Slept The Afternoon Away....

Jamey's mom picked up the kids today around 12:30 or so and when she left Jamey and I watched a movie and slept until she called us to say they were on their way back at 5:00!

I feel a little guilty for not getting tons of things done while I had the chance but that is what I ALWAYS do so today I bummed around and the house is still dirty! Go me!!!!!

This week is going to be busy. Riley has Vacation Bible School every day from 9:00 -12:00 so I am hoping to take advantage of the time I only have one child. I have tons of errands to run and I will have tons of time to do that this coming week!

Yard Work Stinks and A Free Day Tomorrow

I just finished cleaning out my massive could care less if the whole thing turns black and dies flower bed aka week bed. I am hot, sweaty and stinky and I hate each and every thing that has anything whatsoever to do with yard work. I asked Jamey to dig the whole flower bed up when he had the bobcat rented but he wouldn't. I think he thought I was kidding but I really wasn't. I have it looking pretty good right now but it will be overgrown again in like two days which ticks me off. Last year the flower bed on the opposite side of the house got so overgrown with weeds I actually found blackberries growing over there! That is a very sad fact that I should be embarrassed to share but I'm not. The kids and I enjoyed picking and eating the blackberries beside the house! If it weren't for my kids being lovers of the great outdoors I would NEVER go outside!!!! I sweat like a man, I am fair skinned and I freckle I am an inside kind of girl and when I am outside I 100% prefer the shade!!!!!

Jamey's mom called this morning and said she wanted to spend time with the kids today or tomorrow. She called again and said that since her errands took longer than she thought today she said it would have to be tomorrow. That is fine with me because we had tons to do today any way. The kids will be more than ready to go over to grandma's tomorrow and I will be ready for a break after the crazy busy day we had today. Too bad I will probably spend my free time cleaning like always but if I can get Jamey out of the house I will be able to clean in peace which is somewhat therapeutic for me so all will be well. I really don't enjoy running around the house cleaning while he is sitting in the recliner with his feet up...it sucks all of my motivation out and down the drain....probably the way he feels when I sit outside sipping a cool drink while he cuts the grass....woops....never thought about it that way.

I ran across an old scrapbook today that I had totally forgotten I had started. It has these really great pictures of Jamey and I before we were even engaged all the way through our first year of marriage. I loved seeing those pictures again! We looked so young and my thighs did not have cellulite yet!!! (I had on a pair of really short shorts in one of the pictures.) I will probably never finish that scrapbook....I am a really bad scrapbooker! The stress of trying to pick the perfect pictures and design my layout takes all of the fun out of it for me. Arranging photos in albums also stresses me out. I'm a weirdo.

I better go hop in the shower before Jamey and the stinkers come in for their baths before dinner. We are all grubby from being outside all day...yard work, swimming, sand box play, grass cutting, weed eating, hedge trimming, weed bed cleaning outing, etc. I have to get moving to get clean and start dinner.

Have a wonderful night girls!!!!!

Impromptu Family Outing

Today turned out to be really great!!!!

I called Mom while I was out running to the grocery store and we decided that I would drive over to her house and we would ride over to a park close to her house.

When I got to her house my two older brothers were there and decided they would ride along too. When all was said and done it ended up being me and my kids, my older brother Chris, my older brother Jamie and his two boys, my mom, my younger brother C.J., my mom's neighbor and her son. We had a blast just hanging out and picnicking!!!!

On the ride over to the park my mom stopped and bought burgers and tons of snacks and we pretty much hung out for most of the day.

The older boys walked the trails and explored and my kids were delighted to play on an unfamiliar playground and feed the ducks and fish in the pond.

I took some pictures...most of them weren't that great because nobody was really cooperating with my picture taking but I wanted to post a few. I really like the one of Mom and Riley. My mom looks like she is hanging on Riley's every word. This is how she always looks at my kids and I am so glad I was able to catch it without her knowing. She shies away from pictures but she didn't know I got this one from across the pavilion.

Like I said most of the other pictures I took weren't that great and the rest of the time I was chasing kids so I had to hang up my attempts after a while but not before getting a pretty good one of an adorable family of ducks as well.

I hope everyone else got to get out and enjoy this beautiful day as well!!!!

Surprised

I was going through some clutter in my pantry the other day and I found a baby bottle in the bottom of a box. I was really surprised by my reaction to seeing it and could not bring myself to throw it away. Tears popped into my eyes and it hit me then that I will not have any more babies. I nursed both of my babies until I went back to work but seeing that bottle triggered memories of feeding them and seeing their chubby little hands holding their bottles. It was almost as bad as when we packed up the crib and moved it to the garage when Samuel got a big boy bed about a month before his second birthday. That crib went from Riley's room when she was about 15 months old to Samuel's nursery in anticipation for his arrival and now it is in the garage...kind of sad in a way. Jamey has mentioned selling it and I just mumble inaudibly and leave the room and am good until he mentions it again. I want to hold onto it and maybe pass it on to Riley or Sam if they want it.

I think I do tend to "baby" Samuel because he is the youngest and the last baby I will have. (He also enjoys being babied for than Riley ever did.) I never really had a chance to baby Riley. She was literally grown when she arrived. She was two and a half weeks late and when the doctor laid her on my chest she raised up her head and looked at me with wide all knowing eyes. From that moment on she was "growney". She has never liked to be rocked or cuddled and has always had the "I'll do it myself" attitude. She is very affectionate but she likes quick hugs and kisses no cuddling unless she is sick and then it is just heartbreaking and I just want her to feel better and be back to her normal self.

Samuel is a "big boy" and independent in many ways but there are definitely still parts of his personality that are babyish and I am going to cherish those things for as long as I can. My heart melts every time he holds up his little arms and says, "Holda me, holda me."

I do not want to have more children but I am not ready for my babies to grow up either.

Guilt

Isn't guilt a sneaky, nasty little emotion???!!!

Before I lost my job I used to dream and long to do good deeds and volunteer in my community. I would wish I had the time and energy to commit to a cause or several causes. I did and still do little things here and there. I donate clothing, books, toys and food quite often but am I really contributing? Am I really doing all I can to make a difference in the lives of others?

I am often plagued with guilt that I am not doing all I can do. I really want to instill in my children that every little bit helps and that we should all do our part to better the lives of others when we can.

I ran across an ad in my local paper a couple of weeks ago needing volunteers to take classes and work with neglected and abused children. It really pulled at my heart strings and I clipped it out. It has been hanging on my refrigerator ever since that day and I have not brought myself to call. Would my heart and spirit be strong enough to work with children in need? I have prayed about and hopefully the decision will be clear to me one way or the other soon.

If I volunteer it would take me away from my own children but it wouldn't take me away nearly as much as work used to and I could be helping to nurture other children who REALLY need it. While I would be away from my children for a few hours a week my kids would be with their grandparents who love them so they would not be suffering by no means.

Cure For PMS

I Am READY For Vacation!!!!

