Wednesday April 29, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Walked to pick up Liam from his sitter.  It felt sensational to exercise and accomplish a needed task while giving Sweet L. a litte sequestered outside time (i.e. strapped in baby jogger).  Always feel slightly and happily Euro when burning the the calories instead of the petrol...

Worst Part of the Day-

I found out a close friend has thyroid cancer.  It completely took me off guard and I am one of those people who knows darn well it comes like that.  One minute all is fine, the next there is a sentence and someone reports plainly:  a friend, who is in her 30's and has a 1 year-old child, has cancer.  It is jarring and upsetting.

Happy Birthday to Miss Kris!!!  Please take the train here so we can brunch...

Tuesday April 28, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Successfully transferred Wes from the car to his bedroom for the second day in a row! Swwwweeeett. And no speech path for Q so Wes got to snooze with no interruptions. In fact I had to wake him up.

Worst Part of the Day - Quinn lost television privvies this evening. BLATANT non-listening and disobedience and laughing in my face (they both love to do this.) It's why I now have to be a total Sound of Music Christopher Plummer's character dad. Soon they will be wearing leiderhosen, singing Edelweiss and answering to specific whistles. Oh where oh where is my Maria??

Monday April 27, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Finally figured out how to get back on Blogger - perhaps this was the Universe's way of telling me to stop with my incessant ramblings (via blogger and elsewhere), but sometimes I like to tell the Universe to F$*k off and then see what happens.

OH and we can begin vacation countdown now - we leave on Friday afternoon for Charleston and then on a boat to Bermuda. I might take a 18 hour nap the first day.

Worst Part of the Day - Erik found out he is on first call for the entire week .... they just threw it on him last minute. Wes so dern naughty that he lost Max and Ruby this evening (boy was he mad - Max and Ruby is the current household obsession. I'll hear Quinn saying "oh Max" when he does something naughty and will catch Wes singing the theme song). Hope it helps with the laughing in my face as I'm trying to discipline.)

Tuesday April 28, 2009

Worst Part of the Day-

Scarlet was sassalicious today.  Not listening, not processing any info and kinda spazzie and loud. I guess a word would be obnoxious.  Liam simply watched and learned and copied his idol.  They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery.  It doubly annoyed.

Best Part of the Day-

Miss S. wrote me her first apology note.  It simply stated:  

Mom, 

I am sorry.  

Love, Scarlet

At least she knows she did something wrong.  They say kids are more highly evolved than their parents.   Whew.   A heart-felt apology will take you far in my little world.  

Monday April 27, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Fairly productive day at work.  Proposed a Healthy Summer Campaign.  May do a 6 week yoga stint with the girls at work and then a 6 week running group.  Sporty Spice.

Worst Part of the Day-

It is astonishing how this home goes from impeccably spotless to hurricane disaster zone.  We are also on a one-glass-a-day breaking routine in this house for roughly 20 days.  I am toying with moving to all stainless steel dish ware or we will be drinking from our cupped hands.  Sheesh.

Sunday April 26, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Took the kiddies to nephew's (Baby Wyatt) baptism in Chicago.  He is (of course) a doll of love and perrrrrfect.  The adorable child simply looks around and smiles and coos.  Not a tear and I have now seen him 2 Sundays in April.  It was super duper family fun.  Marinel's family was great to see as well and the Cahills were on their best behavior.  Even the church had me laughing as Scarlet was unabashedly up on the altar snapping pics for much of it.  

Terinel hosted a luncheon for all post-service and it was wonderful.  Terry stood up and gave a "thank you all for coming..." toast and it was tooo cute and sweet.  The kiddies are uber enamored with Wyatt.  (Who isn't?)  

Worst Part of the Day-

Perhaps I was a titch sleepy after the late night dance party shenanigans.  Also, it was sucky to have to run in to work prior to Chicago road trip.  Woulda been grand to sip yummy coffee in a robe instead.  

Happy Birthday to Marinel!!!!!  Congrats on Wyatt the Cute!!

Sunday April 26, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Took kiddos to Plaza Fiesta and I got the entire paper read (okay - minus two sections, still pretty good!) Also good talk with Erik ... I think his mood has been contained. He's just in a real bad place, but he is soooo trying to not take it out on us. Before we went to bed I read Erik a chapter from D. Sedaris' book Me Talk Pretty One Day and we were both in hysterics. I then said "see - isn't reading fun?" And he might have flipped me off.

Worst Part of the Day - It's really hot and I couldn't get the A/C to work correctly upstairs. Heat makes me ornery. I think I finally got it right before we went to sleep.

Saturday April 25, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Summer launch for Group Power (my work out class). Oddly geeked up for it. It involved some major tricep pushups, the song Thriller and killer shoulder moves. See - oddly geeked up for it. NOTE - must get life.
Also got the boys in the water shooting pool - very fun.

Worst Part of the Day - Erik's mood starting to turn ugly. He did yardwork for four plus hours and this did not improve his mood. The tension (and the mercury) are rising ... it's HOT out.

Friday April 24, 2009

Happy Anniversary to me and Erik! It's been five years - five moves, two kids, months of separation and we're still laughing (although sometimes that laughter is just a hysterical reaction to what is our life). Still, it's pretty good a majority of the time and for that I feel ... happy.

