Thursday May 28, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Am loving hearing the updates from the "LoveBergs" aka my brother and his wife regarding their new bebe to be. Sounds like the OB is thinking 'grrrl' but they won't know until the next ultrasound which is in a couple weeks! It's soooo exciting and I can't wait to hear more about 'slim' (baby's pet name) and see the pregnant Miss S in early August!!

Worst Part of the Day - Oh golleee are we not done with the rain yet? How much more can it rain? How much more can my hair frizz? (Note to Cuz K - will try the B and B creme! Also a product junkie - and it don't matter if it's $50 or $2.50 - I'll try it!!)

Thursday May 28, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

1.  Scarlet read me a book and it was super cool.  She gets it, man.

2.  Watching the movie, Hurricane, and drinking a beer.  

Worst Part of the Day-

Will-O came back from a many day stay in Chicago.  It started nice and fine and could've kept going that way, but then went sour and down and dumb.  (with me, not with the kids.)

Best Quote of the Day-

While I was picking up some stuff in the yard, Scarlet bent over to me and patted me on the back while she said sweetly, "It's concerning me, Mom, how hard you work.  Let's take a break.  You sit down and rest.  There, there."  It made me laugh and smile.  

There, there!

Wednesday May 27, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Went on a field trip to the zoo with S.'s class.  It was kinda mad with tons of kiddies running everywhere, but S. and I had much fun hanging.

Worst Part of the Day-

I have a few creative projects brewing, yet I need some time, time, time to sit and complete (ahem, start.)

Tuesday May 26, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Watched Elegy.  Thought is was interesting.  Penelope Cruz is cute as pie.

Worst Part of the Day-

Extra sleepy today.  Challenging to get back in the swing after the holiday weekend.  Might have to break the caffeine-free B.S.

Monday May 25, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Met up with Lisa and Morgan-the-cute and had a picnic a the park.  Fun to see the kiddies run and play.  Wild ones by night sometimes equals calm moms by day...thank the heavens.

Worst Part of the Day-

A tad sleepy and a titch queezy from last night's mayhem.

Wednesday May 27, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Erik and I have decided to burn all our AmEx points and get us a brand spankin' new iMac. Soooo exciting. Now this ole slow, annoying Dell can be put out to pasture as a "kid's computer" as they will not be looking at (much less TOUCHING) the new one!!

Worst Part of the Day - Um how many days until that preschool summer session begins? Two weeks, you say? UGH.

Tuesday May 26, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Erik home early from work and so he watched Wes while I took Q to speech. Soooo great to read for one 30 minute span instead of chasing Wes. Then Quinn and I went to the the store and WHOA ... how easy is it to bring on 3 1/2 year old to the store?? It could be an actual fun outing for the two of us.
Also Clarence (the dog) loves the Ikea Igloo tent - I've caught him laying in it several times.

Worst Part of the Day - Wes brought me a DVD case today with a piece of his poop in it. After a head butt, throwing my library book into a pile of mud beneath the deck stairs where the scary spiders live, unfolding a folded load of laundry and the DVD/poop incident - I have determined that living with Wes is like living with a member of the Jackass group. I don't want to live with a member of the Jackass group. He is a one man destruction crew, prankster, hit you where it hurts little kid. It's not as funny as it sounds (but sometimes I do have to turn away so I won't laugh).

Monday May 25, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Rain, rain ALL DAY LONG. And Ikea's childcare? Have to be potty trained. We were going to fake it but Wes got called out for a diaper line.

Best Part of the Day - Took kiddos to Ikea (for the free one hour childcare which didn't pan out) but they were actually pretty dern good. It's always fun to ogle the Swedish designs and we came home with a $10 pup tent that looks like an Igloo. Then off to McDonald's for some indoor climbing and lunch. Then we rented a Little Einsteins DVD (which they had never seen before) and did not hear from them for two hours ... gotta love that basement.

Sunday May 24, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Erik took kiddos to Plaza F. while I worked out and then read a book. Zen-ish. I about ditched this book and now am really into it.

Worst Part of the Day - Weather is wild and wacky here - muggy but really cloudy and rainy, rainy. Always looks like it's ABOUT TO CLEAR UP - and then the downpour. Just terrible to keep the little savages occupied. Also Erik on call and had to make two late night trips to le hospital.

Sunday May 24, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

1.  My parentals watched the kids overnight so I could have a GNO with pal, Lisa.  

2.  Also, I pitched several softballs to Scarlet today and she cracked 'em all outta da park.  Again and again and again.  Her batting average was sensational.  And she's a southpaw.  Though she is a serious girlie girl, she agreed to let us sign her up for T-ball this summer after this athletic performance (to be her first sports team since the soccer experience---eek.)  In fact, she jumped up and down and shrieked with delight about the idea of being on a team again:  I wonder what color the shirts will be!? And who will be on the team?  And I wonder if I will like them...and if they will like me??  So much to consider regarding t-ball, though it has little do with t-ball.

