The week has definitely gotten better. Thank you Lord! He knew that I needed a little break from the insanity that had been going on and I thank Him for His loving kindness. The other day we went somewhere, can't remember, but when we got home I opened the door to let the kids inside and I went to check the mail. Came back to find little miss sitting up here:
Yup, climbed up on top of a couple boxes and sat on them. Not sure why or how they didn't fall over, but thankful they didn't b/c it could have been some serious injury going on if she did. She has a little fan (you know the cheap $5 round ones?) on top of her kitchen in her bedroom and I went in to tuck her in one night and it was on. I didn't do it and she happily informed me that she had turned it on. Now, she has a sturdy kitchen, but it was not meant for 35 lbs. to be climbing, or standing, on it. We will be buying her a new tall fan to put on the floor today. She definitely takes after my brother in the scaling things that shouldn't be scaled. Christopher just never bothered to climb much of anything until he was about 2. He likes to climb now, but not like his sister.
After I took her photo and got her down we decided to have lunch. They looked so cute sitting there I just had to snap a photo. She hates when I fix her hair, but I LOVE it when she fixes it!
Brandon's been working a crappy rotation (not at our hospital, a different one and they treat our docs crappy) and today is the last day there. Tonight starts his vaca and I'm so pumped! We are starting it off right by returning a favor to the Ramages and watching their kids so they can go out. Tomorrow we have a b'day party at a park and wait, Mother's Day is Sunday! Who knew? Huh. Last year Brandon worked that day and was so busy he had to send a friend out to buy me a card! How sad is that? (In a sweet way, not a pity way.) I'm counting my new shoes as my present. (I'm sure you were too, honey and that's why I love you!)On Monday the kids have school so we will have several hours of freedom and I think we just might go to the beach during that time. Then a week of hanging out and his parents are going to come visit. Can't wait! Hope you have a great weekend!
I wanted to thank all of you who left me positive comments yesterday. And Christine, I specifically remember having a day exactly like that once! About near killed me. But the not staying in bed got better and I can finally take a shower during the day, alone, and pray the whole time that the mess I find when I get out will be one that is easy to clean up.
I know that other people have bad days, but you forget they can be just as bad as yours are. And yes, I have yelled at my child so loud it made them cry too. (I'm actually ashamed to admit it.) But I apologized immediately and hugged and kissed that child for like 30 minutes afterward. And I told an old neighbor (she has 6 kids) that I feel like the other neighbors all know us b/c I'm the one yelling at my kids all the time. But she told me you can't be a good parent and never yell at them at some point so she made me feel better. I figured if she had 6 kids she had to be doing something right!
So, thank you all for making me feel better about being so honest. I'm an open book, so just beware. You never know what you'll read on here! : )
The last 2 hours have been nice. I thought after such an awful post I should let you know the day is ending nicely. After fighting with Sophie, and getting yelled at by her, I decided she needed a nap.
She slept for over 2 hours.
Christopher was ignoring me all afternoon and spent a majority of it in timeout b/c he thought he was either too smart or too old to listen to me. Even William, who had come over to play with him, had enough and ran home crying. (I'm so embarrassed!!)
He played alone with the water hose and was happy after having that time.
I got all the bushes trimmed during the craziness and replanted my flowers into a pot that didn't have a huge crack in it and felt much better after doing all of that. Well, better in the sense that it was done. It was hot and humid and I thought I was going to either pass out or puke when I was done. Don't you hate that feeling?
I had 2 chocolate popsicles and got a shower.
Christopher and I cuddled on the couch and watched the rest of Bedtime Stories and had popcorn and cheez-its. Sophie woke up right before Brandon came home. He had just as bad a day as we did and he did absolutely nothing to deserve it. Why do people in the working world feel the need to dump everything onto someone who should not be doing their work? (Yes, I'm even talking about nurses and PAs that don't do their work and dump it on a doctor!! Where's the respect? Don't get me started b/c I can write a whole other post on that topic!)
He came home early and cuddled with us.
The three kiddos just left with the dog to go down to the water to play for a little while. The sun is shining, everyone and everything outside is clean and my house is quiet. Dinner is in the oven and so I think I might just start my new James Bond movie, that I haven't seen yet, while folding all the t-shirts that have been lying on the chair for 2 days. Life is good. : )
Bet you didn't think I'd say that did ya?
