Creative kids at work

We went to Deanna's Playhouse because Ms. Arts is now there and they painted pumpkins. Mia has been begging me to let her paint her pumpkin (she was adamant she didn't want to carve this year) and I kept putting her off because I didn't want to deal with the mess. Thank you Ms. Arts! The kids love playing at the playhouse but I don't go all that often because of the cost and their hours (10-3). Ms. Arts kept the playhouse open until 5pm and told me she'll open the playhouse earlier if I want.... just call her. I just may do that for the Moms group sometime. We've talked about going there more but when they open at 10am and most people had to leave by 11-ish to pick up a child at preschool.... well it just wasn't worth the $5 admission for an hour. Yes, they charge the parents too. I digress. We had a great time. This was after a great time at my friend's house for a playdate. The kids had a full day. They still have a cough now and then but I think they're non-contagious and on their way to being healthy.

I couldn't believe the concentration of the creative minds. I will be definitely be going back and taking advantage of creativeness that is not in my own home.

Oh, and just to note Mason was in the car for about 6 hours today and kept his pants dry. I'm so happy I could cry.

Through wheeze and cough..... he stayed dry

When Mason first got sick I went back to putting Pull-ups on him for fear he just won't be able to control himself. He amazingly still kept the Pull-up dry and told me when he had to go potty. He had been dry for over two weeks so I think he is officially "potty-trained". However, due to being sick there was a lot of whining and stubbornness today. There was also a moment of blatant peeing on the floor (literally 4 feet away from the potty) because he was mad at me. Where or where do my kids get that mule-like stubbornness?

ER on Wednesday night

Took Mason to the doctor yesterday and got sent straight to the ER for a breathing treatment and steroids. On the plus side, Mason did sleep all night. Sure there were some coughing fits and a slight wheeze but I got some sleep. Not a lot of sleep but some. I sure hope today plays out better.

Out of curiosity I googled "Christie Phillips". This is #1 on the list that pops up: http://www.christiephilips.com/. I think it's funny that she's Asian too.

Vacation plans: Mike is contemplating Disneyworld. Now to see if we can pull it off.

The start of Day 7

Yesterday Mason's fever disappeared and I thought we were on the road to recovery. I let my guard down and of course I was ambushed. At around dinnertime the fever came back and it was the worst night yet. So today we will be visiting the doctor to make sure it's just croup and hasn't progressed into pneumonia. It's just horrible when your kid seems like he's struggling to breathe and nothing you do helps. Of course, he seems better during the day but just when the doctor's office closes....that's when the bad stuff happens. So you struggle with, "is it bad enough to go to the ER?". I feel like I'm going to lose my mind as I just can't get a break. Even when Mike is home and tries to help me out.....sick kids just want their mama.

I guess the kids are taking care of my "overbooking" our week as I've had to cancel most everything this week. I did drag Mason to school to get his pictures done and he even smiled. I can't wait to see the pictures back. I'm really impressed with Miss Patti the photographer as Mia has always had really good pictures and she took pictures of Mason, Mason & Mia, and Mia in about 10 minutes with smiles.

Day 5: the virus is still controlling our lives

Mia was well enough to go to school today, Mason not.

I feel like I'm writing this blog as some kind of war journal. I'm in front of my computer typing and a few feet over in my bed is Mason. I hear the steady wheeze in the background that's interrupted now and then with coughing, barking and crying. I feel like I'm hunkered down in a bunker listening to outside artillery coming from the enemy. I'm exhausted but yet still think of all the stuff I "have to do" ie. laundry, housecleaning, etc. Thinking about makes me more tired yet every time I cave in and lie down to go to sleep.....the enemy strikes.

This is one of those weeks that I have overplanned myself. Lots of places to go, people to see.......and I don't know if I'll get to do any of it. So to you on the outside with no kids or healthy kids, Live your life! Live it for me and then tell me all about it so that I might live vicariously through others.

Boo!

We've been boo'ed twice. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about....

It starts the first week of October and there is a knock at the door, no one is there, and boo! You've got candy. A bag/box/plate of Halloween treats from an anonymous neighbor rests on the stoop. The kids are excited, the parents... um not so much but we still eat the treats, and then Mom starts to stress because that basket means one thing:You've been boo'ed. Now, you have to boo two of your neighbors, too. Next comes the work of passing on the boo. There is the ghost to trace onto poster-board, the basket to buy and fill with treats - and this cannot be candy corn. It requires a trip to the store for some "good" treats and heaven help you if the person who boo'ed you upped the ante and actually used the oven.

Up to $45 later (slight overstatement), it seems being boo'ed has become a bit of a bother but you can't blow off the boo for fear of being un-neighborly. Did I mention the part where since the kids are little it requires us to ring the doorbell and run away. That's the part I hate the most. I would gladly walk over a treat to a neighbors house but now you want me creeping around the neighborhood like a juvenile delinquent pulling pranks. I swear from now on, I'm targeting the neighbors that don't have kids to spread the fun around (insert evil laugh).

Today, Mia getting better.... Mason just getting full swing into being sick.

