A Gift From Grammy!

I wonder, did she think through how the monsters would entertain themselves with the wagon? Maybe she did and bought anyway:)

A Few (Mostly) Good Days

The house has been over-hauled(again) and all the new new toys from Christmas have a home. We are all unpacked from our trip and I am getting caught up with the laundry. It has been nice being home with the family. Husband did venture out to work today, but that was ok, he needed a break from us:)

The monsters and I have done little today. They have been enjoying playing with there new toys. They even made it outside with there new WAGON that Grammy insisted on buying even though I thought they were too old! I was wrong, it is their favorite present!!! Declan and Killi are also enjoying the new Wii games they got. And Maggie spends most of her time with her Bitty Baby.

Declan and Killi still have coughs and Maggie is on day three with a fever. I too have begun coughing, but I am not feeling bad today. Hopefully this bug will pass me by quickly! I guess a trip to the doctor is in store for tomorrow if Maggie still has a fever. My poor little niece has been sick for three days too! Double ear-infections, but she is still running a fever and not wanting to eat, which is not making life easy on her parents- sick babies are the worst, you feel so bad for them and have no idea how to help them! I am happy mine can usually tell me what hurts:)

That's all- now I will switch laundry and start dinner!

A Few Christmas Photos

It was difficult to find, but I managed a few good(and by good I mean no tears:) pictures of Christmas in New Jersey. I am happy to report that next year Christmas will be at home in VA!!!



The girls opening presents!




Declan with a new Webkinz-




Killi falling in love with Biscuit:)




Santa bringing gifts to the house!!!!


That was it for happy moments in the Garden State. Stayed tuned for more details, I am trying to calm down before I tell my tale.

Home

I have never been so happy to be home in my life!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays?

We made it to Jersey. That is about the only good thing I can say about the past few days. Our first night here, we were woken up with some "house" issues in the middle of the night. The monsters are crazy and coughing! I am PMS-ing! My MIL is doing all she can to make me want to hit her! The girls keep begging to go home! And my husband keeps talking about staying longer!

I think the idea of family and the holidays is much better than the reality. The Reality is that while they are "blood" these are not the people that fill our daily lives. It makes the trip complicated. Things are different. And I am ready to go home.

Happy Birthday Killi Girl!

Because I have time now and I am not sure I will tomorrow, I am going to write my birthday post for my Killi monster. Tomorrow my "surprise" baby is turning six! I cannot believe it! Five months after giving birth to a baby, the last thing I was expecting was to go to the doctor and here there was another one coming! But 9 moths later she came, the best Christmas Present I could have ever gotten. My beautiful baby girl.

I can honestly say, that she is the sweetest child I have ever met. Her kindness to all is amazing. Her love of animals and all living things is incredible. While I don't always understand where she is coming from, I know it is never from a mean place:) I hope that never changes.

Have a Great Day Baby!

Family Fun

We had a wonderful day today(mostly:) After a very few hours of sleep, we had a pretty lazy morning. All of us except Declan, who joined Becca and her tribe for an outing. The girls and I were supposed to be cleaning the house but instead, we vegged. Around 11am, I forced myself into a shower and shortly after I was done, Declan returned home and we headed to the AT&T store for a new cell phone to replace the one I misplaced on Thursday(which I am sure will turn up, but I cannot wait). I was happy when we got to the store because while it was busy, they had alot of sales people, so there was no waiting. I quickly picked out a new phone(a blackberry curve) and we were on our way. Next we stopped for a bite to eat, Husband bought an entertainment book, so we only go where we have coupons, poocons- sorry Bec:) After that we hit Linens and Things, but nothing good they were pretty picked over. Then we were headed home.

Husband had other ideas! It was a beautiful day, cold but beautiful, so he threw out the idea of heading over to George Washington's birthplace. It was only about a 40 minute ride from where we were, and it was a nice ride. Once we got there we discovered we were one of only two visitors. So we pretty much had the place to ourselves. It was fun. The kids ran and played and there were farm animals so they had a ball! I would but up pictures if I could figure out how to get them from the new phone to the computer:) Well, even w/o pictures it was a good time!

One Good Thing

The one positive I came up with at 6:30 this morning(when Maggie woke me up) was that when I looked out my back window the moon was shining SO bright, with not a cloud in the sky and out the front window was a beautiful red sky coming over the houses. Three hours of sleep is always better when it's gonna be a sunny day!

What A Day!

Goodness, what a VERY Long and Crazy day. I am finally, as of 10 min. ago, sitting done for the first time since 8am! I drop all the monsters at school, realized I lost my cell phone, which I still cannot find:( showered, yelled orders at Becca(thank you:) about random kids and my plans for the day, worked in Declan's room, sat at the front desk, ran to the car to call Becca and see if the plan had changed, with the extra random kids I dumped on her, took Killi to lunch and then the doctor, finally got to Becca's to grab the extras from her and check my messages, left Killi at Becca's, ran with Maggie +1 to school to drop off + 1 with his mom and pick up Declan + another one, then I drop Declan with Husband for a haircut, drop off the other + 1, came home with Maggie, tore my car and house apart looking for phone(never found, house a mess:) Took Maggie to pick up Killi at Becca's where we scored an awesome home-cooked meal, off to Michaels for some quick shopping then finally home!

I am tired! It was a long day on the end of one LONG week. As a positive though, the sun did try to come out and the moon looks perfect tonight, I hope that's a sign for a sunny tomorrow:) Cold, but sunny I think.

A Better Start

The sky remains gray, but the rain has stopped and I do see some signs of clearing. And except for having to get up in the 6es, my night was not bad. This morning will be busy getting everyone out he door and having to have myself ready to volunteer at 10am(you can see my concern as I blog instead of shower:)

Husband left early again this morning, but should be home early tonight. Maybe we can squeeze dinner as a family in before Boy Scouts. Next week should be slower for him too!

I am off now to have a better day than the past two have been-

Not Going Well...

We have had a long, crappy week. The weather has been awful, I am over-whelmed, Husband has been at work until atleast 7:30pm Every Night(and going in at 5:30am), Killi is a mess, and Christmas is just around the corner. I am very much looking forward to the end of This Week!

Next week does't look much better with Holiday parties at school, Killi's birthday, Declan's first sleepover, Christmas cookies that needed to be made, presents to be wrapped, and packing for a quick trip to NJ.

Tomorrow I will call the doctor and take Killi over to make sure her "issues" are not physical. I will also call her teacher and request a conference. I will volunteer in Declan's class and work the desk. I will pick up Maggie and stop at Michaels and the food store. Head home start some cookies. Head back to pick up the kids. Home to make dinner. And if I'm lucky, I will get some laundry done:)

Then it will be Saturday! And I will have NOTHING to do!!!!

What SHOULD I Be Doing

Let me tell you, it is far more than I am actually doing:) I had grand plans of laundry and Christmas cookies, cleaning and school work; none of that is happening(well, little of it anyway:). I have spent too much time on the computer, too much time playing with Maggie and way too much time arguing, with and about my brother and sister.

What I have done today is successful eaten lunch(yes it is only 11:30am) and sat on the couch. How quickly my days accomplishments are adding up, where will they end- a shower and "real clothes" before picking the kids up? I will have to pace myself for that, I don't want anyone out there thinking I'm trying to out-do-them.

I'll let you know later how much I ended up with(unless a shower doesn't happen, then I will never tell:)

More Stuff

As I've mentioned before, I LOVE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! Our yard is littered with them. They just make me happy. It find it fun and the kids love it too. The other night when we were at Lowes, I fell in love with one more Christmas enhancement, the GE Mr. Christmas sounds & lights.It passed on it however because is was 129.00 and I didn't have that to spend on that. Well, yesterday it was on sale at Rite Aid for 59.99 and I have a 30.00 gift card(that I got for transferring a 2.00 prescription there:). So, I did it- I bought the GE Mr. Christmas sounds & lights! I was absolutely overjoyed:)

After a nice Birthday breakfast for Husband and a trip to the food store, Husband helped me set it all up. Now we have "dancing" lights and holiday music blasting from our lawn( I am hoping to video the lights tomorrow).

