Sunday November 29, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Slept in a tad (got home superbly late---too late to admit from martini and chitty chat shenanigans) as kiddies were with Will-O. Thank the heavens 'cause I would have been hurrrrrrting and implementing a Lazy Mom movie marathon if they would've been here and up at the crack of dawn.

Worst Parts of the Day-

1. Feeling too elderly to be staying out past xxxxx time.

2. Looking extra elderly after obscenely late eve.

3. Went to 3-year old girl birthday party this afternoon and within seconds of arriving Liam was screaming bloody murder, not wanting unclench recently opened (and pretty cool) cash register gift of b-day girl. It was a lot in the first 10 seconds of arrival. That is how we roll.

Saturday November 28, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Met a old, old friendy out for dinner and martinis. A grand night of past, present and future chats. Never knew I had a taste for those chocolate "martinis" as I have only ever ordered extra, extra dirty ones in my life.

Worst Parts of the Day-

1. Vain Part: Will-O and I took the kidlets swimming this afternoon (and it rocked) and the heavily chlorinated pool has oddly eaten away my right facial flesh. Nice burn patient look.

2. Real Part: Feeling a bit for Will-O as his mom is slightly losing her marbles. For someone who wants to live free as a bird, Will-O is doing his free bird best taking care of 2 kiddies and 2 borderline elderly parents. i.e. Tall order for anyone=tally talls for Wills.

Friday November 27, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Liam slept in until 8:30am...holy cats. The kiddies and I went back to my parentals' for a brunch and playtime with the aunties/uncles for much of the day.

Worst Part of the Day-

Brother T. and I took the 3 cousins for a walk this sunshiny day. We strolled to the little beach down the street and it was picture perfect. Liam wanted to "go in", but I told him numerous times that we could only walk up to the water's edge. He pushed the envelope a few times by getting his shoes a little wet. Then he looked right at me with a smirk and walked directly into the ice cold water--about up to his ankles. A few seconds later he started to cry 'cause, yeah, my friend, it is freezing and that equals pain to our human system. Sometimes all one needs is a little pain to remind them that Mama doesn't just talk smack...

Anyhoo, I had to take off his socks and shoes with a quickness (it was sunny, but maybe 40 degrees) and then I gave him my cozy socks which were nestled in my Thuggs (knock off Uggs, butsuper warm nonetheless) and had to carry the heavy bugger the 6 minute walk back. Doh.

Thursday November 26, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

The yummy yums feast. Much to be thankful: good cooks, healthy peeps, fun family, Cold Duck.

Worst Part of the Day-

A tad annoying that I cannot simply rest at my parents' home--something with major allergens--possibly their dog, possibly a dust issue. Drove to Will-O's mom's and the 4 of us crashed nicely.

Wednesday November 25, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Slept in (post-Gang Night sleeping in is always key) and went to a job interview that was down right fun. The woman who was interviewing was down right cool and even down right teared up while talking about her team of nurses.

Worst Part of the Day-

Had to rush, rush, rush from interview to my doc rounds that were today instead of Monday night. No one seemed to notice or really care regarding my slight tardiness, but still--the rushy is getting old.

Saturday November 28, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Again with the double workout - this time Group Power to start and then Kickboxing. Ann and Johanna (Erik's mom) met us there. Had some outdoor fun in the borderline balmy weather - I had forgotten how much fun it is to bat. Sarah, Erik and I must have batted outside (with the little ones of course) for over a hour. CRACK!

Worst Part of the Day - Wanted to meet up with Chris, Ann and Erik's parents but I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open. I was in bed at 10:15 p.m.

Friday November 27, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Atoned for our boozy, gluttonous behavior yesterday by doing a one hour kickboxing class and then a one hour Group Power class at the gym. Sweat it out ladies! Then everyone (Ann, Chris, Erik's parents, my parents, Sarah, Ann's mom) came on over for a dinner party at our house. Many mama's helping me in the kitchen made dinner on time and tasty. Then some more games with Chris, Ann, Erik, Sarah and I. Who knew I had NO IDEA how to do the Heisman stance. Ah well.

Worst Part of the Day - Really, really tired from the two workouts, shopping for groceries, cleaning the house, cooking dinner .... mama might need some alone time. Poor Chris and Ann had car trouble and didn't get over until late. Also the cousins were together for quite some time today and were fighting and then Carson peed in our basement (stanky) and I think everyone just needs a good night sleep!!