So falls the other shoe

As predicted the other child started "barking" earlier this evening. Mia has been running a fever for the past two days so I'm guessing Mason will not be going to school Monday. I was supposed to co-host a craft night at the church tonight but stayed home so Mike wasn't overwhelmed with sick kids.

I did try another new recipe from the Kraft magazine today. We didn't like it too much. Every recipe I have tried from the various Kraft magazines.... we haven't liked. Is it just us? Has anyone tried their recipes and liked them?

The bark of the seal

After a really long day, Mike and I were awakened last night by the "bark of the seal". Yes, that's right Mia has croup. For the first time ever she stayed in bed until noon. Usually when the kids get sick they are up and at 'em as soon as the medicine kicks in. It was a little odd to actually see her staying in bed. Mason, however, shows no signs of being sick yet so he's terribly bored. Should make for a fun weekend.

Supermodel

I had decided earlier that this would be the last year that I have the kid's with the modeling agency. It's just not worth it for the amount of work they get, the finding a babysitter for the other child and taking them out of school to do it. Mason had a job yesterday again so I was a little excited that he gets one last chance of making an ad. (In the past they've always gone with the other children or pulled the merchandise that was supposed to appear in the ad). Well, as always there was another child as a "backup". I would be really surprised if they use him in the ad. At first he wouldn't smile. Then he kept scratching the back of his neck (he does have a bug bite there). Followed by the hand in the mouth and some weird tongue thing. He was with a "fake family" with red Christmas presents. The ad will be Dec 19th. for Meijer I'm pretty sure though it won't be him. Other than the actual pictures he was really well behaved.

When I came home Mia was super clingy and whiny. It was as if she was mad about Mason and I "doing" something without her. I keep telling her when her hair gets long enough we'll go do some girl stuff just the two of us. She has about another inch to go and then her hair will be long enough to donate to "locks of love". I figure will make a girl day out of it. Now what constitutes a "girl" day with a 4 year old?

Miss Teen USA South Carolina 2007 with Subtitles

Unbelievable Good, Unbelievable Bad

The Good- It has been over a week now since Mason has had an accident. He has been wearing underwear during the day and a pull-up at night. Even his pull-up has been dry in the morning. Dare I get excited now? Too late, I'm there already. Of course, I now spend my days in the bathroom while he "finishes up" and I'm still wiping his butt but my days of diapers may be gone.

The Bad- the Miss Teen South Carolina clip. I also saw a clip of her on Good Morning America and she is planning on going to Appalachian State University. My opinion of that school just went down if that's possible.

A weekend in Manistee

We left Holland Friday evening and headed north to see the in-laws. Mike wanted to Duck hunt (no ducks shot), the kids wanted to swim and it's our last chance to see Mike's parents before they migrate to Florida for the winter. It's always interesting to be here to see the genes that have been passed down. Mike's Dad will say something or give a look and I think, "AHA, that's where he got it."
Good weekend for football with both LSU and Cal loosing. Here in the Ohio State household they have mixed feelings. They're excited that things have been shaken up but don't like the #1 rating that is sure to come. Michigan and OSU both tend to choke when given that pressure of a #1 rating. It's been Michigan's MO to lose a game to a "non-ranked" team and then win the rest of the season, even the OSU game just to mess up the Big Ten standings even more. Of course, usually not to a "nobody's heard of you school" and not lose twice in a row. I don't have those hopes this year.
Anyway, back to the grind later tonight.

SNL - United Way

Peyton Manning is funny

Lots of daily stuff to write about but it doesn't really strike me as noteworthy. Mike and I saw this on SNL a few months ago and just cracked up. We watch SNL about half the time and there is a handful of clips that are great.

Hope this gives you a laugh today.

My Store

I looked around for a little bit and was debating doing an on-line store. I've had a couple people ask..... So I found a free one and have begun setting it up http://miasmamma.flyingcart.com/. I didn't tell anyone so I was taking my time. Some things are a little screwed up but I figured I'll take my time setting it up and then telling people. Well, I actually got an order last night. That's CRAZY! How did they find me. This site is free for 10 products and 3 transactions a month. If I actually get more I may actually have to upgrade to pay for the site. Didn't really see that coming.The other thing I don't like about the site is that I don't have a way to set the quantity of my stock. So if everybody tries to order the same thing, I'm screwed. If anyone has a better site, let me know. Yes, I do know about Etsy shop but you have to pay fees just like Ebay.
So today, I actually have an order to fill. I'm big business now baby.

High Flying Soccer Action

Lauren in action, Mason the engrossed spectator, Grandpa the professional photographer, and Mo the team manager doing official soccer business with binder in hand.

Lauren's team won 2-1 with Lauren scoring both goals showing us all why she made the Varsity team as a freshman. (she's a sophomore now and this is a league team not the school's). It was almost 90 degrees for the past week and today is forecasted at 88. This is Michigan in October, CRAZY!

Saturday

Saturday started out with the Fire Truck parade. Which was really nice. I thought it was going to be loud but it was not in the least. Definitely family friendly.

After the parade we walked down to the Farmer's Market.

This is Mia walking back from the Farmer's Market. As you can see she decided to wear her fairy dress (from her dress-up trunk). People would say, "Oh, look at the cute butterfly!". She would give the evil eye as she says she is "Fairy Princess Barbie". Duh!

