We're having fun

Well we've been pretty busy around here so haven't had the chance to post. I've been busy working out the details of the job. Have I mentioned how excited I am to be entering the workforce again. Another phase has begun. Another yippee from me. Of course the kids keep me busy which I'll show pics of later and we had dinner guests on Saturday which was a lot of fun.

They are friends from Husband's office and they brought their significant others. I really try to keep in mind the 10 commandments found on this site. If you haven't checked it out you really must. She has a great attitude about entertaining and some wonderful ideas. Well, I suppose if you don't like to cook or entertain then forget it but I love it. My BFF and I went out shopping in search of blue plates and I have to give her credit she found them for me. I had certain requirements to be met. Not only have we had fun lately on our weekly outings shopping around (at our leisure and not with kids!!) but we laugh the whole time. I look forward to our next trip out.

Back to dinner. Here are some pictures to showcase the night.

Me in my new apron getting ready to start the celebration, before the guests arrived.

Climber hunkering down with a friend.

Pictures of our guests who I think had as much fun of a time as we did. Plenty of talk, laughter and good food.

If you are wondering where the other two were, they were in front of the tv watching a new movie, Dinotopia. They gave it a thumbs up and so does Mom and Dad since it kept them occupied for an hour and a half. That's my trick when we have dinner guests over, especially those without children. I rent a new movie they haven't seen before and it usually works (except for Climber who isn't interested in anything to do with the television).

I know most of you that read (which is most likely family) want to know what's going on with the kids so here's an update. Safety Boy and I had date night and went to see Kung Fu Panda. What an entertaining movie. Would highly recommend it as would Safety Boy. It was so good that it renewed his love of karate and he is now back at it. Here is an old picture when he was testing for his yellow belt.

Crazy Girl, well still crazy but here she is enjoying her morning "coffee" (really her orange juice) on the front porch with Climber.

This is what happens when you leave Climber alone for 5 minutes. He managed to climb the stairs, go into the bathroom, grab the tp and come back half way down the stairs to have some fun. Must be a texture thing.

This is what happens when you have an older sister. You learn to love doll strollers and dolls. He is always in that doll stroller either hanging out or being pushed around by one of his older sibs. Then there are times we find him alone in the playroom feeding one of the dolls. He is such a good caregiver and will make a great daddy, in 30 years.

Yippee!!

I have a job! I start the first week of July at a small community hospital on the telemetry floor. During my physical with the nurse practitioner at employee health, she told me that a nursing career is a journey. I just hope it doesn't lead me to this.

Sunny Days and Rainy Days

This past weekend was spent outdoors in the beautiful sunshine and yesterday was spent indoors avoiding the rainstorm. Either way, the kids had fun.

Only Safety Boy was daring enough the slide on the slip 'n slide. The other two cautiously walked down to enjoy the water.

Just back from a birthday party and new bubbles from the party bags to blow. Who knew there was such a thing as scented bubbles?

I finally found something to hold Climber's attention for more than 5 minutes. Play-doh was thing to do yesterday at our house. It was the first time he didn't try to eat it and enjoyed playing with it more than tearing it into a million pieces and throwing it around. Yeah!!! That boy is growing up.

Look What We Did

We went strawberry picking today and saw some goats too. I preferred the picking and the kids (ha, get it - "kids") preferred the goats. We, or me I should say, picked 6 pounds of strawberries at a very rapid pace. Climber was asleep in the stroller, Safety Boy helped pick for 5 minutes and quickly got bored and Crazy Girl couldn't be bothered with the manual labor. Why do it when you've got a willing mother? She was probably thinking, "don't they have these all packaged in the grocery store so we don't have to do this?" Within 20 minutes of picking I heard the tune "I have to go to the bathroom really bad" in a whiny pitch. Music to a mother's ears when she is on a mission to pick as many strawberries as possible. For whatever ridiculous reason I am very competitive when it comes to fruit picking. Whenever I see someone else with more fruit than me I feel the need to get more so it did not sit well with me I left with only 6 pounds. If anyone is interested I'll be heading out again before strawberry season is over. Cherries are the next fruit and will be ready in a couple of weeks. Mind you I have never had a cherry in my life and don't normally buy them but I feel the need to pick them.

Anyway fun was had by all. After our morning of picking we had lunch with Husband during his lunch time. Thankfully we ate early and didn't disturb too many diners at Joe's American Bar & Grill.

We are off to a birthday tomorrow afternoon and then our plans are subject to the weather so we'll see.

A quick pose in the strawberry field before said potty break.

A little bit of sibling love during our snacktime. All in the nameof making Mommmy happy.

