Friday October 30, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Okay this might be filed under my 'lamest' best part .... I arrived at Old Navy at 8:45 a.m. to get in line for a 50% off deal (the first 50 people in line got the deal). It was 50% off everything - even clearance items. I scored three adorable Halloween costumes (chicken, monkey and lion) for $1 each and then some much needed pants for Mr. Quinn (Wes has about 22 pairs and Q has 4). It was kind of lame - but SUCH a deal. Then I just headed off to the gym while Erik tended the childrens.

Worst Part of the Day - It was gloomy, gloomy and none of us feel 100% well. So it was lots of hanging around and movie viewing.

Thursday October 29, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Huge neighborhood Halloween bash at the neighbor's house this late morning/early afternoon. We walked ... well I walked, the boys were strolled. And there were some huge hills to deal with while pushing 80 lbs o' boy and juice boxes in said stroller. Luckily it was GORGEOUS out (almost too hot while pushing the boyz). A 77 degree day with bright sunshine, party in a HUGE backyard with lunch, snacks, treats and fine conversations with friends. Only thing we (well Janelle and I) wished for were some margaritas to make it complete.

Worst Part of the Day - Had to be up and out early to get to the Pediatrician's office to get the flu shots. It was a mad rush, but well worth it and I AM thankful they called back and fit me in.

Wednesday October 28, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Boyz had a BLAST at their preschool Halloween parties. They came home with sticky faces, sticky fingers and high on sugar.

Also Ped office called me back - there was a cancellation for two flu shots tomorrow at the clinic. So we are going to head on over first thing in the morning. Now she did say to me "remember you were getting very angry on the phone?" Oh miss - you were doing SO WELL until that point.
Worst Part of the Day - I feel a sickness creeping up on me (and Quinn). It's a combo cold/cough that is bad in the morning/evening but okay during the day. But still leaves you feeling just so/so.

Tuesday October 27, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Met up with Ann at Panera for some chit chat today. Not only was it fun, she also brought me some Halloween costumes for the boyz. Hooray! The Reitter Boyz are WAY more into the candy than the costumes - so therefore they shall wear hand me downs.

Also Erik helped me make the Halloween presents for the 11 kiddos in Wes' preschool class. I need his help as I am crafty in the Beastie Boys sense but not in the Martha Stewart definition.

Worst Part of the Day - coughing fit by Wes in the early morning hours. He went right back to sleep (after Erik found him sitting up on his floor), but still made for a fractured night sleep for the whole family.

Had a fight with the Pediatrician office. I called to schedule the booster flu shot for Quinn and Wes and they told me "ma'am our flu clinics are filled up and we won't have any more until late November." Hmmm I was told after the initial flu shot to NOT schedule an appointment, just call and then you can come in the next day. So I got feisty and finally said "so my children received the flu shot for nothing then? I paid for it and it was for nothing." And the nurse (still being patient and nice as I'm heating up, pulled her Ace out of the hole and said " ma'am we don't charge co-pays for flu shots.") But then I trumped her ass and said "I paid out of pocket" (which I did because we were still working with Erik's new work re: health insurance." She said "oh" put me on hold and said she'd have the head nurse call me back.

Wednesday October 28, 2009

Worst Part of the Day-
Sitter called to cancel Friday and tonight!! Will-O leaving 1 day earlier than planned=me mildly freaking out.

Best Part of the Day-
Ask and you shall receive:
After I simply stated, "it would help if you could do this for me", Will-O agreed to stay with the kids tonight so I could treat Cuz K. to a lil birthday din/drinks session. (He didn't need to leave Chicago til 5pm tomorra!) It was a giant relief to get out and away.
Cuz S. agreed to sit for me Friday!! Hurrah!

Also, Liam is day #5 of big boy undies! His preschool made the biggest deal of it and he was pumped.

Scarlet Quote:
Scarlet has a school break for the rest of the week and Cuz K. arranged for her to attend School Out Fun Days (my name) at her fancy child care place. Scarlet will know some of the kids there (since we pretend we live in Cuz K's 'hood...) I wanted to role-play with Scar how she would handle it if her BFF would pay attention to other friends, not sit by Scarlet on the bus, etc. I also went through how she would react when she saw a little boy she butts head with (recall Scarlet saying to this boy's mom last month, I don't like Finn!...)
Scarlet's furrowed her brow and then composed herself to say in role play mode, "We meet again, Finn-Boy...my arch nemesis. That's what arch nemesises say to one another when they greet, Mom." What the?! Too much World Girl, perhaps...

Tuesday October 27, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Scarlet's Halloween costume is complete. 2 more to go.

Worst Part of the Day-
Feeling pretty overwhelmed and saddened that it is oh so much more disruptive than helpful when Will-O is present. The system is rocked...
Also my sitter for my Halloween party Friday has not given me a firm "yes"...