I think we finished the house all up this weekend. We got our tree yesterday, at Lowes for 25.00, it is awesome. The kids and I decorated it today as Husband watched:) The monsters begged for colored lights on the tree(I prefer white)and the holiday is all about them, right?

Now I just need the day to get here without anymore illnesses:)

Out Of Practice

After a very long day of cleaning, reorganizing and decorating, Husband and I decided we would head to church with three very tired grouchy kids who are "out of practice" when it comes to behaving at church:) Well, I imagine you know how it went. First, it was snowing and cold. Second, Maggie fell asleep in the car on the way up so she was delightful when we arrived. Third, church was packed and hot! And the killer- the sermon lasted 15min. After 15min, not only had my kids lost it, but every other kid and a good number of adults. I spent the entire mass asking the monsters to behave or picking Maggie off the floor or making Killi stop biting her nails. Oh it was not good. I guess we need to get back into the swing of things and make it to church more regularly.

My Christmas List

Dear Santa,

The following is a list of things I would like for Christmas this year, they are in specific order and I would be happy with any or all of them:

1. 3 more hours in the day

2. An endless supply of money(Wait Santa, I will ask Congress for that:)

3. a cleaning crew that will clean my house anytime it needs it and without me having to see it.

4. an organized house(that remains so always)

5. more time with my husband

6. more time with my children

7. to be a better wife and mother

8. to be healthy

9. a pool in my backyard(and a hot pool guy to take care of it)

10. world peace(how selfish would I be not to ask:)

When It Counts

It is no secret that I have had a bit of a rough go of it the passed 6-8 weeks, I have been sick or the kids have been non-stop throw in there a few menstrual cycles and I really have been a mess, Oh and a "family" trip to NC and my general craziness. Anyhow, I have been feeling pretty low the last week and my poor husband has had to listen to me whine and cry. Generally when I do this, he blows me off and pays little attention to it(because yes, I do this more often than life warrants:) this week though, he has been so wonderful. He has been there each of the 100 times I have called the office a day and has not complained about the crappy dinners I've served.

This is the best part of being married to my best friend, he really knows when I need him to step-up and take over for me. I Love You Honey!

The Bus

You will remember that we have had some issue with the school bus since the first day of school, it has been some what better lately, but it never comes at the same time. It comes anytime between 8:30 and 8:50, the problem with that is it is getting cold out and I do not want to stand out there fro 20min, nor do I want the kids too. Well, today the bus decided to come early and the monsters almost missed it. The bus driver was kind enough to wait an extra moment to see if we came out of the house before she pulled away. That was nice, I really had no desired to hop in the car and drive them.

It's Late

It's late and I am still up. I had big plans for bed, I was headed there at 8:30pm, but never made it. I did go in and lay in bed for a little over an hour, then I gave up and decided to head back to the couch. It seems that most of my family is finding it difficult to get to sleep tonight, Killi was up until after 10 and Declan after 11, Maggie is tossing and turning already so I expect to see her soon. I wonder if I put something in the mac n' cheese that has caused this insomnia:)

I guess with my quiet time I will try to get some school work or maybe some laundry or maybe I'll just watch some tv. Anyway, I will take this as a good thing and enjoy the "ME TIME":)

Fresh Air

What is it about the Fresh Air that makes me so tired. It is a good tired, but tired nonetheless. This afternoon the kids and I were outside for hours trying to plug-in all of our Christmas Lights and for the most part we succeeded. I do need Husband to help change the flag and string the lights on the porch, then we will be finished.

For now I'm tired:)

I Wonder Why?

Today, while I was sitting at the front desk at the monster's school, Declan's teacher came over and wanted to talk to me. She said, "Can I ask you kind0of a personal question?" I of course said sure, and she went on to tell me that today when she asked that class what holidays they celebrated, Declan raised his hand that he celebrated Hanukkah, is that true? I answered yes(mostly to see her expression:)and then explained that we are Catholic, but that last year Declan took an interest in other religions and holidays and that one of them was Hanukkah. She was a little surprised by this answer and the fact that Husband and I were so open to the kids exploring other religions.


This incident in itself was no big deal, but for husband and I it came on the heals of another one. Last week while we were away, Husband and I were watching the news with Declan and a report about President-elect Obama. Husband and I(who both voted for other people) were explaining to Declan how exciting it was going to be to have a new president. Well, after we were done talking(Declan ot bored and left:) my mother asked us how we could speak so positively about our new president when we didn't vote for him. I explained to her that the election was over and that he is going to be our next president and that needed to be respected. And that no matter my reasons for voting for someone else, the accomplishment of winning the presidency is awesome and the fact that Mr. Obama is the first African-American to do it,is exciting.

So, at dinner tonight, Husband asks why is it that everyone finds it so odd that we are so tolerant. I really have no answer, but to say that I am so happy and thankful that I am married to my husband and that we are raising our children to be tolerant and respectful to all. I hope that they continue to live that way.

Those Goofy Shirts!

You all recall those silly t-shirts I had made for our Thanksgiving trip to OBX(see earlier posts to refresh:)? Well, my kids LOVE them. Both Declan and Killi insisted on wearing them to school today along with their new OBX fleece pull-overs! I have created OBX Monsters! Hopefully, in the next few years, we will be able to get ourselves a vacation home there and we can enjoy it more often. For now though, we will keep trying to get there once or twice a year:)

And like Killi said when we pulled off our exit on I95- "Welcome to Virgina, it's not so bad!" We are thinking of turning it in as an option for a new slogan:)

Humor Me For a Minute

I would like to share just why I love the Holiday Season so much. It has little to do with celebration of Christ's birth(because any educated person knows that December 25th was picked simply to coincide with pagan holidays) or the Feast of St. Nicholas(although it is a great story he has and I do love presents:)or the Winter Solstice(because there is nothing good about the shortest day of the year) Nope, for me it is all about the LIGHTS!

Anyone that knows my knows that I am CRAZY for holiday lights! I have lights for St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween so you can just imagine what I get to do for Christmas! I have blow-ups and reindeer, a nativity and penguins, lights on the trees and garland on the porch, snowmen lining the walk and candy canes lining the driveway! I cannot express to you how excited I get just driving around looking at decorations and gosh, if there is a light display within a few hours, I am so there:)

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the holidays for the family and the food, I am even looking forward to mass on Christmas Eve, but nothing in the world beats those Holiday Lights for me:)

Settling Back In...

I am having some trouble getting back into the swing of things! Now I am getting frustrated and anxious! I have three papers and two discussions due for school this week, I need to get my application in for subbing, I need a plan for Christmas, I need to get my lights all up, I need to clean up the living room to get the tree in, I need to wrap presents, I need to make Christmas cookies and that doesn't even touch the everyday things! I hate when I get overwhelmed!

On Our Way!

We had to say good-bye to our family and the beach early this morning to start heading home. We had alot of fun. It was great to have everyone together, that doesn't happen often. It was especially nice that my parents and my sister were able to make the long trip in the car to come meet us!

We are on I95 now jut north of Richmond, so we will be home soon. We have a busy afternoon of decorating ahead of us. It is killing me not to have everything up already! We'll get on it though:) I hope to have pictures of the house by tomorrow all decorated!

Once that is done I can move onto cookies!!!! Oh, and I guess wrapping:(

Happy Thanksgiving ...

Greetings from the monsters at the beach, we've added two cousins to our photo-



What more could I be thankful for? I have a wonderful, healthy family, that all traveled to spend Thanksgiving together! We have had a great week!

Here We Are!

Remember I promised a surprise for my family, well today I made them wear them out! Here we are out and about in our matching shirts!



And I am happy to report that they were all awesome about wearing them!

We're Back!