I Admit It

I hide from my children and I did as recently as yesterday morning. I am not ashamed to admit this and neither should you be. You know who you are. Mothers with young children. I never thought I would be one of them, one that hides but I say, "do whatever it takes" and for me that is hiding. Go ahead and call me a coward. That's okay, I can take it. I'll tell you why I hide from these monsters. Did I just say that on the outside? Anyway, back to why I hide. Usually it is because I have something really good to eat and I don't want to share. Most likely it's chocolate. I could live on chocolate alone. It's a good thing Husband doesn't like chocolate because it's less that I have to worry about sharing.

Okay so the other reason I hide from my kids is well, sometimes I just need a break. By 9am yesterday I was done. Yes, you read that right, 9am. The kids were throwing wet cereal on the floor for the dog which wouldn't have been that bad except she is going blind and can't see most of it. Then Climber dumped the dog bowl of water, proceeded onto the dining room table where he dumped my display (silly me for having one), then climbed onto the fold down computer desk and finally pooped as we were walking out the door to drop off Safety Boy at school. In the meantime Crazy Girl was having a fit over something and just couldn't cope and Safety Boy was throwing toys and didn't feel like picking them up. Believe me I know that I am blessed to have 3 healthy beautiful children that we waited a long time for but yesterday was one of those mornings it was hard to remember that. So I went into hiding and called my Mother on the phone and had a good pity party for myself (and a chuckle at the thought of my hiding). It was a good 5 minutes before they found me. They thought it was a game and tackled me. Wouldn't it be great to live through the eyes of a child.

What Chu Want?

Every now and then Crazy Girl wants to know "What chu want". For you slow learners, that's "What do you want?" in English. After a trip out for breakfast one morning Crazy Girl became inspired by the wonderful world of waitressing. So now she writes our order at a feverish pace. If we try to order anything but juice and coffee she is out of it. Thank heavens she didn't pick up on the tipping part or we'd be broke.

I'm Done

No, I'm not done blogging because I have too much to say. "I'm done" is in reference to my two older children. Do your children do this? They scream "I'M DOOOOOOOONE" from the bathroom which is supposed to be a signal to Husband and I that they need assistance in the bathroom. This drives me nuts. Really, this is the least favorite part of my day as I am sure it is for anyone with children who can't reach the tp. However, I have tried to explain to them that given we do not live in a large house, a mere 1600 sq. ft., I can here them from anywhere. I have threatened, punished with time outs, made them wait and tried to handle it calmly but nothing works. It's all fun and games when you are in the bathroom. Once we found one of them, who shall remain nameless, putting a tub toy in the toilet. What more can I say, eewww!! Listen, "get in and get out." It's not a time for leisure play. I am hoping that one day my children will read this and finally get it but by that time they won't need me anymore. At least I hope not. Maybe I should look into a call bell...

It's Been a Long Time

Or as my Mother would say it has been 30 some-odd-years and some very odd years they have been. 38 to be exact. Yes, today is their anniversary, Flag Day. Those 38 years have resulted in 2 children, 2 apartments, 2 houses, couple career changes, 1 boat (that they still enjoy), and 6 grandchildren. They will be with their kids and grandchildren tonight having a cookout at our house. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!

Picture is from my Mom's senoir prom.

Spree Day

Yesterday was Spree Day at Safety Boy's school. I went with Crazy Girl and Climber for half the day to hang out with Safety Boy's class. It was a lot of fun. His school year ends on Wednesday and I will miss his teachers and his class. They are a wonderful bunch of children and they are always having a lot of fun, just as they did yesterday. Here are a couple of photos from the day.

The above picture is of Safety Boy and his Cousin M who also happens to be in his class. It's nice having them in the same class and they have grown to become good friends.

Little did I know my child likes to busta' move. For the life of me I can't remember the name of the song they were dancing to but it was one that everyone does the same thing. When the DJ put on the song kids all over the field were doing it.

Here are a couple of the kids having a freeze pop break.

I Am So Lucky

to have a daughter. Let me begin by saying that when I imagined having children I assumed I would have all boys and in fact wanted all boys. I was petrified to have a girl for all my screwed up reasons. I will reveal it all in a tell-all book I discuss with Oprah at some later date. Anyway, when I found out I was having a girl I had a lot of mixed emotions. I didn't know what I was going to do with her. I know what you are thinking ... you are a girl dummy. But, boys are easy in a way that girls are not. See, girls are dramatic. I am not. I don't like drama nor do I do drama. Well, let me tell you I got drama but it's not so bad. As a matter of fact my drama is wrapped up in a beautiful 36 inch package with a lot of power, craziness and love. Little girls are amazing. So much emotion in the form of love, laughter, tears, anger and feistiness has been put in my life. Sometimes it has sent me to the brink of insanity but then brought me right back with laughter. I am so blessed.