I'm not sure who is frustrating who more this week, me or the kids. Yesterday the kids had mothers' day out and we got home at 2:30. It was pouring outside so we were confined to the indoors. I put a movie on and it seemed to work for a while, but I was trying to finish something I'd started before I picked them up and Sophie just had to sit in my lap. She always has to sit in my lap. And I'm just short enough and she's just tall enough that I can't see anything I'm doing when she's in my lap. So I get annoyed. Why can't she snuggle up next to me? I would LOVE that! But nooooooo, she has to be right on top of me so all I can do is just be a chair. Have I ever mentioned that I have a very difficult time sitting down and not doing something else at the same time? It is extremely difficult for me.
So our afternoon just seemed to go downhill very quickly. The kids started picking at each other (while still picking at me) and before we knew it everyone in our house was either crying or yelling and I had a headache. Have your children ever made your ears ring? Mine do. Motrin wasn't helping either. I finally got a call from Brandon and could barely hear him, asked him when he'd be home and I got in the shower and stood there until it sounded like he was here. He wasn't. They were getting out the Wii Fit board b/c they wanted to play Wii.
They fought some more.
I yelled some more.
Nobody was winning.
We had dinner and then it was time to put them to bed. Actually Sophie only continued to get louder (I know, it's actually possible) and so I told her she was done for the day and Brandon took over with more love than I could have found at the time. (I adore my husband!)
I went to bed and said a prayer for a friend who is having with twins today and also for myself. I prayed that we'd both have a good day today b/c I knew we would both need it. Even if it was for different reasons. Her's was joyful and mine was out of desperation. (Can't wait to see photos Anna!!!)
Today, I was determined to have a better day, but was also a little realistic. We went to Kohl's b/c we had $20 credit to spend by tomorrow and Sophie needed new pj's. The kids were awful. I think at least twice I couldn't find Christopher and he wouldn't answer when I yelled for him. Yes, yelled. Loud. The first time was as soon as we walked in the store. If I didn't have the credit and she didn't need pj's I would have just left. We were only in there maybe 30 minutes and I hated it. I was the mom who was afraid she would end up on the news for jerking her child around and threatening to wear them out if they didn't behave.
Next we had to go to Sam's. I gave them a good talking to before going inside. They agreed to the terms. They run away or misbehave and they will be forced to sit in the cart. They were good for 5 minutes then sent to the cart. They were actually pretty good until Sophie decided to try to pull everything down that she could reach, I'd told her numerous times to stop and finally had to pop her on the arm. She was so mad at me that she screamed at the top of her lungs in anger. It was not in pain, but sheer passionate anger. We checked out and went home.
No Chick-fil-a for anyone today.
I'd left my coupon at home anyway.
I wish that I could freeze my margarita bucket I just bought and have some for lunch. But I'm not that mom. Even if sometimes I wish I was. (Really, my freezer is too full, but I would wait until Brandon was home to crack it open.) Instead, I was the mom that everyone stared at and I hated it. I can't stand to be that mom. I'd rather not be a mom then have to be that mom. Can I say that? It doesn't help that I feel dizzy today. Like I could just bump into the wall walking down the hall dizzy. Can barely see straight, want to knock myself out and lie down in bed until the earth stops moving kind of dizzy. Started yesterday and worse today. Soooooooooo not fun!!!
My kids have been fighting and picking at each other since we got home. I have things to do outside this afternoon so hopefully we can give each other a little space while I do them. Maybe trimming the bushes while dizzy isn't the best idea. I think that will have to wait until another day.
Yesterday Brandon and I were lucky enough to go on a long date yesterday after church. Our friends Matt and Tiffany had offered and we just at the opportunity. We headed over to Destin b/c we wanted to walk on the beach and go try out the new mexican restaurant Matt and Tiff had found the day before.
Of course I had to swing into Michael's to look for our next MOPS craft. (Honestly, I didn't want to have to turn around the next day and come back.) Then Brandon decided he wanted sushi, so we went to Destin Commons for his favorite place to get it. We decided to walk around a little while we were there and ended up in the Crocs store. We both found something we just couldn't live without and these are my newest little gems:
Of course I had to swing into Michael's to look for our next MOPS craft. (Honestly, I didn't want to have to turn around the next day and come back.) Then Brandon decided he wanted sushi, so we went to Destin Commons for his favorite place to get it. We decided to walk around a little while we were there and ended up in the Crocs store. We both found something we just couldn't live without and these are my newest little gems:
Just couldn't live without them. Could you? I've been dying for some cute red sandals for years, but just couldn't find the right ones. And I can't remember the last time I paid this much (and they really weren't that expensive, just try to keep everything I buy for myself in the $20-25 or less range.) They are comfy and don't need to stretch out. I already know the first place I plan to wear them.