I have not been fighting her on her outfit changes for the most part. Last Friday she went to the library as Jasmine. I figure she doesn't have that much longer before it's socially unacceptable to parade around in costume everyday might as well live it up now. She was a little grumpy and asked us why people kept looking at her so I guess it's a relief that she's not dressing up for the attention.

Mike and I went to Perredies restaurant last night and had a great night out. We ordered our first BOTTLE of wine since we've had the kids and had no problem finishing it. I had to go to the bathroom at the restaurant and got in line behind some guy to wait. It seemed to take forever and I almost said to the guy, "If it takes this long, I probably don't want to go in" to be funny. A girl comes out of the bathroom and the guy turns to me and says, "you can go in, I was just waiting for her". I saw them later holding hands at the bar. I wonder what he would have said back to me.

He's cool. He's clean. He's a love machine.

When you shop the clearance rack at Target this is the kind of stylin' outfit you get. T-shirt and shorts together=less than $5. If he grows up to say stuff like, " Listen, I was wandering. Can I ask you a question? Uh... was your father a meat burgler? Here's why I ask: because it looks like somebody stole two fine hams and shoved them down the back of your dress. " you know his mother was a huge influence in his toddlerhood.

Pedicure

Today was the first "kid swap" day. Me and two of my friends started a kid swap. We each take a turn watching all the kids while the other two moms get some alone time. This was Mike's idea to help keep my sanity. He does have good ideas now and then. So between 3 moms (and 6 kids) you have 1 turn of watching kids and 2 turns of free time. Love it! So today, I went and got that pedicure that I've been talking about FOREVER. I also decided to step out of my normal conservative color choice and had the toes painted bright pink. Well a little darker tone so that it wouldn't look tacky but brighter than I've ever done. I figure it's so rarely done, why not go with a "notice my feet" color. Mia noticed. Now she's bugging me to do her nails too.
Last night my niece called and volunteered her babysitting services Saturday night:) She said the catch is that I have to take her to her soccer game (also in Holland) Sunday. Some catch since we like to go see her play when she's in our area anyway. The big test will be to see how much Mike and I can actually converse about that's not centered around our children. It's hard to believe we were ever individual people since I can't seem to talk for 5 minutes now without bringing up something about the kids. I'm looking forward to a dinner for two.

Bed Drama

So after looking around for the "perfect bed" for Mia's room. Mike and I found one at a local store we liked but it came with this additional chair mattress that we didn't like. They wouldn't sell them separately so we decided to get the loft bed at Ikea. So to sum up I looked for months, went to the furniture store 2 weekends (2nd visit) ago and finally went to Ikea last Saturday. Monday I see the bed we wanted on Craigslist. I called her up and she said someone else was coming to take it. Last night she called me up and said the other person backed out so we went and got it. It was the same price as what we bought the new bed at Ikea for but it included the mattress and desk. I have to go back to Ikea anyway so taking the bed back shouldn't be a huge deal. It's just funny how the timing on things work. Last night was the first night in weeks that we didn't have children in our bed at 3am. I hope the novelty of the new bed buys me some good sleep for awhile.

The return of Bela

Mia has had this cat purse for at least a year now. It was something she wanted at the store at the time that she didn't get but had to have. After bugging us every waking moment for it we eventually went back to the store to get it. She named it Isabela (calls it Bela for short) which was such a coincidence since our neighbors adopted a daughter that they named Isabela (also called Bela for short). The last time I had seen Bela she was sitting on Mia's lap in the car on the way back from the airport in May (Florida trip). She has been lost since.

Two weeks ago I noticed Mia playing with a little stuffed cat that I had never seen before. I started questioning her about it and even though she insisted she bought it from the store we eventually got the truth out of her. She stole it and ripped the tags off because she knew I wouldn't let her have it. We've had discussion about the stolen cat, it will not be staying with us. When Mike was talking to her about "why" and "how bad" it is to steal, she broke down sobbing. "I just miss my Bela cat sooo much". So being the saps that we are we found the same cat on Ebay and when we returned Sunday night had our neighbor put Bela in front of the door, ring the doorbell and run away. (The picture is a re-enactment) So when Mia ran down to see who was at the door she found Bela there. (Thanks Niki, Mia was sooo happy). She keeps talking about how God brought Bela back home and even wanted to thank him during grace at dinner. She said she's going to make God a card:)

We're waiting to hear if Bela has had any good stories about where she's been all this time.

My weekend away

Well to add to all the good times I had last week, the fun never stopped. Friday I woke up and could swear I was about to have a heart attack. I rarely get heart burn so I called Mike at work and told him I'll take some medicine but to call me every so often in case I do have a heart attack. I didn't want the kids to be alone the whole day should I keel over. A little later I decided to do our weekly library run, buckled the kids in the car and realized I forgot a book that was due and ran back in the house. As I'm running around I run my knee right into the corner of the coffee table. It hurt so bad it dropped me to the floor and I almost blacked out. (My knee seemed fine the rest of the weekend, Thanks for the concern). We come back from the library and I decide that since we'll be gone all weekend I better mow the grass now. You can imagine how Mike was when he called multiple times with no answer and comes home to find me mowing the grass. Yeah, I see his point. I tell him to call because I think I may have a heart attack and then am no where near the phone. To my credit he should be happy that I think I may have heart attack and still go out and mow the lawn.