Monday October 26, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Will-O was home so it was easy breezy not to have to secure a sitter (or supportive family member) for my doctor rounds this eve. This was a good thing as it took hours and hours longer than usual (sometimes it does!) and I was pleased to be able to not get stressed out by that and start feeling that Look guys, I gotta go and relieve the sitter! feeling.
(Officially lame 'best part'.)

Worst Part of the Day-
Kind of a long day.

Sunday October 25, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Slept in til 9 and then headed out to collect the kidz from my parents'. My mom and I took them to Old World Wisconsin and a blast was had. A sunny and pleasant day overall and we successfully ate at the cute lil restaurant in a barn on the grounds. Enjoyable and could NOT have done it without Babs...
Day #2 of big boy undies=success.

Worst Part of the Day-
Liam was a tad whiney (perhaps hungry) during some of our lenghty walking throughout the many, many acre grounds. If a male were present he would have effortlessly hoisted the mini man up on his shoulders and all would have been well...

Monday October 26, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Erik home today and so much easier with two of us on child care duty. Wes lost dessert privileges for dumping out Quinn's letters when he was cleaning them up. But then Erik told him "you can have dessert back if you clean up the basement." He went down (after a slight pout session) and when we checked in on him 20 minutes later he had ... cleaned up the basement. WHOA. It was by NO MEANS perfect - but pretty dern good. He got a chocolate chip cookie for dessert.

Worst Part of the Day - Seems to be many, many toys on the main floor of our home (toys are mostly to stay in the basement). I had to do a whirlwind tidy of the place which just makes me think how much of my time I spend bent over picking crap up!!!

Also parents left early this morning for Florida - sigh, no more extended Internet/reading time during the day for me.

Sunday October 25, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Slept in until after 9 a.m. Then a yoga class at the gym. Erik and Dad took Quinn for a walk, Wes stayed home with GiGi. Home to test out the new coffee maker given to me by Joe and Stacy (one of those 'pod' deals but you can also 'make your own pod' - it rocks.) Erik gave the boyz cute haircuts. Delish take out dinner (thank you Mom and Dad) as my parents prepare to leave tomorrow.

Worst Part of the Day - Both Quinn and Wes are a little 'off' - just overly whiny and the like. Grating.

Wes - Accident free since Friday - maybe we are back on track.

Saturday October 24, 2009

Best Part of the Day - My dad and Erik took the boyz to soccer. I hit the gym by my lonesome. Then late in the day my mom and I took the boyz to a Fall Festival at the church of one of my pals. It was soooo great. A bouncy house, cake walk (Quinn won his first time, Wes his third time), crafts, hot dogs, tattoos, games .... a GREAT way to spend the early evening on a GORGEOUS (77 degree) day.

Worst Part of the Day - I am beat! By 9:30 p.m. I was in bed.

Friday October 23, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Parents took the kiddos for a walk to spy Halloween decorations while I hit the gym. Then we all went to IKEA as my parents had never been (and really, it is an experience, no?) Put both kiddos in the childcare (free for 60 minutes) as they are both potty trained (ah hem) and over 37 inches. Then my parents and I leisurely strolled through the store wondering at the mini rooms made into cozy havens. Then we all ate at the IKEA cafeteria (kiddos ate free. Such a deal.)

Worst Part of the Day - At least Wes waited until he was home to pee his pants.

Wes - My mom has been watching Disney movies with Wes each night (Quinn just isn't as interested). During Pinocchio it got to the part where they are inside the whale and Wes looked at mom and said "what's gonna happen now Gigi?" He's 2 3/4 going on 7, I swear. Then he came upstairs and announced to my dad and I "I just watched Pin-okey-okey-o!" He calls Snow White and the Seven Dwarves - The Prince. 101 Dalmations - the one with the dogs (gogs).

Thursday October 22, 2009

Best Part of the Day - My parents brought decor items for Quinn and Wes' rooms (per my request :) The stick on the wall, glow in the dark planets for Qunn's room were a huge success as was the handpainted (by my dad) oar for Wes' room. Quinn, my mom and I spent a hour putting up all the planets ... then when it got dark out we shut the door to the room. "Hooray" cried Quinn. "This is AWESOME" enthused Wes who then tried to take some of the planets off the walls to put in HIS room.

Worst Part of the Day - Wes still on a "pee in my pants" kick. It grows old and regression cannot be tolerated.

Quinn - I had a meeting with Quinn's Speech Path today. It was billed as just an ordinary evaluation. It turned out that Quinn has met every single goal on his ESP (can't recall what this stands for). So Quinn is now 'graduated' from speech. No tapering off, no one more month - the kiddo is just done. And the amazing thing is that he is reading short sentences - even the Speech Path was wowed (wowed because most kiddos with a speech delay tend to read late). We were talking about Quinn and his prior Speech Path was in on the meeting (she had Quinn from Feb to May of this year). She said "when I got Quinn he was SEVERE. He has improved 2 1/2 to 3 years since then." Whoa. We've come a long way baby.

