Got back a little bit from my five mile walk for March of Dimes and I'm very excited to say that I feel great! Last year I remember my legs were killing me afterwards - I don't feel any of that this year. I've been doing some aerobics classes, and I'm trying to be more active. I guess it's paying off.
Plus, my MOMS Club group that walked raised over $3000 - not bad! :)
Okay, I'm going to go "Clean Sweep" the laundry area. I wish I had some company because I'm such a wimp and I think that little black mouse is hanging out in there somewhere. I haven't heard anything for about an hour now, so maybe I'm okay. Here goes!
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Happy Birthday, DH!
Yesterday was DH's birthday. We had everyone over for dinner and dessert and I got to play Susie Homemaker with my favorite chicken dinner in the crockpot and a new cake recipe for dessert. At the last minute (kind of) before everyone came over we decided to eat outside because it was such a gorgeous day. Tip #1 - never buy generic paper plates. We used all paper products to make clean up easier ("Nothing too good for you, honey!"). As everyone started eating, my mom requested a second plate because her's seemed to be ripping a little. Well, it was more than a little. Flimsy paper plates do not hold up to sauce! We could hardly scoop the new plate under her old plate; it had completely disintigrated! She ended up picking cardboard out of her meal for the rest of dinner. Nice.
DH is working all day today. Totally sucks. I'm trying to think of some fun things to do with the kids. I think we're going to walk to the library in a little and get new books. I'd like to do some gardening, so maybe I'll also let the kids play in the backyard and "help." And, as always, I'm searching for a babysitter for tonight - would love to go out with DH!
DH is working all day today. Totally sucks. I'm trying to think of some fun things to do with the kids. I think we're going to walk to the library in a little and get new books. I'd like to do some gardening, so maybe I'll also let the kids play in the backyard and "help." And, as always, I'm searching for a babysitter for tonight - would love to go out with DH!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Thursday Thirteen
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2. Wiping off the dining room table 3. Taking a shower and getting dressed 4. Wiping off the counters 5. Getting J dressed 6. Vacuuming up the floor in the dining room (My cordless Shark is broken and I'm waiting very impatiently for the replacement part to arrive!) 7. Cleaning up the breakfast dishes 8. Folding the laundry that is sitting in the dryer 9. Make lunches (we're due at my sister's house at 10 to go to the zoo) 10. Clean up what I didn't get to last night (toys, papers, etc.) 11. Putting in another load of laundry, or at least gathering it together 12. Cleaning up the bathroom 13. As J is instructing me, "We've got to put our shoes on!" This is quite a depressing list - have to get my butt in gear! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
A Mish Mash of Stuff
Is there anything sweeter than hearing your two year old lean over her newborn cousin saying, "You're cute, Baby DN-J! You're cute!"?
How about when she squatted in front of her, holding her burp cloth in her hand, wanting to help so much she tried to command spit up to spew? "Spit up!"
Okay, I don't consider myself to be a "girly girl" except when it comes to bugs and mice. And a little black mouse just ran out from the kitchen towards the washer and dryer. EEEEEKKK!!! I had been hearing noises this morning from under the fridge, and suspected a little guest, but didn't really want to check it out. Yuck! Hopefully it just ran back outside through an obvious hole under the dryer.
Apparently I got in trouble for not posting about the fabulous time I had at the zoo with a friend from the MOMS Club, L. It was supposed to be a bigger group, but two people cancelled the day of and one had to leave soon after we arrived (we were late), so L. and I walked around with the kids. We had a great time. It is so nice to spend time with another mom and actually "click" - conversation was really easy and I truly enjoyed myself. There, L., if you read this (which I doubt you do), here's proof that I really did have fun. Happy now?!! :)
And Monday Heather came over in the afternoon with the two girls. We were going to garden, but it had just rained and wasn't really a good idea, so we just let the kids play. So wonderful to have a playdate with another teacher! About ten minutes into the playdate, after listening to each other interact with the kids, we both started laughing about how obvious it was that we were both teachers. It was great to hear another mom expect her child (and mine) ask for things nicely - I sometimes feel like I must be one of the strictest moms around for making my child say, "May I have a turn, please." It's nice to hear someone else do that too. And we had a great time talking.
I have more to talk about but have to get the kids to school and J, DN-J, and I to the gym. Will try to check back later today.
How about when she squatted in front of her, holding her burp cloth in her hand, wanting to help so much she tried to command spit up to spew? "Spit up!"
Okay, I don't consider myself to be a "girly girl" except when it comes to bugs and mice. And a little black mouse just ran out from the kitchen towards the washer and dryer. EEEEEKKK!!! I had been hearing noises this morning from under the fridge, and suspected a little guest, but didn't really want to check it out. Yuck! Hopefully it just ran back outside through an obvious hole under the dryer.
Apparently I got in trouble for not posting about the fabulous time I had at the zoo with a friend from the MOMS Club, L. It was supposed to be a bigger group, but two people cancelled the day of and one had to leave soon after we arrived (we were late), so L. and I walked around with the kids. We had a great time. It is so nice to spend time with another mom and actually "click" - conversation was really easy and I truly enjoyed myself. There, L., if you read this (which I doubt you do), here's proof that I really did have fun. Happy now?!! :)
And Monday Heather came over in the afternoon with the two girls. We were going to garden, but it had just rained and wasn't really a good idea, so we just let the kids play. So wonderful to have a playdate with another teacher! About ten minutes into the playdate, after listening to each other interact with the kids, we both started laughing about how obvious it was that we were both teachers. It was great to hear another mom expect her child (and mine) ask for things nicely - I sometimes feel like I must be one of the strictest moms around for making my child say, "May I have a turn, please." It's nice to hear someone else do that too. And we had a great time talking.
I have more to talk about but have to get the kids to school and J, DN-J, and I to the gym. Will try to check back later today.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Tired Tuesday
I know, it's a lame title, but I am tired. I've done a decent job the last couple of days with following my routines around the house, but a really bad job with actually going upstairs to bed when I should (instead of falling asleep on the couch while watching tv). Add to that all three kids waking up for various reasons last night, and I'm tired!!! To remedy that, I'm not watching any tv tonight. Of course, I'll be out of the house tonight, but I'm not turning it on when I get back, I'm just heading up to bed.
The boys had their four year old check ups yesterday. I discussed my behavioral concerns about A, and she agreed that Asperger's is a possibility. She also encouraged me to go ahead and schedule an eval with a developmental pediatrician now since it normally takes a while to get an appointment. She questioned whether or not we've had his IQ tested yet, because he seems so smart (in addition to his behavioral crap). We haven't (what's the point at this time - we know he's smart!). I'm concerned on how all this will affect B, plus how talking about it is affecting A, so I need to really watch what I say in front of them.
Life with my brother when I was growing up was very difficult. I'll go into more detail when I have more time, but he had ADHD at a time when not very much was known about it. Most memories I have of him are not good (to say the least - he had terrible impulse control and ended up lashing out at me physically quite a lot), but even worse were the fights/confrontations my parents and he had all the time in front of me. As much as I love my parents, I was left traumatized from growing up like that, actually diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. That blew me away, but when I started reading more about it, everything started falling into place. It explained so much, things that I never understood about why I acted the way I did, why I felt (or didn't feel) the way I did. I'll write more about that later, but my point is just that I'm very aware of the need to watch what we say and how we act in front of all three kids.