I pack up my and the kids clothes and put the bag on the bed so Mike can add stuff. Didn't realize he was packing his own bag so you can imagine how happy I was when we arrived in Sis-in-law 3's (yes that's her given name) to find my bag was never put in the truck. So me and the kids have nothing and have a fun Target clearance shopping spree Sat. morning.

I did make it to Ikea though Sat afternoon and bought Mia's loft bed. Of course everything else I wanted was out of stock so I'll have to make another trip over sometime.

Ikea

Today in Kindermusik with Mason I hear a click sound from my knee and the pain has returned. I'm having a really hard time getting up and down the stairs and with walking in general. I am due for some great luck.

Art Thief

Out of the blue Friday morning Mia grabs some of my cards and comes back and tells me I have to mail them. She did Ariel for her friend Bailey (her cousin) and another um well abstract for Parker (also her cousin). So of course we put them in envelopes and seal them up but I didn't mail them. The drawing of Ariel is the best (in my opinion) that she's done so far so I'm keeping it to be put aside with the other "mementos" I keep for her. Well, I guess I could keep the scanned image and send the cards. That would really be the right thing to do. Why doesn't the "right thing" to do ever enter my mind first?

Just got back from a weekend away, I'll post more on that later. I'm convinced I have the worst luck ever but at least I've got my sanity.?

I'm over Grey's but then I'm not

OK, with the last few season of Grey's Anatomy last season I told myself, "I'm over Grey's". I'm carrying a lot of tension right now for some reason, my shoulders are just so tight they just ache. I let Mike finish putting the kids to bed tonight and I took a bath to relax. Of course, Mason wandering in and trying to touch my boob wasn't so relaxing but they were finally put to bed and I was left alone. As I'm soaking I hear the end of Survivor on the TV and remember the Grey's premiere is on. Well, you guessed it I hurried up and got out to go watch. Why? I'm telling myself to just stop watching but for some reason I can't. What a waste. I did flip through a magazine at the same time so I guess in a way I was multi-tasking.
Yesterday, I tried Edy's Take the Cake ice cream I thought it would have bits of cake in it but it didn't. It really did taste like cake with frosting, sprinkles, and ice cream. Me and the kids gave it 2 thumbs up, Mike wasn't as impressed. Yes, this is what I have going on in my life: reviewing ice cream flavors. Don't worry until I start reviewing hard liquor on a daily basis.

Almost a cheerleader

Just finished the sewing. I did a pretty piss-poor job but again with the attitude, it's just dress-up. I'll be embroidering the Ohio State logo on the front to finish it off. Does Ohio State have a one-legged cheerleader?

Good news then Bad again

Today started out a little glum since I was bummed about the washing machine but Mike took the day off today. We planned on going to lunch after I dropped the kids off at preschool this afternoon and just hanging out and relaxing for those few hours that we're kid free. We decided that since the washing machine seemed to work fine that I might as well try to use it again. So I loaded the machine this morning and decided to check under the rubber "gasket" that's between the drum and the door (we have a front loader) one more time. This time I found a child's plastic hanger wedged in there! So great news actually that the washer wasn't really broke. Lucky that it didn't damage the rubber too. I remember what I wrote last night and think, "maybe I will go get a pedicure now that I don't have to pay for repair service".
Since Mike was home I left Mia home with him and took Mason to Kindermusik. He did so much better in class today. His attention was focused to the class instead of what his sister might be doing in the other room. Still a good day. I get to my car and start to drive across the parking lot to the exit. Something doesn't feel right. I stop right where I'm at (right in the middle of the parking lot), get out to do a walk around and find that I have a TOTALLY flat tire. The tire is 3 years old and blew out. What luck. It is lucky though that my cell phone was actually charged and Mike was at home to come help (rescue) me. My friend Laura sees me and stays with me until Mike comes. Thanks Laura! It's now about 11:30 I'm still in the parking lot and I realize I have to feed my kids lunch, pick up snacks from home (it's my week to bring snacks for school) and get my kids to the school by 12:15. Stress!
Mike and I still did lunch but after running around so much. I sat down for literally 5 min. before I had to go pick the kids up again.
I've decided. Even though I have to buy a new tire, I'm getting a pedicure soon. Now who can I talk into going with me since I hate doing things like that by myself. Laura? you in?

Sooo Tired

Just really tired today. I had a ton of Ebay auctions going between me and my mother and they either ended last night or tonight. Ebay is just sooo much work sometimes. It doesn't help that I sold a 60 lb subwoofer and I've got to get it packed in a box to ship overnight and at the present I don't have a box. Ughhhh.
Mike and I also had headaches from the time we woke up today. So beautiful day but both of us were just trying to get the kids to let us nap. I feel so bad that we didn't really do more with the kids today. What will their childhood memories be? Mommy and Daddy lying around while they play by themselves in the house? Hopefully they forget these times, I wish I would. I always carry a lot of guilt. Not necessarily from something I did but things I didn't do.
To top off the day I was doing my last (3rd) load of laundry for the night (I have lots more to do tomorrow) and the washer starts making a horrendous noise on the spin cycle. Great! Bought a top of the line washer/dryer after we got married so it's almost 6 years old. I just hate spending the money for that kind of stuff when we never spend any money on ourselves. When you think of all the things you could have had with that money: a pedicure, massage, clothes,......Of course I hardly ever spend money on myself anyway but I think that I would if I didn't have to spend it on this now. That's how my mind works.