I cannot wait until time to go on our mostly free vacation next month! Staying with Jamey's family on the Georgia coast has tons of advantages....free lodging, plenty of people to dote on and help with the kids, beautiful scenery, very close beaches, tons of other entertainment and a wonderful laid back atmosphere.

I love having this trip to look forward to. I have been buying little things here and there for the trip and started my packing list for all of us so that I won't forget anything or forget to buy the things we need to take.

Hopefully one day Jamey and I will be able to afford to go on a real vacation. I would love to go to a vacation destination that would require a plane ride and not a 6 hour car ride with two small kids. For now I am perfectly happy with the trips like the one we have planned but I do dream of a wonderfully exotic and fabulous in every way vacation somewhere abroad...ahhh.....that would be a dream come true....someday......

Back To Normal

The kids and I are settling back into our normal routine today with Jamey going back to work this morning.

Jamey and I got along a lot better than I thought we would considering we were together for 11 straight days...I guess it helped that he was outside working in the yard for about 70% of the time but I am proud of us nonetheless. We had a really great week just hanging out, him fixing the yard and playing with the kids. I'm bummed that it is over really.

I really dread him getting home today because with his job stress being compounded by him not being there for a whole work week plus two days and his assistant being on vacation this week he is going to have a mess on his hands when he gets there...thus, he is going to be beyond grumpy when he gets home today! I think I will hand him a beer when he pulls up...before he even gets in the house!

While Jamey was on vacation I also took a vacation from the gym. I have to get back this morning and work my ass off...literally! I really hate to sweat...always have! Unlike most women I really sweat more like a man really and it is very gross to me.

Got to get up from here and get all of us ready to go to the gym.

Pictures From Riley's Little End Of Year Program

I was going through some of the pictures I had uploaded from Riley's end of year program at school and thought I would post two of them.

I LOVED the teacher she had this year. Ms. April wasn't very organized but she truly loved her tiny class. I was very disappointed to hear that she isn't coming back next year. I really hoped Samuel would have a chance to get her when he is in the 3 year old class. He tagged along to most of Riley's parties and events and is already very comfortable with her.

The little boy on the right side is Anderson...Riley fell in love with Anderson on the very first day of school and has talked about him nonstop since that day! She is going to be heartbroken when they are not in the same class next year. (Riley is enrolled in the 3 day class and Anderson's mom enrolled him in the 5 day....I have not told Riley that yet. I am hoping that the feeling she has for him will cool over the summer and she won't really notice.)

I can't believe that Riley is going to be in pre-k next year and Samuel is going to be in school too!!! Babies grow up WAY too fast!!!!

Today's Plans

I hope today works out as planned.

Jamey's mom wants to take the kids to a church cookout this afternoon for a couple of hours. I am hoping it doesn't get rained out.

If they do get to go I am going to take the chance to get their rooms cleaned up and get rid of some old toys and clothes. I have been meaning to go through Riley's things since her birthday party...in with the new out with some old.

I hope everyone has a great Sunday and Memorial Day tomorrow!

My Old Friend Lexapro

Here is my fuse without Lexapro ____

Here is my fuse with Lexapro _____________________________________________

I think I need my Lexapro back!


Around last July or so after about a year of struggling to cope with working mother's guilt, general anxiety over every issue big or small, a very short fuse and overwhelming feelings of being overwhelmed...ALL OF THE TIME I talked finally convenced myself to talk to my doctor and was put on Lexapro. Asking for help to cope was VERY hard for me but I was so glad I did back then. I helped so much back then and I only had to take it for 3 months and have been off of it since October. I have told several people how weird it was....it was like I got to where it was really hard to function before I started taking it and when I didn't need it anymore my body knew because I couldn't really function with the medication.

I think I may need it again because my fuse is so short lately, I am having a hard time staying focused and I have bouts of being very anxious.

I don't know what to do...I am going to think it over for a while.

What Is My Problem????

Why can't I sleep????? I am 30 years old and sleeping has always kind of been my only hobby...of course I have had to set my napping aside since having kids but I have always been able to sleep soundly at night....every night with only a couple of exceptions per year maybe.

Sleep serves several purposes for me...rest of course, I can sleep off almost any illness and it has always kind of been an escape mechanism for me as well....when I feel sad I sleep, depressed I sleep, bored I sleep...I pretty much can use it to cure most unpleasant emotions as well as enjoying it for the pure enjoyment of it.....it is really ticking me off that I can't sleep!!!!

I have to go to bed to try to sleep...Sam will be up super early and I am going to be super ill if I don't get at least a few hours before he bounces on top of me at 6:30.

Later Gaters!

Oh Happy Night!!!!

I got up this morning and immediately started cleaning my house....yeah....getting tipsy and cleaning didn't really happen the other night....got tipsy but didn't clean...at all....I had great intentions but I tend to get sleepy when I drink so I slept. :-)

Anyway...back to my story...I scrubbed the house this morning and then loaded the kids up to go to McDonald's and to Nana's (my mom's). You know how most mom's always talk about their kids driving them crazy and getting on their nerves...well....I think that road runs two ways and I think my kids are getting a little tired of me lately. We all really need a break from each other....so my plan was to get us all out of the house while Jamey finished up the yard today.

When I got to mom's house she said we were invited to my great aunt's house to visit and I was very excited because I have not seen her since my grandmother passed away 2 years ago.

She loved seeing the kids, showered them with attention and gifts of toys she had laying around and all were happy. I went back to my mom's house to drop her off and both Riley and Sam requested to spend the night with Nana. Normally I set a one kid limit on the grandparent spend the night parties but my mom insisted that they could both stay and that fun would be had by all. BLESS YOU!!!!!! I had an extra outfit in the diaper bag for Sam and Riley had on a comfy cotton outfit that would be okay for pajamas. Mom said she would throw her clothes and underwear in the wash while she gave them a LONG bath she could romp around in a tank top of my mom's until they were dry. BLESS YOU!!!!!!

My mom may get under my skin sometimes but she really knows when I need her...and her offering to keep the kids tonight was perfectly timed! She also just makes things work. They don't have clothes....no biggie...she is one of those people who can make something appear from nothing...as a mom I still don't think I have mastered that skill. She adores my children as they do her and they have a blast when they are together. When I leave them with her and call her before I come to get them her response is always the same..."they're fine...do whatever else you need to do...you don't have to come and get them right now."

I swung by a store on my way home and bought everything I need to give myself a pedi tonight after Jamey and I go out to dinner that is!!!! I thought about going to get a pedi but the risk of a fungus freaks me out lately and I can give myself multiple pedicures for what I paid for the supplies...instead of just getting one at the salon.

Oh yeah...and since I cleaned before I left I do not have to spend my free night cleaning!!! What luck I have today!!!!! Maybe I need to buy a lottery ticket!

Have a great night ladies!

I Get SO Tired Of Saying....

I don't really expect everyone to read all of these but the list just sort of grew and grew....I repeat myself so much and get so tired of it I just wanted to vent....maybe I will look back at these one day and laugh.