Saturday October 24, 2009

Best Part(s) of the Day-

1. Took the kidlets out to my parents' this afternoon so we could attend their neighborhood block party. A highly pleasant gathering of all sorts of young (my age) couples and their littles. 2. Day #1 of Liam wearing big boy undies was a success. I do declare the Pull-ups phenomenon has been hindering us in the toilet-training as it makes me lazy to toilet the lad. He rocked today!!

3. Left the kiddies and parentals asleep and met Cuz S. out on the town for an interesting evening...

Worst Part(s) of the Day-

1. The children awoke for the day at 4:45am. You heard me.

2. Liam was exhausted (I wonder why????) and therefore was uber whiny and fragile throughout his stay at the block party. I had to exit him to a quiet and calm home and there he did just fine and then didn't settle down until past 9pm. Seriously???

3. I awoke at 4:45am.

Friday October 23, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Completed my job interview for additional job...I said I would do it and now I've done it. Whew. Check, check, check. Now I feel like I can relax a tad.

Worst Part of the Day-

After I picked the kiddies up, I immediately assigned duties for each to help make our din: home made vegetable soup and Halloween cookies for dessert. The soup was delectable!!! After the kids tried the cookies they both spit them out. Scarlet declared, "those are hideous!" Wow! Strong language and I already have low self-esteem in my baking skills...though I thought they were fine. The bad news is I will eat all 24 of 'em.

Thursday October 22, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Took the morn "off" to clean and organize and pay some bills. I really needed it.

Worst Part of the Day-

Received a call from the school nurse at Scarlet's school stating Miss S. had a "fever" and I was to pick her up immediately. The deal is she had a temperature of 100.0 and I believe it was due to her receiving 3 immunizations (one of them being a live-virus dealie) Tuesday. Well, the school feels she could have H1N1 and she will be unable to go to school tomorrow. Aw, man.

I promptly took the potential H1N1 patient to a work meeting where I had to incidentally update the staff on H1N1 precautions, etc. (i.e. taking your feverish child to work was not one of my formal recommendations...)

Wednesday October 21, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Oh that Wes! Peeing on the ground outside (thank you Erik for that new habit) and then peeing his pants. Throwing a fit when it was time to go to bed.

Best Part of the Day - Worked out and then met up with three most excellent amigas at the local Mexican restaurant for some chit chat and light appetizers (okay, okay and a little early afternoon margarita action). I haven't laughed that loud and hard in a LONG time. Man oh man it was fun stuff (and that's not just the pre preschool pick up drinking talking).

Also Gigi and Captn' Ray (aka my parents) arrived at 7:30 p.m. this evening. Quinn was FIRED up with hugs, kisses and HOORAYS. Wes took one look at them and went downstairs to finish up watching Deigo (he did come up later and was then happy to see them). Quinn also batting 100 on the ole potty training. Wes peed the couch. We have a new law in place - you pee, you get put to bed. It is SO CLEAR that he is doing this in reaction to Quinn now being trained ... Psych 001. I'm ON to you Wesson!!! And Mama is going to win this one - no question.

Tuesday October 20, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Ahhh glorious sunny, warm days have returned!! So delightful to be outdoors in short sleeves. Q is full on gettin 'er done regarding the potty training. Ahhh - adios to cleaning (and throwing out) the undies for this kiddo.

Worst Part of the Day - Wes is being a pill lately - I think we need to reinstitute a nap for this young lad. But I'm not sure HOW to do this .... Also Wes seems to be regressing on the potty training. He has peed himself three times since Saturday .... we can ONLY move forward on this and since he has NEVER had an accident at school I can only assume he is doing it to get some sort of warped attention. Must put a stop to this ASAP.

Wednesday October 21, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

I took the kiddies to Liam's Fall Festival at his preschool. All week he has been thrilled out "my festival!" First born Scarlet would snotily correct her younger sib, "It's not your fall festival, it is Ebenezer Child Care's..."

The whole thing was pretty cute. Scarlet and I did all of the season-appropriate crafts: leaf press, leaf rub, apple stamping, etc. Liam was stoked to simply be able to roam anyway in the center.

He entered and played in the forbidden infant zone and did not want to exit the 3-4 preschool room. We ate a fall friendly meal complete with apple cider.

Worst Part of the Day-

At roughly 10pm Liam awoke crying and threw up in the hallway (yummy meal complete with apple cider.) He promptly stated, "I need some medicine for this!" I think he felt nauseous and yicky. He had a fever all night and was up several times. Poor dude.

Tuesday October 20, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Scarl had her 6 year-old Well Child Check and she was a rock star. During the initial interview when the doctor asks the parent a slew of questions about the child, Scarlet interrupted and said plainly, "I think I can answer these...they are all about me. I know more about me than my mom." She received 2 vaccines and a flu mist like a stoic old man. (She used to declare that she LOVED shots.) After these 2 she changed her tune, "Alright, that does sting. I don't love shots, but I have to take them and it's fine." Fair enough.