I know this was kind of rambling - too much going on right now.
The boys had their four year old check ups yesterday. I discussed my behavioral concerns about A, and she agreed that Asperger's is a possibility. She also encouraged me to go ahead and schedule an eval with a developmental pediatrician now since it normally takes a while to get an appointment. She questioned whether or not we've had his IQ tested yet, because he seems so smart (in addition to his behavioral crap). We haven't (what's the point at this time - we know he's smart!). I'm concerned on how all this will affect B, plus how talking about it is affecting A, so I need to really watch what I say in front of them.
Life with my brother when I was growing up was very difficult. I'll go into more detail when I have more time, but he had ADHD at a time when not very much was known about it. Most memories I have of him are not good (to say the least - he had terrible impulse control and ended up lashing out at me physically quite a lot), but even worse were the fights/confrontations my parents and he had all the time in front of me. As much as I love my parents, I was left traumatized from growing up like that, actually diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. That blew me away, but when I started reading more about it, everything started falling into place. It explained so much, things that I never understood about why I acted the way I did, why I felt (or didn't feel) the way I did. I'll write more about that later, but my point is just that I'm very aware of the need to watch what we say and how we act in front of all three kids.
I know this was kind of rambling - too much going on right now.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Change of plans
I had my "free morning" planned out really well for today. Was all set to get a lot accomplished, including working out at the gym. Well, I have a saying about how "man plans and God laughs." Yeah.
Last night DH was in a show. During one of the poorly choreographed fight scenes he got injured. He hit his head pretty bad. Now, he was able to get through the rest of the show on shere adrenalin, but he was in pain. Even though I thought at most it was a concussion, and would wake him every few hours, everyone else was pushing for me to take him to get checked out. And he can be a bit of a hypochondriac with this kind of stuff, exaggerating symptoms subconsciously the more people show concern, so since everyone there was really really worried, he got worried too. So we spent a good portion of the night waiting in the ER to be checked out for about ten minutes and told it was not even a concussion. AARGH! His head obviously still hurts a lot, and he needed to rest today, but he's fine. And not to be unsympathetic, but my plans sure got screwed up! Not that it's his fault at all, but MAN! :)
Anyway, I'm taking my sister out for her birthday tonight, got a babysitter coming in twenty minutes (woohoo!) who has agreed to be our regular babysitter every Saturday (WOOHOO!) so I'm psyched!
DH just came down and says he feels a lot better (he should, he's been in bed all day) so that's a plus. Okay, off to straighten up and get ready to go out.
Last night DH was in a show. During one of the poorly choreographed fight scenes he got injured. He hit his head pretty bad. Now, he was able to get through the rest of the show on shere adrenalin, but he was in pain. Even though I thought at most it was a concussion, and would wake him every few hours, everyone else was pushing for me to take him to get checked out. And he can be a bit of a hypochondriac with this kind of stuff, exaggerating symptoms subconsciously the more people show concern, so since everyone there was really really worried, he got worried too. So we spent a good portion of the night waiting in the ER to be checked out for about ten minutes and told it was not even a concussion. AARGH! His head obviously still hurts a lot, and he needed to rest today, but he's fine. And not to be unsympathetic, but my plans sure got screwed up! Not that it's his fault at all, but MAN! :)
Anyway, I'm taking my sister out for her birthday tonight, got a babysitter coming in twenty minutes (woohoo!) who has agreed to be our regular babysitter every Saturday (WOOHOO!) so I'm psyched!
DH just came down and says he feels a lot better (he should, he's been in bed all day) so that's a plus. Okay, off to straighten up and get ready to go out.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, damnit.
"Maaaaaa--mmy!" The yells from upstairs have been going on every few seconds since I confined J to her crib. They started as short shouts of "Ma" and progressed to yelling my name as loudly as she can, stretching out the first syllable as long as she could and then adding on the "meee" at the end.
It started with A. After eating his breakfast, he wanted a "snack." He opened the cabinet, took out the cereal box, went into the living room, and dumped the entire contents on the floor. As soon as I heard him, I ran in and yelled for him to get up to his room. He was very definitely in trouble, and both B and J saw that. After a few minutes, A was allowed to come down and helped finish cleaning up his mess.
Then J took the cereal box and did the same thing.
I love that my daughter watches her brothers and imitates them. When the boys were this age I couldn't trust them in the front yard because they were just as likely to run into the street as to run across the yard. J will not do that, mainly because she has seen that her brothers don't do that. But does she have to imitate EVERYTHING?!!
It started with A. After eating his breakfast, he wanted a "snack." He opened the cabinet, took out the cereal box, went into the living room, and dumped the entire contents on the floor. As soon as I heard him, I ran in and yelled for him to get up to his room. He was very definitely in trouble, and both B and J saw that. After a few minutes, A was allowed to come down and helped finish cleaning up his mess.
Then J took the cereal box and did the same thing.
I love that my daughter watches her brothers and imitates them. When the boys were this age I couldn't trust them in the front yard because they were just as likely to run into the street as to run across the yard. J will not do that, mainly because she has seen that her brothers don't do that. But does she have to imitate EVERYTHING?!!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Thirteen Things I'm Thinking About Today
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2. If ever I wished A was potty trained it's days like today when the excess amounts of raisins and prunes I have been giving my children to counteract the constipating effects of all the matzah we've been eating have resulted in severe diaper rash. 3. I hate that A hates having his diaper changed so much right now (understandably) that he screams and kicks. 4. Getting kicked in the face by your four year old is not a fun way to start the day. 5. I actually got some gardening done in the front of the house, the unfenced part, yesterday, something I have not been able to do during the day since the boys were small enough to have them in two exasaucers so they wouldn't go anywhere. 6. I'm so glad that Passover is over today! 7. We're celebrating with PB&J sandwiches today at my sister's house. 8. I couldn't take the complaints about breakfast anymore and told my kids that Passover was over this morning so I could give them cereal (and eat my bowl of cereal in front of them). 9. I have to get the kids and I ready to go in fifteen minutes - why am I sitting here at the computer?!! 10. After reading all the comments I have gotten the past couple of days (thank you for all the things to think about) I realize that I have been too hard on myself. 11. Knowing that I'm being too hard on myself doesn't make me want to have a cleaned up organized house any less. 12. I wish I could get someone to come in, "Clean Sweep" my house, and let me take it from there. 13. Only ten more hours until bedtime. Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. Mom Nancy, Becky, Master Enigma, Mary Ann, Carmen, Chaotic Mom, TNC , Chilady, M-J, Ames (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
What Goes Up . . .
. . . must crash on the couch the next night.
Monday night was great, therefore Tuesday ran really smoothly. I came downstairs to all that I had done the night before and it was wonderful. I was relaxed, my attitude towards the kids reflected in their behavior, the house looked nice. We had TWO playdates here, one in the AM and one in the PM, and I didn't feel flustered or overwhelmed, it was just a really great day.