Worst Part of the Day (in a fun way)-

Went out with Lisa.  EVERY time we go out together it is always supercharged fun, lotsa laughing, and a wee bit o' drinking; a perfect breeding ground to meet new people who want to know what is sooo damn funny over here???!  

This time it may have been a bit much.  The night included 23 year-old boys begging for our numbers (come on, now?), numerous free shots, an afterbar party, loss of bladder control, and the world's worst kissing booth.  Huh?  Let's take it down about 55 notches, shall we??  And get a grip.  Puh-lease.  Immediately.

Saturday May 23, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Dropped the kids off to my mom so they could spend 2-3 hours with her and so I could tackle the yard work and simply be done with the damn front and back gardens.  

The 2-3 hours turned in 4 and I ended meeting the lot of them at a family friends' home where my parents had eve plans (an adorable farm house with a red barn and even chickens running around!)  Stayed for dinner and a yummy margarita and pleasant conversation and many nooks and crannies and more warm bodies to entertain the kiddies.  Unexpected enjoyment.

Worst Part of the Day-

My hands appear to be those of a 99 year-old.  Seriously old lookin witch hands.

  

Friday May 22, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O was here and was totally engaging in kid behaviors.  He took Liam to play basketball (after my urging to do something father-son with him at the gym instead of just placing him in Kid Care) and then he took the kiddies on a walk and out to dinner.  VERY f-ing helpful and relieved me of much (so I could tend to my work and housework and yard work.)

Worst Part of the Day-

I was dressed and ready to go to my book club (tis generally the 3rd Friday of each month). Will-O was with kiddies and I was out the door and looking good to be on time (usually am 1.5 hours late.)  I text my friend to see if we should go together or not (she usually goes ahead of me due to my tardiness) and when I got a "huh?" in response I had the sinking feeling I seem to get more and more these days...What year is it?  Where am I?  Where are the kids??  Does everyone have clothes on?

I have the wrong date???

The book club gathering is scheduled for next Friday.  Since I was already out the door and had oodles to catch up on at work (and since I have some crazy kind of work ethic and an obsession with crossing crap off of my monstrous list) I headed to work and knocked out 3.5 hours of paperwork.   Crazy Friday night.

Also, Will-O's motorcycle was hit while parked in front of the house.  It is pretty much totaled. Always something.  He really does not have much luck in the way of autos staying whole/not smashed to bits.  

Saturday May 23, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Quinn had his last soccer game with a party and medal presentation to follow. It was highly adorable to watch him receive his medal - you would have thought that thing was an Olympic gold. He was very pleased and proud. Pizza and cake rounded out the 100% KID F-U-N party.

Later in the eve we met up with Chris, Ann and the kiddos at the Promenade (an open area surrounded by shops and restaurants with a kid-friendly band ... think bubble machine, flashing lights and hula hoop competitions). The kiddos happily ate kid-friendly fare at the picnic table and then ran around the fountain. Adults imbibed some beers thoughtfully brought by Chris and Ann (I did not understand that we could bring booze or my new obsession of Target boxed Red Sangria would have been in my tote bag.) Later Quinn, Wes and I did some groovin' on the grass to Le Freak, Footloose and the like. Home at 9 p.m. with two zoinked out childrens and two zoinked out adults.

Worst Part of the Day - It's drizzling, muggy and kind of gross out. My hair is a ball o' frizz (even after pricey new Phyto de-frizzing product. Perhaps I should offer my mop to science so they can make something that works in all conditions.)

Friday May 22, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Erik home from interview and it seems it will be a 'go' - more details to come, can't go into that now especially when it's not a done deal (that's the ole Irish superstition creeping on up.) But he is more at ease and that makes the household more at ease. And ease is what we need.

Worst Part of the Day - Wes is now being an off and on napper and it is affecting his moods (and seriously y'all he does NOT SLEEP IN ANY LATER. So I'm getting no alone time (while he naps and Q plays the 'puter) and he's still getting up early, early, early. What the .....)

Annoying! Erik insists on watching Benjamin Buttons this eve (I'm not anti - I just hate watching tv in the basement where I can see the mess the children have made that I have not enforced them to clean up.) He falls asleep roughly 20 minutes in - I wake him up and he claims he had just shut his eyes. Twenty minutes later I wake his arse up again. "I want to watch Benjamin Buttons" I mock in a high pitched whiney voice and for some reason we both are dying laughing. But deep down it's still annoying.