The reason I write this is because my Crazy Girl loves to be in the kitchen with me. For that I am grateful because to know me is to know that I love to cook so to have her with me is incredible. My own little cooking buddy. Below is a picture of her from this afternoon making soup in the crockpot (too hot to use the stove). What makes it so cute is that she is wearing a skirt (always does) and her apron that some friends gave her as a gift one year. My idea of comfort, jeans or shorts, is her idea of discomfort. I love that she has her own opinions unless of course, they are different from my own. Just kidding.

Next is a picture of Crazy Girl with her BFF CC which is my BFF's daughter.

Holy Cow It's Hot!

Let's hope it stays this hot by the time I make it to the beach this summer. In the meantime the kids are making the best of it. Safety Boy and Crazy Girl are hanging out at their friends' house, Buddy T and BFF C (aka the house of Gomma and Cow).

We also did another ice cream run, of course. I just can't get enough. Honestly, I think it satisfies all the food groups including dairy, meat since it's from a cow and has protein (just work with me), carb when you add brownie to it and fruit when you have bananas in it like in a sundae. See I've got it all figured out. We went out to a place that ia out in the country and is not really close but I love the drive there. The kids love it because they get to see the cows and goats. The smell when you pull into the driveway is one not to be missed. Eventually your senses adjust and you are still able to comfortably enjoy that great cone. We all had cc cones, that's chocolate chip for all you beginners out there. I love it and maybe some of you have been and can figure it out. It's in a small town to the north of us and situated, obvoiusly, on a farm.

And because this is the only picture I could get of Climber sitting still I thought I would add it. It was just a bonus that it would drive Husband crazy that his picture is on here. He always complains about how he looks in pictures. Oh well, it's my blog. It is a great picture of them having a moment.

The Ants Go Marching Two by Two

Boys (including Safety Boy's Buddy T): Look what we got (with much excitement)

Me: Wow - you must be going on an expedition

Boys: No, we're looking for ants

Me: In the house?

Boys: Yes, cuz we found food ... crumbs and ants like that

Me: Oh, okay I better vacuum it up

Boys: NNNOOOO!!!!!

Five minutes later heard from another room

Crazy Girl: Look an ant!!!

After which I go running, ready to squish the lights out of it.

Me: Where?

Crazy Girl: Just kidding
Gotta love 'em

Just Another Day to Report

I had one of my nieces over today. Crazy Girl was so excited since we hadn't seen her in a little while. They played great together but my only problem was trying to get a picture of them all together. She just wouldn't go for it. So here's one of just the girls at the table doing puzzles.

Today was a cloudy and rainy day here so we just hung out in the house, except for the brief trip to the library after school. One of the things we do to pass the time is dance. It's fun to watch each of them. Climber dances just the way Safety Boy did at that age, must be Husband's genes that gave them that rhythm.

She is a fashion icon.

Safety Boy dancing with Dog.

Climber just being himself, curious.

What do ya think?

Your Ice Cream Personality:

You like to think of yourself as a fairly modest person. And it's true that you don't talk yourself up... but you're also pretty happy with who you are. You are incredibly cautious. You rather miss out on something than make a mistake. No one would ever call you wild... but they would call you responsible. You are a very open minded, liberal, and flexible person. You love many things. You tend to have tastes that range from down home to cosmopolitan. You are a natural multitasker. You feel alive when you're doing more than one thing at a time. You are a serious and contemplative person. You definitely do your own thing in life.

The Ice Cream Personality Test

I don't get it ...

but a post I created last night is showing up under Albert's post (Tuesday) and I don't know how to change the date. Someday I will figure this all out.

I just can't get enough of this.

My First Baby

Okay, so maybe not my first human baby and he was actually my second dog but he was first in so many other ways. He was the greatest dog and he passed away in November 2007 at age 10. I still miss him and have been thinking of him constantly. Just had to put this out there. I know I'm not the only one who thinks of their animals like a child. Husband keeps telling me that once the old mutt that we have now is gone then we are done with dogs but.... I just don't see how I could not have another. I want another Albert. I know it's not possible but I should have put more thought into the cloning thing while he was still alive.

Notice the different fur styles. We live in an old house and in the winter it's every man, woman, child and in this case dog for himself. Suffice it to say Albert didn't have to worry about picking out a couple new sweaters for the winter season each year. I loved how I used to stick my feet under his belly when he was resting in front of me. He kept my toes so warm.