Warm & Fuzzy

Today has been a pretty bad day so far with the kids so I'm trying to keep reliving the "warm & fuzzy" moment. When I pick them up from preschool sometimes they're playing outside and it's that moment when they turn and see you. In that instant their whole face(s) lights up and you know that they're genuinely happy to see you. I am loved. Of course, that moment is fleeting but it happens everytime.

For today I'm trying to hang on until tonight for my "ladies night out". I so need some girl time! Who would have ever have thought the day would come when I needed girl time. Motherhood seems at times to be a kind of sorority and us moms are pledges going through some insane hazing ritual. A toast to the moms! I'll drink one for us all tonight.

Doggy Love

What did Mike bring me back from Japan?

The Humping Dog of course! This is what I call "Classy with a K" so Klassy. Just plug him into your USB port and watch him make sweet love to your computer. To his credit he also brought me back some really nice silk pajamas but of course I can't get my sorry a$$ in them. He kept saying, "Christie, those were really expensive" as if saying that to me was going to magically melt the fat of my body. It looks like he might get the chance to take them back though seeing is how they're talking about sending him again in about a month.

I must have pushed too much last time because he said I could get the kid's passports and we could hang out in Japan. Of course, it takes 6-8 weeks minimum to get their passports so it looks like we'll have to wait to the trip after (if there is one). My family in Japan has never met the kids and I like to get over there while their still cute and little. There's already too much sass starting to emerge from my oldest's mouth. Plus, I want them to see a different world than just "Dutch America".

Parent medieval torture device

This is what the kids wanted to do. Mike and I both can't do the "spinny" stuff anymore and try to talk the other into riding for the "kid's sake". It's a wonder what we won't do for our kids. I know if I get on the flying swings that I'm going to get a headache that's going to ruin me for the rest of the day. Once in a while a miracle happens and I get off unscathed but rarely. My wonderful husband had the great idea of asking 2 older boys further back in line if they would ride with our kids. They went for it, SUCKER! They were really nice kids too, go figure. Kid's that age usually annoy me but I could actually converse with these boys. Amazing! Of course, in the slide line I almost tore into some little girl (I think she was about 7) and her friends for totally being a b**** to Mia. I've been known to yell at little kids in the play area at the mall for being mean to my girl, just step off sista.
Why is it that when I tell anyone that I can't do the "spinny" stuff anymore or that I'm afraid of heights, they all have the same answer? "What, you're the pilot right?" You know I can't really say I enjoyed doing spins in the plane either. Now to address the fear of heights. It's all about control baby. When I'm in a plane and something happens for the most part (short of my wings falling off) I have control over the airplane and therefore have a say in my fate. Now, should I fall from the roof of a 10 story building..... no control. Get it now?

Spiderman

I'm pretty tired and can't really think of anything to say with this picture. What does Spiderman say anyway? Is there a catch phrase? Thought he looked really cool even when he'd been wiping his face already. Maybe I'll come back and edit this post later today.

Shinkansen in Holland



Mike came home all kinds of gifts for the kids. Thomas has been one-upped here with the arrival of the Shinkansen. Pretty much that is all the kids want to do all day. Mason also got a GI Joe (the 12 in. old-school kind). They don't sell them anymore here unless you buy on-line or Ebay. Mia has been in to her Barbies lately and since Mason likes to play with Mia this was Mike's way of preempting the arrival of Ken.

I did get to the Orchard and the Festival yesterday, two out of three is pretty good.

Stuff I want

I don't know how I come across this stuff but of course I want it. I think it is related to the fact that my mother is sucked into buying every "as-seen-on-TV" gadget, it must be genetic. I do realize these things are frivilous so I have to justify my wants. Such as.... Mia will not eat a banana that you've packed once it's been a little bruised or mushed. Enter the banana saver to save the day. Then of course, there's the cup-a-cake for the times I'll be packing a cupcake in a lunch. A necessity really. I've been eyeing them for a while and searching the internet to see if I can find them cheaper. You know as soon as I buy one it will be in the dollar store weeks later. Such is life.

There is so much I want to do today: farmer's market, , apple orchard, church festival, etc. Notice I did not say "watch football". Hmmmm! What expresses mourning more than black?

Little Miss Fancy Pants

Finished Mia's Jasmine costume (all except the headband). I had a little bit of a bad attitude doing it, I'd screw up and then just leave it since it's just Halloween/dress-up. So no, it's not perfect but it works.
She is not happy about the fact that the sleeves are sewn onto the top. The "real" Jasmine sports an off-the-shoulder top and she keep trying pull her top down to show some skin. Diva!