Thursday October 26, 2009

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Worst Part of the Day - Wes up (and SCREAMING!) at 5:40 a.m. Could not calm him down - might have still been dreaming? Just felt so bad for Sarah and Alex (and tired ole mom and dad).

Best Part of the Day - Ann threw a gorgeous and super yummy Thanksgiving day meal. I was thankful to her (and her grown up dining room table and china) to having the Lovett's on over. Also her mom and Erik's parents were there - so it was in-laws and out-laws and siblings and super fun. The kiddos played well and ate pretty much only dessert and I was thankful to get to bed that evening after all the rich food, Cold Duck (of course glasses raised to all the Gasts) and desserts. Sarah's cheesecake a hit.

Wednesday October 25, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Sarah in EARLY and so the kiddos, parents and I went to pick her up. Then we ran some (more! how can there be more) errands. Erik's brother Alex got in around 2 p.m. We watched Sista Sarah make her pumpkin cheesecake (really - so much effort). Then lasagna at my makeshift dining room table (maybe someday we'll have something other than card tables and folding chairs. But not today!) Then Erik, Alex, Sarah and I made cocktails and stayed up late playing games. Blue Margaritas? Pretty good.

Worst Part of the Day - Still running errands is making me kind of annoyed. Why can't I just have what I need on hand? It feels like there are constant runs to the store.

Tuesday November 24, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - It's weird to make a lasagna at 7 a.m. Weird and kind of exhausting.

Best Part of the Day - Parents in on safely and on time. Picked up the kiddos from preschool and Quinn saw my mom and said "GIGI!! Is Papa here?" (Papa was somewhat 'hidden' in the front seat.) Also 'Turkey' cookies a hit at the Thanksgiving party.

Erik at a dinner interview until late - but I made him stay up and watch Flash Forward with me.

Monday November 23, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Gettin' ready for the guests! Parents come in on Tuesday and Sista Sarah in on Wednesday.

Worst Part of the Day - SO MUCH RUNNING AROUND today. Just trying to get everything done ... also washing machine (see yesterday) not working so sorry about no clean sheets or towels my guesties.

Really? Made 24 'Turkey' sugar cookies today - involved candy corn, frosting, and a gel frosting pen. Perhaps a bit too much work for 2 year olds?

Tuesday November 24, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

A lil overdue Gang Night as Will-O had kiddies overnight. Started at Bryant's Cocktail Lounge and ended with Mexican fare. The least sloppy night in our 2 year history of Gang Nights. Perfecto.

Worst Part of the Day-

Drove the kidlets to Brookfield during the peak of rush hour/rainy/getting-ready-for Thanksgiving-traffic. Took an hour to drive what normally takes 15 mins. Headache-inducing.

Tidbit: Picked up Liam at preschool with Scarlet in tow. We walked in to note the aftermath of Liam's first preschool brawl. Apparently a "troublemaker" (not my precious son!) attempted to take a toy out of Liam's hand. Liam held strong and the boy smacked him one. Liam hit back and then the boy took a bite of his face. I was chuckling behind my serious guise and knew all was fine and my darlins, it happens in the preschool set. I asked Liam, "Buddy, do we hit our friends?" A little precocious 3 year-old named Maya stepped in and said, "Don't worry, that boy is not Liam's friend. He can hit him." Me oh my.

Monday November 23, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Successfully submitted/filed enormous amounts of paper work necessary for step #2 of legal proceedings with Will-O. Feel a directly proportional amount of relief to the amount of work. Feeling very solid about it. (Akin to starting and completing a 30 page term paper the night before it is due.)

Worst Part of the Day-

Arose at 4:30am to complete enormous amount of necessary paper work. Completed the pile at 7:30am. Doh.

Sunday November 22, 2009

Simultaneous Best and Worst Parts-

Numerous mimosas at 12-4pm Packer Party. Went to bed for the night at 7:10pm. Had vivid/bizarre dreams.

Saturday November 21, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

1. Slept in to naturally arising time of 9:12am. Holy Moly.

2. Met bestie oldie friend for drinks and sushi and it was fun, fun, fun. Forgot how fun and hilarious she is!!--A solid person who is not a complainer and has a blast with this little thang called life. (We drunkenly purchased plane tix to FL for Spring Break 2010.) Highly needed eve.