Best Part of the Day - We had our 'home' birthday celebration for Erik (really just so the boy's could sing). But it was darling and adorable (even though Wes kept putting his name where 'daddy' should have been in the Happy Birthday song and even though Quinn took a bite out of a candle.)

Worst Part of the Day - Children are just acting up. It is sooo hard to be constantly vigilant as you can't leave them alone for more than five minutes. And it is sooo hard to be a constant hard ass - exhausting!
Also Erik's career crisis is coming to a head. Stay tuned, dear reader, for the saga that is "Will Erik ever find permanent employment that does not make him feel like slitting his wrists?" and "Will Molly stay sane long enough for that to actually happen?"

Thursday April 23, 2009

Happy Birthday Erik!!!

Best Part of the Day - Went out to dinner with Chris, Ann, Erik and all the boys to celebrate Erik's b-day. We had a back "room" and were removed from the rest of the partrons. So it actually was okay (I'd give both our boys a C. I'd give the other Reitter boys A's.) Some Sangria, red wine and chicken with goat cheese and sundried tomatoes in a lemon sauce. Yummy in my tummy as the boyz would say. Will even be some left over for lunch manana.

Worst Part of the Day - That chicken I so lovingly described? I left it in the bag I had brought to the restaurant and Clarence ate it up. Goll Dern It! I bet he didn't even appreciate it.

Wednesday April 22, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Wes now in love with swim lessons. He actually took a breath and went underwater. So cool. He just doesn't like how it feels on his ears - it is a weird feeling when you think about it.

Worst Part of the Day - Boys in constant naughty room. Quinn won't listen, Wes won't obey and mama is beat.

Tuesday April 21, 2009

Best Part of the Day - I fixed the computer!! All on my own! It felt grrreat! Had lunch with sister-in-law Ann at this Mexican place - food was okay but the iced tea was delish! I don't know why I never drunk this stuff prior. Lovin' it. Also it is so good for us to get together because we find out all sorts of stuff that is vital (i.e. things the Reitter boys forget to tell us).

Worst Part of the Day - Poor Wes - so red and hot and tired from trying to nap in the carseat. Can't wait until this schedule is over.

Monday April 20, 2009

Happy Birthday Brother Joe - did you want that SS t-shirt or a Columbine plaque? What a birthday!

Worst Part of the Day - Something wrong with the computer .... (and little do I know at this point that it will keep me from signing on to the blog for one week) and I worked on it for three plus hours. I did think it was that dern Confixor deal. But acutally I think it is just that stupid IE 8 that is mucking everything up.

Best Part of the Day - When I finally got to bed at 11:30.

Saturday April 25, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Leaving the homestead to meet friends LATE this eve. A rarity to dress up and go out on the (cheeseball) town.

Worst Part of the Day-

Went to a friend's child's birthday party this afternoon. (Not the worst part.) Liam had taken his first nap in months and was atypically clingy and fussy and shy so I spent the first 30 minutes with clingy fussy shy Liam on my hip. Just as I was about to take my first sip of a cocktail and sit down and talk, I heard screaming and then saw Scarlet running toward me with blood gushing from her head. Apparently she collided with a door frame and received a full-thickness gash in the right side of her head. There was blood everywhere and tears and definitely needle off the record party material with all eyes on the two of us. The b-day girl's grandpa was videotaping the entire post-accident. Oh my--our own reality show.

I had to exit promptly with the kids...one screaming, one quietly enjoying the attention. Scarlet was a trooper--brave and tough and calmly holding a washcloth to her head. The entire party clapped for stoic Scarlet as we left. Liam was the one screaming and not pleased to leave the b-day festivities without the stuff he knows darn well accompanies b-day fun: pizza, cake, the b-day song, goody bags...He left with nothing except his sister who looked like she just left an extra bloody Ozzie Osbourne concert.

The long and the short: 5 stitches and an 1.5 hour Urgent Care visit. Never a dull moment. Ever. Eva!

Best Quote(s) of the Day-

Scarlet was amazingly well-behaved while receiving the stitches (i.e. perfectly precocious, social, inquisitive and adorable...did not cry once, followed directions perfectly and at the end thanked the medical staff and said, "It is really the thought of a needle going in your skin that's scary...it didn't hurt and it really was fun to be here.")

On the way out the doctor asked me, "Do you have other children?" yes, I replied. "Good", she said, "you should have more. You are a great parent evidence by this remarkable child. We need more like her. She was a joy to work on."

(Thank heavens this doc didn't witness Miss S. on the soccer field circa 10/08.)

Scarlet replied happily, "I am remarkable and she is the best mom."

Aw shucks.

Friday April 24, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

I delivered the kidz to my mom's for an overnight.  Woo-hoo.  Went for a run in the glorious sunshine, retrieved items from the store for my avocado and cilantro toast appetizer and readied for my book club meeting in serious peace.  Exhale.  

Worst Part of the Day-

The kiddies were bickering and fussing the entire way to meet my mom.  What up, G's??

Thursday April 23, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Productive at work.  Fun to play outside with the kiddies.