I wish boys Halloween costumes would be as easy to pick out. Let's face it shopping for boys totally sucks. The variety and "cuteness" just isn't there and they're so much more expensive then girl clothes. We're still trying to talk him into being a Jasmine's tiger for Halloween. He really likes The Genie but I have no idea how to pull that one off.

Public Enemy Dogg

Barley has been my arch nemesis the past two weeks. Actually, he's been really good but those moments when he's not..... He is starved for attention! I feel bad that I don't have the time to give just him but hey, I have 2 kids to take care of. When we sat down to watch a movie yesterday he was literally trying to knock the kids out of the way so he could snuggle up to me. Dude, I know you're needin' some lovin' but knocking my children down isn't exactly endearing.

Mike says when I'm home I should tie him up out front (instead of putting him in his kennel) because he likes to see what's going on. This is what's going on.

NAUGHTY!

I think he might just die of excitement when Mike returns.

Public Urination

Pretty busy day today running around for me and the kids. After I picked them up from preschool we went to Walgreens to pick up my free printer cartridge refill (I love free). I decided today that since Mike was away I deserved some treats and went to the Halloween aisle to get some candy corn. I figured it wouldn't kill me for once to give in to whatever Holiday "spirit" is ongoing at the moment and just buy it. Yes, I'm the parent that usually deprives my did of candy. They never knew of the existence of 80% of the junk out there until they could "talk" to other kids. Anyway, back to Walgreens. They have the candy on one side and the Halloween costumes/decorations on the other. While I'm trying to decide between caramel candy corn, caramel apple candy corn, plain candy corn, the mix, etc" (I went for the caramel candy corn) I hear Mia whispering to Mason. I catch something about the scary man going to get you.... and then blood-curdling screaming and crying. Now I have to carry the boy all over the store and he will not let me walk anywhere near that aisle. Tough to avoid when it's in the middle of the store. I remember something that I wanted to check out and realize it's on the other side of the store past the SCARY aisle. Knowing I'm never going to get the boy past the aisle again, I put him down by the cart. I tell the kids it's their job to watch the cart and I'll be right back. I don't really get 10 steps away when I hear the crying again. Mason is literally shaking and I'm wondering what in the world Mia could have possibly have said to him until I see the yellow puddle on the floor. He was sooo upset, I just felt so bad for him.
Skip to tonight when he tells me he has to go potty and does. I do the whole get excited thing, dance around and sing "poo poo in the potty". The boy looked at me like I had just lost my flippin mind. Maybe it takes the embarrassment of public urination to make potty training more successful.

Oh yes, and today aside from the usual misbehavior that comes with any store outing was relatively a good day. I'm still loved at bedtime.

You are the best Mommy,
You are the meanest.

Every day I get to start anew. When I wake up my darling daughter in the morning I get to hear things like: "you are the best Mommy ever", "Mommy I love you so much", and "you are my most favorite Mommy". Somewhere between morning and afternoon though my status changes to: "YOU ARE SO MEAN" and "I don't like you anymore". Maybe I should start tracking this to see if I can pinpoint the exact "witching hour". After I have transformed into the witch I also get to hear things like, "I'm going to tell Daddy to unmarry you" and "I love Daddy so much and not you." I thought when I became a SAHM there would be more rewards such as bonding. After all I have special time with my children that working moms are deprived of and the princess will be starting Kindergarten next year. This is supposed to be cherished time...... and yet I feel so depriving and unappreciated. At least when I wake up tomorrow I'll be the best Mommy ever if only for a few hours.

Monsters, Inc.

Well, I thought tonight would be a relatively easy night since the kids had baths last night. Yeah right. After I went up to see why it was taking so long to get PJs on I found Mia applying marker around her lips like lipstick. Then I noticed Mason was kind of shiny. He had glitter lip gloss all over his face, neck and hair. That stuff is greasy and impossible to get off. I don't think it's even all gone, even after another bath. They are pretty wound-up and didn't cooperate with the video to well. Mike we miss you, especially me!

Good Night Daddy

Love from home!

Mean Streak

Since the hubby is on the world-wide business trip (Mexico-China-Japan) the in-laws stopped by yesterday afternoon to give me a little break from the kids. While I was out running errands (kid-free) Grandma took the kids outside and they were collecting acorns. Grandpa stayed inside to watch some sports on TV, Good Thing. I guess my lovely 4-year old daughter snuck back in the house and closed all the doors and locked them. A little attempt to lock Grandma out of the house. Soooo, at dinner later that evening my FIL says, "she's got a little mean streak doesn't she". He tells me the story as he catches her trying to lock little brother in the basement.

At any rate, at least school starts for them next week. If it wasn't for that I think I would need to get the "happy" drugs that my husband soooo thinks I need.

I'm wondering if I dare try to watch a little football today. Should I wear black?

Mia-cast

Just testing out the video option. I think Mia's curtsey at the end reminds me of Elaine dancing on Seinfeld.

Football is Dead

Mike thinks it's hilarious. All summer I was saying how I couldn't wait for football season to start. Collegiate football is my absolute favorite sport to watch. I actually forgot it kicked off last weekend and missed watching the game. We remembered at about 5ish and turned on the TV and started watching the scores, highlights, games in progress, etc. Then Mike said it. NOOOO! I told him to turn the TV off, "Football is Dead". He just cracks up but you didn't even get to watch one game.... you were so excited. It's Dead I tell you. I need time to mourn.