Worst Part of the Day-

Received calls ad nauseum from Will-O all day on my day "off"...

1 call stated he was "overwhelmed" with bickering kids. (yes, yes)

1 call asked "what should I make for dinner?" (oh my)

My text back was: "deal with it, find your creative inner child and figure it out. Don't worry, I will not be gone for 9 weeks, only 1 day."

(With a sly smile I shook my head.)

Friday November 20, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

1. Went on a field trip with Miss S.'s class to the super duper cool Urban Ecology Center. I want to live and work there.

2. Saw some stand-up comedy as part of a work outing. How fun!

Worst Part of the Day-

Wish I had a limo driver at times. Or at least a cab driver.

Thursday November 19, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

I volunteered to serve the students at Scar's school their traditional Thanksgiving feast. It was fun to see all this kiddies (I did not dress in my traditional Pilgrim wear as I desired). Scarlet gushed per her usual to see me (I know this will end sometime soon, or at least by age 11 or 12...). Also had a chance to chat with Scarlet's teacher and I think we have figured out the emotional mystery of my first-born. Her teacher commented to me (perhaps with a tear in her eye), "That Scarlet is a bright kid, a unique kid and a very special." Awwww. If only she could attend school without a sick call, puh-lease.

Worst Part of the Day-

Scarlet awoke distressed in the middle of the night. She was crying, but able to verbalize (as if she had an epiphany this night) that she had figured out why she was "gloomy" today. She simply "missed" her teacher who was out for a planned 5-day conference last week. When Scarlet saw her beloved teacher (who she looooooves) on Monday, it suddenly hit her how much she had missed her, yet incidentally her teacher was consciously trying to slightly pull away from her VIP/Scarlet, and my sensitive one was perceiving this as a blow-off...typical communication breakdown (my sensitive sweet.)

Sooo much drama!

Sunday November 22, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Erik got up with the boyz while I slept in. Then he took both to Lowes and Panera while I read the paper. Bliss. Then we raked and blew leaves and the backyard looks pretty dern good. We retired as the rain started to fall for the three C's - chili, cornbread and Colts. So cozy.

Worst Part of the Day - Realized that the washing machine must have been leaking for quite some time - the wood is rotted by the door. But (in my defense to the skeptical Erik), it must have been a SLOW leak as I didn't notice water until today. While we're trying to deal with this, the boyz got into our game bin and dumped it. Think three Trivial Pursuit games, Outburst, Hoopla, and three more (one of which we have never even played - they must have opened all the cards!) Sooooooo annoying - we gave them dinner, baths and then threw their naughty arses in bed. Reminded me of when Amy babysat them this summer - guess they still love to toss games all over the floor.

Saturday November 21, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Came to the very grim realization today that one should not (under ANY circumstances) sit on a toilet in our house without first checking for piss. It's like living at the 'Lanche (or any other dive bar) except no smoky smell or Red White and Blue on tap or homeless people (but I do often look like a homeless person by the end of the day truth be told.) Preschool boys SUCK at hitting the water in the actual toilet without drenching the toilet seat. In fact, Wes hit the (thankfully empty) magazine holder today - filling the entire bottom of it. Impressive enough that it might be on purpose. I took a good look at our baseboards today and was disgusted. Will need the industrial size and strength Clorox wipes.

Best Part of the Day - Chris, Ann and Carson came over (Jack was at a sleep over) and it was laid back fun. Carson and Quinn (much like a young Molly and Megan) played together for four plus hours with no arguments or whines. Wes was a little bit of an odd man out - but he still managed to join in for the most part. Then we ordered in Mexican (for Chris and I) and Thai (for Erik and Ann) and had a relaxed dinner.

Surprised it didn't happen sooner - The $25 DVD player I bought when Quinn as a 13 month old destroyed the old one, was destroyed today. Someone shoved a DVD behind the tray and when we tried to get it out - it twas destroyed. Sigh - we had a good run old friend.

Friday November 20, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Oh kickboxing - how you let me get out my frustrations. Then Erik took the kiddos to the playground for two plus hours while I tried to learn the Centergy deal I need to get certified on. After all that - I feel I need a nap!