Thursday May 21, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Well, this is day 3 of no caffeine, no white flour, no white sugar.  I'm really not sure why I am doing this, but after much reading/research, it seems I had been pretty reliant on crap-ola in the way of food (perhaps that is what happens when one is functioning in crisis mode for months--years??) Anyhoo, since my natural food cravings truly are healthy (yes I want a bowl of lentils and rice over a filet-o-fish any day), I just wanted to try to make a go of this.  

Low and behold, I am feeling pretty darn good today and hydrated and not missing it all that much.  And my skin looks way clearer (hyperpigmentation-wise).

Made whole wheat pizzas for fam--yummy!

Worst Part of the Day-

Just the same kinda running around madness.  (Boring.)

Thursday May 21, 2009

Best/Worst Part of the Day - Last day of preschool at good ole St. Johns. I was pretty teary about it actually - I will NOT miss that 33 minute drive (each way!). But I will miss the teachers (so crafty and patient and loving) and the other kiddos (esp. Wes' class where each child was seriously more adorable than the last) and the camaraderie with the other moms. Still it's time to start a new school in our area and start to make some close by pals. But I didn't expect to feel so sad about it - people always think the first day is the hardest, but for me it was definitely the last. (Oh I am a nostalgic type.) I felt very, very appreciative to have my kiddos in such excellent care over the past nine months. Sniff. (But still, I will NOT miss that dive. Mother Earth - my carbon footprint is now significantly less.)
- also Erik on very promising interview tonight and tomorrow.

Wednesday May 20, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Another somewhat major tantrum getting Wes into his carseat early this morn... sigh, sigh, SIGH. No need to even hit the gym after that struggle (but hit it I did.)

Best Part of the Day - Good convo (to be continued as we kept getting cut off and interrupted) with ole MU pal. So good to reconnect with someone who knew you when and knows what you are going through now. Thing of beauty.

Tuesday May 19, 2009

Best Part of the Day - After Quinn's speech path appointment today we were chatting and she said to me "you know, I think this kid is REALLY bright. We just need to get past this speech thing so we can really know what he is thinking." (And Miss Rose, the speech path, is NOT one to blow smoke up your arse.) Isn't bright an excellent compliment for you child? Right up there with kind, good sharer or excellent eater.

Worst Part of the Day - Finally finished up the season finale of Lost (and I did call a LOT of it throughout the show. Good thing Erik doesn't mind a spoiler.) Now we have to wait until JANUARY 2010!?!?!?! Damn.

Wednesday May 20, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Scarl had a final performance for her FirstStage drama class. (I missed the last session while hanging in the Butte with girlz...)  Must say, Scarlet stole the show!  All right, perhaps 'cause the other kids had a lil stage fright.  She was the only one to really belt out her lines (if you're gonna do it, the commit-as her father would suggest.)  She rocked the house, y'all.  So cute to see the whole bunch.

Worst Part of the Day-

Liam was a bit of a terror during the performance.  I did know 3pm is, in fact, his witching hour.

Also-had a family therapy session with Will-O (as a therapeutic exercise to communicate about be civil going forward) and though it was light years ahead of our last session (of hell), this session did drudge up some of the old icky feelings.  

Tuesday May 19, 2009

Best Parts of the Day-
1. The dishwasher man finally got a start and perhaps does not have to rebuild the entire cabinet.
2. Glorious weather.

Worst Part of the Day-
A hell of a lot of cleaning. Too sleepy even for my Netflix.

Monday May 18, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Getting everyone down to sleepyville.

Worst Parts of the Day-
I may have bit off more than I can reasonably chew with my home improvement project mania. I had the concrete guys, the dishwasher man, some out-of-town guests, and my mom in sitter role all to arrive about the same time. Also I had to prep for my classes tonight and ahhhhhhhhh. I was overwhelmed. My phone was ringing off the hook like coke dealer at bartime. I ended up jetting the kiddies out west to my parent's and then headed to work and then drove back to get them. Liam screamed for 20 minutes solid after leaving my parents' (really really bad with goodbyes) and then he screamed more when I transferred him from carseat to bed. This has to be easier.

Monday May 18, 2009

Best Part of the Day - It just seemed easier today - getting everyone dressed and out the door, getting the grocery shopping done, having the boys play inside on a rainy day. In fact we were downstairs for close to two hours with little trauma or drama and suddenly realized it was 25 minutes past normal dinner time. Love it when THAT happens.

Worst Part of the Day - Wes up at 5:30 a to the m. What the .... and no nap yesterday so I thought it would be ez to get him down. But he REFUSED to nap today at the normal time. Then he passed out one hour later on the rug in the living room mid-play. Don't fight it little one - just rest yourself or you will be an Ambien candidate like 1/3 of America.

Note - Looking at photos of a pal taking her newborn to a Yankees game I thought "man - it's weird how it's soooo easy to take a newborn places and so hard to take a two year old just about anywhere ...." and that is one reason I got tricked into having a second baby.

