A day in the life of me...

You haven't missed much.

2011-03-06T23:22:00.007-05:00

Same old same old around here as far as schedules go.

The kids were on vacation from February 21-March 2nd. We unfortunately didn't do much over vacation. The kids seemed to be happy with being able to play with toys and video games of course. The day before school started again, I took them to meet my mom for lunch at Zachary's pizza place. I could tell that day that Caleb wasn't feeling that great. He had started with a cough and he looked tired and well, like he was getting sick. Sure enough he had a fever that night and proceeded to have one until yesterday. I took him to the doctor on Wednesday because he was acting almost like he did when he had pneumonia. We didn't see his regular doctor, but got into to see another one. She said that he did sound wheezy and we got sent home with an albuterol inhaler. He seemed to get better but the fever lasted forever! By Friday he was driving me nuts! He even cried because he wanted to go back to school. I thought maybe I should tape him so I could show him in 5 years. Ha, ha! Now Hayley has a fever and cough. Poor girl was not herself at all yesterday and just laid around. Hopefully Meghan will stay healthy. I was all excited that maybe we would be getting to some sort of normal schedule, but it's supposed to snow 20-30 inches so they canceled school. Oh well, at least they can rest up one more day.

Nothing new with Bart. His hours have finally let up for the moment. During the kids vacation he worked a 90 hour week (yes you read that right 90 hours). People think I'm kidding when I say he is never here. I am so over him working 24/7.

One other annoying thing, is that we finally ordered a treadmill (since we live in the boonies and I never leave here) so I could work out at home. We get it delivered had to call both our fathers so we could get the beast of a treadmill downstairs, get it set up, turn it on, nothing. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Awesome! That was the beginning of February, and we have called and got the run around...so we'll still waiting on them to fix it.

I am really looking forward to Spring.

Same old, Same old.

2011-02-11T10:16:00.003-05:00

Another week gone by, and really not much to say at all. It really is the same thing just different day. I am thankful it is Friday though! Let's see here's a recap:

Sunday-I had my dad and Penny over for the Superbowl. We had a lot of good snacks and it was fun, except for the going to bed late and Hayley being up on and off for an hour part. Bart had to get up early and go to NY.

Monday-Meg had dance. Caleb stays with gram and Hayley goes with me. I dread Mondays for this reason. We don't get home until about 8. Bart is NY for the night.

Tuesday-Same thing. Bart got home about 12:30 am from NY.

Wednesday-I had to go audit for our town. Hayley didn't take a nap and I had to go pick up Meg from tutoring after school. Bart got home about 12 am (I'm assuming since I was asleep).

Thursday-Same thing. I picked up Caleb from after school program and headed to hockey. It was supposed to be the last night for hockey, but I guess they might have one more? I still might tell them that it was the last night (hee, hee). Bart's parents came up to help me get the kids ready and to see them play because Bart can't. After hockey we went to McDonald's. Bart got home after 12 am.

Friday- I will have to pick up the kids from after school program and then there is a dance tonight for the school. Which I know we will have to go to because the kids love it. Even though no one really dances..the kids just run around and play with friends. We did get our treadmill delivered today but it can't fit through the door. Hopefully we will get it in piece by piece? The thing is monstrous! Bart is headed to NY this weekend.

Do you see a pattern here? I don't ever see Bart. I know when I say he works all the time that some people are like, yeah, yeah... but really he does. I see him in the morning for about a half an hour. Oh but it's only for busy season right? Umm sure. It used to be, but now it seems that busy season is all year long. This past summer he had to travel every week for 2 days or so. Even when we took our vacation to Disney he had to work some. I am grateful he has a job, I just wish it was one that was more flexible and less hours.

Walk to Cure Diabetes

2011-02-04T10:53:00.002-05:00

This past August we found out that my nephew, Jack has type 1 diabetes. Type 1, or juvenile diabetes, is a devastating disease that affects millions of people, a large and growing percentage of them children.

Currently there is no cure. But with your help we can make a difference. Would you please think about supporting me in my cause? Any amount is helpful! I would appreciate it so much! You can easily donate online here

Thank you so much!

Weekend Recap

2011-02-01T14:35:00.002-05:00

I'm really trying to post more, and I realize no one will care what I write and it's boring..but at least I can look back and see what I was doing at this time.

Friday I went to my sister's Silpada party. If you don't know what Silpada is, it's really expensive jewelry. I had to make 2 maple cream pies for the dessert. SO yummy, but I didn't have any, cause you know I'm dieting AGAIN. Anyways, I didn't order anything because it's expensive, and I am not a huge jewelry wearer. But it was fun and I got to have a little adult interaction.

Saturday the whole family went down to the in-laws and we hung out there first. Then we went out to eat for Bart's 30th birthday. It was a good meal, and shockingly and surprisingly the kids were decent.

Sunday we failed to make it to church. Plus there was no Sunday school so that was almost a given not to go, mostly for the sake of the other members. It was a lazy day. I went grocery shopping alone {bliss}! Bart had to leave early for his 6 hour drive to NY for work. BLECH.

My life right now.

2011-01-28T09:16:00.002-05:00

I would really like to start blogging again so I can remember what we do. But mostly I feel like my life is lather, rinse, repeat. It's not very exciting. Mostly my day consists of :

Getting Caleb and Meghan off to school.
Having coffee and get on the internet.
Hayley wakes up. She has breakfast and we play and watch cartoons.
Time to fix lunch.
Hayley brushes teeth and then goes down (hopefully) for a nap.
I get the kids off the bus.
We do homework. Then Caleb and Meg either go to gram's or play here.
I take out all their snow stuff, hang it up, put mittens on heater to dry, clean out their lunchbox.
Hayley wakes up.
I start dinner.
We eat dinner, and then the kids have some chill time before bed.
Bath & showers
Snack, read books, brush teeth.
Caleb and Meg go to bed.
Hayley and I read books, then brush teeth and Hayley is off to bed.
I clean up from dinner, pick up the house, and watch some TV or go online.
Go to bed.

The only differences are on Mondays Meg has dance, and right now on Thursdays Caleb and Meg play hockey, but that will be over in 2 weeks. Bart is in his busy season so we don't see him much. That's pretty much my life right now in a nutshell.

Our trip to Disney!

2010-10-29T09:46:00.010-04:00

2010-08-06T17:24:00.000-04:00

Tap, tap, tap is this thing on? Anyone out there? Hoping to revive this thing soon!

Fair Fun

2009-09-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

We took the kids's to the fair on Sunday. We also took them after school on Tuesday. In our family the first Tuesday of the fair is when all of our family goes. It's been a tradition for as long as I can remember. My gram loved to go to the fair. She looked forward to it every year. She loved to go into the craft buildings and look at all the crafts. If she saw something new that was knit or quilted she would buy one and then figure out how it was made and make one herself at home.

My favorite story about the fair is the one from my mom's childhood. My mother is one of 10 kids and like a lot of people back then, they didn't have much money. But my gram always took them to the fair, and they each got a roll of dimes to have. They could use the dimes for games or rides it was up to them. My mom said the games were 10 cents and the rides were either 25 or 50 cents. They never ate in the fair, instead they would go to the parking lot and eat the lunch my gram had packed for them. What made it special was that my gram bought things that they didn't usually get to have like soda and oreos.
I just love to hear this story over and over. It shows what a great mom my grandmother was, and how she did the best she could with what she had. I miss her so much and think about her everyday. Her absence is felt every year we meet on Tuesday at the fair. We all toast to gram with our coffees.

And now I leave you some pictures from the fair!

Kindergarten

2009-08-31T13:48:00.005-04:00

Caleb and Meghan started Kindergarten today! I can't believe that they are already 5 years old and starting school. They were so excited to go to school today. I really wanted to drive them today and go in the school with them, however they wanted to ride the bus. I didn't cry even! But they went to preschool last year on the bus, so I guess I was used to it.

Today has been a quiet day and Hayley likes having all the toys to herself without Caleb and Meghan taking them away from her. I can't wait to hear how their first day went!

I am ready to get back into a "schedule" and start back on losing weight. I don't look forward to winter though!

Prayers for baby Jack

2009-08-30T00:39:00.002-04:00

My best friend who you might remember me talking about here and here went into labor today, and they ended up doing an emergency c-section because the baby had a high heart rate. She had a baby boy and his name is Jack. He is currently in the NICU and they estimate for about 10 days are so. He was having trouble breathing. I don't know anymore at this point. If you are the praying type could use please pray for baby Jack and his mommy Jessica? I would appreciate it.

5 year appointments & Lawn Sales

2009-06-18T09:25:00.003-04:00

Caleb and Meghan had their 5 year appointment on Monday. They did unfortunately get one shot, which went over better than it did last year. Caleb didn't cry, but Meg did. They asked if they could go to school now that they have a shot. They are so excited to go to school!
Caleb weighs 50lbs and is 46 inches, 95% for both.
Meghan weighs 41lbs and is 45 inches. 95% for height, 60% for weight.
The doctor says they look great!

We have been really busy getting ready for our lawn sale. I am hoping to get rid of some stuff! I don't care about making money so much, I just want to get rid of some major junk. After we get through this we are FINALLY going to be painting the downstairs. We WILL get the basement room finished before kindergarten starts!!!

Babies

2009-06-09T09:27:00.004-04:00

Hayley loves babies. At first I thought it was just a phase of taking her "babies" to bed with her. It started with one baby but now she has 3 in her crib with her at night. Meghan was never like this as a baby and still isn't that interested in babies. I thought that it was just a comfort item for Hayley. Well the other day I went to the neighbors to get Caleb and Meghan who were playing on the swingset. There was a baby on the ground and I let Hayley play with it while we were watching. Then when it was time to go and give the baby back to the neighbor kid, Hayley would not let go for the life of her. I had to pry it out of her hands and she is strong! After I got it back I gave it to the neighbor girl and Hayley proceeded to cry and have a huge fit like I have never heard. It continued for about 10 minutes after coming in the house too.

When we went to the mall this past weekend, Bart brought the kids in to the toy store and I went to look and try on some clothes. When I met up with him later, he said that when he got to a certain part of the store Hayley would cry and have a fit. He finally figured out that it was because she saw the baby dolls. She sure shows her temper when she wants something!

Weekend Recap

2009-06-08T09:40:00.003-04:00

We had a good weekend. This weekend unlike all the others didn't seem to fly by. Bart mowed the lawn on Thursday so we didn't have to spend 2 hours doing that. I had every intention on going to WW but it was so nice and it was actually a weekend we didn't have anything planned. So we got some small projects done while Hayley was napping. After Hayley woke up, we decided to go and get Caleb's haircut. It was desperately needed! We then went to the mall, which wasn't that fun with 3 kids. So we left not soon after and headed to the in-laws and had dinner.
On Sunday we went to church, where Hayley proceeded to crack up people with her scowl look and waving to gram in the choir. She is getting harder and harder to entertain there. I bring a variety of snacks but those only work for so long. After church my sister took Caleb and Meghan with her to my nephews t-ball game. We drove down later for and met them, and then ate dinner at my sisters. It was a nice relaxing weekend!

The kids are done school for the summer but have been approved for summer speech classes, which I am so happy about. I am still waiting for details on when it will be. I know that Caleb and Meghan will not be happy about it.

I can't believe it's June already! Time seems to be flying by!

Hayley is 1!

2009-04-22T08:18:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that Hayley is 1. This past year flew by! (a lot faster than with the twins!) She has been such an easy baby. She has been pretty much sleeping through the night since she was 3 months old. Having one at a time seems so easy!
At 1 year, Hayley:

has 4 teeth on top and 4 teeth on the bottom.
She is in size 4 diapers.
She wears 18 month clothing.
She loves music.
She has a favorite baby that she sleeps with.
She still has 4 bottles a day.
She will eat pretty much anything you give her.
She is crawling, and standing up holding on to something.
She points.
She loves being outside.
She loves playing with her brother and sister.
Lately she has been scowling at people and then turns and smiles.

BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!