Worst Part of the Day - Upon waking up in the morning, Wes took off his diaper (that had been placed on him after he fell asleep) and came into our bed. This is his every morning ritual. He needs to warm his feet between my legs and headbutt me about 10 times before we can officially call it morning. Today he deviated from the routine by getting out of bed, announcing that he has to pee and then proceeds to pee on the carpet. Are you f#$cking with me, here? That kiddo got put in solitary for a good bit.

Thursday November 19, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Preschool in session and I got tons done today.

Worst Part of the Day - Slightly hard to watch darling hubby watching a movie in the middle of the day ("I'm now a movie buff" he announces. Must be nice.) Um, I have NEVER gotten to do that EVER (unless it was Wubbzy's Big Movie which I don't think counts.) I ended up giving him some laundry to fold to overcome my jealousy/bitterness issues.

Wednesday November 18, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

The best part?? Put both kids down early (pre-7pm) as they clearly both need more than their regular 12 hours. Veronica Marsathon in the eve. Cannot stop.

Worst Part of the Day-

After my t.v. mom-esque chat last night with Miss S., I received yet another call from her school. This time stating I needed to come and get her as she was crying and simply was not herself. I dropped everything (when do I actually get my work done, people?? Will-O is here, but has Jusry Duty, so of course I rushed down.) I talked with Scarlet for over an hour in the hallway outside of her room. I took her temp twice with 2 different thermometers just to ensure that she was fine. She told me "I am just feeling gloomy and want to go home." After I told her the school officials would not let me just take her without a physical reason, she shaped up and I talked with the teacher at length. It seems she is having some issue---what is it????? She ended up staying at school and was perfectly fine for the rest of the day. ???????

Wednesday November 18, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Hard workout. Ugh. Then went to coffee with Janelle to chit chat and she had me laughing my head off regarding her sister-in-laws (Thanksgiving is a'comin). It made me laugh even more to think how my sister-in-laws would describe me. Really, really funny.

Kiddos also excellently playing with other the last couple days - lovin' it. Such creative, fun, sibling play (much of it to do with fake food which cracks me up.)

Worst Part of the Day - Rainy and COLD. Brrrr.

Also Quinn found the iPhoto Booth on our Mac laptop and is OBSESSED. He was like a mini Wes Anderson just making one minute movies of himself over and over and over (and over). The movies seemed most in the existentialism/surreal vein. It's a good thing he would delete each one as I don't think there is much of a market for that type of short film.

Tuesday November 17, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Erik took the kiddos in to school so I got in a Centergy class (8:30) and then a Kickboxing (9:30). Feeling hardcore (and slightly in pain).

Worst Part of the Day - We're having an issue with Wes' nighttime diaper. He wants to sleep nude and hates to wear the dreaded "baby diaper." But if he doesn't wear it, then mama is washing waterproof mattress pad, fitted sheet, comforter, pillow cases ... you get the drill. Now we let him go to bed nude (you can't force this kid to wear the diaper - he's a force of nature) and then put the diaper on when he's asleep. So how come this morning the bed was wet, the diaper was on him but dry?? I KNOW he is pulling it aside to pee. Erik says "no way." But then HOW is he wearing a dry diaper and having a wet bed? Either way it's just highly annoying.

Quinn? Now totally potty trained - even at night. Late to the game but now he's a superstar.

Monday November 16, 2009

Best Part of the Day - It's 70 degrees and sun, sun, sunny! Open up the doors and let the sunshine in. Got a boatload of grocery shopping done. Somehow these days the fridge and pantry are bare in one weeks time.

Worst Part of the Day - Reading this new book (The Magicians) and dreamt about it all last night. Feeling very tired.

Sunday November 15, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Highly informative and excellent meeting regarding Erik's career future. We might be getting closer to a resolution (you say you want a resolution? HELL to the YES.)

During said meeting left kiddos at Chris and Ann's for child free uninterrupted conversation. Little bit o' bliss.

Worst Part of the Day - Preschool's back in session tomorrow right? Good because these little preschoolers are driving the adults insane.

Tuesday November 17, 2009

Worst Part of the Day-

(Background info: Roughly 2x/week I get a call from her teacher and/or school nurse stating that Scar has "red cheeks" or a "stomach ache"... Her physical manifestations have no clinical backing and by the end of the day she is chipper and joyful again.

Further background info: Her teachers are amazing and the school does an exemplary job!)

