.....and rests....I run back upstairs, finish getting dressed, put on makeup, wake up kids, gather clothing, dress them......you get the picture no? We're 45 minutes late to the party.....

The party was actually funner than they've been in the past. When you've got the youngest children at the party, everybody wants to pick them up.....up the stairs, at the top of the stairs, on the wood floor, on the furniture, etc. We were constantly on 'kid watch' (both ours and neices and nephews). It's not the other kids' fault, since they don't have younger siblings, or very young siblings....they don't understand being 'gentle'. I found myself being able to enjoy the party and my brothers a little more....doesn't take much though....

I was dead Sat. night, but still had to go next door to let the dogs out before the night was over, I kept falling asleep and Husband woke me after the kids watched a show. Note he didn't offer to go next door himself..... ::eye roll:: So I survived and let the dogs out at 10:00 pm and back to my couch where I watched SNL til 11:00 pm and wandered into bed around 1:30 am.....oh the exciting life I lead.

So needless to say, I didn't get much done on the working out schedule. And on Sunday I had no desire to be picked on by Husband. So I hope to get a double workout in today and head back to using neighbor's elliptical trainer machine.....

Handsome's party has been moved to a week before his actual birthday, with upcoming procedures on both myself and Handsome, he wouldn't have gotten a party until the end of April, and that's just not fair.....I took many horrible pictures trying to get one for his invitation.....No such luck today....

This was one of the best I got.....



Cute, but the boy doesn't look 'happy'......

Tomorrow is another day.....

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Hello Again!

Well, I've avoided you for too long I see. I am back. I hope in full force.

I have yet again started a 'new me' program....It consists of NOT stuffing my face and trying to work out at least 4 times a week, this includes walking/jogging the dog, and my new found exercise buddy, ON Demand exercise. I've been wandering around this 2 Weeks To A New You choice and I've tried several of the workouts, even doubled up on some and even tripled. Don't get too excited, some of the workouts are only 10 minutes long! But the big deal is today, I've printed myself out the Two Week Plan for the 2 Weeks, New You. I think I can even start tomorrow as it's Friday and I can get in that 30 minute work-out plan with Jillian Michael's (you know, of TV's Biggest Loser).

I am really trying to keep my promise of losing those last 10 pounds, which sadly means getting my bootie in gear and exercising off the weighted thighs and booty. Now, mind you 10 pounds doesn't sound like a lot, but I know my body used to be 'BAM!' Nice abs, nice booty (big, but nice), muscular thighs. Chestal area....not so much BAM, sort of a "HUH?".

So having begun this weird 'diet' of sorts 2 weeks ago, I am at the 'thin' portion of my monthly grind. I weighed myself and I was down 3 pounds from where I started. I'm not holding me to that, as I know I'll gain most of it back in a week. So I need to get down 7.5 more pounds. That is my goal.

At least 2 weeks ago, I purchased a 12 pack of beer ......just for me. I have had several days where I promise myself I can have a beer, however, I first must get things done, such as feed kids lunch, check in at work, do work, do laundry, clean something, set up an appointment, etc. by the end of the day, I don't get that beer and even if I remember close to the end of the night....it's simply NOT worth it to me. Sad, I think that's a sign of being older, even beer has to wait. So the 12 pack remains unopened. What a sad state of affairs?!!? Then, another thought comes to mind.......everyone deserves a good night out don't they? Girls night out hasn't been the same group, nor have we been 'out'. Lots of 'home' parties in Jan and Feb. ..... too many really. I'm still broke! One more to go, then we're hopefully done and can get down to cheap nights with lots of laughs!

Weee!.......? Tomorrow I begin!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Just Do It!

This is going to be my motto this year. Like a bolt of lightening, it hit me the other day. Don't say I'm going to (insert well intended, but no follow through thought here).....instead..... Just Do It. New Year's Eve I ran around getting many things done. Things that I should've done earlier this month, this year, whatever the case. I'm hoping this sticks with me. I got so much done, I truly had a blank slate for the New Year (almost as I forgot to send a receipt to our insurance 'credit' card for expenses and a gift receipt to my niece). BUT I am not including the things I think of to remember that I actually forget to do.....I know that's weird but you know how you think of something and then start to go do it and forget what you went there for? Well, with 2 kids, a Husband and a dog in the house, that quest can abruptly turn into a request for water, milk, dog feeding, a toy, or helping going potty. So some items were forgotten, but that's minimal for a New Year.

I just realized my Husband does not request much from me......really. He doesn't mention that I've been horrible at housekeeping or cooking (actually I recently got a compliment on an awesome stew I made!!! KUDOS to me!). So, I guess I'm grateful for that. I think my neglect of household duties put a strain on things and I think, or at least feel I'm off to a good start this year. Granted, it's only January 2nd. But hey, I takes what I can get!

I had my family over for the New Year, my folks, brother, sister-in-law and neighbor (I'm her Illinois family! ::wink::) I didn't clean like a mad woman, but made it suitable for all. There are things to do still, as I'm not a miracle worker. BUT, the new toys have homes and the pile (please notice no "s" at the end of the word pile) of paper is workable. I remembered that you'll always have a to-do list, just make sure you keep accomplishing things to check off of that list. Husband got me an electronic 'grocery list' for Christmas. It's actually quite nice, although it seems to me, there's always something to be gotten or that's been forgotten. But I guess that's just like life, there's always something to do.

I hope to take down the Christmas decoration this weekend. The kids will really miss them. It was just such a fun year! They loved their toys. I will post some pictures soon, I am being held captive at work today........