Fly Girl!

Yesterday, Mike was told after lunch that they (his work) needs him to go to Mexico, then China and finally Japan. He leaves Tuesday and comes back in about 2 weeks. OK, it sucks that he'll be working his a$$ off and that he'll have about 48 hours in airtime alone but I'm still a little envious. I'm remembering when it was me flying off (literally). OK, so the pic is just a distant memory. I'm writing this as the boy is crying and hanging on me. He just woke up grumpy and nothing that me or the girl does seems to work to make him stop. I don't think he even knows why he's crying. It's just gonna be one of those days.

Potty Power Please

Thought for the day...."Please don't pee your pants!". This morning I'm trying to round up the royal heirs to go to their preschool open house. Mason has flat out told me when I ask, "Why? Why? Don't you use the potty?"..... "Because I want you to do it". Great! You get a kick out of me wiping your butt. He did pick out his underwear this morning, we shall see. Maybe the soiling of the underwear is a treat reserved for mom and he'll be fine at school.
Last night, we took our last trip to Sam's Club (as my membership expires at the end of the month and I've already bought a Costco one now) and bought Mia the el-cheapo Sleeping Beauty costume. I was going to buy from mydressuptrunk.com but just couldn't justify buying 5 dresses (of course, I'd HAVE to buy the package). Mia has said she wants to be Jasmine so I've bought the patterns and will attempt to make it. The Sleeping Beauty is my back-up in case I screw it up which is highly likely. Anyway, off to start the day.

Mike's Kayak

My favorite thing about Mike getting a Kayak?...... I get some alone time:) I say there's no room for me. He says, "there's room for everyone"....hmmmmm......maybe next time.
There's about 2 weeks left until school (OK preschool) starts and Mason will be starting this year. Of course, that's contingent on him using the potty but I think when he realizes his alternative is to stay home with me the potty will be "sweet freedom". I've been feeling really stressed lately. Just overwhelmed really, so much to do-no time. I was even contemplating getting a prescription for the "happy" drugs but I think once I have a little break maybe I'll return to normal.
Here was my big freak out of late. Well, internal freak-out. Those who know me know I'm not exactly the church lady type. I was a military pilot in my past life and frankly a little uncomfortable around other women and children. Now as a SAHM I try to get involved, I mean I can't continue on with no friends and live like a hermit in my house right? So now that we finally attend church on a regular basis (we weren't good about that before the kids came) I've become the "moms and tots" leader/coordinator and my neighborhood network coordinator. The moms group thing doesn't really seem like a lot of work since I've finally met some friends. It's become less about the kids and more about ME. Well, I recently volunteered to be an aide for the Faith Formation classes. At the meeting I realized I'm not an aide, I'm the teacher! FREAK OUT! Me a church teacher? I envision my phone ringing of the hook with angry parents wondering just what did I teach their little one. I do have the 4 year olds and Mia will be in the class. Mia is doing pretty well so maybe a few hours with me won't damage other children too much.
Anyway, I've been lurking on other sites/blogs for awhile. Some of them I just love but alas it's no good for me to just make virtual friends. I spend way to much time on the computer as is. It has inspired me to update my own blog though. So if you come by, read the blog, leave a comment to inspire me to update more often.

Wow! Haven't updated since New Years. Too much has happened to write a catch-up so I thought I'd just post a few pics. Top left is obviously the Magic Kingdom in WDW, top right is the four of us at Sarah's (Mike's youngest sister) wedding and the last pic is the kids on the stairs of the Capon House during Tulip Time. May was a whirlwind of activities and just flew by. Of course, I have a ton of projects in the works and really have finished nothing too! I'll post again soon but have to run.... sooo busy.

A day at the beach. We decided to go for a family stroll on the beach yesterday. Mason made a beeline for the water and was not too happy that I wouldn't let him get close. I think he actually thought he was going for a swim. Barley had fun chasing all the birds, he sure seemed like he had a good time. I personally prefer the beach in the summer. This is the closest we've got to taking a family photo with the lighthouse, "Big Red", in the background.

All the kids have been to the doctor for checkups this week. Mia is now 35 lbs. Mason is 25 and Barley is 27. Barley has already passed Mason in weight. I think we have a few years before Mason passes him back:)

Mason's 2-year birthday!

Since it's Christmas Eve it was just us as everyone we know is pretty much gone out of town celebrating the holidays. We still had lots of fun.

Some sewing projects that I've done. I can sew can you believe it? Mia modeling the 2 jumpers and she is wearing the one to go see Santa. She picked the clothes underneath:) I made the pink Satin PJ pants for me and Mia but not the shirts. Also, was feeling pretty crafty with the pretzel snacks that I made for Mia's preschool class.