I received a call at work during an atypically chaotic time with pharmacy and the health department and lab calling me all at once. On top of this, the very sweet school nurse began questioning me with the typical things we need to ask as nurses , "Is Scarlet feeling safe? " "Perhaps Scarlet is worried about you and your safety?" "Maybe there is something going on at home..." "Maybe Scarlet needs more attention from you." Arrrrgghhh. And BS.

Yes, something was going on at home 1-2 year ago, but nothing that Scarlet knew about and there is no more attention that could possibly be showered upon this child from immediate and extended family as well as countless friends and supportive school/work peeps. No, no, no. Perhaps she is a tad bored and to be honest, perhaps my lil Miss S. would benefit from being a millionaire's child and attending University School with a 1:10 teacher-student ratio. Otherwise I have no answers.

Best Part of the Day-

Had a heart-to-heart chat with Miss S. this eve about her frequent/mysterious ailments soley during the school hours of 10a-12p. Almost wish a camera crew could've been there to capture our healthy mom-daughter talk. We sifted through the differences between physical symptoms and emotional issues--that sometimes we may feel bored or nervous and that is not a stomach ache or a headache--we could feel bummed out that we were not called on to be the teacher helper of the day (ahem), and that is not a fever, etc. I think she is getting it.(?)

We ended the night with our typical tons of smoochies and cuddles and loves. (Lack of attention, me arse.)

Reviewed rote reply to the comment by teaching staff, "My your cheeks are red!" (Which come on, teachers--is this not fodder for a highly dramatic child to run with and then say she feels sick?!) "Yes, I have had high color of the cheeks (and lips) since I was born...I'm Irish and my name is Scarlet!"

Monday November 16, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Looking at Patti/Bill's wedding (Crested Butte, CO in August) photos on-line. The pics superbly capture the tone of their lovely, lovely day. Love 'em. I declare I have NEVER laughed out loud while flipping through wedding pics. These are priceless.

(I am praying that one of both Gast families uses their respective jumping in air pics for Christmas Card '09!) Hilarious!!

Worst Part of the Day-

Scarlet has this hacking (wet, but not productive) cough and it seems to disrupt her sleep--we are going on weeks with this badboy in the upper resp system. I know it does not warrant a doc appt to tell me it is, in fact, an upper respiratory infection, but I wish I could slip some codeine (or brandy circa 1800-1971) in her night-time tea. Can she sleep through all of the hacking? (Can I sleep through it??)

Sunday November 15, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Fitting in a lil M.U. volleyball game, grocery shop and Bikram all in a Sunday funday.

Worst Part of the Day-

Trying to book a vaca to get something on the books. Where to? When can I swing this?

Saturday November 14, 2009

Best Parts of the Day-

Kids went to bed easily and without fuss and all by 7pm. Whoop, whoop. That equals 3+ hours of Veronica Mars. I am soooo kewl.

(Went to my parents' during the day to assist with mini basement clean-out and yard sale...all part of my plan to clean out their clutter...) Kids outside much of the day trying to lure potential customers to our sale=tired out kiddies.

Saw my Iron Man Triathlete female friend (there is a male friend) at Bikram this morn. Fun when traditional (albeit bad ass) athlete peeps understand with benefits of the crazy hot yoga.

Worst Part of the Day-

Everyone I know is fine with the whole stock market gaining speed thing. I am still out.

Friday November 13, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

The kiddies played so nicely after school. In the back yard and playing like bid kids do. Likin it.

Worst Part of the Day-

At the last minute decided to skip Book Club (again did not finish book and felt oodles behind the 8-ball with fancy food prep) and went to catch the 7:30 Bikram class. Thought I would do a fly-by of friend's martini party at 10 and this would be perfect. Except for the fact that there is no 7:30pm class on Fridays. After I drove through the hoppin Friday night downtown and Lake Front Brewery peeps and ran in to the studio all Sporty Spice with my yoga gear....arrgh.

Also no Veronica Mars episodes on hand....boo!

Also, also had to make a late night run to work to urgently assess a laceration that staff had accidentally given to a resident! (Resident did attempt to cut staff with scissors...)

Shoulda gone to Book Club.

Thursday November 12, 2009

Best Parts of the Day-

1. Will-O dropped off and collected Little Man Li from preschool for the first time today. It largely helped me do the odd things I do before and after work (i.e. cut transitional floor pieces with a hack saw and then hammered them in place...yeah, that's right.)