Sunday May 17, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Successful trip to Plaza F by my lonesome. I sipped cafe and read the paper while the boyz played. Then it was time for Cousin Carson' birthday party at a local pizza joint where the 18 (!) kiddos could roll dough and make their very own 'za's. I swigged Diet Pepsi and carolled my two year old (no, you can't do that. No, you can't do THAT. No, no - just come over here.)

Worst Part of the Day - Before the birthday party - Erik's brother, wife and kiddos were over. So Quinn went with them to the party. Erik showered up and we were heading out the door when I decided to change Wes' shirt. Now Wes is a stickler for his clothes - he would like to change his "shirty" about four times a day if allowed. Me being the laundress and slightly sexist (would I be more appeasing of this if he were a girl? I think so) says "no" to this early and often. But I do let him choose his own shirt and pants in the morning (within reason.) However, I wanted him in a specific shirt for the party. He threw a fit to end all fits. He was weeping and screaming and yelling. Erik wanted to abort mission and one of us stay home. I took a calculated risk and put him in the shirt, shoved him in the carseat and off we went 20 minutes late. Erik voiced " I think this is a mistake." He rested (fell asleep in sheer exhaustion) on the way there. By the time we got to the party he was his ole' jovial self. But I was still fairly sweaty from the encounter - hence the swigging o' Diet Pepsi (see above). That kiddo is FIREY man. But truly if I stayed home every time he threw a fit? We would stay home a third of the time.

Survivor Finale - I should be a Survivor commentator - I totally called it!! (Is that REALLY something I should be bragging about? Think not.)

Sunday May 17, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Fun eve gathering at Cuz K.'s for more B-day fun!  ('Tis the season.)  Supremely yummy homemade pizzas, salad and ice cream cake.  The kids all played well.  Also, received wonderful compliments/comments regarding Scarlet yesterday at B-day party.  She was being amazing and social and a perfect guest overall!  Very good for us both to hear.  (Especially for me after highly trying day with her yesterday...ahem.)

Worst Part of the Day-

Did not know my phone's whereabouts for much of the day.  Did not wholly care, but really shoulda made some call backs.

Happy B-Day, Dana!!!

Saturday May 16, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Hung at the pool with the kiddos today. Quinn happily played in the kiddie pool for a looonng time (Wes had to be taken home by Erik. Wes does love to leave places - loves to go bye bye from wherever we might be ... home, pool, playground. I think he's in a grass is always greener stage.)

Worst Part of the Day - TRYING to watch the season finale of Lost but I was so dern beat that I had to bed myself at 9:30 p.m. I literally could not keep my eyeballs open. ARRGH - dying to watch it but lawdy when? (Tomorrow is Survivor season finale - so no go there.)

Saturday May 16, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

1.  Zoinked out with the kiddies at 8:30pm.  Zapped.

2.  While at a b-day party today, Liam played very nicely with a nearly 2 year-old girl.  He was uber sweet and caring and a wonderfully sharing friend.  Would you like this?  Or this?  he kept handing her toys.  When she wouldn't answer, he would get inches away from her face and pat her back saying, it's o.k., I'm a nice big boy.  (He has been a victim to hundreds of older playmates ripping toys from his chubby hands; he knows it isn't always easy to trust your elders in the kid world...)  Also--he played independently for the entire party time and was happily sporting a butterfly net on his bald head--priceless.

Worst Part of the Day-

My Scarlet was oh so challenging today.  This child does not stop talking from 6am til bed, mind you.  In addition to the standard, this morning her listening skills were awful and she was simply bugging the crap out of me.  (To be honest.)  I need some new blood to be with her and think she is hilarious and hysterical and awesome that she talks incessantly.  This morn I was stopping every few minutes to take deep breaths and slapping my hand to my own wrinkly forehead so I wouldn't say anything inappropriate to my sweet, bright, gregarious, energetic child (who will not cease talking/challenging my every word.)   

Friday May 15, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Took the kiddies to the gym after school.  Again---sooo fun to have a moment of time and space. Exhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllle.

Worst Part of the Day-

The kiddies were sensationally whiney and fussing and downright bratty just trying to get them into the car to go to the gym.  Peeps-they LOVE the KidCare and they have little buddies there and they do artwork and play, play, play.  What is the ongoing deal????????

Notable Part of the Day-

Did watch Dateline and found self sobbing watching Farrah's Story.  (Pretty terrible font for the title, but oh my.)  Had no clue:  she is pretty cool, has awful anal cancer, Ryan O'Neal is her son's babydaddy, her son was horrifyingly in jail during critical time of her treatment!!!  I really feel for her and truly all people and families that go through the brutal and trying battle that is cancer.    Prayers.  