2009-04-06T22:00:00.003-04:00

I just found out that my best friend Jess is 4 months pregnant! She is due in September. You might remember me asking for prayers here. She has been trying for 3 years. What a blessing. If you could continue your prayers for a happy and healthy 9 months I would appreciate it. I am beyond thrilled for her!

Dr's & ER's

2009-03-13T10:27:00.003-04:00

Since the last time I posted I have been to the Dr's twice and the ER once. I got a call from school saying Meghan was complaining that her leg hurt and she didn't want to go outside and cried while getting her snow pants on. She had complained at home but I downplayed it because they are always complaining they can't walk etc. She had a low grade fever so I called the ped's office and they wanted to see her. We went in and the dr said the pain seemed to be in her hip, and then she went to talk to another Dr. and they both came in and said it could be a virus that sometimes makes your hip ache...I had never heard of this before. They were concerned that it would be bacterial. So they wanted me to come in the next day to see how she was, unless she got worse or had a higher fever then I needed to call right away. Well the next day she seemed totally fine, but we went in and they said she was better and to keep an eye on her.

Last weekend we went to my dad's to go snowmobiling and sliding. While we were hanging out after lunch the kids were playing on my dad's stairs. They were going down on their butts, so I didn't really see anything wrong with that. I heard a big boom and saw Caleb at the bottom of the stairs and he had a big egg on the side of his forehead. When he first got up he sort of stumbled sideways, and that worried me. Bart laid with Caleb on the couch while I went outside with Meghan because she had friends over. My BIL came to tell me that Caleb had thrown up. So I called the on-call ped which luckily was my Dr and he said to watch him and if threw up again to go to the ER. We got home and he threw up just a little. I called the Dr and he said since it wasn't a lot to just watch him and really I should base it on how he was acting. He was starting to perk up and we watched Toy Story 2 and then he had some cereal. He went to bed about 7:30 and at 10:00 he threw up in his bed. So I called again and he said we should go to the ER so I took him in and the Dr said after a few tests that he didn't look worrisome. I was thankful for that and took him home. The next morning he wanted cereal and not 10 minutes later he threw up again. So we called the ER and the Dr said that if he was acting okay to just watch him. He was acting fine, and he never threw up again. Thank God.
I really thought it would be Meghan who would be my accident prone one. Since Caleb has turned 4 he has been to the ER 3 times. Once for pneumonia, once because he went under water, and the most recent one. Can your insurance drop you? I can tell you I don't feel like parent of the year, that's for sure.

Car meets Deer...

2009-02-06T10:22:00.004-05:00

There goes the $ 250.00 that Caleb won at the Superbowl pool...

Hayley's 9 months old!

2009-01-28T15:32:00.004-05:00

Hayley is 9 months old. Wow how the time flies! She had her 9 month appointment yesterday and here are her stats.

Weight: 21lbs and 15 oz
Height: 29 inches long

She is in 95 % for both. At 9 months old, Hayley has her 2 bottom teeth, is starting to wave, and has been saying "dada. She also just recently started army crawling. She likes music, her brother and sister, she loves to be on the go, she loves mimi's blue shoes and patty cake. She is more and more into baby food and her favorites are pears, vegetable beef, and applesauce.

I can't believe she is already 9 months old. She is such a good baby. She takes about 2 naps a day. She is now officially in her crib after being in her bassinet for oohhh 7 months...oops!

2008

2008-12-31T21:58:00.002-05:00

2008 like any other year had it's ups and downs. Obviously one of my major highlights was having Hayley. One of the lows was Caleb being in the hospital for pneumonia and him almost drowning. But you could look at those being a big up too. He is healthy and still here. I guess you could say 2008 was in some ways one of my better years. This time 3 years ago I was watching my grandmother die from cancer. I can't believe it's been 3 years already. It feels like so much longer.
I wish you a Happy New Year full of good things!

Mother of the year

2008-12-01T20:11:00.002-05:00

Wow, haven't been here in a while. I have come many times to post but decided against it. I have been in a funk lately. I would say a little depression with a little anger too.

We had a great time in Florida, it was exhausting but worth it to see the kid's faces. We did have one really frightening episode, and since I feel like mother of the year I haven't wanted to exactly talk about it all that much. The house we stayed at was nice, and had a pool. (you see where this is going right?) Well Caleb wanted to go swimming and my 3 aunts were by the pool and my 8 year old cousin was in the pool as well. There is this ledge in the deep end and Caleb was on it and apparently went off it. One of my aunts noticed and got him out, when I came out he was throwing up a lot of water and his lips looked blue. I started crying, trying not to freak but I couldn't help it. My aunt who is a nurse suggested that we go to urgent care just to be safe. So we did, and the Physicians assistant we saw said "I hate cases like this. He may appear fine, but there is a thing called dry drowning and he could die later" Umm thanks, and please don't be a little more sensitive since my 4 year old is right here with us! Anyways, they sent us to the ER for a chest x-ray to be safe. We got there and waited, and they acted like it was no big deal there. Finally we saw a Dr who listened to his lungs and said he was fine. I cried and asked if he could please have an x-ray. He told me that it would be unneccesary radiation, I said yes but I wanted to make sure that he was fine. The Dr. didn't seem pleased but agreed. But how could I just take his word when the other urgent care Dr said you couldn't tell? Not to mention he just got over pneumonia. He finally came back and the x-ray was clear. THANK THE LORD. That put a little damper in our vacation. I realized how so very lucky we were. I should have made sure my aunts knew he was out there. That is guilt I will just have to carry with me. Sometimes I feel like eventually my luck will run out.

I have been feeling a little angry lately because I am getting sick of our basement not being partly finished. We are going on over a year now. We aren't even doing the whole thing! We just have to wait to do it whenever my FIL is available. Ugh so frustrating! But the closet did get done, and even though it's kind of a shitty paint job, you won't be looking that hard. I started moving some stuff into it today so Hayley can finally have a room! Yay! They are supposed to do the ceiling this weekend. We are going to have someone else do the carpet.

Bart is in Dallas this week. He comes home Friday night at 11 pm, and then has to leave for Dallas again on Sunday for another week. They did this last year and really the timing sucks because I am no where near done Christmas shopping. Although I did go out on Black Friday.

Oh and since Bart's insurance decided to change their payments we now have to shell out 800.00 for Caleb's hospital stay when he has pneumonia. Ugh! Bart's insurance used to rock, and now it sucks! Why is it always around Christmas too? Plus we just put 300.00 into the van, and now it sounds like Bart's car needs brakes. It never ends. Hey at least gas is going down.

Florida Day 1

2008-11-07T08:23:00.002-05:00

We left yesterday morning for the airport at 4:30 am. I didn't hardly sleep that night. I was anxious about flying with 3 kids. We checked our bags and went through security, and since Meghan could not be right with my mom she started crying. Thankfully she got over it, and then we just waited. We got on the plane, and we were off to JFK! The kids did really well, at lot better than I expected. Their ears didn't seem to bother them, and they did well. We landed at JFK, and waited and then boarded for Orlando. The kids did well, and were getting a little restless towards the end of the 2 hour flight. Poor Bart, I am know that I am a super beyatch when I am stressed and fly. For some reason he doesn't seem to stress about flying with 3 kids while managing not to lose anything.

We landed in Orlando, and were waiting for our stroller, and the guy brought it and told me how much he hated our stroller. It was awkward he said. Umm there were people that had a huge jogger stroller but ours was too big and awkward. I did notice that they lost the clip that holds my stroller shut, and hooks I had on there for shopping bags. Irritating. I didn't want to bring this stroller because I was afraid they would break it, but I didn't want to buy another one.

We then went to get our rental car, and we got a Chevy Malibu..um yeah I was not optimistic considering that we needed to have 3 car seats and fit 4 suitcases, 3 backpacks, and a stroller. So we tried to make it work because a van would be 300-400 more. This was fun when the kids were running around and we are trying to install 3 car seats and luggage, while sweating our ass off. I asked Bart if he could see how much more it would cost for a van, because there was no way this was happening. Thankfully, and I really am SO GRATEFUL, they said it would be no extra charge. THANK.THE.LORD!!!! So we got a new Dodge Caravan and had plenty of room.

We found the house which is big, and spacious. We unpacked and then went to Arby's! Yum! We don't have one in Vermont. I also want to hit a Sonic, because we don't have those either. My dad lent us his GPS, and I am in love. Seriously, so easy to use, and so nice! We came back, and then Bart and I headed to the grocery store. Can I just say, the groceries are so much cheaper here and so is gas! We saw gas for $ 2.10.

All in all it was not as bad as I expected it to be, the kids were beat and cranky but so was I. We haven't made plans on what we are going to do today yet. But the kids were up early!

Batman, Cinderella, and a ladybug!

2008-11-04T08:45:00.007-05:00

The kids had a blast trick-or-treating. We went to my sister's house, she lives in nice neighborhood, and since we live in the boonies, we get more houses this way. Plus my kids like hanging with their cousins.

I am packing for Florida and Disney! I am excited, and anxious! I realize that this won't be much of a vacation, but I can't wait to see the kids faces when we go to Disney. They will be so excited. I am excited to see my friend Jessica, who I haven't seen in a while. She is driving up to meet us for the weekend. Hopefully flying with 3 kids won't be horrible, that is what I am most anxious about.

I have included some pics from Halloween! I did Meg's hair, I think it looks pretty good! She actually stood still while I did it.

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-28T13:49:00.007-04:00

Last night we carved pumpkins. Meghan chose Cinderella, although it didn't turn out so hot. Caleb wanted Wubbzy, and Bart and I did a Red Sox one. They had fun, and so did we!

Hayley is 6 months old!

2008-10-22T16:15:00.008-04:00

Hayley is 6 months old today! I can't believe that she is already 6 months old. We had her 6 month appointment, and she weighs 19lbs 10oz, and was 28 inches long. I think her head circumference was 45? Anyways she is in 97 percentile for all of it. At least she is proportionate! She had 4 shots, including the flu shot. Poor little girl! But she actually didn't cry as much as she usually does.
She enjoys her exersaucer, watching her big brother & sister, squeeling, and eating.
Here are some pics from each month!

The day she was born! April 22, 2008 9:14 am

May

June

July

August

September

October

Randomness

2008-10-08T13:52:00.004-04:00

Caleb and Meghan had a doctor's appointment yesterday to check their pneumonia. He thought they were doing well. I asked him if he thought we should get a flu shot for them considering they had pneumonia. He suggested we should. So we decided to get them one. I felt guilty because I didn't warn them or anything. I feel bad for the nurse, because Caleb screamed bloody murder while she was washing his arm with a alcohol wipe. I think my hearing is just returning. Since Caleb went first, Meghan realized that it was bad, so I pretty much had to hold her down. Some how I am the one doing the holding while Bart is watching...

We then went to pick out a toy, because they had earned all the stickers for their chart. Since they had a hard time taking antibiotics I made a sticker chart and yes, I bribed them. Hey, it worked and now I am 40.00 out but didn't have to fight. Another bonus is that then they play happily for about a day with their new toys.

I went shopping last night for something to wear for a wedding this Friday. I went with my sister and whenever I go with her, I spend much more money than I would if I went alone. I did find a dress, (even though I loathe them), I think will look decent. Speaking of which, Fashion Bug has a new system for their pants...pretty much it makes you *think* you are smaller, but I would like to know what size I really am.

Leaves changing color

Meghan at dance

Thankful

2008-10-06T13:21:00.003-04:00

Bart and I went to his appointment which lasted 3 hours, and found out that most likely the reason he is missing the spots on the vision test is because of Drusen. And because the tests show no pattern it means that it isn't linked to a stroke, or brain tumor. He has to go back in 6 months just to review. I am so thankful, that it is just Drusen. I think Bart was a lot more worried then he showed, and I think that it put things into perspective for him, and me. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I certainly have lots to be thankful for.