2. Stairs and upstairs hallway hardwood floors refinished (thus the transitional floor pieces.)

3. Met Cuz S. for a drink=necessary.

Worst Part of the Day-

A tad bit of self-doubt/questioning on the relationship front. I am doing the right thing, yes???

Wednesday November 11, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Enjoying a lil Bikram in the morn. (I love it so!) Feeling exponentially more cardiovascularly able with each class.

Enjoying a lil Veronica Mars marathon in the eve. omg, I want to be her.

Worst Part of the Day-

Continuing to feel the heaviness of Will-O and my legal sitchy...it is weighty.

Saturday November 14, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Wes gets me up at 12:30 a.m. I try to take him to his bed but he insists on having me sleep with him. Fine - it should take about 10 minutes. TWO HOURS later I'm still waiting for him to fall asleep. Every time I make a move to get out of the bed, he notices and starts yelling. I finally get fed up and go to leave when I realize that he has peed the bed (he wears a diaper to bed but loves to take it off or slide it to side.) So I'm working on that when he brushes by me and he's HOT. So I dose him with ibu and then we both settle in his bed. Again - he won't fall asleep and yells if I try to leave. At 7 a.m. I finally get out and into my bed. Quinn is in my bed 21 minutes later. Mama tired.

Best Part of the Day - Cleaned out our bedside stands and five drawers today. Invigorating! Also Erik (with a little help from me) has our backyard about leaf-free. Too bad the trees still look pretty dern leafy. But still - what a giant effort!

Friday November 13, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Hit the gym with kiddos in tow. Talk to one of my fave new pals for a bit. Home to pick up Erik and then we all hit McDonald's playland. Erik and I read, the kiddos play and all is well. Successful transfer of Mr. Wes and he naps. Sigh. Then Erik takes the boyz outside for 2 plus hours while I organize and clean and then sit myself down. Lovely.

Worst Part of the Day - Now it's wonderful that Quinn is growing up - totally potty trained (even at night!) and graduating speech. Does this mean that it's okay for him to channel a snotty 13 year old? I don't think so - boy, is he being a snot.

Thursday November 12, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - After preschool I drove around to get Wes to fall asleep (per usual). He awoke upon transfer from the car (again! See yesterday.) He was pissed and began to tantrum and next thing you know he has dropped trou and is standing against our coffee table pissing in a perfect arc (hitting both the table and the area rug below. Impressive.) He's muttering "I gonna pee on the table." I'm temporarily so stunned that I can't move. Then I grab him and move him (pee a'flyin') to the wood floor. He was sequestered to his room for several hours.

Best Part of the Day - Erik dropped the kiddos off at school so I could hit an early Centergy class (the class I'm going to be teaching). So great to get it in early.

Wednesday November 11, 2009

Happy Veteran's Day!!

Worst Part of the Day - No school for the sweets. So I brought them to the gym and they were complaining and complaining the whole way there. Then they lived for it (of course). On the way home I drove around to get Wes to fall asleep (per my new parenting plan). He fell asleep and then woke up when I was transferring him into the house. Then threw a fit and tantrumed for 35 minutes. Ho hum. So fun. The day also was cold and rainy - the rain did not stop the entire day. Thinking of building an ark - but don't want to be stuck with my present housemates.

Best Part of the Day - Is it lame that my workout classes now seem like social hour? No matter, I love it.

Tuesday November 10, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Wes up and at 'em by 6 a.m. Quinn slept until after 8 a.m. At first I thought I might keep Q home from preschool and he was lagging and dragging. But then, after watching him do laps around the house I decided to go ahead and send him.

Best Part of the Day - The movie Cars (borrowed from Chris and Ann) is a huge hit with Wes. He has always loved cars of any size (Q really is here nor there on them). So now that there is a movie?! With talking cars?! I love racecars (I wove wacecars) he says over and over.

Tuesday November 10, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Babs met us at Liam's preschool for his Thanksgiving Feast this eve. Each kiddo brought something to add to the feast and there were cute-sie crafts and much running around. (So glad to have another set of hands to assist me as Will-O was attending his court-mandated parenting course.)

Worst Part of the Day-

Will-O and I had a legal meeting at the courthouse this afternoon and it seemed highly OVERWHELMING--must assemble a small mountain of paperwork by 11/19...omg.