We've made it back to one of our favorite vacation spots, the Outter Banks of NC! This time is extra special though because we are here we so much of our family. The house we rented is absolutely beautiful! Ten awesome bedrooms all with there own bathroom! Three levels of fun. We have an Ocean View that is breathtaking. We are down further than usual on the island this time so it is even a bit quieter than usual here.

Our ride was uneventful, which means it was good:) We stopped twice and the kids didn't fight much:)

I will be taking lots and lots of pictures while we are here as I do ever time we are here and I will post them as I take them.

Families...

They are so very different. At Declan and Kiilian's school, if your child is a car rider, you have to go inside and pick them up. This is a pain most days especially with the littlest monster in toe:) What has been interesting though is meeting the other people there to pick up kids and who different our families are. The are some parents that are young, some that are old, some that get all done-up for pick-up, others(like me:) that show put in little more than PJ's, some kids get picked up by grandparents that they live with and some by older siblings. Anyway, after three months of talking to these people 5 days a weeks, I have come to see that when it comes to "families" nothing is normal!

I do love their stories though!

Almost There!

One more day to get through until we leave for our much needed Thanksgiving vacation! I can here OBX calling us:) I cannot wait to put my toes in the chilly sand and breathe the great salt air. The kids are beyond excited to go and my mom is just as excited to see them so that should mean some time off for me:)

I am not quite packed yet, but mostly and I did find turtlenecks today for the kids which was very good. It has been a very long time since I have been that happy about WalMart, but I have searched and searched, they were my last hope and BAM- they had them. Cheap Too:)

I got the car cleaned for husband(why it needs to be cleaned before a 5 hour trip with 3 monsters, I am not sure)and the oil was changed earlier in the week and husband got two new movies for the ride. We are good to go!

I hope we get alot of good family pictures while we are there because it is hard to all get together now, with families of our own. The kids are very excited to play with their cousins and see there aunts, uncles and grandparents(both sets:)how lucky are they.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving and be safe! Look for our pictures!

The Sickness Update!

It is official, I really am sick! I have bronchitis and because I am prone to pneumonia, the doctor has given me a course of antibiotics to fend-off any thing else that might come my way. She also armed me with a new inhaler for the wheezing and some cough medicine so I can try to get some sleep. Hopefully with all that and nothing to do for the next few days, I can be well for our trip.

It is getting cold here tonight and there is talk of some snow showers(which doesn't make me happy). I did start our first fire tonight and the kids are happy. I think that tomorrow, Maggie and I will see the other monsters off and veg most of the morning and then get some packing done in the afternoon. I would like to Dr Tom again tomorrow, but he isn't in until after 2 so that will have to wait.

I need to pick a few things up at WalMart for the trip later in the week and Husband is taking the car in for an oil change. Friday my in-laws will be here and Saturday morning we will be off for our Family Vacation. I cannot wait, I have a little surprise for the family, and I cannot wait to share it. They are gonna love it!

Seriously !

I am sick again. It started with a cough last week and now I have a fever and am having to use my inhaler because I am wheezing. I don't want to go to the doctor until Tuesday because I don't think I am quit sick enough for an antibiotic yet, but we are leaving for NC on Saturday so I need to be on the mend by Thursday. I would do nothing and chalk it up to a cold, but last year I got pneumonia in November and it too a very long time to get rid of it. In fact, I have had it the past two winters. Damn these kids! My first experience with pneumonia was while I was teaching, once I left to have my kids I was pneumonia free until the kids started school! My immune system is weak and they are gross, gremy, beings(kids that is:)and they come home from that germ field(a.k.a. school) and what to hug and kiss me and then, BAM! I am sick!

I am starting to wonder if it is a plot on their part to keep me down because I am much more easy-going when I am sick. They get more TV, more snacks, quick dinners, and they get to buy lunch at school. So maybe it is all a plan they have plotted:)

Anyway, I am hoping to be better before the trip so I can give Baby Gracie hugs and kisses without making her sick!

Where We've Been

We've had a busy few days a next week promises to be the same here. There are just not enough hours in the day for all I need/want to get done. The weather has been gray and well, gray which helps so much with the motivation factor here:)

The kids have been busy. School, friends, activities and throw in there that all the ladies I know are busy- there is lots of kid-swapping and planning and very little free time. Luckily for me and my friends are children are all very well behaved for other people:) Well, most of the time anyway, Maggie is still happy to give Bec a hard time now and then:)

Next week is our last week or work/school before our "big" OBX trip- There I will take lots of pictures:) and get my baby fix and remember way I stop with 3 children and not 5:) I am sure it will be fun(maybe, hopefully) And I will enjoy it as much as I want to-

Declan is going to get his Bobcat badge on Wednesday! He is very excited. But the big news here is that Killi is finally "Child Of The Week"! She is beyond excited, she started collecting things to bring in as soon as she got home yesterday:) I hope that is fun for her- Oh and Maggie, she is still Maggie:)

He Did It

Tonight I did it! I finally got Husband to take the plunge and join Facebook:) It does seem to be backfiring on me though, he is having so much fun I fear he will never get off. I have created a monster and with 3 already do I really need another?

Hopefully he will enjoy it and not embarrass me too much:) Just Kidding Hun! I am so proud of you, way to go!(HAHA)

If You Can Spare Them...

If you can spare some extra thoughts and prayers for my friend Kim and her family today they could use them today. Kim's husband went to the hospital with chest pains and it turned out he has an aortic aneurysm. It is very small and hopefully he will be ok, but they need to get him on medicine and take it easy. He will also need to be rechecked every 3 months to make sure it doesn't get bigger. They hope he can come home soon. Thanks!

Yippie For Me!

Just to brag alittle, ALL, yes ALL of the clothes in my house are washed, folded and put away. In my house that is a very big deal! I have actually moved onto the blankets and odds and ends that have been waiting in the wings!

Negative!

The Pediatrician's office just called to tell me that Maggie's step test came back negative. Normally I would be happy about that, but today I am not. Why, you ask? Because Declan's test was positive for strep so that means that I have two different "bugs" running through my house! And those portable HAZMAT showers are expensive, not to mention it might not look right if I made the kids strip and shower before coming inside:) Seriously though, I have cleaned and cleaned the house and the kids:) I don't know where or why they keep picking this stuff up, it is going to be a LONG cold/flu season I fear.

Oh, and as if my kids being sick wasn't enough, Maggie infected poor Grayson, so now he hates me:(

All of these illnesses has helped me finish my Christmas List- HAZMAT SUITS for everyone! Do you think Santa will make those?

Monsters School Updates!

We got Declan's report card on Monday. It was good. The grading is done with numbers, 1-4; 1-below 2-working towards 3-meets 4-exceeds standards. He had mostly 3's and 3+. He did have a couple of 2+ though, in the same areas he struggled last year handwriting and showing his math work! The handwriting I fear will hold him off the Honor Roll as both his father and I were C getters in that area:) The math problem thing, is a bit more difficult, he gets the answer, but fails to show his work. He is having trouble explaining his steps, so we will work on that. At least the basic math skills are there so we just need to get him to write down his steps. He is reading awesome, 95% on his 3rd grade level PALS(so that is the level he will read at in school) which he so doesn't get from me as I could barley read until I got into 5th grade- got that was awful! And I really mean I could barely read. I make him read a lot and he is really into these Magic Tree House books, so I am very proud of him.


Killi did not get a report card, I think they only get 3 a year instead of 4. But she has come so far in school in only 2 1/2 months. She barely knew any letters and no sounds and now she knows the names of almost all the names and so many sounds. I'll tell you what, public schools might not be good everywhere in the US, but mine is awesome! Husband and I have had so much support from the staff with Killi it is unbelievable. I am so happy that she is at the school she is with the teacher she has. Not only has she learned so much, but her self-confidence is up because she is able to come home and "teach" Maggie things instead of the other way around:)

As for a Maggie school update, I don't really have one. They make crafts and she is tired when she comes home. The head teacher doesn't complain about her, but because it is a HS program and the HS students are the main teachers, they don't really interact with the parents(I guess we are scary:) But she has an entire year next year to go again before kindergarten, so I am sure she will learn what she needs too, like social skills:) as she is not her sister in that area.