Do not touch your brother/sister.
Do not spit on your sister.
We do not spit unless we are brushing our teeth.
Stop blowing snot bubbles...it is very gross!
Samuel lets put your shorts and pull up back on...again.
Where are your shoes? You have to wear shoes outside.
Do not run over people with your truck.
Please talk to me without wining.
It's time for bed, no you cannot stay up any longer.
Who smeared tootsie roll on the door? (So far that is a one timer today..no confessions so far.)
You have to let me wipe your nose...it's crusty.
Do not dump water on the floor...water stays in the tub.
It really doesn't matter who opens the door.
Please do not crack your sister/brother in the head with the door.
You can get out of the bathtub first tomorrow night.
It doesn't matter which towel I use for you.
You can only have water to drink after we brush teeth.
I have to help you brush your teeth when you are finished brushing yourself.
Please share.
Take turns...it's more fun if everyone gets a turn.
We have to let Samuel watch some of his movies sometimes too...it's only fair.
Riley please do not change clothes again today.
Riley do not dump all of the clothes out of your drawers.
Riley do not pull clothes out of your closet.
Only play with clothes in your dress up trunk.
Both of you get to pick a book for story time...we can't just read princess books.
Riley please eat...do not just drink your drink.
Samuel do not give your food to Penny.
Samuel why did you take off your pants and pullup?
Only write on paper.
Riley, if the computer makes you upset it is time to get stop for a while.
Stop slamming the mouse on the desk please.
Do you want to go to time out for a while?
Please be careful...you are going to fall...bump your head, get hurt...etc.
Did you turn off the water when you washed your hands?
Did you wipe?
Did you flush?
Do you need help with that?
No more snacks before dinner.
Because I am your mom and it is my job to take care of you and I say.....
Samuel stop playing with your pee pee-er...unless you have to potty stop messing with it.
Riley that isn't very lady like.
That isn't very nice.
Please be nice to each other.
Samuel please don't sit on Riley.
Riley, Samuel is too heavy for you to pick up.
Please use your spoon/fork.
Try not to spill.
Stay seated at the table.
Don't talk with your mouth full.
Please say yes ma'am and yes sir.
That is Mrs. or Mr. So and So.
Please try at least one bite.
Samuel, please stop talking and/or singing about poop....it's gross.
Samuel your shoes are on the wrong feet buddy....switch them.


I love the time after the kids go to bed and I get to just worry about me for an hour or so.

Later Gaters!

Playin' In The Dirt....

Here are some more pictures from the huge yard project that Jamey has been working on for two day. (I think Jamey looked kind of sexy driving the heavy equipment.) He is outside right now sowing grass seed...Yay!!!! Boo for trying to keep the kids off of it for the next month or so!!!!

Yard Project.....

You can't really tell by looking at these pictures but our usable yard is HUGE now!!!! When we get grass down there we are going to have a nice shady place to play and lounge! Can't wait!!!!!!!

I have more pictures of the project...I will upload those later. I have to do lunch right now!

Can't Sleep...Sick Of Trying To

It is 2:57 a.m. and I cannot sleep...this rarely ever happens to me and it ticks me off when it does. My body and mind are very restless and I can't turn off the random thoughts running through my mind.

Today...oops, yesterday was a GREAT day. Jamey rented a Bobcat and went to work on our beloved overgrown "ditch"that runs through our property. I am so excited because it has been leveled out some and the result is a ton of new and usable space in our yard (after we sow and grow grass that is). I have a great "before" picture but will wait to post the big reveal until tomorrow when I can get a good "after" shot. He worked until a good while after dark so I didn't get a chance to get an after pic. I am so glad the overgrown eyesore is history! This work will also showcase how very large our corner lot is and now that that 1/3 of our lot is usable it will probably increase the value if we were ever interested in selling.

Another random thought bugging me is that my Peace Lily is currently in need of a crash cart and life support. I have never claimed to have a green thumb at all but for some reason I have managed to keep this one particular house plant alive for like 8 years and now it is dying. I am very attached to it because it was one from my Granddaddy's funeral...kind of a living memory of him...crazy I know!!!! I recently re-potted it, Riley named it Spot and it was fine for a like a month and now it is sick. Maybe it is suffering from nutrient overload and needs to go back to being nothing but roots in the other old ugly pot. Come on, 8 years is a long time to have a plant...I feel silly for being attached to a plant but I am...I'm weird.

I am really worried about my MIL and the depression she seems to be slipping into with her cancer/chemo. She shaved her head last week shortly after her second treatment and I have been able to tell a huge difference since then. I think it may be a combination of getting much sicker with this one as well as losing her hair. I have been trying to be as encouraging as I can be...assuring her that her wig looks a lot like her real hair...which it does...the color, the stylish cut of it, the thickness...it is very pretty and for people who haven't seen her in a while and didn't know she had cancer they would never guess it was a wig. I hope she doesn't slip into a deep cloud of depression. That would make it so much worse for her...she really needs to fight to keep her spirits high.

I am thinking of asking my mom to keep the kids one day this week so that I can go shopping for some summer clothes for the kids and myself. Riley and Samuel have little to no shorts and short sleeve tops and I honestly don't think I own a pair of shorts p.e.r.i.o.d. I am more of a capri fan and I need some new ones and maybe a few pairs of shorts for our trip next month. I can get so many cute things for the kids at Walmart and Target....I love the little $3.00 mix and match tops and shorts. I will probably hit a couple of consignment shops for my stuff. I don't have a lot to spend and even if I did if I continue to go to the gym and lose weight hopefully my clothes will just end up boxed up anyway. :-)

I better try to go back to sleep.....

If you don't mind...send a little prayer up for my mother in law. I am praying for her to hold onto her strength and courage during this very difficult time.

Later Gaters!

Wine Coolers and House Cleaning

Okay...so I have said before that I rarely ever drink....well, Jamey bought me some Mike's Hard Lemonade and I am thinking I will get tipsy after the kids are good and asleep and clean this nasty house to the sound track of my ipod!!!! Since Jamey is off tomorrow and the remainder of the week maybe if I don't feel like getting up at 6:30 with Samuel he will let me sleep in a little while.

Cheers!!!!!

Carbon Copy Of Today Please

Today was so relaxing...uneventful and yet so pleasant. I would love for tomorrow to be a perfect carbon copy of today!

I think the factor that made this day great was Riley. She was in a great mood and happy all day....no melt downs at all! She just went with the flow and there were a few times when she was about to get a little upset about something but she just shrugged her little shoulders and skipped off in another direction. PLEASE let this be a sign of easier days to come...her 2nd and 3rd year have all but done me in! When she is constantly unhappy, inconsolable, Winny, and emotional it really puts a strain on my state of mind and emotions. Samuel also reflects Riley's behavior sometimes and that is fun let me just tell ya!!!! Until Riley came along I never knew toddlers/preschoolers could contain so many volatile emotions....she can go from laughing and dancing around to complete and total heartbreak and or white hot anger in a fraction of a second....which can be triggered by anything or nothing at all!!!!! It is very draining for me...more so as the day goes on. I think it was April that said year 4 has been Cate's best year yet.....I am praying the same will ring true for Ri Bug!!!!