Worst Part of the Day-

Liam was a horror in the Dr. office. omg. He was physically sprinting down the halls and generally not listening. He was opening drawers and trying to pull out supplies. It was annoying to say the least. At one point the nurse said to me, "Wow, you've got your hands full." Code for that child is nuts! After nearly an hour of chasing around my freak show boy, all I could do was huff and puff and feel my blood pressure rise. Scarlet remained calm and summed it up wisely as I chased Liam out, "Ya know--he's a typical 2 year-old."

Monday October 19, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

After I congratulated Liam for staying dry and using the pot all day, I gave my typical, "You are such a good boy, buddy." He cupped/squeezed my cheeks and replied, "And you are such a good Mama!" It killed me.

Worst Part of the Day-

Tired this morn.

Best/Worst Tidbit-

Today was Scarlet's last day of soccer. I was astounded how much she has improved/matured since last year. She completely grasps the game and even the jobs of the various positions. (Recall last year she was only into who had the coolest shin guards (hot pink) and was never able to complete a drill (too busy running around screaming with zero listening, let alone grasping...) At one point she was chastised by (the slightly be-yatchy coach) for getting out of position and I chuckled as S. responded, "Someone had to chase that boy down to tell him he was going the wrong way! I don't want to lose."

Halfway through the first quarter I appointed myself to stand near the defense to remind them what their job was. I could tell the coach thought I was a bit annoying, but my heavens, every defense kid I polled on "what is your job here?" just smiled and shrugged their shoulders--they did not have a clue. I know the coach gave me another fake smile when one of the boys said (loudly) to his mom about me, "I love that new coach--she helped me...and gave me a high five!" The coaches departing words to me were, "Scarlet is good, but she is too aggressive. I don't want anyone to get hurt."

It was fun to see glimpses of the future and Miss S. with this soccer thang. Kill 'em!!!

Monday October 19, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Went to bed at 9:30 p.m. Mama is exhausted.

Worst Part of the Day - It's COLD here! I realized that I'm just not ready for it. I want to wear tank tops and shorts still. NOT READY. It should get into mid-70's tomorrow so I'll try to live another day.

Sunday October 18, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Very, very sore today and first off we do an hour and a half 'technique' session. Ahhh I love holding side angle for three straight minutes when my quads are already burning. So .... Much .... Fun, gritting my teeth. And there was more and more and by the end I was really over it (as was everyone else). BUT I do feel like I learned a lot and it probably (my thighs and I say grudgingly) was worth it.

Best Part of the Day - Came home to clean babes in footie pj's who told me all about their fun weekend (bubble baths in the big tub, playgrounds, visits to the cousins, riding bikes). Also the house was clean, clean, clean - kudos Erik! Wes is now saying 'check' after everything for example - I brush my teeth. Check! I go to playground. Check! It cracks me up. Quinn has pooped on the potty several times - hooray! Finally Wes said "Mama where you go? You were gone. Now you back." Check.

Saturday October 17, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Very sore - but manageable and shoulder not bothering me all that much. Pretty much workshopped and then worked out the entire day.

Worst Part of the Day - Have had 'homework' i.e. have to learn a 'track' and then teach it the nest day, so there is no downtime in the evening. Sigh - so dying to watch stupid reruns (King of Queens anyone? I love me a good KOQ rerun) or just relax and read. No time and too dern tired anyhow.

Best Text Eva' - Q pooped on the potty all by himself (from Erik).

October 18, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Lil' day trip to Chicago to celebrate brother, Terry's, birthday. (The kiddies were dying to see the mini-celeb, Cousin Wyatt.) Treated to lunch and a pleasant walk to the neighborhood playground. The kiddies ran and played in the first sunny day of the month. Fall fun!

Worst Part of the Day-

Stopped to get gas on the way home and happened upon the busiest Speedway in the United States of America. They were blasting music and cars could barely get in or out. Hectic and annoying. And unexpected. Who the heck wants to hang out at a gas station??

Happy Day T.!!! You are such a great brother/husband/dad!!

October 17, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Slept in and took a nap!!! Kiddies back in the afternoon and we had a grand time laughing and playing. Ahhhh, to rejuvenate and recharge a bit. (Thanks, Mom!!)

Worst Part of the Day-

Didn't get my exercise in as planned. Whatevs.

Friday October 16, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Delivered kiddies to my parents for an overnight. Attended my book club gathering. Though I did not complete the book of the month, I was fresh and clean with my warm treat (cheese-stuffed baked pears) in hands and out the door by 6:45pm. (Usually I am 1.5 hours late for these thingys.) A wonderful gathering--per standard!

Worst Part of the Day-

Have a friend going through similar marital frustrations. It is so sad and painful to see it outside myself. Poor sweet dear.