And, That is a wrap on the monsters ans their schooling thus far- hopefully the next update will be just as positive-

Veterans Day

Today husband and the monsters were home with me and I am happy to say that we had a very nice time. We did little work, but spend alot of quality time together. It was nice. A nice break in the middle of the week. A day that was given to us to Thank Our Veterans. So, if risking their lives to give us freedom wasn't enough, my family also got this great Tuesday off. There is no way for me to to truly show how much I appreciate our Service men and women and all they have given to us.

To All Veterans, I would like to say THANK YOU! Without you, my family would not have the life it does.

Good Day Gone Driving

What a busy afternoon I had. My morning started well enough the kids all got off to school and I sat down to do some school work before I headed off to the kids school to volunteer. I never did the school work, instead I watched a show I had on tivo. That was okay though, I deserve 40 min of tv, right?

So, out the door I went at 11 am, showered, dressed and ready to go. I ran to Rite Aid and Dr Tom, grabbed a drink and I was off to school. The front desk was busy this morning, so the time went by quickly. When it was time to leave, I did not moved very fast out the door, but that's okay.

Then I was off to get my littlest monster and a friend's son, who were hanging out with Becca(who agreed to take them because she does nothing but eat bon-bons all day:)However, the children did not want to leave, so I did and left them there, and decided to pick them up after I retrieved the other two from school. That plan was fine until, I had to drop a kid off in my neighborhood before I could fetch the little ones and Declan decided that his throat still hurt. So, the plan was changed.

I picked the kids up, drop the extra off, ran across town to get the little ones, ran the extra home, got the doctor on the phone who wanted to see Declan and Maggie ASAP, so I ran Back across town for the fourth time in the span of two hours. It was not good. I picked the kids up from school at 3:30 and didn't make it to the doctor until 5:00 and I never left the car, just drove across town- back and forth, Loads of fun was had! All I can say is that I am glad gas prices have dropped:)

Good we went to the doctor though. Declan and Maggie have Strep. Yes, that is right, we are again infected! I am not finding this funny at all. Husband met me at CVS and he got the medicine so that I could run the kids to Dr Tom and then home to get dinner made. Because of course, McDonalds would not due tonight, they wanted homemade Mac-n-Cheese. And being the perfect mother that I am(stop laughing:), I came home and made it for them. I am happy to say they all ate so it was worth it, well almost:)

Now I sit here at 9pm, Killi and Declan are still up and I am tired, but they are all off tomorrow so we can have a slow day. Hopefully the rest will heal them. I cannot have sick kids for NC, so the best get moving on the health front:)

Schedules

Tomorrow is Monday, the kids have school. Then comes Tuesday and for the second week in a row, the kids have no school. Then, we have a full week followed by Thanksgiving Break. Explain to me how I, the bad time manager, non-routine follower am supposed to do this? I think I am back to believing in conspiracy theories and that someone is out for me:)

A guess if there is a positive to be found in all this no school stuff, it is that Husband too is off on Tuesday and for Thanksgiving week with me!!! What fun we will have together- Good thing Thanksgiving Week will be filled with lots of other family so maybe we won't kill each other:)

Is This A Joke?

I know you are not going to believe this, but TWO of my monsters are sick AGAIN! Yes, Maggie and Declan both have fevers. Declan is saying his throat hurts and Maggie is just whinny and nasty, oh right, that is all the time, I know is is sick because of the fever:) All I can say is that I am glad they were healthy for the grandparents last weekend and their party. I do have to say that I am not feeling very optimistic heading into cold and flu season. The only positive I can think of right now is that they are children with no underlying health issue that we are aware of and I thank God for that, because otherwise I'd need to be locking them in bubbles right about now:) In fact, I keep encouraging Becca to make one for Grayson as he decided to vacation in the hospital last winter and so far this fall/winter is worse for bugs.

Hopefully I can get the monsters well before our Thanksgiving trip to OBX and hopefully they will stay health while we are there. Other than that, the only thing I can do is refill the medicine cabinet and ENCOURAGE(with a watchful eye:) had washing.

Here Comes The Sun

After what seems to have been days and days the sun is finally shining here today. Not only is the sun shining, but it is warm too- not hot and nasty, but comfortable and sunny:) Oh how the shining sun makes me happy! If only these sunny days were more frequent in Virginia in the fall/winter, but they are not and many days are gray and gloomy and summers are hot and hazy. It is puzzling how not "good" jobs are found in places with perfect weather for me:) Never does a Congressional Affairs job come up for Husband in St Thomas or even The Outter Banks. Boy, if I had been picking a Capitol for my new nation, I would have picked my better weather, who needs a central location:) And DC in not central any more so I say we up and move to a Tropical destination. Well, what a ramble, enough already. It is a beautiful day here and I hope I get to spend a little of it outside with the monsters!


P.S. I was reading my blogging friend, Rebecca's blog, and her dad is very ill- if you could send a thought or prayer her way I know she would appreciate it-

Choices...so many of them!

It is almost open season for federal employees for insurance, that means lots of research and phone calls and worst of all- decisions(I am not the best at those:) For as long as I can remember Husband and I had Aetna, until last year. Last year I decided that we should try Blue Cross; it wasn't good. Not that it was bad, but it was not 50% more of a premium better. The questions this year are a: do we go back to Aetna or try United and b: if I go with Aetna, do I by the additional dental plan that would still keep my premiums below what I am paying now for just healthcare, there is not dental to speak of with Blue Cross. Aetna at least offers a little coverage with your basic plan and then you can buy more.

Then I also need to decided how much money to but into my flexi-spend account. Last year I did not put nearly enough in there. I was out out money by March, not good since it was supposed to last until December:)

These are the skills that mothers often acquire with a family, Budgeting, planning, human resources, organizing, management; all skills that are very useful in the business world. I defiantly believe that employers should look more closely at how valuable a stay-at-home-mom coming back into the work force could be.

Well, it is just a thought- but I am just a stay-at-home-mom, so what do I really know anyway:)

What An Amazing Day!

Although, I did not vote for Barack Obama, I think it is an incredible day in American History. How proud I am to be an American. Proud not only because the United States has elected its first African-American President(which is incredible) but, the election ushered in a complete change in government and it happened peacefully. That is the most incredible thing to me. In so many other countries elections do not take place so safely and freely. We are so lucky!

I am looking forward to the changes that the new Administration will bring to the country and I am hopeful that President-elect Obama will follow through with his promise of bi-partisanship and unite us all. I am happy for Sen. Biden to get the chance to be Vice President and I believe that his experience and leadership will help lead our country. I hope that as VP he gets to stay in DC a few nights a week instead of "training" it back to DE every night, they do have that lovely residence for the VP:)

Now, I am going to sit back and enjoy watching the Cabinet Choices and Committee Assignments, remember I did say I was a political junkie:)

Another Day!

We had parent-teacher conferences today for Declan and Killi. They went much as we expected them too. Then the kids and I spend the remainder of the rainy, chilly day at home. They were off for Election Day/Teacher Work Day, but it was good because Declan was very tired from his Monday Night Football experience. He did't stumble in the door with his dad until almost 2am! Yes, Husband kept my baby out until 2am! Good thing school was closed today:)

Spoiled!

My very spoiled husband and son are at the Monday Night Football game tonight! What a very good life we have that they are able to enjoy that together. They will however be very crabby tomorrow as it will be late when they get in. When I talked to them at halftime, Declan was beyond excited to be there with his dad and it really does make me happy for them to have this experience to share. Here is what doesn't make me excited though, Husband said that a hotdog costs $10, yes $10 for a hotdog. Is that crazy or what! Good thing they ate before they went in:)

I hope the Steelers pull through for them!