Also, had my third interview with the same place (jeez) and it, too, seemed on the OVERWHELMING side. The job itself seems exceedingly strenuous with much "outside the office learning" and classes and certifications, etc. Peeps, I hardly have time to bathe as it is working a stress-free job with a flexible 10-20 hours of my choosing. Plus, I am kinda looking for that blow off job where I can Christmas shop during work hours--heh heh.

Monday November 9, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O tended to the kiddies so I attended a Bikram class and then to work for my late-ish shift.

(It is E.Z. when I don't have to rush to pick up and drop off kiddies AND work..)

Note: Felt mucho better after this second yoga class. Felt good to hear instructor say, "the first class is not enjoyable...it kills ya." Yes, sir.

Worst Part of the Day-

Felt woozy and nauseous all morning. Almost skipped the yoga.

Note: Felt MUCH better after 90 minutes of profuse sweating and heart-a-racin activ.

Monday November 10, 2009

Best Part of the Day - I made a list and used some coupons to do my grocery shopping today. What an organized, super saver I am. Erik and I headed to Chris and Ann's to drop off Zoe (and our kiddos for the night) and had a dinner/interview. Very interesting (as was their 12,000 sq foot home. Really now. That just seems like a lot o' square footage for four people.)

Worst Part of the Day - Home late from the dinner - no sort of downtime during the day.

Sunday November 8, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Wes in a piss and vinegar mood. We put him in time out and tried to redirect him - but he just had that glint o' the divil (old world spelling) in his eye. SO the boyz are downstairs and Quinn came to get us as Wes was being "grossy and poopy." What the ... we walked downstairs to find him piling his poop on top of the plastic microphone (you know the kind that magnify/echo your voice). Like a sh%t ice cream cone. Also started to grind some of it into the carpet. This kiddos has been potty trained for over two months now - he's CLEARLY doing this for some sort of attention/spite/insaneness?

Best Part of the Day - Got the kiddos to bed and vegged out to some old CSI's. What a good ole show. Annoying that we just happened to watch Part 1 on On Demand and then ... no Part 2. But realized that we can get it on our Roku. Hooray Roku!

Saturday November 7, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - It wasn't the three hour raking o' the lawn (and only getting 75% done) that was so annoying. It was the fact that as we raked more leaves kept falling, falling, falling. And when you looked up - sigh, so many more leaves need to fall. boooooo. We are also dogsitting Chris and Ann's dog Zoe and having two dogs sucks it. Someone is always pacing or underfoot or trying to steal food or jangling around at 3 a.m. But the boyz do love Miss Zoe and want to trade in Clarence for her.

Best Part of the Day - Gorgeous sunny fall day - warm! Everyone full of good cheer. Headed out for a ladies nightHeaded over to a little ladies get together at a friend's house. I had never played Rock Band before (I never really understood the concept nor thought it sounded like fun). However, after getting a 100% on Livin' on a Prayer - I'm hooked. Not so good on Give it Away Now ... might need more practice.

Friday November 6, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Kickboxing and then playing in the sunshine.

Worst Part of the Day - The house next door to us has been vacant (foreclosed) for ten months now. Today there was car after car after car at the house. Hmmm. We checked it out and it turns out the house is now priced low, low, LOW. Erik = not a happy camper. Me = can't worry about that stuff.

Irish Mafia - Wes has not wanted to wear a diaper to bed for the last ten nights. So we just wait until he falls asleep and then put it on him. This evening I was heading up to do this and found his dry diaper on the stairs folded up and then filled with tore up paper (from sight words cards). Message received but I am not intimidated.

Sunday November 8, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Kiddies and I cruised out to my parents' for a lil fall time fun on this gorgeous day. We had the kids wash our cars. Alright, Babs and I helped. Scarl commented, "Liam and I are working on our washing skills." Nice.

Also, Will-O was back!!! The kiddos were GUSHING with love and happiness for a lil Daddy Love. He took them overnight and it was a win-win-win-win.

Worst Part of the Day-

The kids were a bit whiney today as I did yard work and they played in the fabulous sunshine. I did blame Scarlet for much of it as she was being a typical older sib 'bugger'. If Liam wanted a train, the child who cares not for trains, would suddenly want/take his train. Come on, bugger! (I declare our neighbors think these kids whine and cry constantly...)

