WHY???

Here is a list of questions I, and many of my married friends, would like answered:

- Why are you(husbands) more tired than we are? Even after sleeping(snoring) all night long while we were up with the kids?

- Why can you not comprehend that we do not sit around all day and talk on the phone?

- Who do you Think cleans the house, does your laundry, takes care of YOUR kids, makes you dinner

- Why do you feel that when we are angry and yelling that that is a good time to act like a 3 year old and not help at all?

- Why do you not complete the tasks you tell us you will complete?

- Lastly, What do you do in the bathroom for a half hour, because it cannot take that long to poop?

BON JOVI ROCKS!!!

Last night Ben and I went to the Bon Jovi concert downtown. It was AWESOME! They played for two hours straight before the encore. I cannot think of a song they didn't play that I wanted to hear. I love how they mix the old with the new, they manage to keep a perfect mix. This was the four time I've seen Bon Jovi in concert and I never have anything bad to say, however, the last night's Who Says You Can't Go Home was not as good as last time when we were in NJ. I suppose it is like hearing Bruce sing Jersey Girl somewhere else, still the concert Rocked!

So, the concert was great, but I had a small problem, I found myself obsessed with the guitar playing,and this was not due to a new attraction to Richie Sambora, no it was my countless hours of Guitar Hero. After watching Richie last night, I do think I got some pointers on how to finally beat Lou:)

Well, after a nice night, we had to come back home and be parents again. We walked in at 11:45 to a boy still awake, and girls not showered, but that is okay and I took care of that. It was nice to get out without them:)

HI BECKY!!!

We hired a roofer today!!! He will do he job on Saturday. He says it will only take him one day to complete the task. I am very excited about this, our roof is in bad shape and with every gust of wind we are losing shingles.

In other news, we have not done well this week with the "not eating out" thing. I hope we can get back on board and try again next week to be better. We have a busy next few days Ben's parents are in town until Friday, Ben and I are going to see Bon Jovi tomorrow night, Killi needs and x-ray tomorrow, I have my root canal Friday morning, I have people coming to look at the bathroom, and now the roof. I hope we can get all the work done in the next few weeks so that we can move onto the yard. I really enjoyed my flowers last year and can't wait to add more to it this year.


Yesterday was my baby brother's birthday, he turned 26, he did not have a very happy one so, I hope today was a better day and his next birthday is better. Now it is less than a month until my birthday so I will start celebrating. You can never start too early, that way if the birthday is bad, you had all the other ones leading up to it, and that certainly increase the chance that at least one will be good, right? So please feel free to wish me a Happy Birthday everyday from now until March 26:)

Before I go, I'd like to say hi to my new friend Becky, who seeks and reads my blog, but never comments:) I will title this blog for her today!

These are the Days...

Boy, life has been busy. We started early today(6:30am) I am not sure why, but we did. After yesterdays hot breakfast my kids were expecting one again this morning, luckily I had anticipated this thanks to a very wise woman(Thanks Bec!, so I had the sausage and eggs ready to go. I even cut up some strawberries to go with them. Off to school we went, early for the first time this week. Maggie and I dropped Declan and Killi off and picked Grayson up(It is Emmy day he told me:)

I spent the rest of the morning cleaning up the house and making phone calls for Ben to contractors and electricians, setting up appointments to get estimates. Oh yeah, I did squeeze in a shower:) All that and it is not 11am yet.

I forgot I have also managed to find time to call my mom and brother and pick on them:) I sure am productive these days. I'm off now, Someone just pulled up to checkout the bathroom for me!

Another day sitting around eating Bon-Bon's...