A Long Day Over

What a long, fun day. This morning we got up and got the cupcakes going for birthday party and after 54 cupcakes were made, I hopped in the shower to head to the soccer game and party. The team played AWESOME and everyone made it , but Brittan(which seems was a good thing as Bec reports that the "bug" has struck her:( Next we were off to McDonalds for lunch and trophies. After lunch we came hope to finish cupcakes and gather the other items need for the birthday party. My mom and I ran to Rite Aid and Target before heading over to the party.

The Birthday party was great. The kids had a super time(except for missing the Kelleys). They got lots of good and unneeded gifts and have still not gotten it all out of the boxes:) Their friends were very kind.

Now they are sleeping and I am tired. I would like to say I'll post pictures, but I have none:)

The big weekend is finally here, it starting today with Trick-or-Treating and later the arrival of Grammy and Grandma and Pop-Pop. Tomorrow is a very big day with our last soccer game, soccer party and ending with a Pool Birthday Party for Declan and Killi and sleep-over. By Sunday my three monsters should be a ball of laughs:) Next week starts out slow with school out early on Monday and no school on Tuesday so a action-packed weekend is okay, we will have to to recover next week.

We were supposed to Trick-or-Treat with the Bec and the kids, but they have been struck down by the BUG and with our company coming(grandparents:) I am trying to avoid spreading those germs onto them, it was an awful BUG. So, the kids are sad that we are missing them, but I know they understand and don't want to spread this anywhere else:) I will be happy to see this BUG move-out-of-town and it cannot happen a minute too soon!

Over, I Hope

Early Sunday morning I was struck down. It was not good. I spent the day sick in bed. Luckily the monsters did all they could to take care of me:)

I am feeling a bit better and I have a quite week ahead(except that we have family coming for the weekend:) So, I will lay-low and do work around the house. And get my school work done. Good news is that Maggie has a field trip tomorrow,so I have an extra monster-free morning!

2 More Down!

What a day we had. I knew it was going to be a long one when, after taking a xanax, I still only got 3 1/2 hours of sleep, which I think brought me up to 12-13 for the last three nights. Then, that rain I was hoping for, came, but soccer was played anyway. An hour out is chilly rain funny(and a reminder of why I avoid London in the winter:) Of course after that we all need warm showers before heading to lunch and run a few errands. Then because God must be watching over me Husband and I decided that we would go to church in the morning and just stay in for the rest of the day. What a good thing that was because at 5:40 Maggie and Declan starting throwing-up. Yes, at the same time, in separate bathrooms(two to clean is more fun than one:) Had we gone to church, mass would have just started and that would have been bad.

In the middle of this, I needed to get an essay done for school and Killi NEEDED our attention. I sent her out with Husband for some ginger ale, they came back with McDonalds for her:) Whatever, she was entertained for a bit.

Now I sit here, hoping no one gets sick again, hoping for some sleep, hoping for some healthy kids-

Shots and Rain...

We had a morning at home, a slow crabby-kid morning at home. I am not glad Killi was sick, but it was nice to have the morning at home with the kids. With a doctor's appt ahead of us in the afternoon, we all got dressed(if you saw us I am not sure it could be called that:)and headed out. The appointment was for Declan's 7 yr well check. He is good, growing well. As a bonus, because all the kids were there, and the office was slow, they all go to have their flu shots! Yes, it was great fun. They were so excited about their shots and in the end it only cost me three webkinz as bribes:) Yes, I do resort to it when needed and today, with sleep deprived mommy and monsters, it was needed. We then stopped in at the pool to pay for the big birthday party next weekend.

We are supposed to have a soccer game in the morning, but rain is threatening, so we can sty in until church. And because we did a good job eating in this week, we will treat ourselves to dinner out tomorrow night(nothing fantasy,the kids asked for Carlos:) So, a cheap dinner out!

Best news of the weekend though- Sunday is the last night of swimming until January!! I will be able to sty in the house the ENTIRE DAY! Yes, not to leave at all! I am so excited!

Sick Kid!

My poor little Killi is under-the-weather today. At about 8pm last night she starting going down hill and it continued until about 3am. It was a LONG night here. She seems to be feeling better this morning, but is still not eating. I am just hoping that everyone else is spared the illness-

One Little Monster!

Lately, being Maggie's mother has been like being in a 12 Step Program- here are mine:


Twelve Steps

1. I admitted I was powerless over MAGGIE—that my live had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than myself could restore me to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn my will and my lives over to the care of God as I understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself.
5. Admitted to God, to myself, and to another human being the exact nature of my wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove my shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons I had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when I was wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve my conscious contact with God as I understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His Will for me and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, I tried to carry this message to Maggie's care-givers, and to practice these principles in all my affairs.

Things aren't going so well here and I have not figured out how to make it right. I do know that with ALL Three of my children, I have felt that I could not be their mother at some point during the ages of 3-4, but this is the worst one so far. Because now not only do I need to take a firm stand with her, but I also need to parent two other monsters with commitments. That limits what I am able to do to/with Maggie. I cannot be in the house all day while she sits for hours on end in the time-out chair. Because in case you were wondering, she is the kid that would do something to get herself in time-out as I was walking out the door to pick the other two up, just to call my bluff. And even if I put her in time-out when we got back, she would still think she got one over on me because Time-out waited for her. Don't believe me that that is my 3 year old's thought process- Just go on and ask my crazy sister she'll tell you because she thinks the same twisted way. It is hard to be the parent of a child THAT manipulative. And as a crazy person myself, I find it hard playing mind games all day.

All that said, I do LOVE her so much and I know things will get better-

Why My Family and Friend Rock!

As you may know, today was Graduation Day for me, but that didn't happen. What did happen is that I remembered why my family and Becca's Rock.

On Friday night, we loaded up six kids and 5 adults and headed the two and a half hours southeast to Hampton, Virgina. Becca(after sitting in traffic to get home from work) drove me and my girls in the car with her and her kids. Then Husband(who also sat in traffic to get home), my in-laws(who drove down from NJ and sat in the same traffic) and Declan followed a bit later. The ride down was uneventful, the kids were VERY good and quietly watched movies. That gave Bec and I time to chat, which doesn't happen often anymore with everyone so busy.

The Hotel was very nice and new. The kids were happy to get out of the car and were alittle crazy upon arrival, but they calmed quickly. It took about an hour, but we got most of them asleep(Gray figured he score alone time with mom:) The second carload arrived just after the kids went down, so I stuck Declan on the pull-out with his grandparents:) They were happy to have him:) We got up in the morning and all headed down for are wonderful(free)breakfast. Then repacked 6 kids and 5 adults to head-off on what should-have-been our 30min ride to the Scope Arena in Norfolk. That was the end of the goodness.

At about 9:30am we came to a complete stop just before the tunnel. And there we remained for 2 hours. YES, TWO HOURS! I missed graduation sitting in traffic. It was not all bad however. The Kids were unbelievably awesome. No Fighting(well, the babies a bit:) Becca and I played on the computer because it was charged and I had my wi-fi card, we even shopped online in traffic:) After 2 hours and VDOT just showing up, we decided to turn around and come home. So, the kids settled in for another two hours in the car. We decided we would grab lunch closer to home.

What made today better than any graduation day was that all those people were willing to share it with me. And even though they were all out time and money, my husband, Becca and my in-laws(who took us all to lunch:)were only concerned with my missing graduation and how I was feeling about it. That made it a great day!

I will never be able to thank them all for spending my special day with me. And while I am not upset about Graduation, I will remember when I graduate from my Master's Program in Minneapolis, I will stay on the same side of the river as the ceremony:)

DECLAN!