Riley and I keep talking about how "big" she is now...now that she is 4 YEARS OLD!!!! She loves telling everyone that she is 4 years old now!!!! I am going to use this to my advantage as much as possible. Reminding her that she is a big girl now and that I am so proud of how grown up she is acting seems to make her so proud of herself. BRING on great year number 4 I have been ready and waiting since she was 18 months old for the terrible two's to pass....good riddance!!!! :-)

Better scoot for now...have a great night everyone!!!!

Maybe I Spoke Too Soon.....

I think I may have spoken too soon about being SO excited about Jamey being off all week next week. I can already tell that we may possibly get on each other's nerves before it is over with.

He has all of the wonderful projects planned for next week...mainly things he wants to get done in the yard....stump grinding, pressure washing, removing/burning brush and weeds from this wonderful drainage ditch that runs through our side yard. I know that before all is said and done he is going to get mad, some piece of equipment is going to malfunction/break, the weather will not cooperate, he will spend a whole lot more money than he planned and he may possibly hurt himself before the week is out. I dread it. He is pretty good at everything he tries to do but he is such a perfectionist that every little task takes FOREVER and my husband is plagued with a pretty healthy case of plain ole bad luck. I used to chide him for saying so but now that I have been with him for close to 10 years, married and living with him for almost 7 I have concluded that it is the truth. At times his luck it so bad you just have to laugh...I am trying to teach him to laugh about it...he is slowly coming around.

So, here is how I see next week going....he is going to be outside busy as a bee...probably getting about 1/3 of the things done he plans on getting done while I carry on like normal with the kids, housework and my daily trips to the gym. Oh yeah, and the added stress of trying to keep Riley and Samuel away from him while he is working with power tools, stump grinders, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, pressure washers and FIRE!!!!! That should be a blast!!! Everyone knows that kids gravitate toward the parent trying to get things done that cannot involve the help of such said children. Yay for next week!!!! Can't wait!!!

I am going to do everything in my power to try to get him talked into all of us taking a little day trip to....well...somewhere...anywhere...even if it just to a local State Park for a picnic or something. We'll see.

Better run for now....a hope the remainder of your Sunday is great!!!!!

Hubby Has A Hideout

Earlier today I TRIED to lay down on the love seat with a pillow and blanket and take a little snooze while Jamey hung out with the kids....POINTLESS!!!!!!

I was curled up on the loveseat and had just gotten comfy when my 35 pound dog jumped up there with me...no biggie...I am quite used to that after almost 7 years of having her...she is actually warm and snuggly so that is good. I got my eyes closed for a moment and Samuel walked up and demanded to lay with me....okay...make room Penny here he comes. About 2 minutes later Riley realized that there was something going on without her so here she came over and wanted to lay with us too. So, here I am...pillow, blanket, dog, Riley and Samuel...not on our oversized couch but piled up on our loveseat. Jamey was quite comfy all alone on the recliner.

After an hour of having various people and one dog climb all over me and not being able to block out the theme song for like 50 SpongeBob episodes I decided to give up the hope of getting a nap. As I ran around picking things up that had been scattered like sands upon the wind during my brief sedintary break I glance over and see Riley snuggled up with Jamey on the couch....she was QUIET and STILL while he snoozed. I really wanted to whisper in Samuel's ear that he should go lay with Daddy and Riley but I didn't. Having Samuel lay with you means constant wiggling, squirming, talking and possibly getting cracked in the head with one of his various tractors or trucks.

Jamey's nap ended about an hour ago and just a few minutes ago I noticed he was myseriously missing while both kids were with me. I open our bedroom door and there he is lying on the bed....hands behind his head, ankles crossed enjoying some peace and quiet while watching a movie. How does he do it???? How does he go into another room and them not follow him? Okay, so he has had his nap, I didn't and now he is going to lay in there while I run around and clean up after everyone???? NOPE!!!! I sent both kids and the dog in there with him.....ha ha ha ha.

I am really thinking about cleaning out the bottom of my closet, putting a bean bag chair in there and a stash of books and when the kids only want me and I need a break I am going to hide and force them to hang out with Daddy.

Zero Calorie Blogging

Jamey has the kids outside and I am bored but instead of grabbing pre-dinner snacks I decided to blog for a minute because it is calorie and fat free!!!! :-) I would hate to do something that would make the 90 minutes of cardio I did to day be in vain....it wasn't easy!!!! Normally I would be done for the week but since I had so much going on at the beginning of the week and didn't make it to the gym on Monday or Tuesday I have to report for duty tomorrow and Sunday to make up for it. After this week I will have completed week 4 of my original 2 weeks goal!!!! Whoopie!!!!!!! I need to download some new songs for my ipod tonight...I am growing tired of the songs I have and need to spice up my list a little.

Today was a great day with Jamey being home from work! Everyone was in a great mood 98% of the time...the only time the kids were ill was when we went out to lunch and there was a delay in getting their food...but I can understand that completely....I was grumpy too by that point.

We were looking at the calandar and with Memorial Day falling a week from Monday Jamey actually doesn't go back to work until a week from Tuesday. Yay!!!!! Having him here makes the days a whole lot easier for me, he is in a much better mood without going to work all day and the kids love spending extra time with him so everyone is happier!!!! I also love it because it changes my whole ho hum routine. Like I have said before, sometimes I feel like I am living the very same day over and over again. Half the time I don't even know what day it is. Yesterday I swore it was Wednesday all day...I am glad I realized I was wrong before I missed Grey's Anatomy! I have no idea what I am going to replace the show with as my weekly obsession now that the season is over. ;-(

Have a great night everyone.

Jamey Is Off Work Today and Next Week!!!!!

Jamey took a vacation day today and is off all next week as well!!!!!

With him here I will hopefully have a little more time to get some things done while he entertains Riley and Samuel!!! I know I have said this before but it is very true and annoying so I will repeat it. My kids are SO much less demanding when he is around. They play better together and are more likely to entertain themselves. He tends to not jump at every tiny demand they have so they have learned to adjust around him I guess.

Perfect example of this behavior is this morning. Jamey is still in bed and Riley is laying in there with him watching T.V. while he snoozes. That would NEVER happen if I were the one in the bed. She would be prying my eyes open while winning, telling me how bored, hungry, and thirsty she is. So unfair!!!

Uppps....princess is coming my way making demands as she leaves her dad snoozing....instead of looking over at him and asking for something she is walking all the way in here to me instead....typical. ;-)

Later Gaters....I am off to the gym and while the kids stay with Daddy!

YUUUUUU HOOOOOOOO!

Something very great happened today and all I can say is YUUUUUUUUUUU HOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Some things you have to keep private but I did want you all to know that I am VERY happy about something!!!!!!!!!!

Love Ya'll!!!!!!!!

Quote Of The Day

I decided that I would post a quote of the day on my blog.....

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."