Today was a crazy day. All three kids had school this morning so it was a bit rushed and I decided to play "Super Mom" and make the kids eggs and sausage for breakfast. Traffic was awful and it took me an hour and fifteen minutes to drop the kids off at school. By the time I got home, I needed to get showered and back out the door to pick the girls up and meet Bec and Gray for Tuesday lunch at Carlos O'Kelly's(where Shane,our waiter was not in). From there we head to the farm to get milk,eggs and butter for what is becoming a long list of North Stafford friends:) Once back in town I pick up my car and head over to Dr. Tom's for help with the disk( he did work so magic). While there I also met up with a guy who had some estimates for some work I need done, a two-for-one, that was handy:) Next, the girls and I headed to Michaels to pick up some stuff we needed for a craft. And there my world started to unravel. I could no longer make a decision, I wanted to cry. I made it through and we got what we needed. So, off to Becca's we went to wait for Declan. A surprise awaited me there, tea water was on and Bec was anticipating the tears. The only question left was who would shed them first:) Got the kid and headed home. There I was greeted with a load of laundry, dinner to be cooked, and a DirecTV bill that was wrong, and I almost forgot, the three crankiest kids ever! I made dinner, bathed the kids, read with Declan, got clothes ready tomorrow, Declan's lunch made for tomorrow, Killi's snack, ate with the kids, unloaded the dishwasher, reloaded it, returned a few emails, paid some bills, fought with DirecTV, and got the kids to bed.

Then, my husband walked in, to a quiet,clean house with a home cooked meal, and work estimates he asked for and said, "I had a really long day, what's for dinner?" Is he F***ing kidding me? I smiled told him dinner was on the stove and went to fold the laundry.

I know he works hard, but will being a stay-at-home-mom ever be seen as "work"?

Today is Monday...

I slipped the disk in my back today. It is no good. It hurts badly. Dr. Tom helped me out a great deal this afternoon and the pain is not as awful as it was. I will try some muscle relaxers and motrin and hope the morning brings less pain.


I would also like everyone to know what an awesome job my sister is doing with Gracie. That little monster has gained two pounds already and is getting so big. Who knew she'd get the hang of the mommy thing so fast( I sure didn't)!

You Decide, Productivity or OCD...

I was either incredibly productive today or through my lack of sleep and PMS, my OCD has come through full force. I wash, dried, folded, and put away 8 loads of laundry, finished a paper for school, vacuumed, made beds, 4 dozen chocolate cookies, 2 pans of lasagna, loaded and reloaded the dishwasher 3 times, shopped(online), showered, got the kids clothes ready for school tomorrow, read a few books to Maggie, Took Declan to swimming and picked Killi up, made PB&J for the kids for dinner(Lasagna,two pans of it, was gross), and put the girls to bed. There are a few other things I am missing, but you get the point. I am finally sitting down. My lasagna is in the oven, Ben and I will eat after swimming and Declan needs to be tucked in to bed. It's been a long day. As anyone who knows me knows that it is most likely OCD intuced by PMS and therefore, tears will follow shortly as exhaustion sets in, but for now I will enjoy all I done today:)

A Job Well Done...Yippie For me!!!

I now have all of the clothes in my house washed(last two in the washer and dryer)and, the big accomplishment, it is all folded and put away!!! The kids have eaten a good(hot) breakfast and I am finishing up my paper. I hope to finish all the laundry before the day is out and have a clean, empty laundry room. That will be true elation!

Why Do Fools Fall In Love...

I am very sick of gray weather. It makes me sad and not want to do anything. The girls and I stayed in most of the day and I continued tackling the mountain of laundry that never goes away. Then, as I was putting the kids clothes away, I decided it was time to clean out the closets. They needed it. The girls had made a big mess in theirs and Declan had a bunch of toys he has outgrown. I vacuumed a few times, fed the new pet, cooked dinner, and bathed the girls and put them to bed. After putting them down I felt not tortured enough so, I ventured out with Declan, to the food store. This is by far my least favorite "grown up" job to do, but I did it and picked up what we needed to make it though until our next big WalMart trip.

Now it is 10:30pm and I am thinking of folding some more clothes and settling in for a NEW episode of SNL. I wonder if I will be able to stay up:)


Also, I would like to know if it is true that Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson are engaged? They have only been dating since November, but I guess if it's true love that is all the time you need:)

TOO SPOILED...