Today, I got work home of Declan's that had been graded at school. Not all of their work gets graded, so just gets checks, but others get graded. Anyway, he brought home a math sheet and 2 reading/writing activities. The grading scale is 1-4 and goes as follows 1:below standard 2: progressing 3: meets standards 4: exceeds standards. So, Declan's grades were 3/4, 3/2, and a 1. His first writing assignment was very good. He spend time writing and on his picture, he deserved a 3/4, his second was a bood he made about Johnny Appleseed, that he could not have put less effort into. The pictures were sloppy and in pencil on two of the four pages, it was bad, the teacher was generous with the 3/2. Now, the third was appalling! It was a math problem, that I am not sure he ever read. He drew so ridiculous pictures that had NOTHING to do with the problem and he was not even close to the right answer. It was a problem he was able to do, I know this because I asked him the question again tonight and he gave me the right answer, but appeared to have NEVER heard the question before. I wanted to kill him. I can deal with a child that has trouble in school, but not a LAZY, worried-about-getting-done-first kid. So, I explained that to him tonight. I told him that I knew he had not done his BEST work and that It will not happen again, or he will be redoing the assignments at home. He admitted that he was rushing and said he would try harder.

Problem is, he got the worst qualities of both his parents:) I am happy to say that this half-ass school work thing is from his dad:)

Decorations!

Everyone that knows me knows that I love to decorate for the holidays! It doesn't really matter the holiday, I love lights and blow-ups, the cheesier the better. So, today I finally got Husband to pull out the Halloween decorations for us. We don't have many, but the collection is growing each year and now they are up. That makes me happy. Here are some pictures, the middle one is our new Pet:)





I can barely wait for Christmas decorations now:)

Work, Work, Work

Another busy weekend! It seems the quieter we try to make them, the more we end up doing. We did get to lounge around abit on Saturday morning, which was very nice. Then we were on the move. A birthday party then church rounded out Saturday for us. The girls did get a much needed good nights sleep on Saturday night and Declan too, we slept in until 8:30. Then we were on the go again. Bec called and said that the deals at Rite Aid were awesome, so we headed there first(and the deals were awesome:) Then we went to Bloom to get some food shopping done(triple coupons:) We did well there too. For our last stops of the morning we headed to Best Buy for a new wireless router(we had gotten one about two weeks ago, but it never worked right and Declan's new laptop new could connect) but alas, all is well in the computer corner of our home. And I think that 3 computers for 5 people is enough for now although Killi is pushing for one of her own:)

Husband and I did get some clutter out today, which always makes him happy. Almost as happy as sitting at swimming on Sunday night does:) We ate dinner late, and the kids didn't hop into be until about 10pm, but hopefully that will buy us time in the morning.

Tomorrow, the kids and I are hoping that Husband will find our Halloween decorations for us so we can get them up. Then in the afternoon we are going to hit the pumpkin patch for some pumpkins and some mums. I need to get the house in order, we are having alot of company the next few weeks.

Trying!

Maybe my time management skills are not as good as I once thought. I may have to cave and get on a schedule and more importantly, stick to it. With three kids in school, a husband that works alot of hours(and commutes more:),a household to manage, volunteering for everything under the moon and a Master's program I am running out of hours in the day before it all gets done. I am not complaining about what is on my plate, because I am enjoying it all, I am just realizing that I need a schedule so that I can complete it all and most importantly give 100% when I do.

We have been doing much better with our new bedtime routine and the kids have had a shower EVERY SCHOOL night before bed(this is a big deal because it used to get pushed til morning alot:) I have done that! And the morning is going pretty well too. Now I need to get the rest of the day in order. M,W,F mornings Maggie is at school. Mondays I have gotten good about running my errands. And Friday I am at school in the am volunteering. T,TH Maggie and I don't need to leave the house until 3pm to get the kids, so I need to get a schedule for those days. House cleaning, school and such. I guess I shouldn't be so hard on myself though, I has taken me a few years to get a bedtime routine down:)

The Game!

We went to the soccer game and the husband an kids enjoyed it. I, on the other hand, am not sold. I just don't think I get it. I will say that watching in person was much better than watching on tv, but still not good. I cannot for the life of me, understand how it is so difficult to get a very small ball into a very big goal. And before you send the hate letters, I do understand soccer is the MOST popular sport in the world, but I just don't get it. No SuperStar, No scoring, all team work and defense, what kind of sport is that:) Maybe someone can change my mind.

Soccer Family Fun Time!

We have a soccer filled day ahead of us! First at 2pm the Fireballs(yes the kids named themselves:) have a game and we hope it goes better than the last three. Then we are off to see the DC United! It will be our first professional soccer game! We are going as a group with others from our area soccer league so I hope it will be fun as soccer is not really my thing. I am a baseball girl and Husband an American Football guy, but I do like to try everything once, so we will go. With my luck though, the kids will LOVE it and what to go back:) As a plus, it is family time and that is always, well sometimes nice:)

Who needs a horse when you have a dog this big?

If you have kids and are EVER looking for a dog, go for a Newfie. Gus has been the best dog. He has far more patience than I for the Monsters. I dare say he enjoys them and their wild games. Games that include capture the lion and put him in a cage and ride the pony. He's the best!

Kegs Already?

We are BIG fans of Kenny Chesney in our house. Declan and Killi have seen him in concert twice and Maggie once. So, it is no surprise that Maggie's new favorite song is a Kenny Chesney song, but I was a little surprised when she told me it was this song.

What does this mean for her college years:)

Declan

Tomorrow is my biggest monster's 7th birthday! I cannot believe seven years have gone by so fast! It is even harder to believe that it has been 7 years and I've kept you so long!

First Day Of School!

Maggie's First Day Of School!

Coupon Crazy!

My crazy, OCD, overachiever friend turned me on to this website a few months ago The Grocery Game; At first I thought she was crazy and that it was VERY time consuming, but I was so very wrong. I cannot tell you how much money I am saving every week. It is unbelievable. The idea that I used to spend what I did on things in just crazy. I was throwing money away. It takes alittle while to get started, collecting coupons, but after a few weeks, Man, you are saving like mad! Give it a try, you won't be sorry!

So, I will admit Becca was right!

RE Classes

This afternoon was Declan and Killi's first RE class. I was not sure how it was going to go since we had to go straight from school to St. Francis, but they did great and both really enjoyed it. They both talked about it all through dinner. What they learned and all the new friends they had made. It was good and I am happy they enjoyed it. The traffic getting home wasn't great, but it wasn't awful either. All in all I am happy with our first trip.

For A Laugh...

This has become my new theme!


I know you are laughing if you clicked over:) Only I am only half kidding!

A Trip Downtown...

Today after I picked the kids up from school we headed Downtown(DC) to pick husband up at work and get our picture taken with and say Good Bye to Congressman Jerry Weller. Husband spent the better part of our first decade in DC working for the Congressman. And it was a wonderful experience for both of us and for our family. We could not have made it in this town without the insight, experience and friendship we have received from Congressman Weller over the years. This year, he announced that he was retiring and going to live in Guatemala with his wife and child. Anyhow, he was kind enough to take a picture with us on the Capitol steps this afternoon. So, that is what we did. I have not been into the HOBS( House Office Buildings) since Husband left back when Killi was a baby, so I had forgotten have FEW children cross through those doors:) It was abit like bringing the circus to town, everyone staring and trying to talk to them, it was funny.

We got to the office early, which ended up being nice, we got to hang-out and catch-up with the Congressman, and best of all, the kids were well behaved:) After our visit, we headed to the Capitol for the picture and again the kids were great. We did the picture(I should have it in a few days:) and walked back to the office door and said our finial Good Byes. It was alittle sad, but I am happy that we went and glad for the opportunity, it gave me closure.(I like that:)

In the mean-time, here are a few other pictures from the day:

Unhappy Hubby!

Husband is having a rough go of it! He is feeling under-appreciated and just fed-up. Soccer practice didn't go well as we only had 5 kids and 1 of them(Declan) was not well behaved. So, Husband left practice angry and headed home. There he was left over tension from our meeting with the school this morning, where he felt I did not approach the situation the right way. On top of that he is tired and wants some time alone with me(awful husband I know:) He has been working alot of hours and going in early most morning to get home to coach soccer(where Declan is being an ass) or so we can have dinner as a family and he can see the kids before bed. I am sure it is hard for him and I know how tired he is, and most days I do love him:)

Swimming and Another Busy week!