Worst Part of the Day-

I went to meet Will-O for lunch.  The lunch date vascillated between fine, good, fair, productive, bad and dumb.  

We had good conversation and then as we were winding down I said, "You know, I am looking for an apology..." (for the events of 3 weeks ago...)  Will-O replied, "I'm over that now.  (the events of 3 weeks ago...) I only want to look forward."   

Moi aussi.

Wednesday April 22, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Netflix and a Miller High Life Lite.   I love you.  

Worst Part of the Day-

Liam--yesterday's sweet--was a frustrated tantrum thrower today.  omg.   (Soooo glad he is my second child...it does not phase me one iota.)  

Tuesday April 21, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

1.  Kiddies in beddies by 6:45pm.  Sorry, I gotta relish it what pleases me soooo.

2.  Something about Liam's soft cheeks and toddler scent is making me want to snuggle and cuddle and be right by his side (one millimeter by his side) as of late.  Perhaps 'cause he is so big boy now and he's quite certainly my last babe...

Worst Part of the Day-

Liam fell from the end table (why, my friend, are you standing on it??) smack on his nose right on the non-forgiving hardwood floor.  Bloody nose, tears and hopefully a lesson learned Pavlov-style.

Monday April 20, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

1.  Supportive sentiments from friends near and far re: Will-O.  It is all very helpful and kind.  

2.  Liam just began to tell stories.  They kill.  Something like, "I saw a car and a van AND (pause pause pause) an apple and a watermelon AND (pause pause pause) a bike and a rabbit AND...

They are quite rhythmic and sing songy AND (pause pause pause) smile-inducing.  

Worst Part of the Day-

Bit o' tension in the kid swap off.   Come on, now.

Fun (dumb) fact-

Just today became reflexively fine with writing "2009" instead of "2008".   It takes me a spell.  4.5 months.

Sunday April 19, 2009

Best Part of the Day - I got to sleep in (but was awakened by a Quinn tantrum). Then off we went to Plaza Fiesta (indoor climbing place) and the boys ran and ran while I sipped a latte and read the paper (Erik dutifully kept an eye on them - I thought "they're fine" and went back to the Op-Ed page.) Wes busted out a loooonnggg nap.

Worst Part of the Day - Quinn now realizes that we are DEAD serious about the listening thing - but he's still testing. He was in his room many, many times today. But I am seeing slight improvements. Really being super strict (like fascist strict. Is this what it takes? I could never be a fascist leader - too exhausting and no fun. But I'm guessing you have loads of respect.) Erik in career crisis (take three). Trying to book a vacation that is two weeks away (what the ....) Mama needs to watch Rock of Love reunion show and hit the hay.

Sunday April 19, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

A noontime brunch.   Truly one of my fave things in life.  I love the timing (I am often tooo sleepy for dinners these days.)  Always feel like I am on vacation when sippy a bloody Mary in the daytime.  (This one was a Bacon Bloody--a strip of bacon added to the pickle, olive and celery yumminess and magically, bacon-infused vodka.  Who knew???  It times like these I am pleased not to be a Muslim.)

Worst Part of the Day-

Did skip my planned upon Sunday morning work-out.  It simply didn't work out.  Heh heh.

Saturday April 18, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

1.  Received trio of books in the mail from Cuz Mol.  Started in and almost completed The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing.  (You knew I would enjoy...)

2.  Had the best Chuck E. Cheese experience to date at AM b-day party for co-workers's 6 year-old daughter.  In the past I have found Mr. Cheese and all establishments akin, simply not very fun.  Lotsa lights and beeping sounds and high decibel din.  Ahhhhh.  Reminds me of being in a bad dream of disorganized chaos.  BUT, I do declare, today was f-u-n.  Scarlet was a pro with the vending cards and games and Liam was hilarious just running around and playing on everything.  He could barely believe he was inside the once mysterious and very alluring C. E. C.

Worst Part of the Day-

1.  Perhaps 40 minutes late for the above mentioned B-day party.  A tad unorganized (i.e. needed to replenish supply of tissue paper for gift bag and then had crummy Mapquest directions.) Bad Mama.  

2.  Also secretly wished this party was not today.  The morning was sooooo lovely and perfect it was a small shame to have children inside on such a day...(midwest guilt...we only have finite # of nice days!)

Saturday April 18, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Boat ride with Chris, Ann, Erik and all the boys. So, so enjoyable and fun. Wes at first was shaking his finger at Uncle Chris saying "Too fast. Too Loud. No thank you." Then toward the end of the trip when we were going slow he said "Too slow. Fast, fast." Quinn just sat happily. Then they all stayed for dinner and it was good n' fun.

Worst Part of the Day - Quinn's listening issue has reached the mind numbing stage. We told him (all of us - me, Chris, Ann, Erik) to not undo his seatbelt in the car (he was in Jack's booster seat and could therefore undo the seatbelt.) He did it once and I gave him a pass. But when he did it the second time .... when we all got back to our house, the rest of the boys got to run and play and Quinn had to go to his room. He was in there (screaming hysterically) for about 25 minutes. I went to get him and tried to tell him about the listening thing .... did it sink in? Who knows. He was a whiny little thang for the rest of the evening and finally I put him and Wes to bed while Erik and Chris went to pick up the adult's food. (Jack and Carson happily played.) He crashed in two minutes. I felt like crashing too (so much drama!) but there was red curry and red wine to be inhaled.