Tuesday night, DH was only home for about an hour and a half. He played with the kids long enough for me to get all the food on their plates, then we ate. We played ouside for a little more and then he was able to start to bathe them for five minutes while I cleaned up some from dinner, and then he had to go. By the time I got everyone cleaned up and in bed, I was shot. I crashed on the couch. Big time. Didn't even totally finish cleaning up. Did not get breakfast made or lunch (we're eating at my parents' tonight so I didn't have to worry about prepping dinner), did not finish cleaning the toys or wiping down the table, cleaning off the counters. I ran the dishwasher and that's it. I didn't even go to bed early (like I should have) because I just crashed.
Therefore today has NOT run as smoothly. The kids have been whiny, I felt rushed, it just took us much longer than it should have to get moving. We had a friend over for a playdate this morning and played outside, even ended up having a picnic lunch outside on this gorgeous day. The visit was great - I love chatting with this friend, and the boys all played very nicely together! So at least there's that, but I'm kicking myself for not following through with what I had done the night before.
I analyzed what was different between the two nights. Do you think you can figure out what happened?
Monday
Monday night was great, therefore Tuesday ran really smoothly. I came downstairs to all that I had done the night before and it was wonderful. I was relaxed, my attitude towards the kids reflected in their behavior, the house looked nice. We had TWO playdates here, one in the AM and one in the PM, and I didn't feel flustered or overwhelmed, it was just a really great day.
Tuesday night, DH was only home for about an hour and a half. He played with the kids long enough for me to get all the food on their plates, then we ate. We played ouside for a little more and then he was able to start to bathe them for five minutes while I cleaned up some from dinner, and then he had to go. By the time I got everyone cleaned up and in bed, I was shot. I crashed on the couch. Big time. Didn't even totally finish cleaning up. Did not get breakfast made or lunch (we're eating at my parents' tonight so I didn't have to worry about prepping dinner), did not finish cleaning the toys or wiping down the table, cleaning off the counters. I ran the dishwasher and that's it. I didn't even go to bed early (like I should have) because I just crashed.
Therefore today has NOT run as smoothly. The kids have been whiny, I felt rushed, it just took us much longer than it should have to get moving. We had a friend over for a playdate this morning and played outside, even ended up having a picnic lunch outside on this gorgeous day. The visit was great - I love chatting with this friend, and the boys all played very nicely together! So at least there's that, but I'm kicking myself for not following through with what I had done the night before.
I analyzed what was different between the two nights. Do you think you can figure out what happened?
Monday
- DH was home and in charge of the kids all morning.
- I got to do an aerobics class in the morning.
- I got a lot accomplished during the day while he was in charge.
- I taught Hebrew School at night, so I had energy when I got home at 8:15.
Tuesday
- DH went back to school, so I got up at 6:30 with the kids.
- I got very little accomplished during the day, but mainly for good reason (friends over).
- No exercise, unless you count pushing all three kids at the same time on the swings.
- Nowhere that I had to be at night, so I sat down on the couch (big mistake).
See the differences?!!
A friend had recently suggested taking a shower right after putting the kids to bed. She was talking about how she did this to avoid hearing her baby cry for those first ten minutes, but I think it would help me a lot to wake me up and not let me sit down right away. I think then I'd be able to at least get things ready for tomorrow before sitting. I know that would make a huge difference. So....I'm showering tonight! We'll see how that goes.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
TaDa!
I feel great! It's amazing what a difference it makes to tackle one small corner of the house. I was able to keep going, so the clean spread (it's apparently contagious).
I woke up today to:
I woke up today to:
- dinner in the crockpot
- breakfast of matzah pancakes on the table (covered in saran wrap), complete with dried fruit (to counteract the nasty side effect of eating a lot of matzah), cups, and honey
- two cantelopes cut up in a plastic bag in the fridge, ready for snacking today
- the ingredients for making charoset (my favorite Passover food) all together in a bowl, ready for friends who are coming over this morning to make it with us
- the toys from yesterday all put away
- no laundry in the washer OR the dryer
- the counters washed off (though they did still have the dishes from making the fried matzah on them, ready to go in the dishwasher this morning after it was emptied)
I was inspired to help the boys straighten up their room before we came downstairs since I cleaned it yesterday. It didn't seem like a waste to make their beds.
I had no problem reminding the kids to put all their dishes in the dishwasher since the dining room table was cleared off of everything else except for their dishes.
The big thing I didn't do was get to bed on time, but I'll work on that today (as I yawn at the computer). I have TWO playdates today (yes, I'm quite busy), but they're both here, so no running around. DN-J is down for her first nap of the day, and I just turned on the tv for the boys (they get to watch some in the morning and some in the afternoon). So it seems like it's turning out to be a good day. It's amazing to me how doing a little makes such a huge difference in how things look and, more importantly, in how I feel.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Looking up
Gotta get a new post up - can't keep the failure title up!
This morning I was able to:
This morning I was able to:
- go work out at the gym (took an aerobics class - now THAT was funny!)
- pick up fruit at the produce store
- get dinner in the crockpot
- fold and put away one load of laundry
- get another load of laundry washed (it's drying now)
- scrub the sink
- clear off one corner of the kitchen (not much, but not bad!)
- pick up the boys' floor, dust and vacuum their room
- gather up all the trash from the upstairs (filled one whole trash bag!)
I have to start looking at the positive!!
Sticking to my goal of only posting my "TaDas" and not my "To Dos", I'm off - and I'm not telling you what I'm going to do! :)
Failure?
I had a post worked out in my mind last night, and I came downstairs all prepared to write it. I was thinking about how I feel about the house, and the word failure kept coming to mind. That sums it up - I feel like a failure. I was all set to elaborate on that feeling, and describe how when I look around my messy house and see the various things lying around I just feel more and more like I have failed. I have failed to keep the house the way I want it to be. Not for company, but for ME. And if I actually am able to do it, actually crack down and get it looking nice, I don't maintain it and it falls apart. And I know what I have to do but just don't do it consistently, which is key, so it ends up looking good only for a few days max. And it just kills me.
But then I turned on the computer and read some of the comments that you all have sent. I AM being hard on myself. I know that. I DO need to cut myself a little slack. And I WOULD welcome all offers of help. :)
I have a to do list on my white board right next to me. I am not going to post my plans on here anymore - I just end up feeling like a failure when I don't do them!!! Instead, I'm going to list them on my white board and post here what I AM able to get done. DH is in charge of all five (hee hee - his idea!) until one, so I need to get my butt in gear!
New day, new chance. Here goes.
But then I turned on the computer and read some of the comments that you all have sent. I AM being hard on myself. I know that. I DO need to cut myself a little slack. And I WOULD welcome all offers of help. :)
I have a to do list on my white board right next to me. I am not going to post my plans on here anymore - I just end up feeling like a failure when I don't do them!!! Instead, I'm going to list them on my white board and post here what I AM able to get done. DH is in charge of all five (hee hee - his idea!) until one, so I need to get my butt in gear!
New day, new chance. Here goes.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Acceptance
I guess what it comes down to is learning to do the things that I dislike before the things I like. I know, this is no huge epiphany, but it's just seems like something I need to accept. Housework may not be fun, but I try to make it manageable. I don't love doing it, but I love when it's done. And if I do a little every day, it's not too overwhelming (in theory).
If I was my own best friend, I would tell myself that I need to suck it up and get to work. I know it. Whining about it doesn't make it any easier. I had some idea what I was getting into when I signed up to be a SAHM. DH and I had agreed that taking care of the house and the bills would be part of my job, with the main emphasis always being the kids, of course. I just didn't realize how much the running of the house would take out of me. I don't know why; even when I was working full-time it was challenging for me. And now with all the kids, it's even harder. But that shouldn't be my excuse.