Thursday October 15, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

1. The kids are highly enjoying their respective schools. Ahhhh.

2. Made an incredible home made French onion soup---yums.

Worst Part of the Day-

It is downright cold. It is only mid-October. Boo.

Happy Birthday to Sista A-Lo!!! Whoop whoop.

Wednesday October 14, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Went to Scarl's Parent-Teacher conference this eve. She is rockin the kindergarten world. Quite nice to hear her 3 main teachers concur: "She is such a great kid with excellent manners. She is our class leader." Whew. So far she is hiding her sassy streak and showing it only to family and close friends.

Worst Part of the Day-

I believe I desperately need an oil change.

Friday October 16, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Smooth sailing leaving the household for my weekend training (this is the Centergy class I'm going to be teaching at my gym. I'm in Florence, SC for the weekend). Erik was completely on top of having the boyz for the weekend and it was low, low stress leaving my domain (a thing of beauty, really and truly!!). Training so far is brutal - but kind of fun and with cool, interesting people.

Worst Part of the Day - I tweaked my shoulder over a week ago and it just does not seem to be getting better. In fact, after today I'll be amazed if I can lift my left arm for tomorrow's training.

Thursday October 15, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Erik in slight depression mode.

Best Part of the Day - Erik took steps to alleviate depression (no, not through Prozac. Through good ole fashioned proactive behavior. Git 'er done.)

Wednesday October 14, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Um it went from 75 degrees and sunny yesterday to grey, cold and sheets o' rain. What is this - Michigan in June (heh, heh but kind of true.)

Best Part of the Day - Good chat and errand running with Erik. More and more questions are being answered (she said cryptically).

Tuesday October 13, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Turned out to be lovely, lovely weather wise. It had to have been 75 degrees and super sunny. I was (again) slightly overdressed in jeans and sweater coat. Had to shed.

Worst Part of the Day - spent my kid-free time at the gym and then grocery shopping which did not please me as it normally does. It just felt like a chore and I wanted to be home sitting on my keister enjoying the balmy temps.

Tuesday October 13, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Nearly feeling back to normal self (97%). Woke up and wrote/submitted a video concept for Will-O's band to the label. I cranked it out in under 17 minutes and feel good about it. Even if they don't accept, it is FAR superior to the concept that was submitted by an actual film/vid dude who lives in LA--unoriginal!

Smoochin on the kiddies who were amazing!!!

Worst Part of the Day-
Eyes swollen and small.

Monday October 12, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Made it through 2 shifts o' work. Early bedtime.

Worst Part of the Day-
Felt pretty down in the dumps. That small ball of sadness that rests under my left sternum is there again. If this is how depressed peeps feel, then yuck.

Sunday October 11, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Scarlet's 6 year-old parrrr-taayyy was this morning at Pump It Up! 20 kids total and a gaggle of adults were there to enjoy the inflatable fun. The party went off without a hitch (almost a sassy b-day girl while opening soooo many pink, plasticky presents) and we even got to spend a lil extra time with Cousin Wyatt and parents out to lunch and then hanging.

Worst Part of the Day-

Wah, wah, wah--needle off the record.

While hanging out with Terinel and Wyatt with Will-O and kids, Will-O said to me "I think Liam didn't go on the potty." He indeed pooped in the pull-up so I said I would change him, but he would have to take almost 10 month-old Wyatt from me. I changed Liam and Will-O continued to hold Wyatt while watching some football. At one point Wyatt wiggled and moved forward as Will-O was moving to grab the remote and lil Wyatt fell out of Will-O's arms and bonked his head on the carpet. He was maybe 1-2 feet off the ground, but the bonk made me turn and I scooped up Wyatt and gave a look to Will-O and a, "Hey, what just happened?" Will-O barked angrily at me, "Nothing! And your reaction is the wrong thing to do--he didn't even cry!" He didn't say anything to the parents who were sitting right there and all seemed to make little deal of it. I still thought it was odd that Will-O didn't say, "Guys, I am soo sorry I just dropped your little guy...he wiggled out and seems fine, but I'm sorry about that." Nothing, but a bark at me.

As we were packing up to leave Will-O was being evasive with his schedule for the week and reflexively I told him that he didn't even says thanks to me for planning the party, the invites, the parent callbacks, the gift bags, the cake, etc. I also said that I thought it was rude that he didn't say sorry to Terinel for dropping W. This set off an explosive argument about how I was "over the top and critical of him!" The kids were in another room, but Scarlet sensed the irritation and was tired and crying and we had to make a quick exit. A terrible way to end our awesome party day.

Best Part of the Worst-

Cuz K and friends stopped by for an impromptu girls' night on a school night and we played games and did puzzles and organized Scarlet's newly received presents (with much wine!) Scarlet was also able to verbalize quite articulately how the end of day argument made her feel. I think it was the best possible way to end a potentially dysfunctional day...wow.

Saturday October 10, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

After band departed, I headed to fave chain for iced coffee and took the kiddies to a cool park (where they froze their arses off!)