Thursday May 14, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

I successfully took Liam to the gym and had a fantastic workout.  Love the freedom of gym KidCare.  

Also--I am supremely in to my Netflix queue.  Watched Frances (Jessica Lange-nominated best actress 1983) and a Roman Polanski documentary tonight.  (My kids were snoozing by 6:30pm.)

What's up, couch potato??  Love it.

Worst Part of the Day-

All of one sudden I have a ton going on.  I have my concrete patio guys coming tomorrow AM and the dishwasher man tomorrow eve and I'm in the middle of a back fence re-do.  Sheesh.  Need a body double.

Friday May 15, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Took kiddos to the gym and then the Dollar Store (we needed to buy socks for McDonald's playland and there is one right by the gym). I think I might use it as a new bribe, I mean incentive. That place is a kid's dream. I am slightly skeeved out by it as we did a campaign on how the Dollar Stores were selling plastics that were banned in dog and children's toys. But I think they've cleaned that up. Still I won't be buying crackers there - that just seems wrong (are they so cheap due to expiration issues or what? Shudder.)

Worst Part of the Day - Just don't love Erik getting home early and then napping on the couch. Now he does have a cold and did drive a lot yesterday (about five hours - to and from a job interview). But really? However, I must say that he did try to make up for it - still isn't it funny how I would NEVER do that?

Thursday May 14, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Realized that we have only one more week of preschool! NO more dual week treks! The new preschool (summer session style) will begin in early June. This preschool is roughly four minutes away. Sigh and Hooray! And no speech today - so Wes got a nap and I got a minute to sit on my tookis and start Sag Harbor. Also there is a job prospect that might be a good (not perfect) solution to the current career crisis. More to come. OH and Survivor - man, I love that show.

Worst Part of the Day - Never have a good lunch on the trek days - HATE it because lunch is really my favorite meal of the day.

Wednesday May 13, 2009

Best Part of the Day - I'm really enjoying my Target wine in a box (Merlot). Maybe it's the generous pours you can't help but give yourself. Maybe it's the fresh seal that keeps it fresh for up to four weeks. Maybe it's the mellow drinkability of a wine packaged in a plastic bag and then encased with a cardboard box. Whateves. I'm enjoying it lots and lots (and lots.)

Worst Part of the Day - Mama is not getting her moment of zen as of late. Also Erik's career crisis is reaching a fever pitch.

Tuesday May 12, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Spent the morning cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Picking up bedrooms, unpacking my bag from the trip, vacuuming, wiping down appliances, wiping windows, cleaning bathrooms ..... by the time I got the boys out the door for preschool, I was beat. Then I arrive at Wes' class and the teacher says "didn't you get my reminder e-mail?" I look and every kiddo is in their pajamas. It's Pajama Day! Wes looks at the rest of the kiddos, looks at me and sucks his jams his thumb in his mouth (no WAY he could have known.) Dern it.

Best Part of the Day - I get back from preschool and Erik and his parents are there. His parents are leaving for Europe from Charlotte today and Erik vacated work to take them. So I put Wes down for nap and was able to chill out while Quinn had speech. Then I got back and they left for the airport (now where can I find everything I shoved in drawers for the cleanup?) Then we all went to the library as a family and got some books (mostly for me I must say. I have my hands on the new Colson Whitehead book! Just have one other one to finish before starting it - Erik is threatening to take away my library card. Then I shall steal his gym card. Oh, how nerdy do those threats sound?)

Monday May 11, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Trying to get back on track after being away - but Erik's parents are due in this evening. Luckily I worked it so they would stay at Chris and Ann's tonight so I would have an extra day to clean.

Best Part of the Day - Headed over to Chris and Ann's this evening for dinner and to hang with Erik's parents. Lovely time with excellent food. I did nap the boys late - and they were so/so (they were in major fights over toys and it got very old, very quickly). It was three hours past their bedtime by the time we left - so I guess that must be taken into consideration.

Sunday May 10, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Parents get up and out early - back to Michigan. Kiddos up early. Erik and I are very tired - used to sleeping in until well after 9 a.m.
Also TERRIBLE Mother's Day - I had no pampering and the only alone time was when I went grocery shopping. Booooo.

Best Part of the Day - Got the kiddos to Plaza Fiesta and met up with Chris and the kiddos. (Ann still in bed from too much party.) Then naps. Then to the pool where Chris and the kiddos met back up with us. Then pizza for dinner. BEAT.