I'm heading back over to my in-laws' now for dinner. I went with DH to take the kids over this morning so they could find the eggs they dyed last week and go through the Easter baskets they made. Very exciting. But I did slip away for a couple hours back home so I could balance the checkbook and update my on-line budget. Tonight, while we watch The West Wing (as they bury Leo - sniff, sniff!!!), I plan to go through the rest of my papers. I will take care of the bills tomorrow morning. Okay, sounds like a plan.
If I was my own best friend, I would tell myself that I need to suck it up and get to work. I know it. Whining about it doesn't make it any easier. I had some idea what I was getting into when I signed up to be a SAHM. DH and I had agreed that taking care of the house and the bills would be part of my job, with the main emphasis always being the kids, of course. I just didn't realize how much the running of the house would take out of me. I don't know why; even when I was working full-time it was challenging for me. And now with all the kids, it's even harder. But that shouldn't be my excuse.
I'm heading back over to my in-laws' now for dinner. I went with DH to take the kids over this morning so they could find the eggs they dyed last week and go through the Easter baskets they made. Very exciting. But I did slip away for a couple hours back home so I could balance the checkbook and update my on-line budget. Tonight, while we watch The West Wing (as they bury Leo - sniff, sniff!!!), I plan to go through the rest of my papers. I will take care of the bills tomorrow morning. Okay, sounds like a plan.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
I'm so friggin' lazy!
Even after I wrote that last post, I STILL didn't get moving right away. I mean, I did eventually, and I guess that's what counts. The clothes are 95% sorted, and I was able to go through 1/2 my box of papers at Border's. Not bad. But I didn't use this one day that I had as I should have. I'm so pissed at myself.
I'm tired of this. So from now on, I'm reporting in on my FLYing everyday. I HAVE to do at least 15 minutes every day on the house. At the very least. I just get so overwhelmed and then look around and realize that it will take so long to make it look the way I want it to look that I just don't want to do ANYTHING. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. So this is it - a fresh start. Hey, I'm allowed to declare a fresh start whenever I want. Doesn't matter if I do it every few months or so. This time I feel I'll follow through. Or else. Hold me accountable, Internet!
I'm tired of this. So from now on, I'm reporting in on my FLYing everyday. I HAVE to do at least 15 minutes every day on the house. At the very least. I just get so overwhelmed and then look around and realize that it will take so long to make it look the way I want it to look that I just don't want to do ANYTHING. Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. So this is it - a fresh start. Hey, I'm allowed to declare a fresh start whenever I want. Doesn't matter if I do it every few months or so. This time I feel I'll follow through. Or else. Hold me accountable, Internet!
Wasting this day!
Duh.
Can't believe the day is half over and I've wasted so much of it!!!
Okay. I've sorted some of J's clothes; I'm off to finish it before she takes a nap. Then the boys. With luck, and moving fast, I can be done both before 1:30. Then I'm gathering up the damn paperwork and setting off to a bookstore to tackle it all. Yes. Here goes!
At least I just arranged for a babysitter for us for tonight. We're going to the movies - woohoo!
Can't believe the day is half over and I've wasted so much of it!!!
Okay. I've sorted some of J's clothes; I'm off to finish it before she takes a nap. Then the boys. With luck, and moving fast, I can be done both before 1:30. Then I'm gathering up the damn paperwork and setting off to a bookstore to tackle it all. Yes. Here goes!
At least I just arranged for a babysitter for us for tonight. We're going to the movies - woohoo!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Clean Sweep this house!
I'm sure most of us have been here - feeling like everywhere you look there's something to do. It's such a paralyzing feeling! I truly want to do a Clean Sweep, but not just of one room - of the whole house!!!
Okay, I know what I need to do: make a new list, set the timer, and get to work. But it just feels like even if I make a dent, it will barely be visible. I know, I know, that's a defeatist attitude. But it sure feels like that!
Okay, I know what I need to do: make a new list, set the timer, and get to work. But it just feels like even if I make a dent, it will barely be visible. I know, I know, that's a defeatist attitude. But it sure feels like that!
A dream come true
Kind of.
I got to spend the whole morning lounging in bed, reading a book. Aaaahhhh, I have a good husband. Since he has off this week, he worked out a schedule so we both had time to ourselves. He had a lot of time off earlier in the week, so now it's getting to be my turn. Very very very nice. I actually get the whole day tomorrow to do whatever. Since I "wasted away" this morning, I better think of some really productive things to do tomorrow!
Thanks for all the responses from my list yesterday. I'm feeling better about my decision, but would still love to hear from anyone else who is lurking (and I know who you are!) to see what others think.
I got to spend the whole morning lounging in bed, reading a book. Aaaahhhh, I have a good husband. Since he has off this week, he worked out a schedule so we both had time to ourselves. He had a lot of time off earlier in the week, so now it's getting to be my turn. Very very very nice. I actually get the whole day tomorrow to do whatever. Since I "wasted away" this morning, I better think of some really productive things to do tomorrow!
Thanks for all the responses from my list yesterday. I'm feeling better about my decision, but would still love to hear from anyone else who is lurking (and I know who you are!) to see what others think.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Thursday Thirteen
My totally conflicted list of why I should/should not be president of the MOMS Club next year
- I'm overwhelmed right now with all I need to do around the house.
- Next year all three boys will be in school five mornings a week, making my life a little easier.
- Since our chapter is sistering in July, making the remaining chapter significantly smaller, this is the perfect opportunity to try new things.
- With a small club we can provide more individualized support for everyone.
- I had great ideas this year as President that I never got to implement.
- I feel like I have not done a great job as President as it is, so should I really do this again?
- This could be a fresh start!
- When I decided not to run again two nights ago, I felt GREAT!
- When I talked with a member about all my ideas for this year if I hadn't decided not to run again, I got real excited about the potential for this upcoming year.
- If I don't run for President this year, I'm not sure if I would get the chance again to start with a smaller chapter.
- I love the idea of MOMS Club, that moms support each other.
- I would love to do more with that idea and figure out more ways for everyone to feel that support.
- I thought I had decided, but now I'm going back and forth.
What should I do?!!!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
A weekend to myself
If only.
I got the writing prompt from Crazy Hip Blog Mamas so I thought I'd try it. But really, the idea is almost beyond my comprehension. Yes, I have gone on two scrapbooking weekends since my children were born, and they were incredible. They were weekends to myself, and I loved doing them, but ultimately, they are not my dream weekends. If I had a weekend completely to myself, I would sleep. Seriously. I would stay in bed all weekend with a pile of romantic suspense books (my favorites) and I would sleep and read, sleep and read. Okay, so maybe that would last for one whole day, but I doubt I could stretch it out for two. Maybe if I did that at some beach resort/spa. Yeah.... okay so I could sleep as late as I wanted and then go do some funky spa treatment, like a Swedish massage and then a seaweed body wrap. I've done massages before, but a body wrap just sounds ...decadent. Then I could enjoy a meal prepared by someone else and cleaned up by someone else. A nap, some reading time, and then some other fancy spa treatment.