I had a bit of a rough day with my babies today. I am feeling just alittle under the weather and we've had lots of nasty gray skies the past few weeks, so I don't feel great. Anyway, my kids, like most I know are spoiled rotten. They have more than I could have ever dreamed of as a kid, and rarely do they ask for something and not get it. Why you ask, I do not have a good explanation, I can only say that we have been fortunate enough to give them what they ask for. However, I now see that this is not working for me or them. They need to be entertained every minute of the day with something talking or moving, with remotes or sensors, and if one of those is not available, well then Mommy can dance on her head or something:)


I would like to find a way, over the next few months to help my children see how good they've got it and how much more they have than others. I would like them to appreciate all they have been given and know that they are not entitled, but fortunate. I am just not sure how to do this with a 6,5&3 year old. I know that Ben and I are not the best role models of restraint as we rarely deny ourselves anything. Maybe that is where it needs to start. Perhaps if Ben and I make a point of getting what we need instead of what we want all the time the will understand better. I have tried this before and Ben always argues that he works hard and should b able to do what he wants when he wants on his free time. How do I move him on board? I guess it would be easier to get him on board if I try harder myself. So, I will try:) We'll see what happens.

Lazy Days!!!

It is 3pm on an icy day and I do not have much to show for myself. I make breakfast and Lunch which is unusual, unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, pushed through and folded 4 or 5 loads of laundry, played Wii with the kids, read some books to them, vacuumed 4 times, paid bills, but still I feel I've done nothing today. I hoped to get some cookies made and Declan's curtains made, but I just don't have it in me today. It is a lazy day here and I want to spend mine sleeping on the sofa.

ICY DAY!!!

We got our snow day(actually an ice day) and it is good. Bad thing, husband went to work anyway. That in itself is not a problem; what is i that we are supposed to get more ice later which should make his ride home LONG, which means more time alone with the children. I love them, and am so very happy to be able to stay in today, but it would have been nice to have a three day weekend. That didn't happen so I move on.


As you know, my sister had a baby a few weeks ago. Since then she has been whining about her lack of sleep. Well, I just heard, from my mother, that Gracie(3 weeks Old) went to sleep at midnight last night, and at 6:30am she was still sleeping. Boy, does she not know how lucky she is. What happened to Karma, she doe not deserve a baby so good:) Well, maybe the teenage years will be pay back:)

It goes on...

A fear I maybe getting sick. It all started last night with a tickle in my throat and it has now turned to hurt. My body is feeling achy and I am tired. The flu is running through here like mad and Ryan and Brit are under the weather so, I am not hopeful of the outcome. I do hope that it will be nothing more than a slight cold, but at dinner tonight Ben shared that 3 people at his office are down with the flu. I will try to stay positive and hope to not get to sick:)


On another note; our weather is supposed to turn really bad here within the next few hours. They are saying 12 hours of snow,sleet and freezing rain. I am not a fan of winter weather, but I could stand a snow day. I just hope it is enough to keep Ben home with us. I'd like to spend some time in bed, asleep:)

New Pet!!!

We have a new pet. It is a guinea pig. Killi named him ButterBall. Now, I will share with you how we ended up with a guinea pig.


It all started in August when Ben told Killi that she could have a small dog(she wanted a cat), then he changed his mind and they agreed on a hamster. The hamster (named Killer, enough said) was so mean we could not touch him without being bitten. So, he did not live as long as he could have. Yesterday, I found him dead. Killi cried her eyes out. She wanted to replace her pet and she wanted a cat. Ben will not have a cat, he told her she could have a turtle. That was not working for her; she wanted a pet she could interact with. She got up this morning and decided on fish. So, she called Ben and he was totally on board with that. At the pet store, she found a guinea pig, and decided that was what she wanted. She called Ben and he agreed. So, we have a guinea pig:)


For the record, I'd have been happy with a cat!

Vacuum Troubles!!!