Friday April 17, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Had to leave my beloved McDonald's playland due to two boys who would NOT keep their socks on (gross!) Not only would they not keep them on - they evaded me way up high and would not come down. But I had the last laugh when they finally came down and were escorted directly out of the playland and into a cheerless, music-less, fun-less ride, parfait-less ride home. Starting to have a MAJOR listening issue with Mr. Quinn.

Best Part of the Day - Erik began to clear out the garage (I have been just averting my eyes each time I see all the boxes) and he did an AMAZING job!! It is now 75% cleared out. WOW.

Charlotte on the Cheap - After the playground this afternoon, Erik and I took the kiddos out to dinner. We went to that CiCi's pizza place (we did not eat - I'm not the largest fan of pizza buffets. But I have to say I had a bite of pizza and it was pretty good). I tell the woman that I need two kids pizza buffets. She says "how old are the children." I tell her and she says "oh they eat free. You just have to pay for a drink." Okay - two drinks then. The total was $2.36. Seriously?

Friday April 17, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O took the kiddies to a mini B-day celebration for his mom (not to worry, we had another mini one last eve as well which I orchestrated...)  It was divine to have a bit o' space.  I did watch some Dexter and had to, just had to start in on the garage.  Ahhhh, yes, cleansing--on at least two levels.  Lotsa crap thrown to the wayside.

Worst Part of the Day-

Liam awoke in the night roughly 30+ times.  No fever (praise the lords) but an incessant, wet, hacking cough. If he were an old man in a nursing home this cough would equal pneumonia.  He was crying and coughing and hacking all night long.  Til the morning light...

Thursday April 16, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Will-O and I took the kids to Pump It Up (all inflatable party zone) as I had promised. It was again luscious outside, but I had promised we would go on this fine day. The kids had such a blast jumping, playing, falling and sliding. I wound up in an intense (albeit inflatable) volleyball game against two 7 year-olds who found out quickly that I am dominant at any game with a net (when I am playing against 7 year-olds, mostly.) It was super duper fun and we all exited winded and slightly sweaty.

Worst Part of the Day-
So the OCD got ahold of me and I started to impulsively clean out the garage with the kids in tow. After a few minutes of Scarlet wildly sweeping/"helping" (clouds of garage dust everywhere!) and Liam tyring incessantly to climb on Will-O's motorcycle, it sank in that this was a poor choice.

Wednesday April 15, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Today was gorgeous. Outside playing without a sweatshirt = pleasant Wisconsin springtime.
I arranged to have Will-O (he is now doing outpatient stuff for 10 days or so) and his mom meet the kids and me at our neighborhood park and the kiddies were excited to see Dad and run and play, play. Enjoyable.

Worst Part of the Day-
All of this life changing stuff is making me slightly OCD. Perhaps a way I can control things...At this point my (dorkalicious)fantasy is to clean out the garage and sift, sift, sift and toss, toss, toss out anything remotely extraneous. I am the opposite of a pack rat. It is all going....

Thursday April 16, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Spent a blissful two plus hours in the backyard where the boys entertained themselves for the majority of the time. In fact, over the past few days I have seen up to 25 minutes of 'self-entertainment' from the two of them. Hooray! But Wes did not demand to be let back inside and they played well together and the weather was fine. Suddenly it was dinnertime. Love it.

Worst Part of the Day - Poor ole Wes getting gypped out of his nap once again. June can't come quickly enough so we can end the 30 minute trek. I have nicknamed the minivan Sherpa.

Also how many more times can one boy or the other step on my feet? Man on man - it's constant.

Wednesday April 15, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Taxes are done.

Worst Part of the Day - Lots and lots o' traffic today - and accidents galore. Slow down peeps. Also so tired at the end of the day I had to put myself to bed at 9:30 p.m.

Conspiracy Theory Alert - I think my children are in cahoots to ensure my slow descent into insanity. Today at swim lessons Wes happily got in the baby pool and participated in 90% of the lesson. Whoa - major difference (the best he'd ever done prior is about 10% participation). Now Quinn (usually so happy and loving the swim lessons) had to be dragged (screaming) to his lesson and took about five minutes (and an extra instructor) to calm down. Really now.

Tuesday April 14, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Trying to deal with the tax lady on the phone and Internet. First of all she is calling me Mary/Molly which is driving me bonkers (I mean she is Patricia and goes by Patsy am I calling her Patricia/Patsy?) Then she sends me this e-mail with an access code but no website to log on to enter the code .... AARRGGHHH. So annoying. I hate taxes and why o why is it always last minute? Sigh.

Best Part of the Day - Oh Bret you scamp. Picking the Penthouse Pet as your Rock of Love (three) .... never would have guessed.

Tuesday April 14, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Laughing and snuggling with the kiddies while we looked at their pictures and videos on my computer. Too cute and very enjoyable.