We actually had a weekend with not much going on and it was nice. Bart, Caleb, and Meghan all got haircuts and we celebrated my mom's birthday. Caleb and Meghan are feeling better, and back to preschool. Hayley is also feeling better. We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow to do a check-up on Caleb and Meghan to make sure that they are getting over pneumonia.

Caleb has decided to be Batman for Halloween, Meghan is going to be Cinderella, and I am not sure what Hayley is going to be. I can't believe we are already in October! In about a month we leave for Disney! I am so excited!

Worries

2008-10-02T15:00:00.002-04:00

I now have 3 kids on antibiotics. Hayley was up most of last night crying, not sleeping, which is so not like her. I brought her in today, and she has an ear infection. Poor girl! I am running on fumes, I am so tired. I just want to sleep like 5 hours straight at least without waking up at all.

Bart went back to his eye appt, and didn't pass that test again and now he has an appointment tomorrow with a specialist. They said it could last 3-4 hours. I am not sure what they are going to do there, maybe an MRI? I am really worried sick about it. I have been trying to block it out, but I can't. Can you please pray that it's nothing? My stomach is in knots.

Pneumonia times two

2008-09-29T13:32:00.003-04:00

Well Caleb never ended up feeling better, in fact he was so lethargic that I called the Dr.'s again on Friday to get him in. Meghan didn't want to stay with Gram so we all packed up and headed to the Dr's office. I brought Caleb in and the Dr. listened to his lungs, said they sounded clear and then did his oxygen which gave a reading of 86. He then said we need to take him to the ER because he needed a chest x-ray but thought he might have pneumonia. So me, gram, Meg, Hayley, and Caleb headed to the ER. We got there and the nurse even said his lungs sound clear, we went in a room and waited. He got an x-ray done and sure enough he had pneumonia pretty bad, in both lungs. He had 2 bags of fluids and then we just waited. They admitted him and we stayed Friday, and Saturday night. Bart left early from Boston and made it to the ER in time for us to be moved to a room. We feel like we have been going on high for the whole weekend.

Friday night was scary because we took his oxygen off so he could go in the bathroom and then we he came out and put his oxygen monitor back on it went way down again and he started having a huge coughing fit and nurses were in and out and then the pediatric resident was in there. They had to turn up his oxygen up to 5.5 liters and the highest is six before you need a mask. Then they had someone from respitory therapy come in and pretty much pound on his chest every two hours. This was so hard to watch, poor Caleb.

Saturday was a little better, and he slept pretty well during the night. Meghan also has had a fever and nasty cough as well so while I was at the hospital my mom, sister and Bart were helping me out. They took Meghan to the Dr. on Saturday and they told them to come back on Sunday if she got worse or stayed the same. My mom watched Meg and Hayley Saturday night and she said Meghan was up all night coughing. The Dr. ordered her an x-ray and turns out she has pneumonia too in her lower left lung. Thankfully we caught it in time and she is on antibotics.

Now we are all home, and getting some much needed rest. I haven't had a full night's sleep in a week. I am hopefully looking forward to them getting better and things returning to normal around here. Pneumonia is not contagious, unless it's viral but some how Meghan and Caleb both got it...maybe it's a twin thing. LOL

Look at my poor little guy!

Mommy needs some sleep!

2008-09-26T08:57:00.002-04:00

Since Tuesday night I have been dealing with this awful cold or virus with Caleb. He had a high fever, was not himself at all, just laying around and hasn't eaten barely since Tuesday. I took him to the Dr on Wednesday. Strep? No. The Dr concluded that it was a virus, but you could tell he was worried too, since Caleb was so not himself. I thought it might be the stomach bug, since he threw up after any dose of Tylenol or Motrin, but I am pretty sure he just has a really good gag reflex.
Oh did I mention that Bart is gone until late tonight? Yeah, good times. Meghan also got a fever on Wednesday but she is a champion medicine taker, and it doesn't seem to be hitting her as hard. Which I am very thankful for.

I have not gotten any sleep at all over the past 2 days. Caleb has been up, switching to my bed, then back to his bed, he's hot and then he's cold. I called the Dr. on call for Wednesday night because he had a fever of 104.2 , um aren't you supposed to go the ER if you have a fever above 103? The Dr. on call was my least fav, and he was actually really not sympathetic or nice. Caleb's regular Dr. had called earlier to check on him, which I was surprised but I think he was worried like me. Thurday morning the Dr's office called to check on him again. For some odd reason the nurse thought that I took him to the ER? I said no I didn't. Odd.

So that has been the rest of my week. Good times all around! Now I will probably get it. All I can say is Bart owes me.

Busy, Busy!

2008-09-23T14:03:00.005-04:00

Man, I have been going non-stop lately. Bart is gone to Boston for a week on business so my mom (thank God) has been helping me with the kids. I am so tired, Caleb and Meghan woke up a combination of 3 times last night. Each once to pee and then once to cover Meghan up. They rise and shine at 6:30 to get them ready for preschool. Today Meghan has dance. At least the week is going by relatively quick.
I had a good weekend, Bart and I got a lot of house things done, and we went to a gospel concert with the kids on Saturday night. They are a quartet from Texas, and did a free concert for our small church. The kids enjoyed it, but they all fell asleep during the concert. I am not sure how, since it was loud.
Sunday School started up again, and we are back to church. And man what a difference a year makes, because the kids are so much different this year. They went to Sunday School without blinking an eye and Bart and I actually go to listen to a whole service! It was great. The in-laws came up and we worked some on our ever going project, the basement.

Hayley was 5 months old yesterday! I can't believe how time flies. She is getting so big, and she is talking a lot more, and rolling over all the time and is very nosy, she loves to watch people.

I am still really worried about Bart, and am trying to hand over my worries to God, but that is a really hard thing to do right now.

Worried

2008-09-16T12:57:00.002-04:00

I am a person that worries a lot. I might not come off that way but I do. And I know that worrying about something you know may or may not happen, is silly and a waste of time etc, but still I can't help it.
Bart had an eye appt. today. He did some eye test, and I guess he did worse than they expected him to do on it, and told him that he had to do another test some other time. They also told him that in a small number of patients, it could be a brain tumor. The Dr. said that in 10,000 patients only a handful had a tumor. I am sure you can see where I am going with this...I am worried about it. I keep trying not to be, but I can't help it. I have to wait two weeks before he has this other test, and I am worried about it.
Because I believe in the power of prayer, could you please say a prayer for Bart, for me? Ugh. I hate worrying.

Monday, Monday

2008-09-16T09:16:00.003-04:00

Monday morning started with our power going off at about I would guess 4 a.m. and it was unseasonably hot, then Caleb woke up and yelled to daddy because of course his nightlight was off. Bart got him a flashlight and we proceeded to go back to bed...but Caleb had a hard time, so I gave in and said come in our bed. He gets in, we are all settled and then I hear a panicked Meghan yell "DADDY!!" She is freakin, so I go sleep with her. If you even call it sleep, I think I got a 1/2 hour in before we had to get ready for preschool. Why is it that my 4 year olds are still getting me up in the middle of the night and my 4 month old sleeps through?

I got Caleb and Meghan off to preschool and headed to go grocery shopping. While there my trunk on my van, the arm of it came off again and I had to hold it up myself. My arms are so sore today. Then I came home, and broke a picture frame. Ugh! I tell ya!

Amazingly enough the rest of the day was okay. Apparently I have a black hole in my house, because I can't find my Ipod, or an attachment to my vacuum. My house is small, I don't understand where these things went to! So frustrating.

Random crap

2008-09-14T22:51:00.003-04:00

I have had a busy week! It all started on Friday when I had to make 2 apple pies for the Church's chicken pie supper on Saturday. I had to make my own pie crust too. But alas I finally made them with the help of my gram too. I did notice she made me try everything before helping me. I know she wanted me to do it for myself. While she was here she took the extra pie crust and had Caleb and Meghan put sugar and cinnamon on it then baked it. Man, did that bring me back to my childhood, I remember her making that with me.

Saturday I went to a bridal shower for one of my high school friends. I felt a little out of place, and realized that I didn't really know her much at all. Once I had kids I feel like a lot of my friends dropped off the face of the earth. I guess that happens when you have kids, and frankly it sucks.

Not much else is going on, just random crap. Our DVR crapped out and I lost all my shows that I haven't watched. But you gotta love re-runs! Now we have a new DVR and it holds even more hours. I never knew how much I depended on that, which is really sad. Oh and I finally got my good camera back! But they did send it back without my strap, which is annoying but they gave me another one to use until they get mine back. I am debating whether or not to take an online course for photography...I am just not sure if I will have the time. It does make me a little nervous too, I haven't taken a class in a long time.

Tagged

2008-09-11T22:40:00.002-04:00

The Rules:
Link the Person who Tagged you.
Mention rules on your blog.
Tell about 6 quirks of yours.
Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same.

1.) I rinse out my cup before I use it. Coffee cup, glass, whatever.

2.) I also prefer blue over black ink (must be an Aries thing, Autumn!)

3.) I love to vacuum.

4.) I don't eat the end of french fries if they are crunchy.

5.) I have to have a blanket or something covering me when I sleep, even if it's hot out.

6.) I have to cross every day off the calendar.

I tag, Heidi, Nessa, Elisa, and whoever else feels so inclined!

Missing Juliette

2008-09-09T13:45:00.006-04:00

Last night I got a call from my gram around 8:00 p.m. and she said that Juliette had gotten out again. So I gave Bart Hayley and put on my sneakers and grabbed a flashlight. I met gram outside and we went wandering around in her usual places and she was no where to be found. I walked towards the main road and gram stayed behind. I was yelling Juliette's name. I saw a guy and he asked if I was looking for a dog. I told him yes, fully expecting him to say that he saw one running after the horses. Nope. He told me that he just hit one. I guess the hopeful part of me was hoping he would say she was still alive and we could take her to the vet...but no poor Juliette is gone. She was only 1.5 years old. I asked the man if he would come with me to tell my gram. Man that was hard, we were both crying and then I had to explain it to my kids. Juliette is like their dog too since we live next door, and like me we loved that dog. So did my gram, it was her companion and she loved to take care of her. I feel so incredibly bad for my gram. She had only had the dog 1.5 years!

Caleb cried and cried, he asked a lot of questions and kept saying he misses Juliette over and over. Seeing your kid hurt, is so hard to watch. I tried to be as honest as I could be, but they still didn't understand. After I got them settled down and in bed I went back up to be with gram. I didn't feel like she should be alone. We sat for a little while and she told me that Juliette would be laying on her lap right now.

Today had been hard for Gram, me and the kids. Before I would have said I am not one for dogs...but this has me heartbroken. If you are the praying type, could you please say a few prayers for my gram. Thanks.

First day of Preschool

2008-09-08T14:54:00.004-04:00

Today was Caleb and Meghan's first day of preschool! It went a little better than I expected. Meghan did cry when I dropped her off, but they she seemed to do okay and I left. Caleb was Mr. Serious and then went off without even saying goodbye. They got to ride the bus home. Overall they seemed to have a good day! After I dropped them off, I came home, changed and went for a walk with Hayley. After my walk I had breakfast and coffee and Hayley took a nap. It was so quiet! I didn't know what to do with myself!

I hate little tiny shoes...

2008-09-02T19:04:00.002-04:00

When did Polly Pocket and Disney princess shoes run my life? Why does everything need to come to a screeching halt when we can't find a tiny freakin shoe? WHY CAN'T THEY MAKE THEM SO THEY FREAKIN STAY ON?!!! Meghan goes from playing nice and quiet to full meltdown mode when she loses a damn shoe. Crying, hysterical, meltdown.
Damn Polly Pocket and her tiny annoying accessories!

Exhausted and SO happy to be home!

2008-08-31T22:28:00.002-04:00

We are finally home from Maine. I feel like I have been on a dead run since we left. Friday started out fine, I was almost packed the kids were being relatively good etc. Well I asked Bart to put the new memory card in my nice camera, the Canon Rebel, the one I saved up two years of birthday money for...anyways, I am not sure what happened but it wouldn't go in and some of the metal prongs are bent now. Right before we freakin left! SO now I have to get it fixed and one good part is that I have a warranty. I was angry, but what can you do? So I did take pictures, but with my smaller camera. It still sucks, because the pictures are so different with my nice camera. Bart felt awful, of course.