A few months ago I bought myself Dyson vacuum. I spent a too much money, but was hopeful that it would work better and last longer than the other three had. It was working well until last night. That is when I tired to vacuum up Gussy(our Newfoundland). I thought he would move out of the way as I headed towards him, but he didn't, even after I caught his tail, he did not move. What happened next was not good. It was midnight, Gus had ripped apart so paper of the kids, and my vacuum was BROKEN. I tried to fix it, but no luck. I was very sad when I went to bed, no I would need to add fixing the vacuum to my list of things to-do in the morning. So, this morning I called Dyson to ask the how to fix it. The wonderful customer service representative walked me through a few easy problem solving tips and with in minutes my vacuum was back working. As I was finishing my call with her she explained that my type of problem occurs when you try to vacuum something that is too heavy, she asked what I vacuumed, and I confessed my Newfie's tail. She asked if the dog was alright and I explained that he never moved, she than laughed (very hard) and told me to have a great day, and avoid vacuuming the dog in the future:)

Stress...

I am sitting here going through the papers, with my husband, to finish our taxes. The only thing worse than taxes, is the husband helping. This is not going to be a fun night(or a short one).

Yesterday, I had one of the two root canals done that I need. It was a bit uncomfortable while Dr. Muhammad was doing it, but it didn't hurt. However, when it was over I was in a ton of pain. It was one of the most painful experiences in my life. Apparently, I had quite an infection in the tooth. I need to be on an antibiotic for 10 days and I got some pain meds too. I took them yesterday, but when I got up today my tooth was okay. It was the first time, in a very long time, that I was not in pain. So, all in all, the stress and lack of sleep on Sunday night was SO not worth it. It was all good. So good in fact, that I am going back to get the other one done on the 29th.

Good news today on the Killi front, I found this guy, Dr. Jay Lucker, he is a leader in the field of auditory processing. He is one of only two people to be published in the field of testing/treatment for children under the age of 7. Best news of all is he is in my backyard. A very short drive away. I emailed him on Sunday night and he called me back this morning, and will see us on March 20th. I am very hopeful he will have answers for us. Bad news on this, he doe not accept any insurance. The 3 hour testing and consult will cost us about $800.00. We maybe able to recover some of that from the insurance company, but who knows. It is a hefty price, but we need to find some answers. I will let you know how it goes.

As you can see from reading this, I am a tad stressed right now. The chiropractor is going well, but I have also decided to give acupuncture a go to help relax. So, on Thursday morning I will head off to see one. I have never been and am very excited to try it. I hope to sleep better afterwards:)

Wild Nights...

Now it is 2:47am and I am still up. That would be fine if I was productive while not sleeping, but I am not. I am looking for flowers to plant this year and I am playing solitaire and watching BAD television, so nothing productive. I am stressing out about my trip to the dentist and the projects around the house. I have a pretty full day tomorrow and should be pleasant on no sleep. So, to continue the stress, I spend my time looking at all the things that "could" be wrong with Killian and ways to help her. I am pretty sure she has an auditory processing issue and that it will take a while, if ever, to get help from the school system for her. In the mean time, I look for ways to help her.


Declan and Killi started back at swimming tonight. They seemed happy to get back in the pool. They are in different classes this time so hopefully they will like that better. They are both signed up for soccer too. Killi will play with Brittan, that will be fun to see. Killi who hates physical activity and Brit who I was very surprised was willing to play, but who knows, maybe they will both love it. They don't get to do much with just each other, so that will be nice for them. And we'll see how Declan likes soccer. I hope he sticks with swimming myself, but he should try everything once:) And through all this, poor Baby Doll sits home or on the sidelines with me, wishing she were big enough to play. Soon enough she will be, then it will be activities for three instead of two( I can't wait)!


As a final note, I would like to share with you that the Daytona 500 did not have a happy ending for me, and I was so looking forward to race season starting. Hopefully the rest of the season is better than today.

The Dentist!

Tomorrow I go for a root canal. I hate the dentist. It always hurts. Now it is 11:30pm and I cannot sleep. I am too nervous to sleep. I am sure it will be fine, but I still don't want to do it. I want the pain to go away, but I wish I could just wish it away. I do not like teeth at all. If I could I would spring for a fancy new set. A friend of mine just had a new set put in, it was about $20,000, for the whole thing. They look nice. He said it hurt, but so does this toothache and the dental work I keep needing done. I guess we will see what happens tomorrow. Think happy thoughts for me, please.

Cause you had a bad day...