Worst Part of the Day-
I had a family therapy session with Will-O this afternoon. It was pretty much the most awful thing I have yet endured. Icky, yicky. I left in tears and feeling like crapola.

Monday April 13, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Just chillin like a non-villain after the chillun's were snoozin. More Dexter and a lil socializing in the clean and organized home. Ahhhhh.

Worst Part of the Day-
I took the kiddies to visit Will-O during the early eve visiting hours. The timing was simply bad for the kids and their early yet necessary bedtimes. They both did not want to leave and Liam (who is notoriously terrible with goodbyes) was screaming "Daddy!!" and crying for 30 minutes post-visit. omg.

Monday April 13, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - In a fluster to get the kiddos out the door and get the dog. On the way home from picking up Clarence, we stopped for some groceries. By the time we got back to the car, Clarence had majorly messed up both of the kiddos carseats. UGH! Can nothing stay nice? It turns out that Wes' was actually fine and Quinn's had minimal damage, but still! It was funny to watch both boys shake their fingers at Clarence, but only for a moment.

At home I was picking up one half of a plastic Easter Egg. As I came up, I KNOCKED the side of my eye with the television that is mounted on the wall. I was pretty dizzy but just sat down for a minute. Then as I was walking to the laundry room I saw something drip on the floor. Yup I not only knocked my head but split it open as well. It's pretty deep, but small (and because of numerous medical types in my fam, I know that face wounds bleed profusely). It kind of hurts. Erik said it is on the fence stitches wise - we'll just have to watch it.

Then halfway through the season finale of Rock of Love (who will Bret pick!) the tv remote went crazy. I had a mini tantrum and then had to put myself to bed.

Best Part of the Day - I'd have to say the healthful Chicken Parm I made. It was pretty good.

Sunday April 12, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Easter gathering at Sean/Alli's cute and comfy home in Chicago. It was a yummy spread.  The grown-ups had a chance to chat and chill (finally) and the young cousins played and loved.  Funny egg and basket hunt (took 3 minutes, tops.)  A non-candy Easter was successful.

Worst Part of the Day-

Just the gol diggity driving to and from Chicago.  I would have killed a small mammal for someone to take the wheel for me on the drive home.  Sleeeeeepyyyyy.

Also fell prey to some type of GI distress.  One minute I was putting the kiddies to bed, the next I had waves of nausea and chills.  What the???  Not even one jelly bean was consumed...

Saturday April 11, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

My parents took the kids today (after I had my mini internal meltdown and asked my mom for a little respite service...)  I had free tickets to a play gallery/childrens' museum that I passed off and she and my dad energetically tended to them much of the day.  Whew.  I really needed that help. The kiddies came back wiped out after serious play time and even an Easter egg coloring session and I felt better about working my ass off for the 6 hour spell.   Love productivity sans kids. Thanks a ton.

Worst Part of the Day-

Packing the kids up in the morn to drive out toward my parent's was nightmarish.  Yes, as always, it has got to be my issue, but it is simply non-fun.  The minute I leave to pack the car, the kids were fighting or removing clothes or spilling staining liquids or writing on the walls. Come on, dudes.   I'm not forcing you into the car to go to a child labor camp (though I should), you're going to a play gallery, children's museum and then to the party fun zone that is the grandparental's home!  All kid-centric, all the time.  Perhaps that is the problem.  I recall as a kid going to my dad's all day tennis tournaments for our fun zone.  We were supposed to just walk around and play with each other for the 8-10 hour time.  No money for vending, no cute juice boxes and finger food, no portable DVD players.  Definitely not a children's play gallery designed with little peeps in mind.  No ma'am.    (My grouchy old man persona is comin out.)

Friday April 10, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

1.  Brought kids over to friend T's for an impromptu "Do you care if my kids come over and play in your yard for an hour??  We really need somewhere new to go!!"  Extraordinarily fun to have a non-familiar space to run and play.  

2.  Deposited check from insurance settlement into checking account.  Very enjoyable to write beyond the comma.

Worst Part of the Day-

1.  Still a bit to chop down on the To-Do Mountain.  

2.  Had a mini internal melt down about how I am going to to all of this kid stuff on my own after Scarlet called my name out 45 times in 1 minute.  Liam is also now chatting away so I have 2 non-stop talkers (demanders, questioners) from dawn til dusk.  

Thursday April 9, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O as officially entered into rehab.  (How rock star-ish?!)  He went voluntarily and almost happily.  It is allegedly the "best" of its kind in this area.  Nothing but the finest...

Worst Part of the Day-

Was on the phone for 2.75  hours with insurance company sifting through red tapey technicalities after rehab facility #1 would not accept Will-O due to weird insurancy things.  I now know residential is different from inpatient and insurance companies will pay more for behavioral health than straight up boozer help.   Cleansing exhale.  

Most Surreal Part of the Day-

My once love of my life is in rehab.  Huh.  

This blog format allows me to tell all things that may have once been confidential/personal.  I feel similar to how one feels after giving birth in a teaching hospital in regards to their nakedness.   Let them all in.  You'll see it some day.  Whatevs.