Maine was beautiful, and hot. We had a good time, but not nearly enough time. However the hotel was cheap for a reason. The beds were AWFUL! It felt like we were sleeping on plywood, or just the box spring. The first night I slept with Meghan. She wakes up, and yells, and twists and turns and ugh! I got no sleep with her. Hayley slept through as usual, and Caleb and Bart slept better than I did that night. I can't wait to sleep in my nice, comfy, non-kid bed.

I ate like crap the whole weekend and I am PMS-ing too. We got home tonight and I got a letter from the preschool about an orientation for Thursday. Umm, short notice much? I am hoping Bart can go, or I can try and wrangle Caleb, Meghan, and Hayley there but they also want to do a bus run. Maybe I can talk my mom into getting over here to help. Caleb and Meghan are so ready for preschool I think. They seem to be going nuts at home, as am I.

So now I have to go to Best Buy and give them my baby, I mean my camera. I hope they don't take too long, because I need it before we go to Disney in November.

I am off to take a hot bath and sleep in my bed! Yay!!

Fair Fun

2008-08-27T19:03:00.000-04:00

Why oh why??

2008-08-27T11:55:00.003-04:00

Would you have a name like Pork boners on your menu? Can someone explain? And no, I didn't have one.

Hayley's 4 month stats

2008-08-22T14:56:00.003-04:00

Hayley had her 4 month check-up today. The Dr. says she looks great, and she is right on track. My little chunker weighed in at 17lbs and was 27 inches long! She got 3 shots, and one oral vaccine. Poor little girl, she did not like the shots at all. I can't believe that she is 4 months old already. Sigh, it's going way to fast if you ask me.

Appointments

2008-08-21T08:43:00.003-04:00

The kids went to their first dentist appointment, and did quite well I must say, or at least Bart said they did. He took them while I stayed home with Hayley. I knew he wanted me to go, because he thinks he can't handle it. But he and they did fine. Which was all fine by me because I have dentist anxiety issues. Caleb has no cavities and is good, he does have a small crowded mouth though. Just like Bart. Meghan had one cavity behind her front teeth, which is sort of puzzling to me. I really hope she doesn't have my teeth. But, I am going to be anal about brushing and flossing with them. My mom claims she did that with me, but I don't remember her helping me brush etc. Meghan also has a small mouth but not as small as Caleb's.
So Meghan goes back in October to fill her cavity...I think Bart can take her to that too. LOL Why do I feel so guilty about not going with them?

Hayley has her 4 month appointment tomorrow, and I dread it. The shots suck, and she cries like I have never heard her cry. Ugh. I am curious to see what she weighs.

Caleb and Meghan have really been so bad lately. They fight all the time, and they don't listen to me at all. I thought someone told me the age of 4 was easier? I know this sounds awful, but I am so ready for them to start preschool. They need something else and need to be with other kids. It can't come fast enough.

Tired and glad to stay home!

2008-08-15T09:21:00.002-04:00

Man I feel like I have been going all week long. My mom was camping and I went up to see her everyday, except Tuesday. Which means packing each time for 3 kids, and we didn't even stay over! I ate like crap, and I am so tired! Bart has been in Chicago for training for 2 days and comes home tonight late. I am so glad to just stay home today, although I desperately need to go grocery shopping.

I can't believe we are half way through August. We are going to Maine over Labor day, and then Caleb and Meghan start preschool on September 8th, for 4 mornings a week Mon-Thursday 8-11 am. I am looking forward to them going, but I also know I will be sad and worried the first week or so. I am not ready for winter at all, but I do look forward to school starting and not many things going on during the week. I think it will help me stay focused on my weight loss goals to be home more. For some reason it is always easier for me to stick to WW during fall and winter.

Bart leaves me again in September for a week for training again. This time he is going to Boston. Man he is the most trained person I know! Caleb and Meghan have their first dentist appointment this week. Yes, their first, I slacked and I hope it's not bad. I loathe the dentist, I had a bad experience when I was a kid. I still go, but haven't been in a while but after hanging out with some people this week I need to make an appointment. Ha, ha!!

Hayley has been "talking" a lot more. Sometimes it sounds like she is yelling. It's so cute! Of course she has to yell to be heard in my house. She goes for her 4 month appointment on August 22. I am DREADING that appointment because I hate the shot thing. It breaks my heart every time.

Picture post

2008-08-13T08:51:00.006-04:00

I wish I could freeze time

2008-08-08T22:50:00.002-04:00

Time seems to be flying by. Believe me some days seem really long, but other days are so short. But I keep thinking, I can't believe that I am not having anymore children! It just seems so weird and so final. I am sure that it doesn't make any sense. Hayley is going to 4 months old this month, and I feel like I have already missed what it was like what it was when she was a newborn. I wish I could go back and do it over again.
Hayley is starting to talk more, and she is laughing too. It is so cute. She is a little chunk. She smiles all the time. Caleb and Meghan are growing up :( They change everyday and I just wish it would slow down a little. They have been acting a little wild lately, I think it's because it has rained like every day straight for 5 weeks now. Ugh!

I took some funny pics of the kids, I will post them soon. Right now I am on Bart's laptop :)

Today we "worked" at the Church lawn sale. The kids had a great time, and of course we ended up with more junk. Meghan got a tinkerbell purse (like she doesn't have one), a watering can, some books including Mickey christmas books. Caleb picked up some pokemon books. I wasn't aware that he even knew what pokemon was, but apparently hanging out with his older cousins he does know.

Hopefully we will see some sun tomorrow. Ugh this damn rain is getting so old.

5 years!

2008-08-01T22:03:00.005-04:00

Today is my 5th Anniversary! I can't believe that it has already been 5 years. Bart totally shocked me this year and asked my mom to watch the kids so we could go out to dinner and stay over at a hotel. We went last night to a great dinner, and stayed at the Marriott in a nice room with a lake view and whirlpool tub. He really got me this time! Usually we plan together to do something. It was my first night away from Hayley too. We went to breakfast this morning and then did some errands. It was nice!

Missing Gram

2008-07-30T08:43:00.003-04:00

Freebie

2008-07-29T22:14:00.002-04:00

Check out this freebie! Can't beat free right? It looks deep but it is only up to Caleb and Meghan's belly button. Of course we haven't had any great weather lately so we haven't used it much. I hope we get to a little!

Speaking of weather, that storm last week was indeed a confirmed tornado. Yikes!

The in-laws have been here and we are doing more work in the basement. I can't wait until it's finished. The extra space will be awesome!

We had meltdown city here yesterday when the kids were fighting over the blue pool noodle. No one wanted the green one. You would have thought the world ended. Over a color!!!!!!!!!!! Wait..when does preschool start?

Wahooo!

2008-07-28T00:11:00.002-04:00

I am so glad Aaron won The next Food Network star!

Bills, and other stuff!

2008-07-25T23:23:00.002-04:00

We just got our tax bill today. They raised it 500.00! Cripes! But we have 2.5 acres of land, but still we live in the freakin boonies! 2400.00!! We also got our pre-buy bill for fuel. It is going to cost us about 1000.00 more than last year. I have been trying to think of ways we can cut back. I just don't know how people are going to do it? I feel bad for the older people. Everything has gone up. Ugh.

I am glad that we have a garden, we are getting zucchini and cucumbers like crazy now. Meghan loves cucumbers, as do I. They are so good when fresh! Plus no points! Yum! So far we have one pumpkin, and it is getting huge! I really hope we have more than one because the kids would fight over it. LOL

I can't believe that I am not going to have anymore kids! It just seems so weird to me. But realistically I know we can't. The way the economy is going, we wouldn't be able to afford it, if we plan on helping with college too. It just makes me sad to know that Hayley is my last one. :( Maybe that is why I haven't moved her out of my room yet. Yes that's right, she is still in my room in her bassinet. Man, the time flies!! I can't believe she is already 3 months old. Knock on wood, she has been sleeping through the night for 2 weeks.

For once we don't have many plans this weekend. We are going to a birthday party tomorrow night and that's about it. My in-laws are supposed to come up next week, and I REALLY want the basement finished. We will hit a year in October. Seriously it needs to get done. I am at the end of my rope. Especially lately because it has rained pretty much everyday here, and if the basement was done, the kids could go down there and play. UGH!!!!

Storms & Smiles

2008-07-19T11:26:00.003-04:00

Wow! We had a huge storm yesterday around 3pm. I was a little nervous, the wind was whipping and it was pouring and thunder and lightening. Caleb and Meghan were up to my gram's and it was just me and Hayley. I heard a big snap, I thought a tree was going to fall somewhere around our house. We had one fall last winter that hit our house and dented and put a hole in our vinyl siding. Turns out the snap I heard was the tree near my gram's house, that landed on her garage/barn roof. That was nothing compared to what happened down the road, there were dozens of trees knocked over, even uprooted all down the road. A couple from our church had trees all over their yard down, and thankfully just missed their newly built log cabin. It did however hit one of their trucks and hit his shop. We keep hearing stories of other people's sugar houses that were ruined, enough so that they won't be able to sugar next year I guess. Someone said it was a tornado? I highly doubt that, but it almost looks like something did come through town and explode. There is just certain spots where the tops of trees are over and everything. Bart had to leave his car and walk home because both ways were blocked by trees and power lines. We had no power for about 10 hours. I brought my camera to try and get pics, but I felt weird about it. So I only snapped a few when people weren't looking, but they didn't turn out so well.

I also shot this video of Hayley. Please excuse my annoying voice, in fact you don't have to have sound on. LOL But you can hear her grunting noises!

Say a little prayer

2008-07-16T22:28:00.002-04:00

One of my best friends, Jessica, who lives in Florida has been TTC and now is going in on August 4th for an operation to open her tubes and such, in hopes that she might become pregnant. Could you please include her in some of your prayers. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

In a funk

2008-07-16T15:10:00.002-04:00

Man, I don't know what my problem is lately, but I am for sure in a funk. I know I am not PMS-ing, so I have no idea what is going on. I am cranky. I'll tell you one thing. Dieting doesn't help that either. Poor Bart I am so cranky I don't hardly want to talk to him. I am sure the feeling is mutual. Guess I am just having a pity party...wanna come?

We officially paid off the van yesterday. Just in time for the rear hatch part to break. Yes, that's right I can't open my back door unless I want to hold it open while loading. Doesn't look like that will be happening. So....we have to call and get it fixed. We are supposed to be trying to get another year out of this hunk of junk. I am not confident I really want to drive to Maine in it. Ugh. On one good note, I deposited 115.00 in change yesterday! I brought all our change in to the bank and they have a machine that counts it. I am sure I have just as much in cans to return too. But I can't bring those back when my door is broken.

Bart is working from home today. Usually I used to like that, but now I see that it just makes things more complicated. The kids want him to play, and he can't so they whine, and then they try and shut his laptop off etc. So I would actually rather him go to work. It's just easier for me and him, I am sure.

Caleb & Meghan's 4 year checkup

2008-07-14T23:38:00.002-04:00

Caleb and Meghan had their 4 year appointment today. They did great, they were talkative and did all the things they were supposed to do for the nurses. Unlike last year when they couldn't do the eye or hearing exam. Before the Dr. left he told them they had to have some shots today. They appeared to be listening but didn't really get it, apparently. Then the nurse came in, and Bart took Meghan out, and I held Caleb. Ugh. I hate this crap. Seriously. Why am I always the one holding them while they get shots? Poor kids, Caleb cried and cried. Meghan came in and asked the nurse why Caleb was crying. Little did she know. They wanted them to look at a pinwheel and blow it. Umm, yeah after the first shot the pinwheel is no longer working. Meghan of course cried too, and you know she broke her arm last year...I think she cried more today then when she broke a bone. Ugh. Glad I don't have to do that again for a year. Oh wait, Hayley has her 4 month appointment next month. Ugh. I now know the meaning of "it hurts me more, than it hurts you".