After leaving Destin Commons we headed to the beach. We live at the beach, but never go there b/c there are so many tourists that we hate dealing with the traffic. But we didn't have kids with us and so we could actually go for a walk on the beach, something we haven't done since our honeymoon 6 years ago. Unfortunately it was probably the nastiest day at the beach b/c everywhere you looked you would think it was pouring, but it wasn't. Just that humid and foggy, but not like regular fog, just gross out. But we had a great walk and talked about where we wanted to move next summer when our time is up here (yes, Webster and Starnes, I actually told him I wanted to move to KS so I could be near you. He laughed at me.) and a bunch of other stuff.
Then we drove farther down 98 and ended up at Grand Blvd. to eat at Cantina Loredo and if you are looking for some super yummy fancy Mexican food this is your place. It's not your typical "give me a #24 with chicken" Mexican food. They make the most amazing guacamole at your table and you will want to just eat that, then beg for seconds and thirds, have a margarita with it and then go home. I only ate half of my chicken enchiladas b/c I had so much homemade salsa too. We walked around a little more and then decided we should go back home.
It was a great day and we needed it really bad. Brandon's schedule is finally letting up, but we felt like we were just passing each other for about 2 months there. Thanks Ramages for helping us out and we look forward to returning the favor this weekend!
After leaving Destin Commons we headed to the beach. We live at the beach, but never go there b/c there are so many tourists that we hate dealing with the traffic. But we didn't have kids with us and so we could actually go for a walk on the beach, something we haven't done since our honeymoon 6 years ago. Unfortunately it was probably the nastiest day at the beach b/c everywhere you looked you would think it was pouring, but it wasn't. Just that humid and foggy, but not like regular fog, just gross out. But we had a great walk and talked about where we wanted to move next summer when our time is up here (yes, Webster and Starnes, I actually told him I wanted to move to KS so I could be near you. He laughed at me.) and a bunch of other stuff.
Then we drove farther down 98 and ended up at Grand Blvd. to eat at Cantina Loredo and if you are looking for some super yummy fancy Mexican food this is your place. It's not your typical "give me a #24 with chicken" Mexican food. They make the most amazing guacamole at your table and you will want to just eat that, then beg for seconds and thirds, have a margarita with it and then go home. I only ate half of my chicken enchiladas b/c I had so much homemade salsa too. We walked around a little more and then decided we should go back home.
It was a great day and we needed it really bad. Brandon's schedule is finally letting up, but we felt like we were just passing each other for about 2 months there. Thanks Ramages for helping us out and we look forward to returning the favor this weekend!
Has anyone ever heard of Alice.com b/c I'm wondering about it? I just found it online and I have absolutely no idea how I found it. I'm really tired. They do your shopping for you and ship it for free. Plus find coupons for you. Plus remind you when you need to buy something again. Plus, plus, plus. Have your toiletries, dog food, vitamins, diapers, wipes, soap (for every room of the house--laundry, bath, kitchen) coffee, etc. sent to you at the cheapest price and free shipping? Oh, and you sign up for free too? Hmmm.... not sure what to think. Sounds too good to be true. But it's talked about on Forbes, Good Housekeeping, CNN, Rachael Ray, Redbook, ABC News, The NY Times, CNBC and the list goes on and on. If you've heard of it, good or bad, or use it, please let us know. I'm very interested!
I've seen a few blogs write things about "keeping it real," but I thought I'd SHOW you keeping it real. And I'm not afraid either. I had planned all week to really clean the house on Thursday b/c my sis-in-law and nephews are coming to stay the weekend with us and we are super excited! (I haven't reminded Christopher b/c I knew he wouldn't go to school today if he knew.)
About mid-morning yesterday Brandon called to see if it would be ok if the intern he was working with could bring his family over for dinner. I told him no problem b/c the house was going to be clean by then anyway. I took some before pics, just so you could see what I was up against. Now, remember the dog had 2 separate explosions in the same area (and of course I'd already vacuumed before he did that), so I didn't get started until about 10:00 on anything. Brace yourselves b/c it gets pretty bad:
Dump truck and board game are in the "cleaned up" poop area, but I had to go over it more after this photo was taken. Now, this room actually looks pretty clean in my opinion. (Putting it out there for those of you who thought so as well.) But what you can't see is the 3 loads of laundry piled on the chair in the corner. Oh, and remember, poop had been in this area so nobody was allowed to play here and that's why it's not worse. Trust me, it's been WAY worse!!!