Sunday April 12, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Church with the boys which was no big deal. Both were very, very good (Golden Grahams helped with Quinn.) Then we did an Easter Egg hunt at the house and it was so hilarious and adorable. Then excellent Easter luncheon. Later on a bike ride with Johanna, Alex, Erin, Erik and the boyz (being towed).

Worst Part of the Day - We ran into bad traffic and were on E for gas. So we had a rough ten minutes were we really thought we were going to run out of gas. UM run out with two kiddos in the middle of South Carolina? No gracias. The traffic let up and we made it to the next exit and all was well.

Saturday April 11, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Woke up to rain and I about wept. The house in Hilton Head is about the opposite of baby proofed and there is no laid back attitude about kiddos here. So we MUST venture out of the house. Also very, very tired from being up WAY to late drinking wine and chatting. Boooo.

Best Part of the Day - Excellent weather came our way! Chris and Ann arrived at about noon. Had an egg hunt at the community club house for the boys. Then Alex and his galpal Erin arrived. Then we all went to the beach and it was sooo fun. Great day, good drinks and nice outdoor running and playing for the boys. Quinn would not come away from the water and Wes soon followed (the other two boys mostly built sandcastles). Then home, bath, and bed for the tired boys.

Crazy - Chris got stung by a Sting Ray. It looked like a baby shark had taken a bite out of his heel! Ugh.

Friday April 10, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Drive to Hilton Head was not dramatic or traumatic. Boys both slept for about two hours of it and then were awake but not weeping/yelling/moaning ect. Arrived at about 6:15 p.m.

Worst Part of the Day - Thought I had more time this morning - after the gym, McDonald's playland and dropping off two dogs at the kennel .... I got home, jumped in the shower and Erik was home three minutes later. Dern it. I had so many plans (well just one plan - to pack for me and the boyz.)

Hilarious Comment - parenting advice from my mother in law "you just need to tell them NO." OH if I had only thought of THAT. But it sounds like Erik was an excellent two year old - very respectful and obedient. Ahhh revisionist history - gotta love it.

Thursday April 9, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Went to Discovery Zone and it was awesome. Both boyz played for over two hours in the 'kiddie' area. Ran into Wes' preschool teacher (Miss Janet) and he acted like he had never seen her before. It was kind of funny - but I think it was just a context thang. I had to drag them out of there - and only did this because I was bound and determined to get Wes a nap.

Worst Part of the Day - Just sooo beat at the end of the day. Can't wait to get some rest ... but when?

Wednesday April 8, 2009

Welcome to the World Baby Cole! My pal Drew had her first baby today - let the lovin' begin!

Best Part of the Day - The boyz and I hit the gym, swimming lessons and then Target to pick up some last minute things and have lunch. Erik arrived home just as I was getting things ready to dye eggs. Good thing - that is a two adult to one child process (at least for my kiddos). Still Wes adorably dyed each egg (while cracking them in his hands) proclaiming each color and joyfully exclaiming "I did it mama. I did it! Look at my egg." Quinn refused to dye on the grounds that there was only one egg dip thing-y.

Worst Part of the Day - We got home at 2 p.m. from our days travels, so no nap for Wes again. He is insane without a nap.

Wednesday April 8, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Enjoying next book club pick, Water for Elephants.  Fun to be swept away by an easy read.

Worst Part of the Day-

So I may have been a little cocky yesterday touting how g.d. organized I am...I have a TON on my little, cracked plate.  Lots o' paperwork.  Lots o' meetings with lawyer types.  Oh yeah, also some kiddies and a house and a few co-workers who need my precious services.  

Tuesday April 7, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Finally had a productive work day...finally felt like I could shake my temporary ADD/fogginess and got on the organized train.  To-Do Lists are my friends.

Worst Part of the Day-

Admittedly looking like crap-ola.   Like a nice haggard woman suffering from seasonal allergies.

Monday April 6, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Sweet, sweet, kind family members emailed me a gift certificate for a massage...oh my.   The thoughtfulness brought a reflexive tear to my eye.  I will use and enjoy.  Thank you!!!

Also, my mom came to watch the kiddies while I taught my class.  Awesome!!  The kids loved it, I loved it, and she loved it.  A win-win-win.

Worst Part of the Day-

Ridiculously, this evening was an annoying replay of last Monday's excessive shenanigans.  Not on my dime and not on my property, but still...are you kidding me??

Tuesday April 7, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Took the boyz to Monkey Joe's (like a Bounce U or House of Bounce) and it was a raging success. Both independently played the entire time. Had pizza lunch while was inhaled (of course). It was soooo nice to take them and then just watch them have fun, fun, fun. I walked out with two pink cheeked exhausted boys. Also picked up a babysitter there. I was talking to this woman and she turned out to be a nanny. So then we got on the topic of babysitting (because I drove the subject matter there) and she said "I babysit!" So I got her digits. High five.

Worst Part of the Day - Dealing with the freakin' slumlord of our old rental. He stated in an e-mail that he does not see a 30 day clause in our lease (and then tried to say that the place was not clean when we turned it over. Huh - kind of like the way he turned it over to us). Hmmmm - I think that North Carolina law would trump that. I'm sure it does not have to state it in a lease if it state law. And regardless, you can't just indefinitely keep someone's security deposit while you slowly make repairs. What a dumbass - I am so seriously annoyed with these people. And they hold all the cards! It is so frustrating. I just really, really want them out of my head - can't wait to be done dealing with them.
Also after tiring out Wes at Monkey Joe's - he would not nap! What the ... that is NOT right.