Swimming lessons started tonight. It started rocky, but finished good. Maggie was a bit sad when it was time to get in the water, but once in she loved it. Killi was awesome and excited to see her teacher. She seemed happy to have Maggie in class with her. There was also a little boy from pre-school in the class. Declan, is in the 7 o'clock class since he is a little more advanced than the girls. I didn't stay to watch him(Husband met us after the Steelers game:)so I could get the girls home, showered and in bed before it got too late.

Tomorrow Husband and I are going to meet with the school about Killi, then have lot of errands to run before picking the kids up and heading to soccer practice! Then Tuesday the kids has an early-out at school and we are headed into the city for pictures with Husband's former boss, a retiring Congressman. Wednesday Maggie and I have Open House at her school. Thursday is the first day of R.E. for Declan and Killi. Then finally it will be Friday and we can relax. Until Saturday when we might go apple picking:)

I am sure I will get this all going and be able to do-it-all, but right now, I am struggling to find a rhythm.

Family Vacation!

Our House is completely paid for, room assignments have been made, supply list is written,meal schedule formed, Now all that we need is for Thanksgiving Week to get here! We have a HUGE trip planned to OBX for Thanksgiving and I cannot wait. Lots of family fun and more folks just keep joining in!

I will be counting down until we go- which will be good and save me from thinking about Christmas at Halloween:)

Because It Is Friday...

- I have help for the next three days

- we stayed out late and went to dinner with the Kelleys

- I am tired

Harder Than I Thought...

Kids are complicated. I came into motherhood with 7 years as a nanny, babysitting since I was 8(yes my aunt was/is crazy:) and a brother who is 7 years younger than me. I also taught Kindergarten and Pre-K for a few years. I thought I was going to be prepared. I had seen it all. Good kids, sneaky kids, mean kids, cute kids, psycho kids, kids with physical disabilities kids with mental disabilities, kids with developmental delays. I have seen it all. But none of it began to prepare me for what being a mother was going to be like. Sure, I loved the kids I was a nanny for(still do) and I enjoyed almost every child I taught, but both the love and anger and the joy and frustration are so much greater with the children I gave birth to. And it is not getting easier as they get older. The problems may be fewer, but they are much more complicated. And it is getting harder to juggle the three of them. And the closeness in age(3.5 years between the 3) that I loved so much when they were NOT in school and different activities has given way to activities that everyone can do(sometimes with a bit of bribery:)

Anyway, that is that. If anyone has a cure for (the most stubborn) 3 year old, that I created(for reasons that at the time seemed justified) who is now controlling my life and ruining her siblings, feel free to share.

Family Fun!

We had a great weekend, mostly. Friday night my mom, sister and queenie arrived, on time, which is very unusual for that flight:) By the time we got home from the airport and to bed it was after midnight, so we had 4 tired babies in the morning and soccer pictures and a game starting at 9am. After the game my aunt and uncle were waiting at our house for us, they drove down from NJ that morning to meet the baby and she my mom and sister(they were also happy to visit us:) We all went to lunch, except Husband who was on hold with the Allstate(long story). After lunch my mom and her sister took the kids on a walk, and it was VERY HOT and they all came home very dirty(a sign of a good time)

In the afternoon, we got a phone call that my brother and Kelly got engaged! We were all very happy for them and happy to welcome Kelly and Angie into our family!

After the kids went to bed we played a game of Trivial Pursuit 80's and Husband and I won, but my aunt and uncle may have let us:) Sunday we all went to Bob Evans and then my aunt and uncle left and my mom weeded(because she is awesome) and they she and Megan cleaned and organized my kitchen and boy is it clean & neat:) Other than that we mostly just hung out. Here are a few pictures of the girls watching football with Gus:

Because It's Friday...

- The kids are off for two days

- Husband is home with us

- we are having house guests

- I am tired:)

- The Fireballs will have their first soccer game(fingers crossed!)

- we will have lots of fun

What a great day Friday is!

Almost Here!

Tomorrow is the day! Grammy, Megan and baby Gracie will be here! We are so excited!

I will have lots of pictures to share!

KILLI - The Fashion Queen

Killi LOVES clothes! I am not sure where she got this love from(you know, Meg?)but every night when we pick out her clothes for school in the morning it is a long, calculated event. I think she feels good when she is dressed clean and neat and in what she thinks is pretty:) Here is what she wore today:





She is so excited the skirt twirls!



* FYI- I do take her shopping with me and let her pick out her clothes because she is hard to fit and please- and yes she picked this herself:)

On Saturday We...

Had Lots of Fun Playing in the Rain!

Catching raindrops and jumping in puddles entertained them longer and they enjoyed it more than all of their "store-bought" toys.

First Week Down!

We made it through the first week of school with only minor issues. We are officially done with the school bus. After the bus didn't pick the kids up on Tuesday and then didn't get them home until 5:30pm that night, today Declan told me that the older kids on the bus were teasing them on the bus today because they had to sit in the back of the bus(and not together) because the Dumbass driver thought it was a good idea for a 5&6 year old to sit with 10&11 year olds on the bus. Whatever, we are done with it! Yes, I will admit that I am a bit over protective of my kids. It is a weird over protective though, I will sit and watch my kid fall-off the monkey bars, but I like to see it and that is how I parent, I watch but let them fall. So, school is very hard for me and I would love to have them home forever but I know that is not best for them. I have been very lucky so far, to have teachers that have been patient with me(because I am a big pain-in-the-ass:)

I am meeting with Killi's teacher on Monday and I am hopeful that meeting with her will put me at ease for the year. As for Declan's teacher, I have already sent a note, stopped in the classroom after school and emailed her- yes, I know it is too much for only 4 days of school and I am sure I am driving her crazy, I am going to back off now!

Funny Kid!

I really will get pictures up soon, and the Declan and Killi LOVE school so far.

Here is a funny Maggie story for all of you:

I have been telling Maggie that once Declan abd Killi went to school that it would just be us and that we would be able to play games ALL day long(yes, I know that was a big mistake:) well, sure enough Declan and Killi get off to school the first day and she says, "OK, I am ready to play a game now." Ok, I say and we go to pick the one we want, we have Candyland, Memory, Chutes ans Ladders all the good kids ones, but no she wants to play the letter game and giant floor puzzle of the US game. I love her to death, but boy is she a GEEK:) Oh, we also got to read dozens of books. What;s that you ask? Dolls and Legos, Barbie and Mr. Potato Head, nope not for this kid, not with her "mommy game time"!

Much To Say...

I have lots to post about the first day & I have pictures too. I will do my best to get them up tonight, last night was crazy, but tonight Husband is away on business so I should have some free time.

1st Day Of School Stress!

Ok, It's 2am and I am still up. Perhaps I am having slightly more anxiety than I wanted to believe over the First Day Of School tomorrow. Killi was a little nervous before she went to bed, which has now made me very nervous for her. I want so much for this to be a positive experience for her and I just have this feeling, call it a mother's intuition, that it is going to be a very difficult year for her and me fighting for her. Problem is, that unless you are a mother, trying to get people on board with your intuition is hard. I guess the best I can do is be thankful that it is only kindergarten, so if it is awful, I won't have much to clean up. Hopefully I will be wrong and all will be wonderful. She is just the sweetest kid in the entire world(and I am not just saying that ask anyone that knows her:) and I cannot bear to think of her struggling through school.

Well, I know this, when she gets home from school, I will have the cake she wanted with the chicken parm that she asked for all ready to go.


And yes, it is also Declan's 1st day of a new school and 1st grade, but he is super cool now and assures me he is going to be fine and I need-not worry about him or Killi as HE will look out for her. Until the morning comes and he begs me to drive him to school and never leave:)

WHY?