James Matthew Barrie

Magic Words...Goal Attained

I am in week 4 of my 2 week fitness challange....I'm keeping it going...which is wonderful and quite surprising for me!!!! Go me! My favorite part of being at the gym is when the words....GOAL ATTAINED scrolls across the screen of the cross trainer, treadmill or bike. I have started staying at the gym for 2 hours per day. Weight training for an hour and then cardio for an hour. Staying on one machine for an hour straight is challanging but seeing those magic words is very satisfying. Thank goodness for ipods and machines that you can plug your ipod earbuds into to hear the T.V.s!!!!!

We are going on vacation the week of June 22nd so I need to be a little more swim suit ready than I am right now that is for sure. (Nothing wonderfully exotic in the vacation department...we are visiting Jamey's family on the Georgia coast but I am excited because we are boating over to Cumberland Island one day and I have never been there before.) I know I am not going to EVER be totally comfortable in a swim suit ever again and I will probably continue to avoid wearing them as much as possible forever but any improvments are very welcome. I know I am going to have to work hard to get there.

I know I am using the vacation which will include a boat trip and water park visit for a little extra incintive but really I want the overall better health benefits more than anything at this point.

Make it a wonderful Wednesday eveyrone!

Catching Up With Friends...Good Day

I had a really great day today. Riley "graduated" from her 3 year old preschool class and had her little program and party today. We had a really great time there because both Riley and Samuel were so well behaved and polite.....NO MELT DOWNS today!!!! I also got to catch up with two different friends on the phone today. I talked to both of them for like an hour each and it was really great!!!!!

I have made plans with Jessica to come to Noah's ball game this Saturday. I am going to let my two wild kids run around with her sweet Joseph, she and I are going to catch up even more while we watch Noah play. I am so excited!!!! I will help her shoot dirty looks at the wretched team mom and we will dish out all of the gossip that we didn't get to talk about today. We have been saying for months that we need to get together and we have finally made a plan...you get to discuss a lot when you talk for an hour while riding around aimlessly letting the kids nap behind you in the car...that is what I was doing while we talked anyway...that is about the only way I can talk on the phone...if my kids are confined in their car seats or in their beds asleep for the night. :-)

The other phone call was from a former coworker who I was really close to and still am really...even though I don't get to see and talk to her every day. I know I have said this over and over but I really miss my former work family. They seemed so much more than friends and I try not to think about how much I miss them because it is one of the only things that makes me sad about the whole situation with losing my job. I am so lucky that I have been able to keep in touch with most of the people I used to work with. They reach out to me often and do not treat me like I have fallen off the face of the Earth....which is what I feared would have happened.

I have also made plans via text messaging to visit another friend for a play date next Tuesday. Her daughter is Riley's age and they get along really well. We are invited to her house to swim. Having my kids around water kind of makes me nervouse because I cannot swim a stroke....AT ALL. I have always been afraid of water (probably coming from my two near drownings) but do not want my kids to be. Amanda is a great swimmer so I know she would play life guard to us if she needed to. I am looking forward to catchin up with her since she eloped to Vegas and moved into her new husband's house. Maybe I will get to meet him while I am there. She seems extremely happy now after a very bad first marriage so I am really looking forward to hearing all about her new life and love.

I am blessed with great friends (even though I don't get to see them as often as I should) and a wonderful family. I think it would do a lot of people a lot of good to remind themselves of that sometimes. Life is what you make it and why not make it as good as you can when you can? Smile, Laugh and Love every day! It is so very easy to get caught up in the bad and not see the good going on right under your nose. I really appreciate it when things cross my path to wake me up a little regarding how fortunate I truly am. Several things have done that to me this week and it is only Tuesday night. Have a great evening everyone!

Nothing Really Blog Worthy...not uncommon

Nothing in my day today is really blog worthy. I think yesterday makes up for the whole week. I really didn't mean to write so much but once I started I just couldn't stop. This is my outlet so sometimes eyes that read my blog may get weary...I can be quite wordy at times.

My father in law is still in town...still sleeping on my couch. I am thinking and hoping that he is going home tomorrow morning...he hasn't said for sure yet. He really isn't bad. My kids adore him and he loves visiting and playing with them. He will play with them outside for hours on end and love every minute of it. That is fine with me because it frees me up to get some things done inside.

Parts of my Mother's Day was great....well all parts except the confrontation with Jamey's mom. Jamey was sweet to me all day and insisted that I should not cook or clean yesterday. He and his dad took the kids out to breakfast to give me some time alone. I am relieved to know that I am not the only mom out there who would rather have some "me time" for Mother's Day than a gift. Mother's Day without the kids seems kind of weird but when they are small kids it is also a very wonderful thought more than it is weird. I know my readers totally understand that feeling.

Jamey's dad kept Samuel for me this morning while I took Riley to school he took Samuel out to breakfast....that was nice to have a couple of hours to myself. I should have gone to the gym but darn....I forgot my ipod so I just kind of drove around, hit a drive thru for breakfast and just lolly gaged around for a while to listen to music and think. It was wonderful. I love just driving and I never get to go anywhere alone so since I really didn't have any errends to run I just "loafered" as my mom would say.

Quick update on a prior post: The crazy lady across the street got her kids back the other day. (After we saw her bringing beds into her house the day before. I am hoping she bought groceries as well!!!!) I have not noticed her cussing her kids like she used to but she could just be being sure to do that inside the house now....I hope that is not true but I don't know that she could have completely transformed over a week or two. I am going to continue to remember them when I pray.

Have a wonderful Monday evening everyone!

Riley's Birthday...Luou Baby!!!

Here are pictures from Riley's 4th birthday party this weekend all the way down to her first birthday party! I loved going through the old pictures again and cannot believe my baby is 4!

Becoming a parent was the single most magical event of my life. It completely changed my entire outlook on life and the world! Who knew the 8 pound 4 ounce bundle that was delivered after 36 hours of labor could do that?! I remember the sound of her first cry, the look on Jamey's face when he held her and the doctor saying, "It's a girl and she looks just like her mommy."

I love you Ri Bug!!!!! You are half of my heart walking around outside my body!!!

3rd Birthday Party

2nd Birthday Party

1st Birthday Party

Have You Ever....

Have you ever had an argument with someone who has totally lost their grip on reality?

I had the displeasure of that happening to me today. I am NOT a confrontational person...AT ALL but someone said something about someone in my family yesterday and I had to bring my displeasure about that to their attention today and it got ugly.

I think I have mentioned Jamey's sister and her husband in a prior post. Jamey's sister is 9 months older than me...she just turned 31 and she totally does not have her life together....never has actually. She got married to a 38 year old man last summer and SURPRISE he doesn't have his life together either. They are both unemployed drug addicts who live with my mother in law along with the husband's 12 year old daughter. (The daughter is a wonderful child by the way...smart, funny, sweet as can be.)

Several days ago Jamey's sister and her husband went on a drug rant for a few days, cops got involved, etc. and Jamey's mom swore she was done and that they were out of there! (The daughter could of course stay...like I said she is the best and deserves so much better out of life!)