Saturday May 9, 1009

Arrive back from Bermuda today. Bermuda is lovely with pink sand and decidedly unbalmly May temps (good for this anti-heat lass). Very different looking o' an isle with a Brit (kind of put-upon for the tourists though) feel. We did the aquarium, zoo, beach, Maritime museum, glass blowing studio, rum cake bakery, ferry ride(s), bus rides. The school kids there are all in grey flannel pants, dress shirts and striped ties. Also $15 hamburgers. It ain't cheap. OH and if you are wondering how to sneak booze on a cruise ship - Erik and I figured out the way. We drank our bootlegged booze on the sly feeling like 18 year olds at a Big Head Todd concert. It cracked us up the entire time (esp as many of our neighbors had notes on their doors re: booze they tried to sneak on.) Now I can already can feel the vacation vibe slipping away as we have to exit the boat, shuffle through customs, climb onto shuttle bus and then find our car. Plus we have to get home, see the grandparents who THANK GOD stayed with the babies all week and then dress and head off to Erik's bro's 40th birthday party. Whew.
The party was very, very fun - full of gentle fun at brother Chris' expense. Erik and I got home at 1 a.m.

Wednesday May 13, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Just getting the kiddies down, down to sleep.  Ma lord.

Worst Part of the Day-

I took the kidz to a park after Scarl's post-school drama class.  It was a bit overcast and looked like it might rain, but it wasn't raining and kids don't care about that kind of thang, so we went. I felt like square mom rebel--i.e. this park stop wasn't on our master schedule, but what the hey--I'm flexible, relaxed, I can go with the flow...let the kids play!  It was fun to have to entire park to ourselves.  I felt cocky and made a few phone calls.  (Me on the phone is traditionally when disaster strikes...as the kids know my attention is divided.) Scarlet told me she had to go to the bathroom so I covered the receiver with my hand and told her to run around to the building a few feet away and check out the B.R. sitchy.  She ran back and said she couldn't find one, so I said we would pack up to leave.  I ran to get Liam from the sandbox and when I turned back around Scar was squatting in the middle of some bushes (she was hidden, but I could see her light blue windbreaker in there.)  Oh well, I thought, I do have the policy of peeing outside in an emergency...

She exited the bushes with her skirt and leggings at her ankles and poop smeared down her thigh-leg.  OMG.  Peeing outside, not pooping...dear Lord.  I told her not to touch anything and ran to the car to get the wipes I always keep in there.  Ahhh, there were no wipes!  No napkins!! I sprinted back with some notebook paper and tried to clean her up.  There seemed to be poop everywhere.  As I was tending to my near 6 year-old (what the??), Liam wandered into the bushes and then I was screaming and there was still smeary poop everywhere on Scarlet's legs and then Liam walked in her poop pile with his sandy barefeet and then I was going slightly nuts.  I tried to clean (so non-effective with notebook paper...) and then hastily stripped the kids down to the minimum and put them in the car seats and screamed some more, "don't touch anything!!"  

It was an awful, non-relaxing hour of clean-up and me screaming the entire time.  

Not the park experience I had hoped for.

After the double bath, Scarlet had defended herself, "I just had to go #2....sorry."  Then I felt bad for all of my yelling.  But seriously.  Single mom-dom is one thing...this type of afternoon over and over will break my spirit.

Also, no more go with the flow.  Stick to the schedule.

Tuesday May 12, 2009

Best Part and Worst Part of the Day-

I attempted to give Liam a pleasant springtime buzz cut and ended up shaving his head bald.  Doh.  (Serious novice with the clippers...) Midway through the transformation Scarlet was a cliched grade schooler as she was pointing at him and laughing her head off while yelling out her stream of conscious thoughts: "Oh my!"  "What is going on here?!" "Give him a mohawk, Mom!"  I was closeting how freaked out I was (Parenting 101--yes, closet many, many fears) as it was bald, bald, bald.  Also I didn't want this incident to be the root cause of his self-consciousness of looks (or specifically hair) in years to come.  Perhaps it didn't help as his beloved sibling spat out her drink laughing at his expense.  

Thank heavens he loved the new look and was highly amped up as he ran from mirror to mirror checking out the astonishingly shorn do.  Then he was the one laughing--thankfully with glee. (whew)  Scarlet was equally as excited and telling him how cool this haircut is.  (double whew.) She even kept rubbing his scalp for luck and even said his head smelled great.  It does.  Why is that?

So my baby boy could be a dead ringer for a mini member of the Latin Kings, or a skinhead, BUT truly he is way too smiling to be a hater.  Much more like Dalai Lama on magic mushrooms.  A cheerfully inquisitive pacifist.  Who needs hair?  

Monday May 11, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Kicked ass cheeks in the work department as Will-O was able to scoop the kids up from their respective thingys so I didn't have to rush around the town.  Woo-hoo.  

Worst Part of the Day-

I am on a major carbo loading spree/rot-your-teeth candy festival.  Also, I seriously need to get back on my exercise wagon.  (I miss it...even using the lame excuse to myself about how it's hard to get to the gym...lame.  It can always be done.)