There are people I know that educate their children through the philosophy of unschooling. I know little of this philosophy except that at the fundamentals of it is the belief that humans naturally want to learn and that put in an educationally rich environment children will learn. My point in mentioning this is that I have done that in my house(until they are school age) and have seen it play out in three very different ways. With Declan, Husband and I put forth very little effort in teaching him colors and numbers and such as we had little time with Killi arriving when he was 15 months old and Maggie when he was 3 1/2. That is not to say that we didn't read to him or play with him, but we were not very hung up on a time table for his learning, and despite our involvement, and due to the fact that I was very strict about what he watched on TV and he loved Thomas trains, he learned all of his colors and numbers on his own. Now with Maggie, the littlest monster, I have been far less strict with what is on TV, but I do have had more time to spend with her as the others she will follow me around with a book until I agree to stop moving and read it(she has gone so far as to follow me to the restroom:) She would be happy if I would play letter and number games and read to her all day long, and because of this, she too has learned all those know-before-kindergarten things. Killi, who I have offered the same learning experiences to such as reading, game playing, educational shows will do none of them. For her, having to sit through a story is as bad as time-out, playing letter games is as fun as being hit by her sister.

The point of this rambling post is to ask this, Do all humans strive to learn or only those that can learn in a traditional way? And at what point, if you are an unschooler do you need to point your children in a direction to learn things that they need to succeed in life? And why oh why does my Killi not want to do all the "normal" kid things? Why will she not let me read her bedtime stories?



*Please note that this blog is in no way a judgment on unschoolers, I wish I had the skills and patients to do it.

Super Dad!

Husband, in an attempt to continue as Super Dad this weekend, took the kids to the pool this afternoon while I was shopping, then after church(yes church, look here for more info)he took them to the Japanese Steak House for dinner. That is their all time favorite restaurant, so he is a Super Hero here now! It of course, had been my idea to go there after the Olive Garden(where Husband wanted to go) had an hour wait. But, I am happy for him to get to be the Super Hero today, he has been awesome all weekend. I am sure I am nearing the end of the Happy Helpful Husband Days, they never last long:)

Is He For Real?

Declan feels(and tells people) that we treat him like a slave. He says that all he does is work. He is always having to do things and never has any fun. So, I decided to take a look at how tough his life is, and I found this: (He will be 7 in October) He has his own room with a Queen size bed, TV/VCR/DVD(with directv), and a closet full of toys; onto the playroom where he keeps his DS(with atleast 6 games), legos, and a bucket full his own craft supplies(all three have their own); The living room houses the Wii that we bought because HE really wanted it and he plays 90% of the time; outside there is a swing set, bikes, balls, bug catchers and water balloons(but poor boy, those he shares with his sisters:); Last there is the car, the car that we picked(over the one Husband and I really wanted with the moon roof) because it has a DVD player and Declan has his own pair of $50 head phones.

I do not know where I get off asking him to clean up his own room and toys, or feed the dog(which is not everyday), or let the dog out(yes, open the back door), or turn the water on for the baby to wash her hands, or put HIS clothes in the dirty wash. WOW, I am one mean mom. I should really treat him better!

Not Ready For School!

We are never going to be ready to go back to school. This morning Declan and Maggie got up about 8:30 and Killi made an appearance about 9:45. Why is it that they waited until the weekend before school started to sleep? Getting the up for scholl next week is going to be fun. Two tired monsters and Maggie(who is 3, enough said) up, dressed and fed before the bus arrives at 8:40, that is going to be something else. Husband says it will only take us a week or so to get back in the swing, as that is all it takes him after vacation, but our vacation has been all summer, not just a week. I am sure we will get it done and move along and after a bit of time the monsters will not be tired in the morning.

Playing Tired!

We went our to a friends house for a few hours this afternoon. It is always amazing to me how much noise and destruction can come from 6 children. Especially when they are new friends and not used to playing together. Everything is so new and they have a need to touch every toy in the house. And on the other side the host children always want to show-off all their toys and pets and games and whatever else can be dragged out. It was fun, and the kids had a good time(they found the M&M bowl and ate then ALL). There were few fights and everyone was sad to go so I think that can be called a good outing all around.

I was not sure we were going to make it today as the monster didn't sleep much last night, nor did the mother, which you can imagine makes for happy folks around here. But, they were fine and I did ask them to lay down for a few minutes when we got home in hopes that dinner could be manageable.

Open House and Bad Service!

We met Declan and Killi's teachers tonight at Open House. It was fine, in that we saw where their classrooms are and got to look at the teachers. What was not good was that there is no time to talk to the teachers or for the kids to really see the teacher. Now, I know this is a different school district, but when I was teaching, we used to have parent conferences BEFORE school started. It was awesome, as a teacher, because you got to meet the parents and they got to tell you all they wanted to about their child. It was very helpful in getting to know the kids and the parents. I know though, that I liked getting to know my parents more than alot of other teachers, but I always felt if gave you insight into the kids, plus I love people. Whatever, it was crazy tonight and Declan's teacher might be 24, if that(not judging she seems very nice:) and Killi's teacher seems much softer than her website leads you to think. I guess we will see what happens as the years progresses.


Now for the awful part of the evening, we thought we'd eat at IHOP as it was right near the school- BAD move. The service was so bad that we waited 45min for cheese stix, and they for got Killi's dinner. Plus we were there an hour and a half! It was no good, and no it was not busy. In fact, only half of the restaurant was being used. Needless to say, we will not be going there again any time soon.

Not Feelin' It

I know it has not rained here in a while, and we need it. And I know Kenny Chesney sings There's Something Sexy About The Rain, but gosh it just makes me feel tired and blue.

I would be happy for it to only rain at night, and then dry quickly in the morning and the sky be filled with blue:)

The Good...

Today we went to lunch with the Kelleys, 8 of us ate for $21.79, I believe that we could not eaten at home for that price. That made me happy.

Here is another thing that made we happy, it was my last Tuesday lunch with 2 of my monsters. Next week it will be only monster #3 with me! How much will it cost then? Under 10 for the two of us I bet:)

A Slow Day...

I am not moving so fast today. I fell asleep about 5:30am and got up at 7am, does that even count as a nights sleep or is that a nap? I am hoping for a bit of rain this afternoon so that soccer will be canceled. Yes, I know that is wrong but I am tired.

I was supposed to be out running errands, but it is 2pm and I am still sitting here, not showered and not running errands. Oh well, I guess that is what tomorrow is for. The kids would like to leave the house I'm sure since we spent the better part of yesterday home too. Maybe I will get up and showered in the next few minutes and get some running done.

Over Too Soon!

It has been an interesting summer in our lives. We spent a good amount of time at the beach in NC and NJ. Which the kids loved and so did I. I could spend every day at a beach. The time we spent at home we spent mostly at the pool, where the kids practiced swimming and everyone is swimming great. Even Maggie is jumping in and swimming by herself. Both Declan and Killi are swimming like fish in the 12ft. Needless to say everyone is tired in the evening.

Last week we picked up our school supplies and the kids are excited to start their new school. Although, with tears last night they asked that they not have to ride the bus:) I of course was only too happy to accommodate that request. Next week we meet the teachers and some classmates before school starts on the 2nd.

Soccer started this week which has made life crazy and days long around here. Lots of people calling wanting changes. The kids started practice last night and seemed to enjoy it. We'll see how goes through the season.

In all we have had a busy summer filled with alot of fun times and friends. We hope to end our summer we will get one last weekend at the beach next week, but we have to watch the weather.

Blogging Again!

Ah, back in the blogging world. My soccer gig is slowing down and I can try to get back to my regularly scheduled program. I did get out of coaching my own soccer team and now only have to be Husband's assistant. We will have our first practice tomorrow, so I guess a run to target for new soccer shoes for Declan will be happening.

Next week is our last week of summer vacation. Declan and Killi will both be gone all day. For the next month it will be just me and the littlest monster ALL DAY EVERY DAY, gosh I hope we make it:) I hope we can get alot of house cleaning and laundry done.

Our fall is shaping up to be busy with school and activities, I never imagined how busy being a wife and mother could be. I am just a few weeks away from completing my degree and hopefully will be starting my master's in October.

All-in-All things here are crazy and I am feeling better than I have in a long time and I hope it keeps up:)