Now, a few days later, Jamey's mom is coming to his sister's defense AGAIN. She has let her come back home...supposedly the husband can no longer live there anymore. It is as if his mom wakes up each morning with her memory wiped clean. It drives Jamey nuts!

Jamey originally told his mother that his sister was not welcome at Riley's party. My mother in law called the day before the party and asked if he would reconsider and let his sister come. He said yes but that her husband could not come.

Yesterday rolled around and his sister did not show up because she said it would hurt her husband's feelings if she came and he couldn't. Give me a flipping break PLEASE!!!!!! He is a 38 year old man....what 38 year old man wants to attend a 4 year old girl's birthday party if that child is not his child????? Jamey was willing to let the drug addict that he is related to come but not this person.

Jamey's mom did come for like 10 minutes. She told me that since Jamey's sister and husband were not welcome at the party she was planning on having Riley a party at her house today!!!!!! How freaking insane is that?! She gave Riley her gift right when she got here, knowing the party hadn't even started yet. She sought Jamey out and started an argument, said something rude about a member of my family and LEFT!!!!!!! I don't think she intended to stay from the beginning. (Before leaving she did say goodbye to me, lying saying she felt sick.) Jamey then told me that he would talk to me about it later but then later hesitated to tell me what she had said about the member of my family. I was LIVID!!!!! I had trouble sleeping and could not get it off my mind. I was trying to decide whether or not I was actually going to take Riley over to her house for birthday party number 3! (She had one at school, one here and this one would make three.) The party was completely for his sister's benefit.....NOT RILEY'S!!!!! Her daughter should suffer negative consequences for her actions....be a drug addict who takes advantage of Jamey's mom, you might not be welcome at our house....especially since you show up messed up to every single event you have come to!!!!!!

So this morning rolls around after a long somewhat sleepless night for me and I decided that I would take her over to Jamey's mom's house for party number 3...simply because she had already mentioned it to Riley the day before. When we get there I see that she had completely recreated the Luou theme from the party I gave....same plates, decorations, etc!!!!!!!! She went all out for just herself, Jamey's sister, her husband, Riley and Samuel. (Jamey refused to go.)

Before going I did write her a letter detailing why Jamey and I would prefer not to be around Amanda and how her behaviour is just enabling her daughter's bad behavior. While there I tried to avoid her altogether because of her comment about my family member and it's complete irrelevance in the whole situation with his mooching sister. I was at the sink washing the party dishes and she came up to me and broached the subject. Before I knew it we were in a yelling match!!!!! Totally unlike my personality or hers! She defends her daughter to the very end and in her opinion Jamey is the bad guy. The hard working husband and father who does not necessarily NEED her. She defends her daughter constantly and comes to her defense with every other breath. I was HOT!!!!!! My heart was pounding we were both pointing and there was some cussing. I have never argued with anyone like that other than my immediate family and I can count on two fingers how often that has happened.

My conclusion after the argument is that she needs help. Serious help! She is oblivious to the fact that her relationship and tolerance of her daughter's lifestyle is ruining all other relationships in her life. She is losing Jamey....FAST!!!! His sister has not worked in YEARS, her husband recently landed a job, got his first paycheck and went crazy with drugs. They have been married for almost a year and have been freeloading with Jamey's mom ever since. It is INSANE and everyone sees it except his mom!!!! Jamey does not expect or want her to choose between him and his sister but she has got to STOP trying to force them together. In the letter I told her she needs to accept the sad fact that she is going to have to have separate relationships with her two children. There is no other way right now. I have not seen Jamey this upset about anything EVER. Jamey cannot smile, be around his sister for special occasions and pretend that everything is okay....it's not and his mom may be wonderful about sugar coating things but it makes Jamey wants to puke.

My mother in law is a retired school teacher who retired when she was earning GOOD money. She was paid based on her Master's Degree, National Board Certification and 31 years experience. She draws a very good retirement benefit but because of her daughter and her constant needs and support she is FORCED to work 3 1/2 days per week to earn extra money cancer or no cancer!!!! Her debt can be contributed directly to her daughter....no doubt. She has been this way her whole life...sparatic jobs....no real job since Riley was a baby....4 years ago in fact!!! For the past year Jamey's mom has been supporting not only her daughter but her daughter's husband and her daughter's step daughter as well. CRAZINESS!!!!!!!!!!!

Jamey will not move past the feelings he has....it has gone on too long and he is seeing the problems it is causing his mom even if she doesn't. He would settle for hearing his mom admit that his sister is a bum...but she won't she will not admit that there is anything terrible going on. Jamey's sister and her husband throw in just enough ass kissing to get them by with her. Forget everything in the past... drug rants, rent free lodging for almost a year, joblessness, total disrespect of her and her home, etc. I have tried not to get involved other than playing mediator but now she has pissed me off. Insinuating that Jamey is to blame and hurling insults about my family in the mix ain't gonna happen while I am around!!!!!! Wake up LADY!!!!!!!

After the argument I played nice for the rest of the party that was staged for Jamey's sister's benefit and now I am here blogging out my frustration and outrage regarding this situation. Please pray that this will all work out peacefully. I have don't think I have EVER been this angry!!!!!!

Conclusions

I have reached a few conclusions today....

I don't feel like my house is truly clean until I have vacuumed under my couch cushions and placed the pillows back on it like they were displayed in the store when be bought the furniture.

It is IMPOSSIBLE for me to clean my entire house with anyone present inside my house (except my dog)......to stay motivated I MUST be alone with music blaring!!!! I will put off cleaning forever unless I am alone....don't know why.

When I first stared staying home with the kids I wondered why in the world my house was staying wrecked all the time.....I mean...I am home all day most days....it should be in fantastic shape at any given moment, right???? WRONG....we are actually here....living here....therefore it looks lived in.....and messy....it is impossible and there simply are not enough hours in any one woman's day to keep everything picked up after a 4 and 2 year old!!!! I feel very relieved now that I have realized that.....I am a slow learner I guess!!!!

I have also concluded that my children are little angels.....in everyone else's presence except mine that is!!!!! What is up with that????? They are being perfect happy little children and I walk up and they immediately start wining and just fall apart on me???? Telling me how thirsty they are, how hungry they are, how much they want to go home, how much they don't want to go home, start picking on each other, wanting me to hold them, etc. For instance.....right now my kids are outside with my husband and father in law. The men are just sitting on the driveway enjoying a beer and the kids are riding bikes, swinging, playinging the sandbox, etc. They have been out there for HOURS and each child has only ventured upstairs about two times each. On days when I have them outside they have me running back and fourth like an Olympic sprinter....for juice boxes, snacks, special toys that are in the house, for the shoes they forgot to put back on when they came in for a minute, etc. I cannot sit down for a minute in their presence....where did I go wrong???? Little boogers!!!!!

I really wish I could be alone today!!!

Do you ever just long to be alone? I am feeling that way today. I wish I could be by myself all day to get my house ready for the party tomorrow and Jamey's dad's visit.

It is hard to get myself motivated to clean knowing that it is just going to get messed up faster than I can get it cleaned up.