Worst Part of the Day-

Arriving home at 3:15am...very very sleepy for 6 am wake up....

Kiddos VERY loud (high decibel) and in show off mode for the entity that is "the band" and Scarlet did not stop talk-yelling from 6am-1pm. A lot.....

Best of the Worst-

Cuz K. beat me home to relieve sitter and had calmed the cries of Liam and had put in Nemo at 2am and then instigated "group slumber" and had all calm for my arrival.

The kids were sooo stoked. Scarlet was asking all day if Kelly could come over every night in the middle of the night! How fun.

Friday October 9, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Cuz K snagged me a sitter (a with whom she works) and delivered her to my and arranged for her BF to pick her up!! Headed out in night life fun for live musak viewing/listening.

Worst Part of the Day-

No phone charger....this equals dead phone and ill communicado. Did reach some peeps via FB.

Related to no phone charger, did not receive Will-O's call that he and band were in fact coming to home prior to show and 5 males would be sleeping over. During the 5pm calm and when I was just about to instigate the 2-hour process that leads to sound bedtime, 6 males entered the home and kids went wild with excitement over the entity that is "the band!" Loud drums and guitars and AMPED kids did not allow this mama to ready home or self in time for sitter....ho hum.

Thursday October 8, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Chillin in the calm of the quiet evening home watching True Blood and True Blood.

Worst Part of the Day-

Hmmm. Fence parts still down and no hopes of getting em back up. Called handyman, no call back??

Monday October 12, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Erik and I had several appointments today and all was ran super smoothly! Isn't it nice when people are on time and give you just what you need? Love it!

Worst Part of the Day - Dreary and rainy and too much tv!!

Sunday October 11, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Erik's mom is in town watching Chris and Ann's kiddos (they are in Gay Pareeeee - nice!). So we toted the kiddos over there and it was bliss. No whining, no fighting (well just a tiny, tiny bit) and just some relaxing Sunday fun complete with Red Bowl for lunch/dinner (shrimp with spicy red thai sauce). Home about 6:15 p.m.

Worst Part of the Day - It's cold today. So weird! You REALLY have to check the temp here - shorts and t's are not okay today.

Saturday October 10, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Playing outside in the warm sunshine. The boyz 'washed' the cars and it kept them occupied (and not bickering) for one hour plus. Good, good, good.

Finished my next book - Erik and I are reading all the Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone) books in order. I, of course, have to read them first as a. I'm the faster reader and b. I can't STAND having someone in my household read a book (or newspaper section other than Sports) before me. I'm just like that. Anyway - I lapped Erik but I have faith he'll catch up (these books are THAT good. Lehane is my new fave and Boston now seems super scary.)

Worst Part of the Day - Whiney ass kids. Please, please just ask for what you want in a normal tone of voice. Mama's on the edge.

Friday October 9, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Slept in (hooray for Erik) and then we took the kiddos to Discovery Place where they were most excellent and we read the Friday newspaper.

Also Quinn pooped on the potty (well ... he was starting to go in his pants and Erik ran him to the toilet. So we counted it to try and make a big, positive deal out of it.) He got chocolate, computer privileges and tons of hugs.

Worst Part of the Day - Again Erik and I with the chit chat didn't get the kiddos to bed until late. We went up to get Quinn (who was using the computer) and realized he had pooped his pants and then just sat in it while he continued to play. Also peed the carpet under him and his softie. So lovely. Wes (who is now 100% potty trained - he was on the playground last week and told his teacher which I think is the number one (heh heh) sign that a kiddo is trained. I mean the playground is the funnest of the fun.) So Wes says to Quinn "Qinn - you no poop on chair or on the floor - you poop on potty! That gross Qinn." Yep.

Thursday October 8, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Finished an amazing book. It was a history lesson, critique of a 'civil' war and a personal story all wrapped in one. And it was by a woman who was been writing the foreign beat for WSJ and NYT for years and years. I HIGHLY recommend. But don't finish before you are about to go to bed - you won't be able to fall asleep. The House at Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper - you will feel like a mini expert on Liberia. What a story.

Worst Part of the Day - Let the boyz stay up too late as Erik and I were chit chatting and working on some things. boooo - then it was almost time for us to go to bed.

Wednesday October 7, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Got the Halloween box out and let the boys dig through it. All sorts of 'treasures' were found - candles, soaps, lights, spiders! Very, very exciting. Then some before bed tv with a Halloween theme - I think they are getting it as they are now all about candy.

Worst Part of the Day - Getting out the Halloween Box. They destroyed my Thanksgiving platter (which had made it through two moved unscathed - but even bubble wrap cannot defend a 46 lb boy jumping on it. Sniff.) They cracked some lights. Spilled soap. Arrgghhh. Started out so well and then just deteriorated into annoyance. Like many things in life with toddlers.

Tuesday October 6, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Getting some stuff done around the household and beyond.