Bottom line: sleep, reading, and pampering. Yeah...that sounds like a fabulous weekend. I love my husband, and it would be nice to have him there for some of the weekend (I'm sure you can guess which parts) but it would also be nice to know that he was home with the kids so I wouldn't have to worry. Aaaahhhh...dreaming about it is nice, but I can't imagine it happening anytime soon. I'd settle for just a day to myself to sleep and read in bed!
I got the writing prompt from Crazy Hip Blog Mamas so I thought I'd try it. But really, the idea is almost beyond my comprehension. Yes, I have gone on two scrapbooking weekends since my children were born, and they were incredible. They were weekends to myself, and I loved doing them, but ultimately, they are not my dream weekends. If I had a weekend completely to myself, I would sleep. Seriously. I would stay in bed all weekend with a pile of romantic suspense books (my favorites) and I would sleep and read, sleep and read. Okay, so maybe that would last for one whole day, but I doubt I could stretch it out for two. Maybe if I did that at some beach resort/spa. Yeah.... okay so I could sleep as late as I wanted and then go do some funky spa treatment, like a Swedish massage and then a seaweed body wrap. I've done massages before, but a body wrap just sounds ...decadent. Then I could enjoy a meal prepared by someone else and cleaned up by someone else. A nap, some reading time, and then some other fancy spa treatment.
Bottom line: sleep, reading, and pampering. Yeah...that sounds like a fabulous weekend. I love my husband, and it would be nice to have him there for some of the weekend (I'm sure you can guess which parts) but it would also be nice to know that he was home with the kids so I wouldn't have to worry. Aaaahhhh...dreaming about it is nice, but I can't imagine it happening anytime soon. I'd settle for just a day to myself to sleep and read in bed!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Overwhelmed
I get like this every few weeks. I'm just overwhelmed. There's so much that I see that needs to get done as I walk through the house, and so much paperwork stuff that is virtually unseen because it's all piled up, but that's even more important. DH is on spring break this week, and will be taking over at 12. I have until 4 to do as much as I can. Top on the list is getting the kitchen ready for Passover (a huge job). HOPEFULLY I will still have time left over after that to tackle some paperwork. Need to end this because I have some MOMS Club stuff to get done right now before I get the kids out the door to head to a playdate I'm hosting.
Monday, April 10, 2006
I've Been Tagged!
Well, four of the kids are playing nicely with playdough, DN-J is napping, the wash is running, and the doctor isn't in until 9:30 for me to call and make an appointment, so I thought I'd respond to the tag I received by Karin.
Four Jobs I've Held *
Elementary Teacher (2nd grade and 5th grade gifted)
Camp Counselor
Hostess at retirement community
Cantorial Soloist
* It's kind of funny - I've actually held so many different jobs, many simultaneously, it's tought to select just four to post here!
Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over Again
Hope Floats
Legend of Billie Jean
Chorus Line
Yentl
Four Websites I Visit Often:
My bank
Flylady
The Yahoo message board for our local Flylady group
All my favorite blogs
Four Favorite Foods:
Raisin Bran Crunch Cereal
Granola
Raisin Bread
Golden Grahams Cereal
Oh, yeah, I'm a carbs girl!
Four Places I'd Rather Be Right Now:
In my bed
Under the covers
A sunny, near-deserted beach
Alone, outside under a tree
Four Books I Could Read Over and Over Again:
Fix It and Forget It Cookbooks
Sink Reflections
It by Stephen King
Any of my preschool books that I use to get ideas to do with the kids
I don't usually read books over again. I LOVE books, but once I read them I pass them on.
Four Songs I Could Listen to Over and Over Again:
Jesus Take the Wheel (Yes, even this Jewish girl can relate to this song.)
Seasons of Love (Rent)
Someone Else's Story (Chess)
Take Me or Leave Me (Rent)
Basically any female "belt" song in a musical
Four Reasons I Blog
To connect with other moms
To remember this time in my life
To force myself to journal daily
To show other moms that while it might appear like I have it all together, I really don't!
So, who do I tag now? The purpose is to get to know each other better. Let's try messygoat, Life in the Hundred Acre Woods, and Dream Kitchen. C'mon ladies, will you play?
Four Jobs I've Held *
Elementary Teacher (2nd grade and 5th grade gifted)
Camp Counselor
Hostess at retirement community
Cantorial Soloist
* It's kind of funny - I've actually held so many different jobs, many simultaneously, it's tought to select just four to post here!
Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over Again
Hope Floats
Legend of Billie Jean
Chorus Line
Yentl
Four Websites I Visit Often:
My bank
Flylady
The Yahoo message board for our local Flylady group
All my favorite blogs
Four Favorite Foods:
Raisin Bran Crunch Cereal
Granola
Raisin Bread
Golden Grahams Cereal
Oh, yeah, I'm a carbs girl!
Four Places I'd Rather Be Right Now:
In my bed
Under the covers
A sunny, near-deserted beach
Alone, outside under a tree
Four Books I Could Read Over and Over Again:
Fix It and Forget It Cookbooks
Sink Reflections
It by Stephen King
Any of my preschool books that I use to get ideas to do with the kids
I don't usually read books over again. I LOVE books, but once I read them I pass them on.
Four Songs I Could Listen to Over and Over Again:
Jesus Take the Wheel (Yes, even this Jewish girl can relate to this song.)
Seasons of Love (Rent)
Someone Else's Story (Chess)
Take Me or Leave Me (Rent)
Basically any female "belt" song in a musical
Four Reasons I Blog
To connect with other moms
To remember this time in my life
To force myself to journal daily
To show other moms that while it might appear like I have it all together, I really don't!
So, who do I tag now? The purpose is to get to know each other better. Let's try messygoat, Life in the Hundred Acre Woods, and Dream Kitchen. C'mon ladies, will you play?
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Head pain
My. Head. Hurts.
It hurts so much. I have gotten headaches a lot in the past, sometimes really, really, really bad. But I don't remember one hurting as much as it did last night. I actually cried unintentionally, tears running down my cheeks, as I tried to breathe through the pain and relax my body. It got better, but it scared DH enough to try to get me to go the ER. Sorry, but what would I say? "Uh...yeah, um...my head really hurt bad about um, an hour ago, but now it's not so bad. Yeah, why did we come in?" It hurts some now, not extreme like last night, but not good at all. I promised DH I'd get a doctor's appointment for tomorrow. Hopefully it's as simple as an ear infection or something like that. Let's see. But for now, ouch!
It hurts so much. I have gotten headaches a lot in the past, sometimes really, really, really bad. But I don't remember one hurting as much as it did last night. I actually cried unintentionally, tears running down my cheeks, as I tried to breathe through the pain and relax my body. It got better, but it scared DH enough to try to get me to go the ER. Sorry, but what would I say? "Uh...yeah, um...my head really hurt bad about um, an hour ago, but now it's not so bad. Yeah, why did we come in?" It hurts some now, not extreme like last night, but not good at all. I promised DH I'd get a doctor's appointment for tomorrow. Hopefully it's as simple as an ear infection or something like that. Let's see. But for now, ouch!
Friday, April 07, 2006
You Say It's Your Birthday
Na na na na na na na
It's my birthday too - oo
Na na na na na na na
Happy birthday to me!!!