All day today will be spent cleaning and tonight after the kids go to bed I have to hit Walmart for party food and Riley's birthday gifts. She keeps changing her mind about what she wants so I have put off getting her gift...hopefully whatever she tells me tonight will still be what she wants tomorrow.

I guess I am just in a funk today...on today of all days when I have TONS to do.....I haven't had caffine in almost 3 weeks...maybe I need some to get me through today...but would it be worth the crash later????

Ahhhh......

Peace at last.......

Jamey got home around 4:30 or so in a great mood...he has taken the kids across the street to the neighbor's house who has the little boy and girl the same age as Ri and Sam.

It is SO funny...Jamey and Casey (the dad across the street) stand around, shoot the bull and drink beer or Jack and Coke while all four kids ride their battery powered trucks, jeeps and 4 wheelers around our yard or theirs. Rebecca and I love it when our hubbies do this because we get a little while in the house to cook dinner, clean, check our e-mail or watch T.V. It is a play date for the kids and the dads....everyone wins in this arrangement....kids get along beautifully, moms get some free time and the dads get to stand around and drink until they are called for dinner....win, win, win!!!!

Occasionally Rebecca and I will join the men but mostly it is the dads....and that is fine with both of us moms!!!!!

One Hannah Montanta Beach Ball...Two Kids....

Riley was given a Hannah Montanta beach ball in a birthday goodie bag at school...I hate that ball...I have heard nothing but arguing, screaming and tattling since it arrived. Out of all the millions of toys in this house.....WHY WHY WHY do they always want the very same toy at the very same time?????? ALWAYS????!!!!!

Anything in my house that causes me stress that does not breathe simply cannot stay...the ball has got to go!!!! Gotta go they are currently fighting over the ball...Referee Mommy to the Rescue...AGAIN! It will be gone when they wake up tomorrow...I promise!!!!

Riley's Words of Wisdom to Samuel

****Warning this is kind of gross...but I think everyone who read this is a mom so you probably won't mind...and it is funny.


I was in the bathroom tonight with Riley and Samuel getting them ready for their bath...very typical....I had the bath water running, I was gathering up the items needed...wash cloths, towels, toys, bubble bath, baby wash, etc....Riley was sitting on the toilet and I was helping Samuel out of his clothes and then had him sit on the potty to try to potty before getting in the bath. Riley and I were talking while she was sitting on the toilet and I looked over and Samuel had stood up and had his finger in his fanny....here is exactly what was said.....

I said, "Ouuuu Samuel....DO NOT STICK YOUR FINGER IN YOUR FANNY!"
He looked at his finger and it had a little spot of poop on it and he instantly put it on his tongue!!!!! I said, "Samuel, GROSSSSSSS! And if you do stick your finger in your fanny and it has gets something on it you should NEVER put what's on your finger in your MOUTH!!!!"

Riley looked very seriously at Sam and then said, "Only if it's Bubble Gum."

I was laughing so hard I almost forgot that he ate poop! By the time I got around to making him spit and wipe off his tongue it was way too late!

How many times has Riley pulled bubble gum out of her fanny I wonder!!!! Kids are hysterical sometimes!

Plans For Tomorrow

After a day like today I think I definitely need to make out a schedule for the day each day and stick to it...I think the relaxed schedule is driving me nuts on days when we can't get outside and play.

Goals for tomorrow...

Keep a good attitude despite the depressing weather

Go to the gym -like always - currently on week 3 of my 2 week fitness challenge - woo hoo!

Laundry - normally Jamey's area but will try to get it done...

CLEAN House - I think my foul state of mind can be contributed partly to my messy house.

Flash Card Games/Painting/Puzzles/Reading with the kids if it is raining...anything except T.V. tomorrow...I think I went into kid show and movie overload today...so did they...totally my fault...I just couldn't get myself motivated to motivate them today to do anything constructive or educational today.

I plan on enjoying myself as much as possible tomorrow because Jamey's dad is coming into town on Friday and like always he will be camped out on our couch!!! Yay!!!!! :-(

ADD Thoughts.....

Today has been L.O.N.G!!!!

The kids are grumpy.

I wish I had some ice cream.

I am tired of watching Enchanted and Toy Story!!!!

My dog is getting on my nerves...she is a maniac about food and it makes the kids scream everytime he looks at them while they are eating...can't put her on the deck until they finish their snacks because it is POURING rain.

I slept on the couch with Samuel...feeling the effects of that now...achey and ill.

Small children are really demanding little boogers!!!! I feel like all I do is fill orders all day every day!!!! They know how to keep me hopping!!!!!

I am still kind of mad at Jamey.

I have a sink full of dirty dishes calling my name but I really don't care at the moment.

I think it is going to rain all weekend...I need to come up with a plan B for Riley's party that was supposed to take place in the back yard. (Can't reschedule it because...surprise....we have out of town guests coming and I have already bought the Luou decorations for outside....it is going to be VERY cramped if we move it inside and not as fun.)

I have to order the cake tomorrow...really wish I could put off the party for another week.

My mother in law started losing her hair yesterday...my heart breaks for her and all she has been through with her breast cancer...she is a fighter...I have to give her that much! She already got it cut short the other day and says that she will go ahead and shave it if much more comes out. (I attached a picture of her and my babies with her new, shorter do.)

I have to get gifts and cards for our Moms for Mother's Day....no clue what to get them!

I would do just about anything to take a nap right now!!!!

Jamey's mom bought Riley the most adorable dress for her birthday...I can't wait for the sun to come out so that I can let her run around the yard in it for me to get some pictures of her wearing it.

I need to clean up the garage...maybe we can have some of the party stuff set up down there if it rains on Saturday.

Man...my mind is jumping all over the place today.

I hope everyone has or has had a wonderful Wednesday!!!!

Simply Sam Boogie...

I was looking through my millions of pictures gathering pics for Riley's birthday post next week as well as a pictures for a little collage for her teacher and ran across this picture of Sam Boogie!!!! I forgot all about it and I think it describes him to a "T".....all boy...loves dirt, tractors, trains (if he hears a train and we are in the car he isn't happy until I chase the train down for him to catch a glimpse) dump trucks, worms, rocks (he picked me rocks long before he picked me flowers)...he loves it all!!!!!

On this particular day I found him digging in one of my very wet flower pots on the deck...I think he even took a bite or two of the dirt. I remember Jamey asking me why in the world I was taking a picture of him....I am SO glad I did!!!!

I Am Mad At My Husband!!!!!!

I am not going to go into exactly why I am mad....but I am really mad at him!!!!!

I really need to take lessons in arguing because he is way better at it than me and that ticks me off too!!!!!! He has a way of turning things around and tossing in irrelevant things that gets our original argument off track....I could really see myself hurling something at him sometimes.

I could have literally screamed out in frustration last night and followed that up with a good swift kick to his knee cap....good thing for him I possess self control made of iron!!!!!

He really infuriates me sometimes and I could really blow a gasket if I let myself.