Anyways here are the stats. Caleb weighs 46lbs and is 43 inches long. He is 95% for both height and weight. Meghan is 38lbs and 42 inches tall. She is 95% for height and 75% for weight. They even took their blood pressure, and a urine sample (that was fun). You know we have to pay a 20.00 dollar co-pay per kid...I think that for twins we should get a discount. I mean we use one room. Rip-off. Oh and then the Dr. asked them what they like to eat. I was like great, please say something healthy. Caleb said hot dogs. I guess, at least it wasn't chocolate chip muffins. LOL Meghan asked me what to say and I said applesauce. But I wasn't lying, Meghan eats that all day long. Apparently she is like Bart who loves veggies, fruits, and pasta. Caleb on the other hand is like me and likes sweets and meat.

The 4th of July

2008-07-13T22:18:00.008-04:00

I am trying to catch up on some posts since I was gone camping and now that my internet is normal again I can! On the 4th we went to a parade and then this little thing they have after. Here are some pics!

My mom and Hayley. So sweet!
Caleb and Meghan with cotton candy! Yum.
Hayley in her 4th of July outfit.
Hayley and my dad.
Caleb and Meghan waiting for the parade. Think they are excited?

Random thoughts

2008-07-07T23:14:00.007-04:00

Here is a pic of our garden. I can't wait for fresh veggies!

Here is Hayley on her playmat. Love her chubby cheeks!
Caleb and Meghan came dressed like this. I am sure Caleb will love this pic later. Ha, ha!

I am happy to report that my internet is back to normal! YAY!! That was the longest 30 days of my life!

I am packing and getting ready to go camping. Crazy? Yes, probably. I hate packing for it. You have to bring so much crap. Ugh. I am not sure how fun and easy it will be with 3 kids, but oh well it's only for 4 nights or less if it rains! We come back on Saturday and Bart will be back to work on Monday. BLAH! Caleb and Meghan have their 4 year appt on Monday and I am so not looking forward to it. They have to have shots. Ugh. I feel like I betraying them by not telling them. Maybe a bribe will work?

I am still *trying* to lose weight. I have started a separate blog for that. If you want to read about my struggles, then you can go here

Nothing else is new around here. Bart has been on vacation, the kids are normal (fighting, playing etc) Hayley is awesome, she is so content and happy. She has been sleeping through the night for a couple of nights in a row. She pretty much is cranky if she is hungry or tired. Maybe she just seems easy after having twins.

Does it mean I am old, if on our oldies station I heard Heaven by Bryan Adams? I mean I know that song. Geez I am only 29!

Wish me luck and pray for good weather!!

Strawberry jammin it

2008-07-03T15:12:00.007-04:00

Last weekend we went strawberry picking with my sister and her family. Caleb and Meghan loved it. Hayley slept the whole time. This year I wanted to make jam again but more of it since I didn't make much last time. So we picked two flats of strawberries...I made A LOT of jam. This post only took me like two days. Hopefully my internet is up and running faster soon!!

A few more rants...

2008-07-01T11:23:00.003-04:00

Well since we have the best luck on the planet, let me tell you what we walked down on yesterday. Water all over our basement. Our heating system had a pipe spraying everywhere. We had to shut the water off most of the day. Luckily for us my father in law is handy, and that we were home. My FIL came and fixed it last night. LOVE HIM! (except we are still waiting on the basement to get done, I digress) Nothing was really damaged that we have noticed yet...I did have a brand new printer in a box still that was a little wet, I just don't have the courage to open it yet.

We are approaching the 30 day mark for our deathly slow internet because we violated our policy. We were told that every day it should get better. I called last week because I couldn't get on. They blamed it on the weather. Bart called last night and was on the phone an hour and they gave him loads of reasons why our internet could be slow.

It's our router (umm it wasn't hooked up)
We have a virus (umm we have up to date virus protection until Fall 2009)
We need to clear our "cookies" (give me a break)

And the list goes on and on. Pretty much had us running in circles. They said they have us listed with 3 routers and 3 mac ip addresses? Umm I don't even have a mac (if that is even what it means) and we certainly don't have 3 routers. We can't deal with the one router we have because it sucks. Bart to my surprise got angry and was pretty much calling their BS. He is going to call and speak to a supervisor today. Oh, they had us go to a website to check our upload and download speed. Download was 125 kbps and upload was 24 kbps. They also said we violated our policy again? Umm HOW ? We can hardly get on let alone upload so much that we violate our policy. They said we got an email on the 18th. Nope, no email. They also suggested we unplug our modem for 3 days. Let's just say that if we had another choice for internet WE WOULD BE USING IT. Ugh.
Have a good day! :-P

Picture post

2008-06-30T00:38:00.006-04:00

My mom took this one...

This one cracks me up

I may be partial, but isn't Meg beautiful?
Me & my girls!

Hayley's 2 month stats

2008-06-25T09:14:00.003-04:00

Hayley had her 2 month appointment yesterday. She weighs 13lbs 8oz (97%) and was 24 1/4 inches long (97%)!! My little chubby girl! Her head measured 41cm I think. The poor little girl had to have 3 shots and the oral vaccine for rotovirus. I have never heard her cry like she did yesterday. I felt so bad for her. The Dr. said that she looks great! He did agree with me when I asked about her belly button. She has an umbilical hernia. He said they don't do anything for them and that over time it will just go in. If it hasn't gone away by the time she is 4 then they might have to do surgery. But he did tell me that they have never had to do that yet.
She was fussy and cried a while last night, but she was all smiles this morning!

sucky

2008-06-21T10:57:00.002-04:00

This week has been crappy. I wrote down everything on Weight Watchers, blah, blah. Didn't lose a thing. Blech. I am trying hard not to lose motivation! Next week has to be better, right? Maybe I will be getting Aunt Flo....there has to be some reason...

Then yesterday Bart took half a day off, and we all ventured to do some errands. We just pulled into Costco when his phone rang. It was a partner from his office. He didn't get a promotion to manager this year. You know what I would like to say to that? Use your imagination. It's not because he didn't earn it, that's for sure. There just isn't the "need" and a lot of other B.S. It irritates the crap out of me. He works SO hard, too hard sometimes!! I mean this year alone he had 300 hours of overtime. Too bad he's salary. I feel so bad for him.

I dread Tuesday...Hayley has her 2 month appointment and she has to get shots. :( She is smiling a ton now! It's so cute. She has been trying to laugh too, but we haven't gotten the full laugh yet.

Today we are headed to a baby shower and then a birthday party. Fun, fun!

8 weeks

2008-06-17T08:36:00.000-04:00

Hayley is 8 weeks old today. I can't believe it! Time flies. She doesn't look like a newborn anymore :( Caleb and Meghan adore her, maybe a little too much sometimes. Hayley is a good baby, and loves to eat! She has the cutest chubby little thighs and cheeks! I feel so blessed.

I am currently doing Weight Watchers. I was going to wait until the Fall to start, but I am really unhappy with my body and I want to lose weight before we go to Disney in November. It's not easy (obviously) for me in the summer time. But I need to lose this weight! I lost all my pregnancy pounds from Hayley, I just need to get the pregnancy weight off from Caleb and Meghan. I am doing the online version for right now and might start going to meetings in the fall. Now if I could find some time to exercise...Caleb and Meghan start preschool in September and I will be able to walk when they are there in the mornings. So far I have lost 2lbs. I have to say I was a little disappointed because usually when I start WW, the first week I lost a good amount and this time it was 2lbs...which I know isn't that bad! I wish I didn't have a huge sweet tooth!

$700.00 later my van looks new! Well except for the rust. Oh and my internet is still freakin slllooowwww. Bastards.

Rants

2008-06-10T14:04:00.004-04:00

Where do I start? Last week I was on the way to go grocery shopping with Caleb and Meghan. Bart was going to stay home and watch Hayley while working. It was a crappy rainy day, and half way there my car dies. So I call Bart and have him come to pick me up, only to realize 3 kids won't fit in a Honda Civic. So I call my awesome cousin Heidi to come and save my ass. So she came and brought one kid all the way to my house for me. (Thank you so much!!) We have the car towed, thank goodness for Allstate Motor club. We have it fixed, it was the alternator. I was secretly hoping that it would be something not worth fixing so we could get a new (used) van. No such luck. Fine whatever. I decide then to obsessively clean my car. Next morning Bart goes to start it. Nothing. So tack on a new battery to that list. I was just happy to have my van back all in all. Until yesterday.

Should you be worried when your children come in and say "Mommy, window broken on car" I think we all know the answer to that. YES! I said "A window better not be broken!" thinking that they cracked a window. I walked out and saw black tinted glass all over the ground. The whole rear side window was gone. ALL OF IT. There is no way that Caleb and Meghan could have done it. Most of the glass is on the outside of the car, so we have come to the conclusion that it burst because of this obsessive heat lately. Seriously, WTF? Do you think this an omen to get a new van, or am I just imagining it?

Let me also add Wildblue satellite internet to my list of rants. Their customer service, SUCKS. But because I live in the boonies, they have us by the balls and they know it. I signed up for this awesome service, if I could use it called Carbonite. They back up your files and it cost about 50 a year which isn't bad at all considering I have no time and I am really worried about losing my photos. So I signed up for their 2 week trial, and was feeling good about it. Until one day when my internet was slower than dial-up, if that is even possible. So Bart called and then they told us we had exceeded our bandwith. I didn't even know we had a limit. But apparently it is in our fair access policy, listed in our contract that I signed 2 years ago. Do you think I remembered or really even read it? No. They said that they had sent us emails warning us. We didn't get those emails, because they had the wrong one listed. Which is such bullshit because I have had to call there numerous times before and they have sent me emails. Bart asks how long before our service is normal again, after deleting Carbonite. Umm 30 days they say! We mention that we have been a customer for 2.5 years and have never once come close to going over. The only reason we did this time was because Carbonite was backing up our files. We always pay our bill on time etc etc...nope can't help you. Bastards. HOW LONG BEFORE WE CAN GET HIGH SPEED IN THE FREAKIN ASS BOONIES?!!!

There I am done, for today.

Introducing Hayley!!

2008-05-06T12:53:00.003-04:00

Hayley Marion was born on April 22, 2008 at 9:14 am weighing 8lbs 14oz and was 21.5 inches long.

Please pray for Tricia!

2008-04-02T20:16:00.005-04:00

I know I have posted in a long time, but I do read a lot of blogs. One of my newest ones is about a woman named Tricia who has cystic fibrosis. Her husband writes daily in his blog about her and their preemie Gwyneth. They have amazing faith, and just found out tonight that she has a set of donor lungs that are a match for her. She is currently in the OR right now, and I am asking anyone who even reads this to say lots of prayers for her. This is their blog, please check it out!
http://cfhusband.blogspot.com

Thank you!

Also please remember and pray for the donor's family at this time as they are grieving.

Caleb & Meghan Sliding

2008-01-11T10:28:00.000-05:00

2008-01-04T12:56:00.000-05:00

Just when I think I might lose it because my kids are driving me crazy, they act sweet. Sigh. All morning Caleb and Meghan have been at it. Throwing things at each other, seeing who can yell louder and so on. Then Caleb and Meghan decide they are going to be "baseball" players and put on matching football jersey's. Then they sit together at lunch and tell each other that they love each other. Then they give each other a "mooch" how sweet is that? Best of friends worst of enemies.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! Wow, long time no post. I remember last year that I said my resolution was to write on this more. So much for that. This year I won't even make a resolution and maybe I will keep it.
In case you hadn't heard I am pregnant! This time we are sure that it is only one, and we *think* it's a girl. We are building an extra room and walk in closet downstairs, which we will use as our office and playroom. The office now will be the new baby's room.
Today it has been 2 years since my gram has died. It seems like A LOT longer to me. I still think about her everyday.
Christmas was good, it went by too fast and again was too hectic. I always say I will do my shopping earlier, and bake earlier but I never get around to doing it. Ahh, maybe 2008 will be different. The kids had a blast on Christmas, of course it lasted for 5 days! We had so many places to go that it was exhausting. You should see my house now, I have no room with all the new toys.
Bart has been off for a week or so, and I got to read some of my new books. Out of the 4 new books I got, I have read 3. My favorite new author is Jodie Picoult. Love her books and it takes me about 2 days to finish them. I recommend if you are looking for something to read.
I dread Bart going back to work, cause he is going to be jumping right into his busy time. By the time his busy season is winding down, I will be ready to have a baby. We still have a lot to do before this little one comes! AHHHH!
I hope you all have a great 2008!