Sunday May 10, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Happy Mom's Day to all (where applicable).  I love this day.  This day is far superior to my birthday (which notoriously sucks anyhoo) and any holiday I can rightly think of.  I feel very comfortable asking for/cheerfully demanding things on this day.  It's my day, after all and people seem to want to wait on me hand and foot.  I bask in the glory of mom-dom.  (Cause tomorrow it ends.)

Worst Part of the Day-

I thought Dateline was on at 8pm on NBC.  I got a tiny bit sucked in to The Apprentice, which I had vowed never to watch.  (I didn't know Joan Rivers was knock-kneed?  Can't she surgically fix that?)  It was minorly interesting, though I wanted my beloved television magazine, badly. After I watched for a most of the season finale, I couldn't bear to watch the final 3 minutes (due to exhaustion) of the hours and hours long Apprentice.  I was pulling for Joan and her knees, though.

Saturday May 9, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Me time, me time, me time.  The entire day to the night devoted to me.  (Will-O had kiddies for an overnight with his mum.)

Watched Forgetting Sarah Marshall and thought it was hi-sterical.  Haven't laughed out loud during a movie in years (perhaps since viewed The Naked Gun.)  

Worst Part of the Day-

I did crank out 5 hours of fairly non-satisfying yard work and then my actual job, (BUT at least I didn't have to rush, rush around...)

Friday May 8, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O offered to take the kiddies after school to have some play time/park time.  How amazingly refreshing!!!!!!!!!!  I did conquer much of my work pile and home cleansing.  Feeling great about a lil' space (as always.)  Oprah is on to something with the whole take time for yourself bit.  It does wonders for me just to do 6 hours of work--just sans little ones under foot.

Worst Part of the Day-

I did get a ton done.  Still have semi-massive to do list related to spring cleaning nonsense.

Thursday May 7, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Had a work outing complete with southern food and mojitos.  Wowsers.  Will-O was on time and in good spirits for his child tending session.  Enjoyable eve.  Gorgeous temp.

Worst Part of the Day-

I feel I need to sequester myself away and sift through piles of work stuff and piles of random home stuff.  Why does it keep accumulating???

Wednesday May 6, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Had to deliver 1st Communion card I forgot to give on Sunday....(greetings, non-organized.) While we were in the Whitefish Bay/Shorewood 'hood, I took the kiddies to my absolute fave park in the city:  Atwater Beach.  There is a perfect playground and amazing sandy beach.  We played and walked and walked and explored.  So fun.

Worst Part of the Day-

Of course, my 2 year-old is at the semi-annoying (yes, we love it, so!) age where it is painful for him to leave any destination of fun.  I had to carry this boy kicking and screaming for yards and yards...He simply doesn't get that we WILL come back.  I promise.

Tuesday May 5, 2009

Best Part and Worst Part of the Day-

For weeks and weeks Scarlet and Liam have engaged in banter reminiscent of 4th grade boys; every word is either pee, poop or gas (we don't say fart in the home--yet) between the two of them.  

Example:  What do you want for dinner?  Pee?  I want poop.  And for dessert?  Gas.  laugh laugh laugh.  

For weeks and weeks I have tried tirelessly and hourly to kabash this annoying and inappropriate talk.   Today I impulsively joined in (a questionable parenting move, I am aware.) We went for ice cream and I asked what flavors the kids would like.  Liam:  I like poop.  Scarlet:  Pee for me.  I chimed in:  I'll take a cup of gas with sprinkles of poop.  The kids died laughing and then magically the talk ceased.  Also, the ice cream arrived...

While getting ready for bed Scarl asked me, "Mom, I can't believe you get our poop talk?"  "I get it, honey pie, I just don't like it", I stated.    

Good night, Poop.

See ya later, Pee.

(If ya can't beat em??)

Worst Part of the Day-

Liam would not settle for beddie.  He took a 15 minute snooze in his car seat and that was all he needed to rev up for his personal late night party.  He finally stopped his shenanigans close to 10pm.  Dude.

Monday May 4, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

All of one sudden Scarlet is reading books and all of one sudden Liam is doing great with the potty training.  Whew, since I really don't spend too much specific time on either.  Yes, we read each day and yes there are books everywhere and yes I read constantly, BUT I haven't sat down and given lessons, if you will.  (Same with the p. training...ooops.)  Perhaps 'cause I've heard that both reading and p. training just click and there ya go.  Let's go!

Worst Part of the Day-

The annoying feeling (well, reality) that I need to take 5 and can't seem to do it.  After my late work tonight, had to move an entire room of furniture for floor refinishers tomorrow AM.  I would kill for an assistant....................................................sigh.

Sunday May 3, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Set up the hammock stand in about 30 seconds with Scarlet as my assistant.  I thought it would take hours for some reason...