And for those of you who have asked me what is it about a dog that I love ... it's their loyalty. That sums it up.

You Gotta Have Friends

For a couple of days I have been thinking of writing a post on friends, even at the risk of sounding sappy (not usually my style). They are close to my heart and I love to be with each one of them. First let me start by saying that I love meeting new people and talking and/or listeing to what people have to say, especially other women. Maybe it's because of that it has opened up a world of wonderful women whom I consider my friends. I don't like to brag but I think I have the best friends. The fact that they are willing to hang out with me even after listening to my obnoxious laughter is eveident enough they are great.

I was never one of those girls in school who had a certain group of friends that I hung out with. Similar to nowadays I have many different friends from different parts of my life. There are those from my childhood who started out as my friends because our families were friends, you know the type. Lucky for me we have remained close through the years. One is even the Godmother to Safety Boy.> Secondly, there are my friends from high school and unfortunately I think there are only two left that I still talk to (Lucky them, they were both in my wedding and they looked absolutely stunning in those chocolate colored dresses but I digress). Then, unless you count going back for my nursing degree I don't have any college friends... none of them stuck. There is one the one girl from nursing school, who although much younger than me, we get along great. I am not saying that the young and older can't get along, you know what I mean. Then there is the friend I wrote about in an earlier post. As a side note, I do not know how to link in the middle of text from one post to another so if anyone does, please share your wisdom. You get to meet all kinds of people when you become a Mom and fortunately for me I have met many. There are also some friends that I have met through random situations so we'll just file them under miscellaneous (no offense). Finally, there are my old coworkers who are just a big hootin' good time.

I was just trying to figure out why I was writing this and I think I just want to convey to all of you that I think you are wonderful. Thank you for being a part of my life.

(Above picture is Children Playing on the Beach by Mary Cassat)

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It's Monday

Just a few snapshots from the day. My brother came by for a playdate with his three boys (4, 2 and 7 mo).

I just had to take a picture of Safety Boy reading to Crazy Girl. Or I should say he was quizzing her on her knowledge of animals.

At the end of the day before dinner they decided to take out the soil from the planter on the deck so they could ride through it. According to Safety Boy "it'll make us go faster". I don't see the rationale behind it but then again I'm not a 5 year old boy.

Our weekend

We've had a very busy weekend and fun was had by all. The weekend started on Friday night with "date night". We weren't out for long, thankfully for our babysitter. Not that I want to air any dirty laundry but our kids just don't want to listen. Can you believe it. I think it's a conspiracy set up by my parents to get me back for all the evil things I did and said to them from age 8 and up. They won't admit it but I know. It was the night after our babysitter's prom and I don't think she was up for it and I'm afraid she won't come back. Hopefully she'll take pity on me.


Saturday started with Safety Boy's soccer game during which he scored his first goal!! Hooray! Big moment for him and Husband and I. What a great feeling. On our way home, the rain they had been forecasting finally came, in buckets. The day was pretty leisure and Husband went for a run (by then the rain had stopped). Although had it been raining he would have run anyway. If you know anything about him, it is that he is determined and doesn't let anything deter him. He used to ride in almost any weather, so long as there wasn't any ice, and he has been known to mow the lawn in a downpour. Mowing is another story we'll have to save for another time. Anyway, so he has decided that he wants to run some races so it looks like next Sunday will be his first. I am excited for him.


Saturday night was great. We had my friend and her boyfriend over for dinner. Let me tell you that this woman is amazing. I met her through one of Husband's friends. They were dating at the time. I don't really remember how it happened that we ended up getting together just the two of us but I am so glad we did. Among other things, she is my movie buddy. If ever I need a chick flick moment, she's the girl I call. She's always there, for anything. She's beautiful, honest, giving, intelligent, funny and so cool. I hope she knows how much I value our friendship and how much I love her.


Sunday morning was church. It was the first time I went downstairs for the children's liturgy and craft. Usually Husband does that and I get to enjoy listening in peace to the sermon. Overall it was good and no problems. Then we had a make-up soccer game. I guess all of the kids decided before they showed up that they were going to take it easy. I think Coach was a little flustered, not sure what to do with them. I was equally frustrated with Safety Boy making mud pies on the sideline with his buddy T. Definitely not a goal scoring game. Oh well, there's always next week. As I write this the kids and Husband are next door visiting with our neighbors, who are like grandparents. Such a beautiful couple.


Our week will be busy but I am grateful to have such a full life.

Crazy Girl and her Good Friend E

Coach and the team at the end of the game

Safety Boy and his Buddy J