Missing gram

2007-09-05T22:46:00.000-04:00

Gosh, I miss you Gram.

2007-08-05T14:49:00.000-04:00

You Are An ISFP

The Artist

You are a gifted artist or musician (though your talents may be dormant right now).

You enjoy spending your free time in nature, and you are good with animals and children.

Simply put, you enjoy beauty in all its forms and live for the simple pleasures in life.

Gentle, sensitive, and compassionate - you are good at recognizing people's unspoken needs.

In love, you are quiet and sweet yet very passionate. You love easily.

You have an underlying love for all living things, and it's easy for you to accept someone into your heart.

At work, you do best in an unconventional position. You express yourself well and can work with almost anyone.

You would make a good veterinarian, pediatrician, or composer.

How you see yourself: Sympathetic, kind, and communicative

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Incompetent, insecure, and overly sensitive

What's Your Personality Type?

Think that sounds like me?

Meghan broke her arm

2007-08-01T15:10:00.000-04:00

Monday night Caleb & Meghan were playing outside. Bart was grilling and I was inside cooking dinner. Meghan fell off the slide, and Bart went to pick her up. I noticed her arm was deformed and panicked. I ran up to my grams, she came down to get Caleb and we got in the car and took her to the ER. Yup, she broke it. It was the worst thing I have ever had to experience as a mother. They had to put her under so they could set it. She has a temporary cast on right now, and we go Friday for more x-rays. I feel so guilty, I wish I had been out there. All I can see is her arm in my mind over and over.
Meghan was such a trooper, she hardly cried on the way there or at the hospital. It was Bart and I who were crying. She is better and acting like herself. Only problem is she wants to run, jump, and be a kid and I am a nervous wreck. Until she has the hard cast on I will worry. I don't want it to move and have to go back in and have them do what they did Monday night. This is going to be a long 4-6 weeks! If you could pray that her arm heals normal, I would appreciate it.

My babies aren't babies anymore!

2007-05-19T01:02:00.000-04:00

Caleb & Meghan are 3! I can't believe they are 3 years old already. We started off our day by having breakfast, then we got ready and stopped by "Papa's work" to say hi. Well Caleb was so excited when Papa decided we could go out back and look at all the "big trucks". Meghan was equally as excited. Caleb's huge blue eyes got a big as saucers when he say the "digger" and "bucket loader" oh and don't forget the "roller", that totally made his day. Then we got their favorite "chicken french fries" at McD's and brought it to "Mimi choo-choo's house". They call her that because she lives near a train track and they get to see the trains. Then Caleb and I went to get his haircut. He was so quiet the whole time, the woman asked him questions but he didn't say a word. It's funny because when he is around people he knows, he talks and talks, and Meghan is more quiet. But then they switch when we are out in public. He did sit in the chair all by himself this time. He got a lollipop and got one for Meg too. When we were walking back to my moms house I said "Caleb you're so handsome!" and he said "Caleb cute, Caleb cute" that he is! Tomorrow well actually today since it's so late is their party at Zachary's. I can't wait, they will have so much fun!

Just a few things I don't want to forget...

Last night I made Hamburger stroganoff and Caleb said "mmm, delicious"
Meghan told me I was so cute, and I was wearing my pjs all day.

2007-05-16T23:18:00.000-04:00

Rain sucks. Today was a lazy day, the kids watched movies and played with toys. We were supposed to drive and see my mom, but I didn't feel like treking out there to be stressed with my kids. So we stayed home. The kids napped and I promised them that they could go to my grams after nap to see the puppy. They remembered. We got all our stuff on because it is pouring outside. Fun, fun! We go see Juliette (the puppy) she was so excited to see the kids. Until of course the kids were terrorizing her. They just get so excited and don't realize how tiny she is. Usually at my grams the kids are good, especially when I am not there. But man today they were fighting and being mean to the puppy. Ugh I couldn't wait to leave. I was sick of telling them to be nice.

Bart got home at a decent time (shocker) and then I went to Toys R Us to get the rest of their birthday gifts. I picked up Gloria at work and first we went to Costco, and then I decided to run to Ritz Camera to pick up the dvd transfer and my tape. I was so excited that it was done and couldn't wait to watch it. So I decided that maybe I should open it before I leave. Good idea on my part because I take out the dvd and on the cover they have like freeze frames of different parts, well this wasn't my dvd. How did I know? Well they were all African American people on it. Instantly I get pissed because I want to see my tape, and then realize that someone probably has my dvd. This tape that my friend and I made is stupid, but I suppose funny, we were in high school! Anyways, then I check my tape, and they didn't fix it. WTH?! So before I flip I decide maybe this is my dvd and its the wrong cover, after all it does say Kylee & Jen on the cover. I put it in my kids dvd player and start to watch. It's not my tape. It's some other family, cooking on a BBQ with tons of meat on a huge grill. It was sort of funny, or at least Gloria thought so. Then I hear on the DVD the guy say here they are smoking marijuana. I look at the dvd and there they are passing around a joint at the BBQ with tons of people and young children. Gloria by this time is laughing her ass off. I take out the dvd and bring it back in, and tell the guy its not my dvd. He re-fills out all the forms and puts REDO across in big letters. I am bummed! Now I have to wait 3 more weeks!! I swear this ALWAYS happens to me. SIGH.

So anyways I went to TRU and got the kids a water table, Meghan some make-up and a dvd. I already have 2 beach towels with Mickey on them, Mickey Mouse pjs, Minnie pjs, trucks, and cars. That is good, considering I think we own every single toy ever made. Just ask Heidi.

So that was my interesting day.

4 days until Caleb and Meghan are 3!!

2007-05-14T23:57:00.000-04:00

You know what annoys me? People at the grocery store. When I shop at night there is a guy who uses this really LOUD machine to polish the floors. I swear that he follows me and tries to piss me off. It is SO not relaxing when that loud machine is on my ass in the store. Then I get to the checkout, and am putting my stuff on the belt. Fine, great, good. Someone walks up behind me and put her stuff on. UMM HELLO?! I am not done putting my stuff on, and in case you didn't notice the belt, it moves. Ugh.

Today was an alright day until, Meghan and Caleb woke up from nap. I went in and Meghan had an explosive poop. It was on her sheets, up her back. Sigh. So I strip her and put her in bath. Strip her bed, disinfect her crib, change the changing table pad and throw in a load of wash. That was tons of fun.

After we were de-pooped we went to Jack's tee ball game. The kids had a blast and it was fun to watch Jack play. I can't wait until we are at Caleb & Meghan's events. After we went to McDonald's for "chicken french fries" as Caleb calls it. It was actually a decent day!!

TGIF

2007-05-11T22:38:00.000-04:00

It has been so hot here lately. This is Vermont people!! What the heck? Anyways I enjoy nice weather but I could do a little more without the humidity. The kids love being outside, and the poor kids couldn't nap it was so hot in their room. Yesterday was the mother and daughter banquet, a long time tradition here. I went with my gram, Meggy, my MIL, and sister Nikki and Elise. I don't mind these type of events, I know they mean a lot to my grandmother. The only bad part of the night was that I sat next to someone who had REALLY bad BO. My sister could smell it across the table. Gag. If I had to smell that all the time I could really stick to weight watchers. Maybe I should just fore-go the deodorant.......

Speaking of WW, I have for the most part stayed on. I walked 3 times this week 1.5 miles. We are talking a big hill and dirt roads. My ass burns walking up the hill. But have I lost? Not according to my scale. Yeah, yeah, I hear the whole muscle weighs more than fat deal..but I don't want to be a muscular fat person!! Argh.

Some days I feel like such an old lady. I know that sounds weird, but ever since I had kids its like my friends treat me different, as do some of my family in a way. I guess it's hard to explain. I don't get thought of to do things, cause I have kids. Hello people, I can still go out. I guess its too hard to explain. I feel like I don't fit in many places. I always feel out of my element, whether its at church, mops, or out with friends. I feel like I don't fit in. Like people are always judging me. Even though I am sure that's not always the case.

2007-05-02T00:20:00.000-04:00

I stayed pretty well on my diet today, even when my gram brought good homemade cookies down! Yum. The kids did not nap, and they were so cranky! But Gloria came over and we chatted, had a little coffee and then took the kids outside. We did all the normal routine things we usually do. We went across the road and played in the brook, walked around the baseball field, then went through the covered bridge, and down the dirt road to throw rocks in the river.
Bart met us, and we walked back to our house, put the kids in the stroller, and we walked around the block. My legs are so tired!! When I walk with Gloria it goes by pretty fast, cause we chat. The more and more we hang out, the more I realize we have a lot in common. This sounds really sappy, but I am so thankful to have met her.

Tonight the kids were so cute. They had a great bath, and then got their pj's on. I opened the window and they listened for the frogs. They were so cute listening, and we even called mi-mi to tell her.

I have 2 jewelry parties to go to this week! I am going to be broke! I really need to get Meghan's and Caleb's birthday invites done too, I was going to make them myself but I need some cardstock paper.

Did I mention I got some gorgeous presents for my bday? I got a notebook and address book from an online friend who remembered my birthday! She made them, aren't they beautiful. It was so thoughtful.

Monday, Monday

2007-05-01T00:51:00.000-04:00

Well today was a busy day. I found out that my mom was going to be in town, so I packed up the kids and went to my moms. She watched them and I ran to Kinney's, Hallmark, the post office, then Gloria called and met up with me. We went in my car, stopped by Ritz Camera to send a video tape to get fixed. Which by the way I can't WAIT to watch, its a stupid silly video from high school with a good friend. Then we went to Walmart I got some exercise pants, which are so comfy! I also got some tubs because I am trying to organize. Then I dropped Gloria off, and went to my moms. Bart met me there and then I went to exercise with Gloria and then went grocery shopping. WHEW!!

I didn't do much this weekend, the weather really sucked. I wanted to go to the maple fest but it rained all weekend pretty much. On Saturday Gloria and I went shopping and then went to dinner at Nicco's an italian restaurant. Then we had a small Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Yum. On Sunday we went to Costco and then watched Elise play softball. She did really well! She was so proud and the kids had a blast there.

In a few weeks, Caleb and Meghan will be 3 years old! I can't believe it. As someone said the days are long, but the years are short. So true.

Long time no post...whats new

2007-04-24T23:45:00.000-04:00

Wow, so I suck at resolutions. Oh well.

So my gram's house is sold, they close on the 30th. This really seems to bother me, I would almost feel better if it had just burned down. I know that sounds awful, but then no one would get to have it. I already know they are going to remodel it. That should be really fun when I have to drive by it all the time. Good times.

I am currently doing Weight Watchers and so far have lost 8.2lbs. It seems to come off so slow. This week I am ravenous, thanks Aunt Flo!! ARGH!

My kids are doing good I guess. Meghan has been throwing fits/tantrums left and right over nothing. I can already tell that 3 is going to be fun. They have been loving the weather lately, our new thing is to go across the road and play in the brook. Usually Gram is with us, and I am really grateful that she helps me out so much. I have learned that every day is a gift. My kids are so lucky to have her around, as am I. I am pretty lucky to have twins, they are in deed a handful but they have a close bond and watching them is so cute. I think things have been a little easier with twins like bedtime. They each have each other, and bedtime usually isn't a battle. The cutest thing ever was when Meghan told Caleb she "wubed (loved) him" so cute.