My bedroom.Piles of clothes and bedding e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e due to past illnesses, weather changes and just plain dirty laundry. I've been wanting to tackle this forever, but the rest of the house takes priority and once I take the dirty clothes out I turn around and it's there all over again. Do you have a love/hate relationship with seasonal clothing? I sure do! I love the change, but hate changing it over so it sits on the floor until the change stays for good.
Kitchen counter #1.
and the rest of the kitchen...
I told you it was bad! Don't worry, everything you have seen was cleaned up. For the most part. And I'm only showing you parts of the messy house. I don't make anything in my house perfect when we have company, including myself-- rarely to change out of my shorts/jeans and t-shirt, fix my hair or wear makeup, b/c that's not what our house looks like on a regular basis. I don't have time for perfection, nor do I want anyone to think I do. If my house is perfect when you come over, I'm going to feel like I have to make it look that way every time you come over and then I'd just quit inviting you over.The sweet man comes in, somehow gets the stove out into the kitchen. Rips the top off and starts looking for the problem. He finds out that he doesn't have the part he needs (of course!) and has to go back to get it. Now, remember I'm making quiche and it needs to bake for an hour. Meaning, it needs to get in the oven umm.... NOW! I no longer have a working oven. I grab the bacon, throw it in a pan and run to Tiffany's to bake it, run back home to get the rest of the ingredients (thankful for the back up frozen crust I'd bought) and run back over to her house to throw it all together. I call Brandon and tell him what's going on and he comes home right away. I come back home to put together the spinach dip and send it back over with Brandon to throw in the oven while the two guys come back, find out the new parts still don't help, tell me I'm getting a new oven and ask if they can take the old one away now. Heck yes you can!!! : ) They laugh b/c the women always get excited to hear this. The men don't care. They haul it off and I rush around to start mopping and get the outdoor utility brush to clean the nastiness from underneath. We get it all done and here's what I'm left with when our company arrives:
They feel bad. I told them I don't care, so they shouldn't either. We still have food to eat and we are going to enjoy it. Now, I thought the guys weren't going to come back until tomorrow b/c they knew we were going to have company, but they came back with this little beauty and hooked it up in no time. I love living on base! I may not have a dream house (or a pretty house for that much--it's pretty ugly on the outside), but I love knowing that if anything goes wrong I will be taken care of.
We had a great dinner and lots of fun and we are ready to have our company this weekend. Plus it feels great to finally have those counters cleaned off.... well, at least 90% of them!
Let me just start by saying that I wanted to put a different word in there other than "crap", but I know some of my readers (mainly my mom and her friends) would be very offended by that. Now to the story:
Last night Brandon and I got the kids to bed and I was exhausted and couldn't wait to go to bed myself. Brick had been outside all day long b/c the kids and I went to Destin to hang with the cousins who are in town and then I had a meeting at church, so he was outside a REALLY long time! He was very excited to see all of us when we got home and we were happy to see him. He came running into our room and smelled like he'd been rolling in crap. It was awful! I got up and checked the floor and didn't see anything, so I followed him down the hall, where I sent him right after he came in stinking. Brandon yelled, "Stop!!!! Don't move!!!" I froze and looked down to see that Brick had shot crap, yes, S.H.O.T it, across the floor. He had just come in from Brandon letting him out to go to the bathroom. We were both gagging from the smell. We got everything cleaned up and my cleaner rinsed out and we went to bed. Brick slept outside for the first time ever that night
This morning Christopher came in and woke me up saying, "Mom, you gotta come see this." Thinking how in the world could he already have something for me to see I crawled out of bed to see. This time I shouted, "Stop!!!! Don't move!!!!!" and Sophie started crying. I wanted to too. Brick had done it again. This time it wasn't as bad, but it was still there. I ran out of floor cleaner and had to call Tiffany and used the rest of hers too. Christopher informs me while I'm cleaning, "It looks like chocolate!" He's laughing. I'm thinking of who would want to adopt our dog.
He will be spending the entire day outside. He needs a bath. I do too.
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