I love my birthday. In my mind, I can do anything I want and blame it on the birthday. I "slept in" today until the kids woke up. J got up first so she came into bed with me. It was great - she hardly ever wants hugs and cuddles, but laid next to me, under the covers, head on the pillow. Every time I opened my eyes, hers were open too, but she was quiet and just laid there. What a nice present from her.
I had to give the kids a bath this morning before breakfast because they were waaaay overdue (plus J had rubbed lotion in her hair yesterday). That ate up some of our morning! After they got off to school I had some time to clean up downstairs some. Then my mom came over to bring me a bagel for breakfast (she had to celebrate with me on her "birthing day") and the girl I watch on Friday mornings was dropped off.
I'm taking the kids to McDonald's for lunch - not my top place for lunch, but not bad. I have to work tonight leading the preschool Shabbat service. I'm supposed to be there for the potluck dinner first, so no celebrating tonight, but the family is getting together tomorrow night for that.
I'm going to try to get a lot of laundry done today - somehow almost all my underwear has gone missing, so maybe if I just wash everything it will show up.
It's my birthday too - oo
Na na na na na na na
Happy birthday to me!!!
I love my birthday. In my mind, I can do anything I want and blame it on the birthday. I "slept in" today until the kids woke up. J got up first so she came into bed with me. It was great - she hardly ever wants hugs and cuddles, but laid next to me, under the covers, head on the pillow. Every time I opened my eyes, hers were open too, but she was quiet and just laid there. What a nice present from her.
I had to give the kids a bath this morning before breakfast because they were waaaay overdue (plus J had rubbed lotion in her hair yesterday). That ate up some of our morning! After they got off to school I had some time to clean up downstairs some. Then my mom came over to bring me a bagel for breakfast (she had to celebrate with me on her "birthing day") and the girl I watch on Friday mornings was dropped off.
I'm taking the kids to McDonald's for lunch - not my top place for lunch, but not bad. I have to work tonight leading the preschool Shabbat service. I'm supposed to be there for the potluck dinner first, so no celebrating tonight, but the family is getting together tomorrow night for that.
I'm going to try to get a lot of laundry done today - somehow almost all my underwear has gone missing, so maybe if I just wash everything it will show up.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen Projects I want to tackle before the end of the summer:
- Paint the living room a bright greenish blue
- Paint the stairwell and upstairs hallway a rusty kind of yellow
- Get a contractor of sorts to widen the archway between the living room and dining room and another to pull up the carpeting in those rooms and finish the hardwood flooring underneath
- Install shelving in the stupid entranceway closet, the one that is two small to actually hang a hanger in it
- Install hooks in that closet so children can hang up their coats instead of throwing them in the overflowing basket next to the couch
- Fix said closet door so kids will be able to open and close it on there own
- Install one additional shelf above small extra freezer in pantry to better use the space
- Reorganize pantry to make use of the extra shelf
- Clean out closet/cabinets in boys' room and J's room
- Do a "clean sweep" of the shelves above our washer and dryer
- Clear out old changing area in playroom to hold my scrapbooking stuff
- Sell dining room set (anyone looking for one) and replace with table and book case we saw at Ikea
- Paint one wall in playroom with magnetic paint and hang wire to allow kids to hang paintings to dry and other pictures to be displyed.
If you do a TT too, leave a comment so I can link to your blog. If you don't do a TT, leave a comment to let me know what is the #1 project you hope to get done in the next six months. C'mon, you lurkers, I know who you are, leave a comment!!! :)
The Question Queen
"What are you doing, A-B-Mommy?" J asked as she joined us in the playroom after lunch. Yes, our names apparently are all one name in her mind.
"I'm trying to write down our conversation from this morning before I forget it," I answered as I unlocked the computer armoire.
"Tell everyone about how we went to the library for the Spanish storytime and it was all filled up and we couldn't stay and it was such a shame so we went to the library with the sliding doors and listened to stories about mice and made a mouse and the tail came off so I'm just pretending it has a tail," B dictated all in one breath. After reading my run-on sentences, is anyone surprised that my son apparently doesn't really know what a period is?
As we drove from one library to the next this morning, I missed the turn. When I finally realized it, I laughed and told the kids that I messed up and I had to turn around. J, my question queen, began the interregation:
"Why you mess up, Mommy?"
"I wasn't paying attention."
"Why?"
"I don't know, I just wasn't."
"Why we turn around, Mommy?"
"We have to turn around to get to the library."
"Why?"
"Because that's how we get to the library."
"Oh. Why you no pay 'tention?"
"I don't know."
"Why?"
"I just don't know, J!"
"Mommy, no screaming.
"Mommy, why you laughing?"
"I just am, J, I just am."
"I'm trying to write down our conversation from this morning before I forget it," I answered as I unlocked the computer armoire.
"Tell everyone about how we went to the library for the Spanish storytime and it was all filled up and we couldn't stay and it was such a shame so we went to the library with the sliding doors and listened to stories about mice and made a mouse and the tail came off so I'm just pretending it has a tail," B dictated all in one breath. After reading my run-on sentences, is anyone surprised that my son apparently doesn't really know what a period is?
As we drove from one library to the next this morning, I missed the turn. When I finally realized it, I laughed and told the kids that I messed up and I had to turn around. J, my question queen, began the interregation:
"Why you mess up, Mommy?"
"I wasn't paying attention."
"Why?"
"I don't know, I just wasn't."
"Why we turn around, Mommy?"
"We have to turn around to get to the library."
"Why?"
"Because that's how we get to the library."
"Oh. Why you no pay 'tention?"
"I don't know."
"Why?"
"I just don't know, J!"
"Mommy, no screaming.
"Mommy, why you laughing?"
"I just am, J, I just am."
A Gift to Me - Today
That title makes total sense, but does come off a little cheesy, so let me explain. Today is DN-A's third birthday. Happy birthday, DN-A! My sister and brother-in-law took the day off to have a special day with him (and DN-J). They're taking them to the Please Touch Museum. And what that means for us is that we have the whole day just the four of us, no preschool, no one coming over, just us! I had set the alarm, but then turned it off this morning, realizing that I could just wait until the kids woke up. After they called me from their rooms ("Mommy, come out of your room! Mommy, open the door!") I said hi and then took a shower and got dressed. Then I read them a book (no reason to rush) and then got them dressed. I brought them downstairs for breakfast later than usual (again, no rush - very nice and rare) and they're now watching tv while I just read all my blogs and am now updating mine. Aaaahhhh...
We're planning to head on over to a storytime that I've heard about where the librarian does stuff in Spanish. The boys will LOVE that! I'm a little nervous about getting in because they have posted on their website that the storytime is only for the first twenty-five kids and their parents. I've never seen another storytime that needed to post that, so I'm not sure how early to get there! It starts at 10:30, and should take us 15 minutes to get there - I think I might start getting the kids ready as soon as I get off the computer (around 9:30). Worse comes to worse, we'll browse the library. I already told the boys about it so I don't want to chance getting turned away.
We will be going to DN-A's for dinner tonight, so I don't have to worry about getting that together. Woohoo - one less thing to do. And I made lunches yesterday, so meals are done for the day. Aaahhh. That's about the only thing that is, but it's important to savor the good things.
I ended up staying up way too late last night. Don't really know why. Could it be the energy I got from doing the aerobics class yesterday morning was enough to keep me wired well into the night? Naahhh - didn't think so.