I have finished 2 books, one was Paula Deen's autobiography. It was really good, and a good read I thought. I want to go to Savannah, GA to go to her restaurant sometime. Yum, it all sounds so good. I don't know how people in the south aren't huge if people cook like that down there! The 2nd book I read was 90 Minutes in Heaven. It was a good short book, and made me think a lot. I cried reading his chapter on Heaven, because it was like I knew that my gram was okay.

I had a birthday on April 7th and it was great (besides friends that forgot, some friends huh?). I got a new purse which I love, and a new lense for my camera, coffee :) some money, and a necklace. I also got a new table with chairs and I LOVE IT! It was a bargain too!

I went dancing last weekend with my cousin, aunts, and new friend Gloria. I had a blast and danced my ass off. Maybe that is why I lost so much weight this week! It was a nice break, and I always have fun with my family.

The reason I haven't blogged lately is because it is such a bitch to sign on the desktop. The laptop is fine but the desktop irritates me.

2007-03-07T23:35:00.000-05:00

"To Where You Are"

By Josh Groban

Who can say for certain

Maybe you're still here

I feel you all around me

Your memory's so clear

Deep in the stillness

I can hear you speak

You're still an inspiration

Can it be (?)

That you are mine

Forever love

And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are

Beyond the distant star

I wish upon tonight

To see you smile

If only for awhile to know you're there

A breath away's not far

To where you are

Are you gently sleeping

Here inside my dream

And isn't faith believing

All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you

Just one beat away

I cherish all you gave me everyday

'Cause you are my

Forever love

Watching me from up above

And I believe

That angels breathe

And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up

To where you are

Beyond the distant star

I wish upon tonight

To see you smile

If only for awhile

To know you're there

A breath away's not far

To where you are

I know you're there

A breath away's not far

To where you are

2007-02-28T23:31:00.000-05:00

So finally Bart is not working so much. It has been so nice to have him home at night. The kids especially love it. So last night we called Dell and finally on our own fixed the cd burner, it only took like 2 hours. I thought today was Thursday. I was a little disappointed when I figured out it was only freakin Wednesday. Tomorrow I might go have dinner & drinks with some friends from High School. I can't freakin wait, I hope it all works out so that I can go. I need a night out.

I rarely go to the grocery store with the kids. I usually go on the weekends. Well this past weekend I couldn't and it screws up my whole week. So gram said why don't we go..so we went yesterday. This is how it started off. We tell the kids we are going to the grocery store, and they are excited because we are actually leaving the house. So they are getting ready, I go out to warm up the car. It doesn't start. I was cursing, seriously WTF. It would turn over but nothing, and I had a full tank of gas. So the benefit of living in a small, minuscule community is that I call the guy who owns the garage and he drives down, has some dry gas, puts that in tries, nothing. Then he freakin floors the gas, all of a sudden POP and it starts. I was like how much do I owe ya? 5.00. Can't beat a small town sometime. So we get the kids loaded, and head on our way. Caleb was so good at the store, and Meghan was having a freakin fit towards the end. Stresses me out, and then I forget stuff, and buy bad things. LOL She was stressing me out, so I decided to get my favorite homemade Cusson's donuts. DAMN they are good. Anyways, we leave there and the kids see McDonald's and immediately start in. As Caleb calls it "Chicken-french fries" so I ask gram, and we go. They are actually pretty good there, and eat. Towards the end they were being goofy and marching and going in circles, but they were okay. Then I got the car washed, not sure why since I have to drive on a freakin dirt road home. Caleb was scared and informed me that "No like it mommy, no like it!" Then we drive home, and the dirt road is mostly mud, it is like driving on ice at some points and my car is all dirty again. What a stressful long day!! I don't think we will be doing that anytime soon. I enjoy my Sunday grocery shopping alone.

Now for some random facts:

I love Ellen DeGeneres
I currently like the song "Colorblind" By Counting Crows
I am breaking out, and I never do! Damn heavy period
I am dreading grammie leaving for Arizona for a week

Happy Birthday Gram

2007-02-21T10:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Gram. Hope you are celebrating in Heaven with our family. I love & miss you beyond words.

2007-02-10T00:21:00.000-05:00

I'm sick of grieving. Does that sound bad? I am though. I think I am doing better and then I have bad days. It sucks. I miss my gram so much. I still can't believe that she is gone. It doesn't help driving past her house either. Still for sale, no one has bought it. I am sort of glad because I am not ready to see it filled with strange people. My other gram that lives next door helps me every day which I have said before. Well all I can think about lately is what if something happens to her? My kids won't understand, I will be living up here without her. I try and not think about it, and enjoy my time left with her. I guess I am just not ready to deal with another death right now. I wish I would dream about my gram or something. I really do miss her. You know what I should have done? This sounds really weird and odd, I'm sure but I should have taped my gram with a mini tape recorder. Her voice. Then I could listen to her whenever I wanted. Her birthday is the 21st of this month. She would have been 77.

I slept for crap last night. I always do when Bart is gone. It sucks. I guess I should be in bed since Bart has to work on a Saturday!! Ugh. Lately Caleb has been crying for him :( I have also had this nagging cough and runny nose for like a month. It's really starting to irritate me.

Tonight I watched Trading Spouses. I could not believe this one mother on there. She was so ignorant. She hated gays, Hispanics, etc etc. It was so annoying, I hate people like that. I hope she learned something from her experience and maybe can be more open minded.

2007-02-08T23:29:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I suck at resolutions huh? Well tonight for some reason I could not get into blogger. I am so irritated with this computer. Ok, lets see. We got ourselves for Christmas this brand new HP computer, well we get it, take it of the box, set it up, it doesn't work. RIGHT OUT OF THE DAMN BOX, and it DOESN'T WORK!!!!!!!!! So Bart called HP and talked with tech support for 2.5 hours to accomplish nothing. Then we were going to send it back, well everyone we talked to had no idea it seemed like. We kept getting switched etc, etc. Finally we talk to someone and told them we were sending it back and wanted a refund. We had such a horrible experience with HP customer service we decided to just get a Dell. So we order a Dell, and get it, take it out of the box and it works! YAY! But the speakers don't. Ok, no big deal. Well 3 weeks later, the computer randomly shuts down, and then I get a blue screen. Over and over. I call Dell tech support and talk with the very nice guy for 2 hours. We concluded that they needed to come out here and fix it. The guy comes fixes it, and it is working good, except...now my cd drive does not work. It did before. Sigh. WTH!!! Seriously, I could snap on this thing. I don't mind calling tech support, but I don't have 2-3 hours to devote to talking to them with my kids here. So I need to wait until someone can watch them or something I guess.

Not much else is going on in my boring life. Sigh. Bart is working long hours, and I hardly get to see him. It sucks, cause I could use a break and the kids miss him lots. I hate tax season, for this reason. My mom has offered to watch the kids overnight so Bart and I could get away but everywhere I look they mostly require 2 night minimum. That is so irritating. If we are going to stay somewhere I want it to be nice and not like a regular room at the Holiday Inn.

Enchiladas de Pollo y Queso

2007-01-10T17:40:00.000-05:00

Here is the recipe I made:

Enchiladas de Pollo y Queso (Kathy-imajacobs)
5 T butter
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
4 oz chopped green chilies
1/4 cup flour
1 T chili powder
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack
12 tortillas-I prefer flour
Melt 2 T. butter and cook onions until softened. Remove to a bowl. Add chicken and green chilies. Melt remaining butter. Blend in flour and seasonings. Whisk in chicken broth. Cook, stirring until sauce boils. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and 1/2 cup cheese. Stir 1/2 cup sauce into chicken mixture. Spoon chicken mixture into tortillas and roll up. Place in 9x13 pan. Top with remaining sauce and cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 for about 25 minutes

I added more chicken and cheese, and it only made enough for 7 big size tortillas. I left out coriander (cause I don't like it) and cumin cause I didn't have any. I added hot sauce also. These were DELICIOUS!

2007-01-09T23:50:00.000-05:00

Ok, Ok, I gotta keep up and get in habit with this. That is one of my resolutions and all. Not much to say really, I do the same shit everyday. I pretty much stay in my jammies all day, clean up messes, stop fights, etc etc. Tomorrow is MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) I dread it. Not because its boring but because I have to peel Meghan off me to go. I love MOPS, and really look forward to the break but I hate drop off. Hate it. But I am going, and Meghan will just have to deal I guess. Maybe it will be better this time? Ahhh probably not. Oh well. How am I ever going to do preschool?
My kids have switched on me once again. Caleb is now the hard one. Meghan is easier. It could change back. Caleb is really testing the limits. He is throwing, screaming (I HATE THAT!), not sharing at all, throws tantrums etc. I hope he is good at MOPS or they probably will be like GREAT she's here with her twins again (insert eye roll).
I made some YUMMY enchalidas tonight. The only thing I didn't like was how long it took. I boiled my chicken and then shredded it. That took forever it seems! It could be because I had to stop fights, in between it all. It was delish though!! I felt somewhat like a wife. LOL
Okay, its late gotta pack the diaper bags, and all that jazz.
Peace out!

I have 3 children...

2007-01-03T13:50:00.000-05:00

I have 3 children, my third being Bart. He woke up late today, and then asked me to get up to help him. Start the coffee, etc. He sounds like a herd of elephants running around when he is late. Sigh. At least I got to take a shower before Caleb and Meghan were up. Meghan woke up with a fever. Sigh. It never ends! I am not sure if she has a sinus infection or an ear infection. We all have colds. You can just tell she feels crappy. I was going to call the dr, but decided to wait because right now she is sleeping fine.
I feel like I accomplished something today! I swept and then mopped the kitchen floor, cleaned off the kitchen table, wiped all the chairs down. Now I am taking a break.
I am trying to get the church website up and running. I hope I can, because it would be a good addition to our church. I am just waiting to hear from my pastor.
Now to decide whats for dinner?

2007-01-02T00:47:00.000-05:00

Bart and I started dating 10 years ago today. Wow I can't believe it! It has been so long. LOL. He was 15 and I was 17, and the rest is history. We have only been married though for 3.5 years.

I am glad actually that the holidays are over, and things are getting back on schedule. I love Christmas time but this year the kids got sick, and my niece and nephews did too. Also we crammed every ones gatherings in 4 days. It was a bit much, and you don't really get to enjoy the holiday. Now we are all dealing with colds. I can deal with that any day though!!

Today we went to my dads and went sliding and made a snowman. The kids loved it, and really enjoy being outside despite the cold. I actually don't enjoy going outside, but this year I got snow pants and boots, and it hasn't been too bad actually. I think seeing the kids enjoy it so much makes it worth the hassle.

I wanted to stay home today and get some stuff done. My house is a wreck. The kids have WAY too many toys, and we have no space. Not sure where I can give toys away. They don't have any place like goodwill in VT that I know of.

My other gram (Marion) who helps me everyday doing laundry and the kids and the list goes on and on...anyways she doesn't like to drive and feels that she shouldn't. I have told her numerous times that I would love to drive her where ever she wants to go. She is so stubborn! I love to help her and it also feels like I am repaying her for EVERYTHING she does for me. I guess I will have to keep telling her. I think that is what I miss about my other gram. I used to do errands for her and help her. I felt like I had worth. When she died, I felt sort of useless.

Well it is late, but so far so good on keeping my resolution of blogging more!

A New Year!

2006-12-31T23:17:00.000-05:00

This time last year, I was laying with my dying grandmother. I didn't even think about the new year at all then. I remember announcing to gram that it was the new year, and then 3 hours later at 3:05 she took her last breath. I can only hope that this new year starts off better. It does seem to be getting a little easier, or you just learn to deal I guess. Now I drive past her house all dark, empty and cold, with a big for sale sign on the front yard. No more warm family gatherings, or the smell of wood smoke. Until some other family moves in and fills it with love again. I go through spurts, where I am really down and sad. Amazingly enough I am doing okay tonight. I did cry earlier thinking about her and this time last year. But you know she was in so much pain, I really am comforted to know that she is in Heaven and not in pain. I know its on most of my family's minds, and I think most of my family is keeping busy trying to think about what day it is.