Just a little update. For most of you that know me this is old news. The past week has been absolutely miserable. Mia had the modeling job from hell Wednesday. I was told a "client" wanted her for the cover of a magazine. I should bring pink tops and not feed her lunch as she will be eating chocolate cupcakes for the shoot (and may have to eat a lot of them). The shoot was scheduled at 12:45 in Benton Harbor. My friend Laura watched Mason and I told her I'd be back around 3pm since these shoots can go quick or last over an hour. I thought I was being conservative. I dropped Mason off at 11:15, picked up Mia from preschool at 11:30 and drove straight to the shoot. Mia says she's hungry and is almost crying that I won't feed her. I arrive at the shoot to find they have booked 2 other girls for the same job and they have scheduled a minimum of 3 hours. (I call Laura in a panic who tells me not to worry). At about 1:30 "they" come out look at the girls and decide to start with the one who has the thickest/longest hair since "it will take longer to do". We sit with no word until they come out at 3:15 and release us. Soooo, Mia never even got her pictures taken. At least we still get paid and Mia got her cupcake. Since I'm not a big breakfast eater I was ready to eat the magazines in the waiting area! I guess I need to ask a lot more questions next time they call one of the kids for a job. To top of the day's fun Mason started vomiting at 9pm and it took until Friday before he could even keep down water. Fun, Fun! Mia was the neglected child and I felt bad that she was pretty much ignored while I tended to Mason. She of course vomited after dinner last night. Luckily that was it. I kept her home from school today but I think she is just working it for the attention. She seems perfectly fine (and has since about 9am) but if she doesn't like what you want her do do, wear, eat, etc..... she says she's sick. Yeah right.
I guess I should be thankful this was before the Holidays and not during Mike's hunting trip (knock on wood, rap.... rap....rap).
So sick kids.... and Bo died.... and Michigan lost. Bad week.
We did manage to sneak in getting our family pics done Sunday after mass. Our first family photo that has Mason in it. The kids thought it was fun and it only took about 15 minutes to take the pictures.
Anyway, hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

Happy Halloween! Top: Mia and Mason in front of our house. Middle: The trick-or-treating gang at the Snook's house. Bottom: Trick or Treat bags that my friend Shannon made for the kids. It was sooo nice outside Monday night but of course cooled way down for Halloween. We set out our treat bowl so we could both go with the kids and of course our bowl was empty shortly after we left. So much for honest kids. My friend Laura told me she still had candy left in her bowl when she came back and that was after she saw a group of teenagers leaving. I guess the kids in my neighborhood are a little less morally conscience. Now that Halloween is over I've turned into the candy Nazi. Letting the kids have one piece after lunch and one piece after dinner. Mia has tried to help herself a few times so now I get to add in the fun of hiding the candy. They were cute in their costumes though.

We ate our last apple Sunday morning so since the weather was nice we decided to go to Crane's and get apples one last time (yesterday was the last day for the u-pick). We've never eaten in the restaurant but we can attest that the cider and donuts are killer. The apples were darn good too (we like Jonagold). If you've never been you should check them out sometime http://www.craneorchards.com/. I can't wait until the kids are old enough to try out that maze.

Last Wednesday at our Moms and Tots Halloween party. This is the best pic that I could get (hopefully Becky or Meg got a better pic) but it's pretty good considering our subject matter. We are missing a little Dalmation pup, he ran off before I could snap the pic. There was lots of treats, lots of mess and lots of energy:)

Ladies Night Out (Oct 19th) this month was at Paint a Pot from 6-8 followed up by the Curragh at 8 til about 10:30. Paint a Pot was fun but was a bit like playing beat the clock. I was painting up to the last minute and definitely needed the beer (and good conversation) at the Curragh to bring me back to a calmer state.

Laura Pohl adding the finishing touches on her masterpiece.

Claudia's new Halloween Candy bowl, Awesome Baby!

Me pushing it to the last second.

Others that came to Paint-a-pot that I missed getting pics of: Carrie Rutkoski and Becky Loeprich.

At the Curragh (we forgot to take the picture until almost ready to go, sorry we missed you in the pic Claudia). From left: Laura Pohl, me, Becky Loeprich, Megan Macina, and Becky Karner.

OK, just finished my first sewing project. Mia REALLY wanted to be a witch for Halloween and I couldn't find a costume I liked that was under $40 or not incredibly short for a 3 year old. I had cut out the neck too big but I think I fixed it well enough. Mason is to be a frog for Halloween (Thanks Shannon for the costume!) but I can't get him to even put it on. Mike thought if we can get him to wear it for a couple of days like pajamas to bed he'll get used to it but unfortunately he took it off. I'm not sure if we'll get a costume on him or not. Fabric was only $1.99 a yard and I used 2 and had a lot left over, plus I had to hem a lot so I got off pretty cheap. I just can't believe I took a piece of fabric and made it into a dress. Wonders never cease:)

Last Thursday I got to meet with my Aunt Ali and Uncle Cliff for a couple hours at McDonald's. They live in Florida (I haven't seen them in probably 8 years) and were traveling by on their way to my Cousin Greg in Mancelona. They had at least another 4 hours in the car to go so I was happy that they made the time to stop and visit if only for a short while. It was the first time for them to see Mia and Mason in person, lots of changes since the last time we saw each other. Time flew by and of course the visit was way too short to really catch up. The kids were starting to get a little cranky and fell asleep as I was pulling out of the parking lot. Hopefully, it won't be another 8 years before we get to meet again.