Played outside with kiddies for roughly 5 hours.  Ate lunch and snacks outside, rode bikes, set up slip 'n slide, etc.  They were wiped by bedtime.

Worst Part of the Day-

Weekends are really not relaxing, per se.   

Saturday May 2, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Astonishingly both kiddies took a nap that lasted 2.5 hours.  Perhaps because I threatened "no nap = no party tonight!" but usually they care not for my meager threats.  It has been 2 years since they have both slept midday.  

Went to Cale's First Communion par-tay this eve.  An enjoyable and almost relaxing gathering for me.  The kids played and played and I actually talked with peeps AND played inside and out with the beautiful kids.  

Worst Part of the Day-

Will-O and I had a conversation.  Though it DID end up fine and somewhat positive, it was a journey getting there.  Major topics touched upon in our non-light chat:  forgiveness, accountability, contrition, human nature, social mores, fear, anxiety, choices, dysfunction, kids. Whew.  

Anyone want to discuss the weather?  Or not speak at all?  A quiet walk in a field would be nice. Or just a nap.

Friday May 1, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Went to a fundraiser for Scarl's school.  It was held in Frederick Pabst jr. mansion which is stunning even 115  years after construction.  There were gorgeous eats, interesting wine, gentle live entertainment with string instruments and extraordinarily welcoming humans.  (A few student musicians from the High School of the Arts were exceptional--refreshing for me to view "normal" teens...)  Also a silent auction displaying the art works of students, teachers and parents of students.  Hello, art school types!  Highly enjoyable.   

Worst Part of the Day-

I am ickily sleepy from the late, late Brew Crew madness.  Tricky to channel Tibetan monk skillz 2 days in a row.   Seriously beat.

Happy May Day!

Thursday April 30, 2009

Best Part(s) of the Day-

1.  I got my hands on 4 tickets to tonight's Brewer game (with some crazy VIP bar tickets...)  Coerced my gang members and friend (it is a drinking gang after all...) to be entertained by the Brew Crew and all it entails.  Substantial laughter and dancing and swilling and overall late night shenanigans.  Either I am able to compartmentalize like the best of 'em, or these peeps are HI-larious.  

2.  Brother Seanie and girlfriend Alli are officially engaged to be wed.  Soooo fun to hear this news.  Sean's message to me:  "I asked for her hand in marriage.  And she said yes."  Awesomely awesome.  I'm hearing a possible destination wedding.  I am in.  

Worst Part of the Day-

Spent the wee am hours til baseball game time feeling like shhhiiii-iite.   Very achey.  I had left ear, neck, head pain and it was sucky.  Had to pull my Tibetan monk coping mechanism out (i.e. serious mind over matter skillz) in addition to my westernized coping mechanisms (i.e. over-the-counter pillz.)

Friday May 1, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Had a lovely day of my parents taking HUGE care of the petites. AND my mom even got Quinn to go poop on the potty. Wowsers. That has only happened once before and I think it was an accident. Go Gigi!! I truly think there should be potty boot camp - just send them off and get 'em back trained. If I had to name ten weak spots of my mothering - potty training would have to be on it. Also roughhousing. I hate getting wacked in the face (and shin and knee and back ...)

Worst Part of the Day - Waited until tonight to pack .... sigh, sigh, sigh.

Okay - I just noticed today that the college girls do not wear "workout gear" to the gym. They wear cap-sleeved cotton white shirts or cotton tanks over black capri type pants. Must admit they look cooler than me (in workout tank and workout pants - looking like ad in JC Penney) or lady in the corner (sparkle tank and sparkle headband - reminds me of the Let's Get Physical video.) But wouldn't cotton suck to work out in? Guess I'm showing my age (again).

Thursday April 30, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Parents arrive! Hooray. I dropped a sleeping Wes off and took Quinn to speech (reading for 45 minutes straight - ahhhhh.) Quinn over the moon to see them and Wes pleased to announce "Gigi and Pops ... HERE." We had a great afternoon and evening with so much adult attention and love plastered on the bebes Maybe they should just move in downstairs. I'd love it - they would probably go insane.

Worst Part of the Day - Seems there is still much to do prior to leaving - why o why are things always in such a tangle?

Wednesday April 29, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Vacation countdown. Need .... break.... now.

Worst Part of the Day - On the way to swim lessons I notice a huge back up on the highway but think to myself "surely they'll have that cleaned up before I head home in one hour." Um ... nope. Turns out a school bus flipped on to it's side and it was a mess! (No kiddos hurt! Amazing.) But after being in the car for one hour (plus) trying to work my way back North, Wes awoke refreshed and renewed from a car nap and I was the opposite of refreshed and renewed (having sat in a wet bathing suit for the entire time).