Gram was like the foundation of our family. When she died, it seemed like we all crumbled a little and family was growing apart. She was like the glue, and is missed SO much. I think tonight I will toast to gram!

I usually make resolutions, but hardly ever keep them. Here are a few I have thought of.

1) Lose weight (original I know)

2) Clean my house and get rid of junk

3) Go to Church more & pray

4) Play with my kids more

5) Blog more

I could go on and on, but I want to try and keep these :)

Happy New Year!

2006-11-26T23:27:00.000-05:00

Long time no post. Not much is going on with me, just the same old shit. I have been dealing with sick kids this week, ugh. I have never ever heard so much whining. Bart and I seriously were going to go crazy. Meghan is on antibiotics for a sinus infection and seems to be doing better. Caleb just had a virus so the Dr. said. But he is coughing still and whiney which is really unusual for him. Needless to say our Thanksgiving was not that great.
Today I had to go to church to do nursery. We haven't been to church in 4-5 weeks because it was beginning to become stressful. Church shouldn't be stressful. We hope that we can continue going when the kids are older. I miss it. After church we put up our Christmas decorations outside. I also put up a cross that my grandfather made that has blue lights on the side of our house. It looks good.
I have been down in the dumps lately, and I know it has to do with this time of year, my kids being such a handful, and gram's passing. I really am trying to pull myself out of this slump so that I don't have to go on meds. I think I am doing better now, I finally told Bart everything that was on my mind, crying and all. It felt good to finally let it all out. It's hard because I don't really have a lot of adult time or friends that actually keep in touch. Anyways here's to looking up!
I have a lot of my Christmas shopping done which is actually a miracle in itself. I still have some to do. Can I just say that I LOVE online shopping!
Supposedly we are supposed to be building a room downstairs. My FIL says he will help etc. We'll see. At least we would have a little more space in this little house.

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T11:08:00.000-05:00

Create Your Own!

Same old, same old

2006-10-29T21:26:00.000-05:00

Well, well I haven't written in a long time. Mostly when I feel like writing it is about my gram and how much I miss her and all that stuff. Sigh, it seems to get old I am sure to everyone else. It seems so prominent in my thoughts now because this was around the time of year that my grandmother found out, that she had terminal cancer (actually it was November 13, 2005).

My sister had a great dream about my gram and grandfather. She dreamt that she saw my gram and she hugged us and said "I just want you to know that I love you so very much" Then my sister Nikki talked to my grandfather and asked him what heaven was like. He told her that it was better than life itself. He also said that you know when you get a new car, and it has fresh new paint, it's like that. I have to admit, I was jealous that Nikki got the dream and not me. I have dreamt about my gram, but nothing like that.

Usually on the weekends we make the trip to see the in-laws. We don't mind, and the kids like to get out of the house. But they have Bart's great-grandmother lives with them. She is 98 years old. She is so crotchety! Don't get me wrong I love most elderly people. I used to work in a nursing home. But she is like nothing I have ever seen. She can hardly move lately, but somehow manages to threaten my kids. She antagonizes them, and yells. Last year she spanked Caleb. Today when we were there she picked up this metal tray that the kids just wanted to drum on and said she was going to hit them with it. I don't actually think she would but I said "no you won't grandma!"
Ugh it DRIVES me nuts because Bart, and my MIL do nothing, say nothing. UGHHHHHHHH!!!! And this is really, really awful but I think why does she get to live to be 98, and my gram had to die at 75? I know, I am awful. :(

Getting Better

2006-10-01T22:23:00.000-04:00

Well I can say that I am feeling better than when I wrote my last post. When I wrote that entry I was really at a low, and felt like I was at the end of my rope. I think a lot had to do with the fact that Bart was gone for the whole week. It was very overwhelming. I also watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition tonight, and of course besides making me cry it made me realize that I am blessed.

Yesterday I started weight watchers again. sigh. I really hope I can lose more weight. I eventually would like to have one more child, and I want to lose weight before I try to have another baby. Plus I found out that I have an underactive thyroid, and that could have been stalling my weight loss before. Now I am on medication so hopefully that will help.
We went to go apple picking, but the pick your own was closed for the season! What the heck? Already? But since we drove all the way over there we stayed and let the kids play on all the playground stuff. I did get to buy a bag of apples, and some pumpkins. The kids didn't know any different.

Today we didn't do much. It was raining and we just hung out at the house. I went grocery shopping. Yippee! Oh but Bart did put up two shelves I have had for like 5 months. About time!!!

2006-09-29T23:38:00.000-04:00

I know I haven't updated in forever. I have wanted to many times, but didn't because no matter how I put it, I would be a downer. So you were warned. I have been down lately. There are a lot of contributing factors.

I miss my gram terribly, I thought I was getting better but I'm not. It hurts right now like it did when I found out that she had cancer. My heart aches everyday. I feel like she is the only one who really knows me. I can't help it. I feel alone without her. I miss her so much, and she is on my mind everyday. I hate that she is not here, I am mad and angry about it. All I can replay in my mind is her being sick, I can't seem to remember when she wasn't. It's like a movie over and over in my mind. It kills me.

I am so not the mother I thought I would be. Ever since I was little I wanted to be a mom. Now I am one, and I feel like a failure. I have no patience with them lately, and I have even yelled at them this week. I mean yelled. I feel like such an asshole of a mother. I feel like I don't do enough with them, and that my gram is looking down and is so disappointed in how I treat my kids. I feel constantly judged about how I raise my children. I feel like no one wants to be around me or my kids because we are just too complicated, etc.

I really hope that I am just stressed because Bart was gone, and that I don't need to go back on Zoloft. I just feel like I can't catch a break. Sigh. Glad I updated?

In Memory Of Daniel F. McGinley

2006-09-09T15:01:00.000-04:00

Daniel F. McGinley was a family man, and a man of the Lord. He valued his family and his deep Catholic faith. He was known as the always "working the beads" when his brother last talked to him on September 11, Daniel was saying the Rosary for the people in the other tower. That says a lot about the person he was.

He was proud of his Irish heritage, that every St. Patrick's Day he took the day off work and took his wife Peggy, and their 5 children to a parade on Fifth Avenue. He also loved to sing his favorite, "Danny Boy" his wife even bought him a karoke machine.

Daniel enjoyed playing hockey, and was quite good at it. He played twice a week. He also coached his children's soccer, hockey, and baseball teams. He was also very interested in his Irish Heritage and Catholic religion. He knew his history on both subjects very well.

After reading all about Daniel while researching for this blog what really stood out to me was what an all around great guy he was. He was a great friend, husband, and father. Not everyone is so fortunate to know someone like Daniel. It was hard for me to write this without sounding like an obitutary. I am glad that I got to do this. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Daniel's family on this day, as well as all the other 2,995 that lost their lives.

Prayers Please

2006-09-06T00:05:00.000-04:00

Can you please pray for Joseph? He is a 3 year old boy that has had one cord blood transplant and now needs another one. He is currently on a ventilator. I know he and his family would appreciate your prayers. Thanks.

Maine

2006-09-05T11:28:00.000-04:00

So this weekend we went to Maine. It was not bad, but the kids sleep horribly in hotels. But they loved being "free" as we let them run around with Elise, Jack, and Seth. They even met a few other friends while staying there. I was very thankful to have help, my grandmother and my great aunt watched Caleb and Meghan, so Bart and I could eat breakfast in peace. LOL My kids aren't really so great at eating out, but I will say they did pretty well in Maine.
There was a Canadian couple that had boy/girl twins that were the same age as Caleb & Meghan. They were born on the 21st of May. But they were 2 months premature. Meghan and the little boy hit it off, they even kissed once. Too cute!
It rained the whole way home, and the DVD player in my car stopped working before we even left for home. I was so fuming mad about that, because it is our lifesaver for long rides, and because I have had to return it like twice before. Good thing we got the warranty.
I am so glad to be home in my own bed though!

Missing Gram

2006-09-04T11:11:00.000-04:00

Every year since I can remember we go to the fair with my moms side of the family. Not all of them but some of them. My gram loved to go to the fair. We went on Tuesday August 29, and it was not the same at all. This is the first year without gram there.
One of my favorite stories that my gram told me was how she used to take her 9 kids to the fair every year. They didn't have much money but she would take them, and they would go out and eat in the car with a picnic that gram had prepared. She would buy things that they never had because they were too expensive to buy all the time, like soda and cookies. So even though they didn't have a lot of money to get fair food, she still made it special for them by getting things that they rarely had. She also gave each kid a roll of dimes to use for what they wanted whether it be rides or games.
I love that story because it shows what a great mom my grandmother was. She still made it special for them even though they didn't have much money.

Random

2006-08-24T00:54:00.000-04:00

Ok, a few random tidbits.....

I watch Young & the Restless and Guiding Light. On both shows they are having people die. I can't deal! It all brings me back to when my gram passed away. Sigh can't they go back to cheating on each other?

I need sneakers. I went to 4 stores today. Did I find shoes? No. Why? Cause I have wide feet. Apparently wider than anyone else. I tried on some cute woman sneakers, but nope NONE of them fit even the ones that said wide. So I tried mens, and I did find a couple pairs but nothing that fit great.

I did however get the Church newsletter done. Finally. I had to take it to Staples because the church copier is on the skits. I had to make 90 copies. It cost me 40.00!! But it works out because we haven't been to church in a while to give any money. Bart and I have a goal to start to go to church every Sunday like we used to. The kids need to get used to it, and I think the more we go, the more they will get used to it. That is the hope anyway.

Pictures from The Wiggles!!

2006-08-19T21:48:00.000-04:00

Picture 1: Giving the Wiggly dancer the bone we brought for Wags the dog!
Picture 2: Watching the show.
Picture 3: Fruit salad, yummy, yummy!!
Picture 4: Watching the show, Meghan is holding a rose to give to Dorothy the dinosaur!
Picture 5: Toot, toot, chugga, chugga, big red car....
Picture 6: Henry the Octopus, Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the dinosaur, and Wags the dog!!
Picture 7: Giving the Wiggly dancer roses for Dorothy the dinosaur!

2006-08-16T23:26:00.000-04:00

I want to snap on my freakin internet. I had to call them this morning because last night I was off and on, off and on. SO irritating. Then this morning it was out. FUN FUN! At least I talked with a woman and she had kids so she wasn't annoyed with Caleb playing the trumpet. *sigh*

I took Caleb to the Dr yesterday. He is now on oral antibotics for staph and I have to alternate between Hydrocortizone cream with desitin and Lotrimin and desitin. He HATES medicine. I have been trying to sneak it in his bottle (yes you heard right *gasp*), he doesn't like it very well...I also talked to my Ped. about Meghan and her constipation he gave her a stool softener which is tasteless and I can put it in juice or her bottle, now why can't they make Calebs medicine like that? He said it was a stool softener but on the bottle it says prescription laxative. I think I might call tomorrow. I don't want her to be dependent on it to go, plus I hate putting it in her little body. I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing. I do trust my Ped, but I just worry like that.

Bart finally took the van in to get looked at because the stupid ABS light comes on randomly. But it was nothing! Thank God, we just shelled out 500.00 for Barts car. It never ends. We are going to see the Wiggles on Friday!! WHOO HOOO!! Rock on! LOL I am looking forward to it because I know my kids will love it and be so excited. I am however not looking forward to sleeping in a hotel cause the kids will do horrible. Oh and driving for like 4-5 hours. Yeah not looking forward to that.

Tomorrow night my gram and I are going to Ladies Night Out with women from our church. I am looking forward to that, because I have adult conversation, & I get to hang with my gram. Today she watched them for what I thought would be like 20 minutes. I had to go talk to the pastor about the newsletter. I was gone for like an hour and a half and my 84 year old gram watched Caleb and Meghan. She took them outside even!! I don't even do that unless we are inside the fence! SO thankful for her.