Today, I received the worst haircut of my life. Bec and I took our girls to get our nails painted and while there we decided to get our hair cut. I am always bugging to get hers done, so we picked out a picture and she let them cut. In return, I let Bec pick a cut for me. The one she liked (and I agreed to) was cute. It was short and layered. That however is not what I got. The woman just kept cutting and cutting. It is very, very short. And as a finishing touch, she added some grease to it. I am hopeful that I can make it so bad. And if not, it is only hair and will grow:) Until, if you see me, I will not be upset if you need to laugh at my haircut:)






Blog Title: Daniel Powter; Bad Day

It's 3 am I must be lonely...

It is 3am, I have taken lots and lots of painkillers, but still I am up with a toothache. I cannot see the dentist until Monday, so until then I will try to live with the pain.

The weather here is pretty nasty right now, a crazy rain/sleet/snow mix. I am hoping for a delay or closing for the kids so we can stay home with a fire all day and veg.



Blog Title: Matchbox 20; 3AM

NO GOOD!

I have a toothache. It hurts really bad. I want to cry now.

‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom...

Here is another thing I am wondering about...

In Virginia our primary is on Tuesday and I am very excited about it. First, I would like to say that I am a registered Republican. I do not always vote party and should change to an independent, but have just not done so. Anyway, I digress. I think I will vote for Mc Cain, and am happy to share why if you ask, otherwise I will move on and keep my reason to myself.

My son however(he is 6) has been a Barack Obama fan since day one. For over a year he has told anyone that will listen all he knows about Obama. I think this is very cool. It means that since I was a kid we have come so far. The Democratic Party is going to have either the first woman or first black man as their candidate. However, I wonder if the our country is more sexist or racist. Either seems ridiculous to me, but I guess that has more to do with where I grew up. I am happy that my son is 6 and never questioned that a woman and a black man are running for president. He was mored surprised when we told him that this was the first time either would hold the nomination.


So, whatever the outcome in November, I can say that I am proud to be an American. And this has been an exciting election cycle.





P.S. I would have voted for Edwards had he not left!








Blog title: Lee Greenwood; Proud To Be An American

Dont go around tonight...

Yes, I am back again, and it is 1:45am. Maggie and I are sitting on the couch watching Noggin. Why you wonder, I cannot say. She is not sleeping and I am having trouble doing so. So, we sit. I blog, we talks it is fun, you know she and I never get time alone! HAHA!( I know all of you that know us are on the floor laughing fight now!) Anyway we sit. I could get up and do laundry or dishes, but I am lazy. I always miss my family a bit when I get back from a visit. Even this time, when I was sooo happy to be back at home, I miss them. I wish I were there to help my crazy sister.

Next Sunday the kids start back to swimming. They are excited. I think I forgot to tell Killi that she will have her very best friends in the world,Have and Brittan, in her swimming class. She will be so happy.

I am down to one class for the remainder of the quarter. That is good. And I only have two classes left until I earn my degree. I am starting to get excited, and proud of myself. I am trying to get into a masters program for Fall. I hope I get in.





Blog Title:Creedence Clearwater Revival;Bad Moon Rising

How long can you stand the heat...

A day from hell. Today was not a good day around here. I was very behind on my school work after my week in Florida(I let some school work go). Two of my classes ended today and the other had a midterm. In addition to that I had two papers a few homework assignments and some discussions to participate in. On top of all that I decided to make a turkey for Sunday dinner. The kids of course wanted attention and their father either could not or would not do it for them.

Oh well, the day is done. Homework and tests all taken.

In addition to all of this Megan is having a little more trouble than I thought she would have to being a mom. She calls a few times a day with questions about Gracie. Last nights was a stuffy nose, today a rash. Megan was not so sold on the idea of being a mom and now she is overwhelmed with the love and responsibility she feels for the baby. I know she will grow more confident, we've all been there(new moms), and we've all come through it(with nasty two year olds to show for it:)! Best I can do for her is answer the calls and questions she has like all my mom friends did for me:) Thanks Bec!








blog title: Queen; Another One Bites The Dust

But somewhere in the race we run, We're coming undone...