Worst Part of the Day - Looks rainy, dreary and cold out but actually is somewhat balmy. Maybe I did not need to wear jeans, sweater and big ole scarf today. Had to go home and get in shorts.

Wednesday October 7, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Completed a large marge months-long work project of re-writing all of the policies and procedures pertaining to health care in our facility. Sigh. It is done. It was boring and pain-staking and tedious, but I dorkily like to get it all perfect! Done. (Swine flu pandemic, eat it!)

Worst Parts of the Day-

1. Lost (into thin air it went) a brand new contact lens immediately after I opened it. These are to last 30 days....dude.

2. Two huge sections of our fence blew down in last eves crazy wind storm of October. Ho hum. Where are my handymen?????

3. I was told I have a 5 inch gap around a heating duct that enters the home and that is how little mice have entered. Bought foamy spray to stuff to close the gap and it worked but looks uber amature and I'm pretty sure it is cancer-causing. How the hell do I get involved with this??? Help.

4. For the first time I am seriously considering putting this home on the market. (In the crappiest time eva!) I just want to live in a hotel and have room service for each meal. And a maintenance man. Word.

Tuesday October 6, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

My eve: watching a few episodes of True Blood and then reading 100 + pages of Tatum O'Neal--A Paper Life. OMG. It's a goodun.

Worst Part of the Day-

Will-O...I love you and you rock and zoinks, can you entertain, BUT---whoosh, do you stink at the everyday chore kinda stuff. Whew.

Monday October 5, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O is home so (though he is not a task master) he could watch Liam and I didn't have to run around picking and dropping off kiddies betwixt my runnings. I registered the vehicle (with title transfer), vacuumed out homeless man car, sent Scarlet b-day invites, send tardy gifts, paid annoying Chicago parking ticket and had phone interview for moonlighting job (I know, I know) and had my doc rounds in the pm. Check, check, check.

Worst Part of the Day-

After my day of vast productivity, hit a wall at 9pm-ish and blew off a friend gathering for Monday Night Football--Packers/Vikings. Just could not do it. Just before leaving work I looked in the mirror (in the icky fluorescent lighting) and I appeared to 99 years-old--and/or highly in need of a napper and some hydration.

Scarlet Quote:

Scar received a b-day card from her grandfather and in it was a check. I do declare she doesn't hear people talk about antiquated checks in this day of check cards, etc. She declared with glee, "Look Mom! A money certificate!" My little foreign-exchange student.

Happy Birthday, Brotha Michael!!! I have no idea how old you are!!!!

Monday October 5, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Rainy, dreary and cool. The kind of day it's best to just curl up with some tea and a book ... except (other than my parents) I don't know of anyone who could actually get this done on a bad weather basis.

Best Part of the Day - Erik in excellent spirits. Boys played nicely together downstairs for 35 minutes this morning (at one point I checked on them and they both had a book in their lap pointing out pictures to each other. Nerdy and I LOVE it.) Erik went with the boyz to pick out a video and they picked Monsters vs. Aliens which I thought was just so/so but they just LOVED it. I think we might be ready for a movie in the theater.

Sunday October 4, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Erik down in ze dumps.

Best Part of the Day - Went to a jewelry party with my pal Janelle. It was sooo fun. Anything to get out of the house at 3 p.m. on a Sunday (complete with Bellini's and cheese dips?) sign me up! It was 90% mama's who take their kiddos to the same preschool as Quinn and Wes. Everyone was very nice and it was a nice, fun break on a dreary Sunday.

Saturday October 3, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Impromptu lunch out with the kiddos at the well known (but very lovely) chain Maggiano's (I had a gift certificate and it is one of my new goals to actually USE gift certificates before they expire). As we were walking into the restaurant with many nicely dressed patrons and no kiddos as far as the eye could see, Erik asked "are we SURE we want to do this?" Too late now. And it was ... delightful. Each time Wes would even THINK of acting up - something would appear (bread, then juice, then mama's starter salad, then pizza and decadent mac n' cheese, then mama's crab cake sammie, then ice cream.) Quinn sat very nicely and kept saying "thank you thank you my tum tum is sooo happy." Mine too sweets, mine too.

Worst Part of the Day - Keeping the boys outside can be a major annoyance when they both always want to ride the same bike, play with the same ball, swing the same bat. Sigh and double sigh.

Sunday October 4, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Took the kiddies Cloudly With a Chance of Meatballs (Liam's first movie theater experience.) This movie theater is perfect for bringing kids and sitting in a group. Scarlet sat with her buddies and laughed out loud at all the right spots and was perfectly attentive. Liam sat in Kelly's lap, then Molly's lap, then in my lap (in an over-sized chair) and this boy did not move or say a peep the entire time--he was pretty mesmerized. He wore the 3-D glasses on the tip of his nose like a school marm the whole movie so I'm not certain he got the 3-D aspect, but as we walked out he spoke his words for 90 minutes, "Thank you for taking us there, Mom. I loved it."