Monday April 6, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Wes walked up to Quinn this morning, lifted up his shirt, smacked him four times on his back and said "no, no." I about wept. But if he can learn that, why can't he learn to NOT take off his diaper? He did do it again today - but damage was minimal as I caught him in the act. SO freakin' tired and Wes was amped up before his nap - but I did get him to lie down for a bit. Erik is thinking overalls for him so he can't get any clothing off. I feel like we are taking steps back instead of forward.
Oh and no word on our now six day delinquent security deposit .... put in a call and an e-mail today. So annoying.

Best Part of the Day - Watched Lost and it was really good. Confusing, but good. Then in bed at 9:50 a.m. and probably asleep by 10 on the dot. Just beat.

Sunday April 5, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Zoe peed on the new rug. Wes the sh*tter struck again - this time in the basement. He had it ground into several Hot Wheels cars, the train tracks, race cars, the carpet and the walls. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!? Erik and I are about to lose it.

Late Sunday/Early Monday - Zoe woke us up three times before we finally put her in the garage. Then this woke up Wes at 3:30 a.m. He refused to go back to bed. Finally put him in his room after being kicked and sung to for a hour and a half. However, ten minutes later I hear something suspicious and run in there - yup, he's got his diaper off and is smearing his poop. And yes, I did spank him and he was SHOCKED. Somethings gotta give here.

Best Part of the Day - Erik took both boyz on an errand (to buy carpet cleaner -we are all out for some reason) and I relaxed in the quiet of the home by myself. Read the paper and listened to the fridge hum away. So zen-y.
Hit the gym and ran on the treadmill - made me feel better to get some of my aggression toward the little one out. Whew. God I hate running.
GORGEOUS DAY - 74 degrees and super sunny!! Had a super yummy Thai dish this evening and watched Rock of Love Bus and FNL. Soooo relaxing.

Saturday April 4, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Erik is on call, so we all went to Quinn's soccer game in case he got called in. Erik's brother Chris coaches the team and Carson (almost 4) and Quinn "play" on the team. There are ten kiddos to a team and four play at a time - so when Quinn and/or Carson rotated out, I was somehow stuck with the job of watching them (along with Wes who is a full time job just him.) And today neither Quinn nor Carson wanted to play so they were constantly under my care. Carson was having lots of fun by bugging the hell out of the other spectators. Quinn just wanted to eat yogurt covered raisins by the huge handful. Wes wanted on the field to play (of course!) By the end I was holding a screaming Wes, yelling at Quinn and Carson and shooting DAGGERS to Erik who was helping to coach on the field. Ummm ..... NEVER AGAIN.

Then this afternoon, the little s*#t struck again - literally. Wes again finger painted his room with his feces. This time only about 75% as bad .... still pretty bad. Now the carpet is soggy due to repeated cleanings and still pretty freakin' stained. And it's hard to get it off the door - I really had to work at it. Not fun. Getting old. Grossed the frick out.

Also dog sitting for Chris and Ann's dog Zoe. She kept us up half the night pacing and pacing and pacing and had to be let out twice during the night.

Best Part of the Day - Hey, hey - go MSU! I love it when the underdog wins it!!

Sunday April 5, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

2 things for which I am equally pleased as punch:

1.  The lovely kiddies were snoozing by 6:15pm after serious weekend o' fun.

2.  Will-O has committed to completing inpatient treatment for his alcohol issues.  

Seriously, neither one trumps the other...equally pleasing and necessary for calm.

Worst Part of the Day:

I fear my trust fund has run out OR someone has hacked into my precious financial files.  My checking account is downright scary.  What the??

Saturday April 4, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Fun b-day party of friends' 6 year-old.  Good to be out for finite period of time on a Saturday afternoon.  The kids had a crazy amount of birthday madness.  Seriously in the party zone.

Worst Part of the Day-

A trifle tricky to exit the party fun zone with 2 little ones.  The 2 on 1 thing bites.  I did preface to the crowd, "I will be carrying a small child out of here and he will be kicking and screaming and shoeless...I am not torturing, just moving out."  Had to be done.   Semi-exhausting.  

Friday April 3, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Delivered the kids to my parent's for an overnight so I could attend a work dinner and then (separately) a martini party (danger).  Very fun to have a moment.  

Had a quality conversation with Will-O's father (his mother is out of the country for a month and I soooo could not bear to bother the woman...)  It is official.  The ruling regarding Will-O is unanimous.  Whew.

Worst Part of the Day-

Perhaps needed more to simply veg and process (and watch beloved FNL) than needed to attend Martini Madness party.  I did succumb to annoying family trait of D & D (drink and dial--not drink and dive, mind you.)  Arrrrgggghhh.