We're planning to head on over to a storytime that I've heard about where the librarian does stuff in Spanish. The boys will LOVE that! I'm a little nervous about getting in because they have posted on their website that the storytime is only for the first twenty-five kids and their parents. I've never seen another storytime that needed to post that, so I'm not sure how early to get there! It starts at 10:30, and should take us 15 minutes to get there - I think I might start getting the kids ready as soon as I get off the computer (around 9:30). Worse comes to worse, we'll browse the library. I already told the boys about it so I don't want to chance getting turned away.
We will be going to DN-A's for dinner tonight, so I don't have to worry about getting that together. Woohoo - one less thing to do. And I made lunches yesterday, so meals are done for the day. Aaahhh. That's about the only thing that is, but it's important to savor the good things.
I ended up staying up way too late last night. Don't really know why. Could it be the energy I got from doing the aerobics class yesterday morning was enough to keep me wired well into the night? Naahhh - didn't think so.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
A J Funny
We have two yellow kid chairs, a really cool party favor from a birthday party a year ago. One of them has lost the bottom part of one of its legs. I didn't think too much of that until just now, when J climbed on it to sit next to me. She asked, "Who's rocking me?" over and over again until I really started to pay attention to what she was saying. "Who's rocking you?" I asked her, just to make sure I hear her correctly. At that, she started to cry a little, terrified at the unseen hand that was making her rock on her chair.
I know, it doesn't take much to amuse me, and clearly I'm an awful mom laughing at the expense of my children. :)
I know, it doesn't take much to amuse me, and clearly I'm an awful mom laughing at the expense of my children. :)
I did it!
Okay, I might have used that as a title before, but that's what's running through my mind. Not only did I figure out how to get DN-J down for a nap at the same time as J and DN-A (just keep them awake until she shows signs of getting fussy), I made it all the way through my first step arobics class today even though I ended up having to be in the very front row. I laughed through a good quarter of it because I was so incredibly bad at it and was probably throwing off the rest of the people around me, but I kept on going. J and DN-J did fine in the babysitting room, though DN-J was fussy. The only problem was how much time the whole working out thing took.
I dropped the boys off at school at 9 or so, leaving the parking lot around 9:15 (it takes a while to get all three boys' coats off, hung up, signed in, etc.). I got to the gym and had to officially buy my membership. I know that it won't take as long next time, but that ate up five-ten minutes. Then I had to bring both girls to the babysitting room and get them settled in. I arrived at the 9:30 class only to have to wait five more minutes for the instructor to show up, even though apparently you have to get there "early" to get the prime back row spot. I'm guessing I better get used to making a fool of myself in the front! We do the hour workout (whew!!!) and then I return to the babysitting room to pick up the girls. By the time I got them both in their coats and into the car, it was already 10:50! Luckily DN-J fell asleep on the way to the car, so I was able to grab a shower once I got J settled with a snack. I was drenched, so everyone who saw me today was glad I got that shower! Once I was dried off and dressed, hair wet but brushed, I had enough time to fold and put away a load of towels and then wake the baby up to give her most of her bottle before we had to pick up the boys at 12. I'm glad I am making the time to workout and I feel really good about that, but I'm giving up my time to get things done around the house by doing it. Hmmmm....maybe it'll start going faster once it gets warmer - we'll be able to leave the gym in less time.
I gues the other thing to think about is I have to make better use of my afternoons. Today I read with the boys for half an hour before they had "quiet time" (watching tv while they lay on the couch). After they got settled, DN-J woke up, so I worked to get her to go back to sleep. That took three trips up and down the stairs. Then J woke up, and I had to work to convince her that nap time was not over yet. I sat down to read for ten minutes or so and then J started screaming that she had to pee. Far be it for me to discourage one of my children from peeing in the potty, I brought her to the bathroom knowing full well that her nap time was over. J needs to lay on the couch with me for about ten-fifteen minutes until she transitions into fully awake time. After she was up and moving, I came here to update my blog. And now it's almost four in the afternoon!
So far, besides taking care and feeding the children and myself, I have gotten dinner in the crockpot and one load of laundry that was already in the dryer folded and put away. That's it. I have a bunch of computer things that I want to get done, but A is breathing down my neck to get his turn on the computer, so I think I'll work on the non-computer things: today's laundry in the washer, clear off the kitchen counters and dining room table, finish the side dishes for dinner tonight - I'm sure that's all that I'll be able to squeeze in while the kids are still awake. I did not get a lot of paperwork done yesterday, so that's my main goal for tonight, besides getting prepped for tomorrow. Usually all I'm able to accomplish each night is to clean up from that day and prepare for tomorrow (and it's a really good night when I get that done). If I can manage to get any more done, I'll be thrilled, but I really need to push myself to get through my constant mountain of paperwork.
I would love to get to the point with both housework and paperwork where I'm just working on maintenance, just dealing with what happens each day. But, I'm definitely not there yet! Is anyone? Really, are you? Or is the housework and paperwork involved with running a household overwhelming to anyone else? And if not, why??? What do you do?!!
I dropped the boys off at school at 9 or so, leaving the parking lot around 9:15 (it takes a while to get all three boys' coats off, hung up, signed in, etc.). I got to the gym and had to officially buy my membership. I know that it won't take as long next time, but that ate up five-ten minutes. Then I had to bring both girls to the babysitting room and get them settled in. I arrived at the 9:30 class only to have to wait five more minutes for the instructor to show up, even though apparently you have to get there "early" to get the prime back row spot. I'm guessing I better get used to making a fool of myself in the front! We do the hour workout (whew!!!) and then I return to the babysitting room to pick up the girls. By the time I got them both in their coats and into the car, it was already 10:50! Luckily DN-J fell asleep on the way to the car, so I was able to grab a shower once I got J settled with a snack. I was drenched, so everyone who saw me today was glad I got that shower! Once I was dried off and dressed, hair wet but brushed, I had enough time to fold and put away a load of towels and then wake the baby up to give her most of her bottle before we had to pick up the boys at 12. I'm glad I am making the time to workout and I feel really good about that, but I'm giving up my time to get things done around the house by doing it. Hmmmm....maybe it'll start going faster once it gets warmer - we'll be able to leave the gym in less time.
I gues the other thing to think about is I have to make better use of my afternoons. Today I read with the boys for half an hour before they had "quiet time" (watching tv while they lay on the couch). After they got settled, DN-J woke up, so I worked to get her to go back to sleep. That took three trips up and down the stairs. Then J woke up, and I had to work to convince her that nap time was not over yet. I sat down to read for ten minutes or so and then J started screaming that she had to pee. Far be it for me to discourage one of my children from peeing in the potty, I brought her to the bathroom knowing full well that her nap time was over. J needs to lay on the couch with me for about ten-fifteen minutes until she transitions into fully awake time. After she was up and moving, I came here to update my blog. And now it's almost four in the afternoon!
So far, besides taking care and feeding the children and myself, I have gotten dinner in the crockpot and one load of laundry that was already in the dryer folded and put away. That's it. I have a bunch of computer things that I want to get done, but A is breathing down my neck to get his turn on the computer, so I think I'll work on the non-computer things: today's laundry in the washer, clear off the kitchen counters and dining room table, finish the side dishes for dinner tonight - I'm sure that's all that I'll be able to squeeze in while the kids are still awake. I did not get a lot of paperwork done yesterday, so that's my main goal for tonight, besides getting prepped for tomorrow. Usually all I'm able to accomplish each night is to clean up from that day and prepare for tomorrow (and it's a really good night when I get that done). If I can manage to get any more done, I'll be thrilled, but I really need to push myself to get through my constant mountain of paperwork.