He has REALLY made me mad only a handful of times since we have been together...which is about 9 years all together. Once I really wanted to smack him in the middle of a store, another time he made me so mad I called his mom and told her that he was going to live with her for a while, yet another time he made me so mad I took a small frying pan and beat it against the sink until it was deformed (I have never lost my temper like that in my life and I must admit that the look on his face was quite priceless...where was my camera?) and then there was last night when I was simply so mad I think I was emitting white hot steam from my entire body.

I know you guys get onto me for calling him a butthead on my blog but he truly is.

Do You Have A Happy Place???

Do you have a special place that you go and when you are there you feel so safe, comfortable, loved, welcome, and somewhat sheltered from reality???

I have a place like that. It is so very strange but I love being in Jamey's grandmother's house. I think I have mentioned his grandmother in passed blog entries. Her name is Ann...Nannie Annie to my kids and I adore her. She is 75 years old and she is probably one of my best friends...I am an old soul you know. From the very first time I visited when Jamey and I were dating I was instantly made to feel right at home, loved and welcome and have loved visiting ever since then.

I do love visiting her house....I only get to visit a couple of times each year because she lives on the Georgia coast....way down there...about 6 hours from here.

Her little neighborhood is nestled on a quiet street just about a minute from historic downtown St. Mary's. Her little house is so quaint and so welcoming from the outside but once you walk through the back door......ahhhhh....you are home!!!! (Her philosophy is that back door guests are best.) I love everything about being there! I love her little kitchen and how everyone gathers in there despite the fact that it is tiny and you have to step over people and take turns eating at the table and bar. I love her dated but oh so comfy furniture...her couches beg to be napped on. Her guest room and bed are simply wonderful....When Jamey and I first got married and would go down to visit and would almost always drive at night and would get there around midnight or so. She would always leave the back door unlocked, have the bed turned down and have a night shirt waiting on me so that we wouldn't have to unpack our luggage until the next morning. She would always be in the bed when we got there but could never resist getting up to give us a hug and a kiss before we collapsed into that wonderful bed. I even love the smell of her house...clean and crisp...uniquely her house. The fragrance sticks to clothes that she brings me (she is a confessed shopaholic...but never pays full price) and when I smell that particular smell I long to be there...it must be my happy place.

Now that we have kids her house is way to tiny for us to stay with her so we stay with Jamey's aunt Lisa and her husband. Even though we sleep at Lisa's house we spend as much time at Ann's house during the day, which is just one street over, as we can. Her house is like a magnet to us while we are there.

I think the thing I love the most about the house is that it contains so much history. That house is where Ann and her late husband Herb raised their three children. They bought the house well over 50 years ago when Jamey's mom was just a baby and the house itself is very much a part of the family. I just feel so good when I am there with her. I think everyone does...she is the best!!!!

My Baby Is 4 Today!!!!

Well, today is Riley Whee's 4th birthday!!!! Well, not officially until 8:18 tonight but you know...hey...a mom can want her baby to stay 3 for a few more hours if she wants!!!!

I want to copy April and do a really good post after her party this weekend. Mine won't be nearly as impressive as little Simon's but I want to commemorate her big day with a few pictures from each of her birthday parties including this one.

I am throwing the party together so quickly that I am not even sending out invitations. If any of you want to swing by this Saturday at 2:00 to take part in our Luau you are more than welcome to come! The more the merrier!!!! Food, leis, and grass skirts for everyone. I really LOVE the Dollar Tree!!!! I got great, very cheap decorations and now all I have to do is order the cake tomorrow and pick up balloons and the cake the day of the party.

She is so excited about being 4 now!!!! I woke her up singing happy birthday to her and as I was carrying her down stairs she told me she feels bigger today....and that now she can pick Samuel up. (Not quite that easy being that he outweighs her by 3 pounds.) She also had a great little party at school and basked in the glow of all of the attention. The birthday crown delighted her, she got to sit in the "big" chair during her party, Jamey and I took her out to a special lunch while Sam was at grandma's house and fun was had by all.

I really hope the weather cooperates this weekend...the good thing about not sending out invitation is if it rains on Saturday I can move it to Sunday with just a few phone calls if need be...I really don't want to have it on Mother's Day but I will if I have to. I will be there with my kids, Jamey's mom with be there, my mom will be there with my brothers, sister in law and nephews so all of the moms will have their kids and grand kids so it will end up being a great day even if we have to have it on Sunday...it can be a double party.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, rainy Monday today!!!!

Gonna Suck It Up Today.....

Okay so I had myself a little pity party on my last post...everyone needs one occasionally so I indulged. Everything I spoke was from the heart and was true to my feelings at the time and I don't regret what I wrote but I am moving on and going to suck it up.

Today is going to be busy. Everyone slept in...which is okay but it throws our routine off but that is okay because so far everyone's spirits are higher than yesterday...so we're good.

Riley's 4th birthday is tomorrow and I have to get everything pulled together today for her little party at school. We are doing her official birthday this Saturday in our backyard. We are having a small affair but with the works as far as food and fun. I know it probably seems kind of crazy to have two parties, one at home and one at school but I am doing that because I really don't want to invite her school friends and their parents to my house. Part of it is because her classmates are children of a dentist, a lawyer, a pediatrician, and a huge real estate mogul in Cartersville and I don't think I would be as at ease with them here...I have NOTHING in common with the other moms and I am chalking it up to my touch of social anxiety....and the fact that they aren't very friendly AT ALL. I would probably get caught up in making sure the parents were entertained and neglect the flow of the party....nah....I think I will pass this year. And...with only inviting our family members over I will clean but I won't have to scrub the house from top to bottom and I am all for skipping the scrubbing for now.

Okay so I need to go shopping today for tomorrows tiny party, get groceries and try to squeeze in getting the cake ordered for Saturday, address some very late invitations to our family members, get her gift...which I have no idea what she even wants, think about what other refreshments we are going to have or if we are going to cook out and try to get to the gym today because I probably won't be able to go tomorrow. Can you tell I have put things off an now I am a little bit stressed?! It will all be fine I just have to get it all pulled together.

Well, my two week "get in shape" challenge has been a success. I actually enjoy going to have a hour to an hour and a half to myself each day. The kids still love going to play and I am slowly seeing some results. I refuse to weigh myself but I am feeling more toned, my pants are a little looser, and my long lost hip bones are a little easier to feel. Yay!!!!!! :-) I have no plans of stopping now. Away I go....hopefully I will look and feel a lot better by our trip to St. Mary's in June!!!! Water park here we come!!!!! (We are visiting Jamey's grandmother in June and she lives within a short walking distance of a wonderful water park that is mainly geared toward smaller children. There is a big play area for small children and no matter where they are playing you can see them and they have 3 or 4 lifeguards just for that area. The water is below the knee but still it is a comfort to have so many. Riley loves it and has talked about it often since last summer. Last year I was very shocked and ashamed of how I looked in the pictures from our fun at the water park. I hope to look better this year...that is my goal anyway.)

Okay so that is my day and like I said I am going to be in a better mood even if I have to fake it. Have a good one guys!!!!