Thursday April 2, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

My mom came to help with the kiddies late afternoon/evening gig.  It was great to have a helper. She kept insisting, "Go somewhere, do something!"  I kept insisting, "Mom, it's Thursday at 6pm. Even my drunkie friends are not doing anything at this moment."  It was seriously helpful to tackle laundry and standard nighttime clean-up while she bathed and readied the kids.

Worst Part of the Day-

Feeling pretty wiped out.  Need to get back on the work-out wagon if only for energy boost.

Friday April 3, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Put Wes down for his nap, Quinn on the computer and the jumped in the shower. I was all dressed and cleaning up when I heard Wes softly saying "mama, mama, mama." So I ignored him. But after it kept on comin' I decided to peek in on him. A STENCH greeted me. The child had poop all over him - from his elbows to his hands and his knees to his feet. Seems he had taken off his diaper. I threw him in the bathtub and scrubbed him. Then I checked out the damage to the room - it was like a Dexter blood spatter crime scene, but instead of blood .... s*#t. It was on the door, on the closet door, on the dresser, on two books, ground (really, really ground) into the carpet. And this was some STICKY s*#t. Erik arrived home at this point (what a great day to get home early!) and we tackled it together. Even after carpet cleaner, steam cleaning and tons and tons o' Lysol ... the room still was not smelling pretty. Then we went to Chris and Ann's for dinner (so says Erik). It really was to move some furniture, so I ended up feeding four kids instead of two (Ann was at the gym, smart girl) and not really getting any down time. Just not the evening I wanted ... but ended up nice with Chinese food with Erik and Chris. We took their dog Zoe home with us (they are heading to Florida for a week) and she paced the ENTIRE night keeping Erik and I up ... sigh, sigh, SIGH! (and of course for once the kids slept in - but we were STILL kept up.)

Best Part of the Day - When I laid my head down for bed. Also had two Mike's Hard Lemonade where were refreshing.

Thursday April 2, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Wes snuck a nap in during Quinn's speech path appointment today (and I got to read in the car while he slept. Nice.)

Worst Part of the Day - The boyz came home from preschool with darling Easter baskets full of plastic eggs stuffed with sweets. I just thought I'd let them indulge for one day - eat up kiddos. What a mistake!!! The afternoon was full of naughty room, spankings, yelling, blatant snottiness, jumping up and down over and over and over and over. They were JACKED up on the smack, man. I've never really believed in the 'sugar' hyperactivity thang - but really now. I have never seen them act like this. I guess they've really never had more than two pieces of candy - and that has happened probably twice in their lives (but I don't monitor 'sugar' per se). And Nerds? Picking up grape Nerds (that were thrown all over the carpet by one Mr. Wes) as they stain is NOT my ideer of a good time. I threw out the rest of the candy and now it is banned (in bulk amounts) from our home. Mama needs vino STAT.

Wednesday April 1, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Talked with several of Will-O's friends.  All are in agreement.  So lovely to be on the same page with clear thinking adults.  Ahhhhhh.

Worst Part of the Day-

I am feeling fried as a result of the crisis that I cannot mention by name.  I may have aged 10 years over night.  

Also, tried to conjure up several scenarios to pull a fun and funny April Fool's prank on someone, anyone.  Nothing I would have said could be funny today.  It would have been like, "Really?  Did that happen, too??"   

Tuesday March 31, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Went with Scarlet and her adorable class to the Health Education Center.  Quite fun and educational--even por moi.

Worst Part of the Day-

Worse than even I could imagine...

Monday March 30, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Happy B-Day to Cuz S.  Scarlet's comment about you when told you were 3* years-old, "Mom, it amazes me how old you grown-ups get!"

Copier broke at work and therefore my 3pm and 4pm classes were cancelled and I got to sneak to the mall, hit a book store (cute Easter books for kiddie baskets) and surprise the kidz by being home early.

Worst Part of the Day-

Little did I know what I would find when I arrived home chipper and early.  Surrr-priiiiize! Much, much to my dismay.............................bad, bad Lifetime movie that no one could bear to watch.

Wednesday April 1, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Wes much improved at swimming lessons today - still not truly participating, but also not bawling and clinging to me either. (Quinn went right to his instructor and got right into it without even a glance back at me. Love it.)

Worst Part of the Day - Don't know how to be more organized at swim lessons. OH HOW I ENVY the moms with one three year old who don't have to get in the water. I have our stuff strewn all over the place - one kiddo taking off a swim diaper, one kiddos running for the bathroom, me in a wet swim suit trying to towel off ... can't find socks or shoes or my keys! God bless it! I haven't seen a parent with two kiddos in lessons like I am - but when I find this person I will watch them carefully for tips. Maybe it will be easier when we come from home instead of the gym ....

Tuesday March 31, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Had lunch with my sister-in-law Ann and it was soooo good n' fun. I don't think there was a pause in the conversation for over one hour (lots to chat about regarding all the Reitter boyz big and small). Also am enjoying iced tea now for some reason - it is so dern good. I about floated out of the restaurant. Also no speech for Mr. Q which makes it sooo easy because Wes actually gets to take a nap.

Worst Part of the Day - Not as warm as I thought it was going to be today .... under dressed fo shore. Also ate too big o' a lunch and could not even think about dinner. Dern bread basket.