I think I am exhausted. Why you ask. I will be happy to share. Last Wednesday I left Virginia with my family for a trip to Florida, and it was not a vacation at all. It was work, and lots of it and this is why:

Wednesday: Left home at 9:30am got to Parents in FL at 8:30pm

Thursday: Picked Megan up at 10:30am to run last minute errands before Baby Day- Got back to Parents at 3:30pm and went to park w/husband and kids- 5pm Rainforest Cafe for dinner- 7:30pm got to Megan's and finished packing for the hospital- 10pm back at Parents

Friday: Got up at 7am, showered, off to hospital at 9am- Prep at hospital- Gracie born at 1:18pm- stayed with Meg and Gracie until 6:30pm- 7pm dinner - 8pm at Parents

Saturday: Up at 7am- To hospital by 9am- there until 6:30pm- Home to make dinner- 8pm dinner-8:30pm get kids to bed- 9pm-11:30 fight with husband(he was not getting enough attention:(

Sunday: Slept in, didn't get up until 7:45am:)- 9:30am went to pool with husband and kids- 11am showered and lunch- 1:30pm Off to mall with mom and kids(husband sleeping)- 3pm Off to Megan's to make dinner and watch football game- 9:30pm finally left Megan's after making and cleaning dinner and feeding Gracie, left to put my kids to bed

Monday: Husband woke me up at 4:45am to sew a button on his pants before he left to fly home- took shower-11am took Megan, Gracie and my girls to a bunch of doctors never got finished until 6:30pm- ate dinner- 7:30pm put kids to bed- 7:45pm back to Meg's to help w/baby- 10pm back to parents

Tuesday: 1oam took Meg to get staples out- 12pm ate lunch- 1pm back to Meg's, cleaned her house, watched kids in pool, washed baby-5pm back to parents to make dinner and put kids to bed- 7:30pm back to Megan's to go to Target- 10:30pm back to parents

Wednesday: up at 7am- Took Megan and Gracie to doctor- 10am took My kids and Gracie to pool- 3pm food store- 5pm took rental car back- 6pm cooked dinner had cake(Izzy's birthday) -9pm but kids to bed & packed- toothache, not much sleep,

Thursday: Shower self and kids 4:30am- 5:15am left for airport- 9:30am arrive in NJ- 2pm arrive in Stafford(yes it was a ridiculously long ride, I was tired, got lost, and stopped for lunch:)- 2:30pm set up Wii- 4pm showered, went to WalMart- 6pm THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY DAY!!!!! Dinner with all the Kelley's at Carlos O'Kelly's

Friday: Up at 6:45am- 8am got Declan off to school-9am cleaned house-12pm ran errands-3pm off to get Declan, stop at WAWA, and hang out with the Kelleys, 5:30pm home to make dinner, eat and get kids to bed-

That brings us here, I am tired. Exhausted. I want to sleep for a week. I have the sniffles too. Lots of homework and Taxes to file. When will I sleep? I feel too tired to sleep(yes, I know that sounds odd, but it happens to me:)







blog title: Kieth Urban; Days Go By

Who says you can't go home...

We are back home. Boy is it nice to be home. Ben and I have always traveled and didn't slow down much after the kids came. It was hard when they were babies and needed strollers and bottles and stuff; now that they are older we can skip all of that, but it is not getting much easier( and I was so sure it would:)! Now, we go away and there are five of us who would rather be sleeping in our own beds, five of us that have to decided on dinner, five of us to get through security! Staying home just doesn't seem as boring as it used to be:)





Blog title: Bon Jovi; Who Says You Can't Go Home

Who'd have believed you'd come along...

Well, it has been awhile, lots to catch up on. First, Baby Gracie was born on Friday, February 1 at 1:18pm. She was 6lb 13oz and 18in long. She is, for the most part, healthy and happy. Megan is doing better and better everyday, and she seems to be getting the idea of being a mom, she only called twice today with questions:)

The kids and I are heading home on Thursday, and I am ready to go. It has been alot of work helping with a newborn with my three kids underfoot. I have only gotten into the pool once, but it is okay, I have enjoyed the time with Megan and the baby. I will miss them when I go, but we will be back in April.





blog title: Neil Diamond; Sweet Caroline