Worst Part of the Day-

Scarlet was not listening to a word I said after we left Kelly's (after the kids' movie, after a band with friends and fun the day prior, after a kid pizza party in her honor the night before that!) I semi-freaked out and then banished her to her room at roughly 5:30pm even stating the words of generations before me, "You're going to bed without supper!" (We don't even use the word supper in the home, but I couldn't resist the vernacular.) She stormed about her room sobbing and carrying on for 40 minutes or so and then we had a chat and she had a snack.

Saturday October 3, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Took the kiddies to outside band fun as Kelly's husband was playing on Pewaukee Lake this afternoon. We were all cozy and bundled and it is always my favorite thing to have the kids dance and play and run free whilst I sip a Bloody. Yes, it is.

Worst Part of the Day-

Though I had been to the band venue just weeks ago, I was directionally challenged for a good 20 minutes finding my way on the twisting turns in lake country. Doh.

Friday October 2, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Scarlet wrote me a letter stating, "Dear mom, sorry for the things I did." When I asked her about it she said, "it's about all of my sassiness...it's a lot to get a year older." Hmmm. Not sure if I buy the whole I had a birthday and I'm a a victim thing, but still thoughtful and sweet to get an "I'm sorry" letter at this phase.

Worst Part of the Day-

On the way to Cuz K's this eve, I stopped to pick up kid drinks and grown-up drinks at a CVS. I took Liam in and prepped just before we walked in that we were not buying any treats, toys, gum or any Halloween things--we were to quickly and quietly go into the store for 2 items and leave immediately. Liam was straight away enthralled with the Halloween decor and then wanted M&M's once he saw a big plastic M&M guy holding a bunch in his white, plastic gloved hand. He then wanted to climb on a stool in the photo section. He then did climb on the chair.

He kept wanting to select iced tea as our kiddo drink and finally he laid down on the ground as I was paying and refused to get up. I had to scoop him up promptly and proceeded to somehow lose his outer button-down shirt in the process. It was a stupid 5 minutes and frustrating and what the hell??? I swear to goodness I see people take their kids into stores all the time and I simply cannot take mine. What's up??

Thursday October 1, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

My sweet (sassy) Scarlet is officially 6! The 3 of us headed to the bakery this morn and picked up delectable pumpkin cookies for her school b-day treat (peeps, puh-lease, I cannot bake homemade anything!!) and then Liam and I delivered her to school as a special something and she was pleased as punch...

Funny Note:

Will-O and band called and left a b-day song message for Miss S. and it was pretty funny with the entire band singing and shouting out Happy Birthday! She was sooo thrilled and asked, "Do you think many 6 year-olds have a rock band sing to them?" No, maam. Just one of the lil perks of family as band peeps. Take 'em while you get 'em.

Worst Part of the Day-

Somehow, someway my phone alarm did not go off at 5:45am...it was so dang chilly this morn that kiddies and myself slept on in til the way late time of 6:15...eek. It was too late to rush my sweetie on her special day, so I decided to cancel the bus and pretended it was all part of my b-day fun n' games plan. Aw man.

Happy Birthday to Scarlet!!! The happiest time of my entire life was the day you were born and the months that followed!!! Wowie zowie.

Wednesday September 30, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Met my parents at fundraiser/sale for my mom's school. The kids were a tad nutty, but only a tad, so I shopped/supported and we all had a lil dining al fresco in the Wisconsin fall loveliness--veggie burgers for most and real brats for a few and a perfect beer for me. Ahhh.

Worst Part of the Day-

Will-O was leaving again for tour stuff, so we gave Miss S. our "big" present which was a digital camera. She loved it and was super into it for many minutes, but then got her sass going and I had to take the precious camera away for the night. Oh my.....

Friday October 2, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Look gloomy for much of the day but then the sun peeked out and we all ran outside for bike riding, t-ball practice and general fun in the sun merriment. Fall in NC rocks it hard. Cool in the mornings and evenings and then 75 during the day. Delightful.

Worst Part of the Day - Kiddos seem to be unable to play for more than ten minutes without

a. needing help with something they could do themselves

b. fighting over something

c. bugging each other (really Wes bugging Quinn)

Exhausting and annoying (two of my least favorite feelings)

Thursday October 1, 2009

Happy Birthday to Scar the Dar! We meant to call and then forgot :-( But we were thinking of you and singing your B-Day song across the miles!!

Best Part of the Day - Erik is home and so I took Quinn to speech without Wes (got to actually listen to him and the Speech Path which is cool). And then Erik took the kiddos to swimming and I got some stuff done (again with the quiet and the refrigerator hum ... love it!)

Worst Part of the Day - Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.

Wednesday September 30, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Tying up loose ends is a beautiful thing. Also SO gorgeous outside - the kiddos are riding bikes and rolling in the grass.

Worst Part of the Day - Kiddos not at 100% yet so there is still some whining going' on. Booo.