I would love to get to the point with both housework and paperwork where I'm just working on maintenance, just dealing with what happens each day. But, I'm definitely not there yet! Is anyone? Really, are you? Or is the housework and paperwork involved with running a household overwhelming to anyone else? And if not, why??? What do you do?!!
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
The race
Baby J fell asleep at 11:30, so I gave the kids an early lunch and just got J and DN-A down for a nap. I'm letting the boys keep playing in here (the computer is in the playroom) and will have them lay down for "quiet time" when they start messing around and stop playing nicely. Not bad. Though I just heard someone fussing up there - better not be DN-J!
I ended up with nothing planned this morning. That's always dangerous! We did okay, though, but not the kind of day I would brag about. I did get the kids outside this morning for some fresh air, and we sang some songs together, so at least we did that. Tomorrow I'm going to attempt to bring DN-J and J to the gym once I drop the boys off at school. We'll see how badly that messes her schedule up.
I have a ton of paperwork that I have to get to, so I think I'm going to try to focus on that right now for as long as I can. The boys are playing a game I just taught them, so hopefully will be occupied for a little. The lunch dishes are cleaned up and I already made lunches for tomorrow, I just need to put the wash into the dryer and then I'm good to go, as long as DN-J stays asleep. We'll see how long that lasts!
I ended up with nothing planned this morning. That's always dangerous! We did okay, though, but not the kind of day I would brag about. I did get the kids outside this morning for some fresh air, and we sang some songs together, so at least we did that. Tomorrow I'm going to attempt to bring DN-J and J to the gym once I drop the boys off at school. We'll see how badly that messes her schedule up.
I have a ton of paperwork that I have to get to, so I think I'm going to try to focus on that right now for as long as I can. The boys are playing a game I just taught them, so hopefully will be occupied for a little. The lunch dishes are cleaned up and I already made lunches for tomorrow, I just need to put the wash into the dryer and then I'm good to go, as long as DN-J stays asleep. We'll see how long that lasts!
Monday, April 03, 2006
Blech.
Ugh.
I have a cold.
That in itself is not so great. But I gave in and took a nighttime cold medicine last night. So dumb. They always leave me drugged the next day. I knew that, but convinced myself that it wouldn't happen this time. Dumb, dumb, dumb. I slept well last night, but even my tongue feels heavy this morning. Blech!
Okay, let me finish getting the kids dressed. I came down to get their shoes. We're running very late.
I have a cold.
That in itself is not so great. But I gave in and took a nighttime cold medicine last night. So dumb. They always leave me drugged the next day. I knew that, but convinced myself that it wouldn't happen this time. Dumb, dumb, dumb. I slept well last night, but even my tongue feels heavy this morning. Blech!
Okay, let me finish getting the kids dressed. I came down to get their shoes. We're running very late.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Aren't I the tech geek?!!
I just fooled around in the template some and not only figured out how to add some of the blogs that I read, I also figured out how to change the look of the different rings I belong to. It doesn't look great, but it's a lot better! And I figured it out by myself through trial and error.
I was going to go over a friend's house who has a new baby to help her out today, but I now have a full-fledged cold, so she doesn't want me there (I don't blame her). That leaves me with an almost two hours here without kids - what to do?!!!
Okay:
Laundry
10 minutes per room
Dust
Vacuum
If time, I'm going to try to work on sorting the kids' clothing! I'm tired, my eyes burn, my ears itch, and I can't stop coughing, but DH asked me today, when I was still planning on going to my friend's, "Uh . . . when will you be back here to maybe get some stuff done at home?" Can't disappoint. He wanted so badly to clean so much around the house today, but he was in charge of the kids all day yesterday and most of the morning today while I was at work. He was stressing himself out about it, though he did get a lot done. I would love to finish cleaning the house (for the day) by the time he gets here to pick me up. Here goes.
I was going to go over a friend's house who has a new baby to help her out today, but I now have a full-fledged cold, so she doesn't want me there (I don't blame her). That leaves me with an almost two hours here without kids - what to do?!!!
Okay:
Laundry
10 minutes per room
Dust
Vacuum
If time, I'm going to try to work on sorting the kids' clothing! I'm tired, my eyes burn, my ears itch, and I can't stop coughing, but DH asked me today, when I was still planning on going to my friend's, "Uh . . . when will you be back here to maybe get some stuff done at home?" Can't disappoint. He wanted so badly to clean so much around the house today, but he was in charge of the kids all day yesterday and most of the morning today while I was at work. He was stressing himself out about it, though he did get a lot done. I would love to finish cleaning the house (for the day) by the time he gets here to pick me up. Here goes.
A
Happy 100th post to me!
Anyway.
I actually said the word aloud to a child psychologist the other night, a friend that used to work with my brother when he was younger. I described all of A's symptoms and actually said that I suspected Asperger's. She agreed that it sounded possible. It's one thing to suspect it, it's another to hear confirmation from an expert that it's possible, even likely. I'm fine with whatever diagnosis gets made, I just really want to get one so we can start working ont he problem. I'll call the IU in the morning to confirm they received all the paperwork and find out exactly what the next step is. I'm thrilled that we're moving forward with this. If something is going on with him, I want an IEP in place before he starts Kindergarten. It would be fabulous if he could be getting therapy while in Pre-K. But I guess I'm getting ahead of myself. Just need to get the evals started!
Anyway.
I actually said the word aloud to a child psychologist the other night, a friend that used to work with my brother when he was younger. I described all of A's symptoms and actually said that I suspected Asperger's. She agreed that it sounded possible. It's one thing to suspect it, it's another to hear confirmation from an expert that it's possible, even likely. I'm fine with whatever diagnosis gets made, I just really want to get one so we can start working ont he problem. I'll call the IU in the morning to confirm they received all the paperwork and find out exactly what the next step is. I'm thrilled that we're moving forward with this. If something is going on with him, I want an IEP in place before he starts Kindergarten. It would be fabulous if he could be getting therapy while in Pre-K. But I guess I'm getting ahead of myself. Just need to get the evals started!
Saturday, April 01, 2006
That's It!
They've driven me over the edge.
I'm leaving. I'm running away. Seriously, DH can watch them - they want Daddy all day anyway, the kids will be thrilled. I don't know where I'm going yet, and I'm not sure when/if I'm coming back, but if I don't go now I'm not sure what I'll do.
Not sure when I'll update next - just have to go.
APRIL FOOLS!!!!
Did I fool you with that? Maybe, just a little? I suck with April Fools' jokes, but thought I'd try anyway.
I'm leaving. I'm running away. Seriously, DH can watch them - they want Daddy all day anyway, the kids will be thrilled. I don't know where I'm going yet, and I'm not sure when/if I'm coming back, but if I don't go now I'm not sure what I'll do.
Not sure when I'll update next - just have to go.
APRIL FOOLS!!!!
Did I fool you with that? Maybe, just a little? I suck with April Fools' jokes, but thought I'd try anyway.
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