Saturday November 7, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

My dad came over this morn to watch Liam (Miss S. still gone from overnight and play date) so I could attend the court-mandated parenting class. It was all easy breezy and we got out a few minutes early so I could peacefully clean out my car and fill 'er up.

Worst Part of the Day-

We had a 4 year-old birthday party at 4:30pm and even though I enforced and forced both kiddies to take a nap and even though they both sacked out for 2 hours, Scarlet was a ball of crabbiness and sensitivity for most of the evening. (I liken it to how I feel when I take a nap--I feel way worse than before the nap...) Anyhoo, I had to pull her aside twice during the party and ultimately she ended up sobbing and sitting in the car as I said my goodbyes. Why does every kid gathering I leave in the last years is shrouded in DRAH-ma?! Dude.

Friday November 6, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Scarlet comes home from school sooooo happy and delighted. She has matured a ton in the last months. Right after school she helped with Liam and then packed her overnight bag and readied herself for her theater date (Pinocchio) and sleep over with G-ma Sally. A joy.

Worst Part of the Day-

I did my first Bikram class. It kinda killed me. I felt so beat in the hours following that I had to take a nap midday. omg, I am a wuss.

Thursday November 5, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Ran a crazy amount of errands and even signed up for a 2 week trial at a new Bikram yoga place downtown-ish. Getting psyched.

Worst Part of the Day-

If I had a million dollars...

Wednesday November 4, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Scarlet is sooo into school and homework, my lordie. She cranked through her week's worth of homework in about 8 minutes flat. She LOVES math, she LOVES reading! She LOVES school and her teachers. It is refreshing.

Worst Part of the Day-

Made some headway on the legal proceeding with Will-O and me. Signed us up for court-mandated parenting classes and set a court date for next week. Here we go...

Tuesday November 3, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Felt a bit vindicated when the "dying" resident came back from an 8 hour ER visit and was told, "nothing is wrong." Take that, neglectful family! I do know what the hell I am talking about sometimes...

Worst Part of the Day-

I think I have been running around partly dehydrated today...and perhaps for years...

Thursday November 5 2009

Best Part of the Day - Got some outstanding household tasks done - moving some photos from the old computer to the new one. I just wanted to have 2008 and 2009 on the computer and now it's done.

AND he book I'm reading is SOOOO good - The Elephant Keeper. I'm engrossed.

Worst Part of the Day - The kiddos were GRAND today - playing soooo well together. I was lulled into a feeling of zen and then they snapped out of it and were just terrible for last 45 minutes of the day (Wes bugging Quinn, Quinn whining to me when Wes bugged him. Repeat.) SO DONE.

Wednesday November 4, 2009

Best Part of the Day - It's Fit Club time. Got weighed and fat measured (ugh) to embark on a eight week 'get fit' deal. I'm supposed to be on this six meal deal (grilled chix, brown rice, egg white, oatmeal madness). But I decided to just food journal it instead. I have to say that getting it done in a group setting is kind of fun and motivating. It will be interesting to see where we are at in four weeks and then in eight weeks.

Worst Part of the Day - Um getting weighted and my fat measured? Also very hungry.

Tuesday November 3, 2009

Best Part of the Day - GORGEOUS OUT - sunny and warm. Sigh. Lovin' the NC fall season. Also put new parenting tactics into place

1. Will drive car around after I pick kiddos up from preschool so Wes will fall asleep. He clearly still needs a nap and I need it to not be at 4:15 p.m. each day.

2. Will now give the kiddos a FULL 30 minute reading session each night before bed - no rushing, no craziness, just cuddling in bed with book after book after book. I think this is helping them wind it on down.

3. Will give Wes his nighttime milk right after he gets out of the bath instead of waiting until he asks for it later in the night. Hopefully this will mean I don't have to wash his sheets EVERY SINGLE MORNING. The child suddenly is peeing out his pampers nightly. Weird.

Worst Part of the Day - Whine, whine, whine. Fight, fight, fight. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Monday November 2, 2009

Best Parts of the Day-

Rocked my 3rd interview this morn.

Fairly productive Monday.

Finally "get" the whole daylight savings thing now that I arise daily at 5:45am. What a difference that hour change makes! (Am I 90??)

Worst Part of the Day-

Slight drama at work regarding a mom of a resident telling others that I neglected to care for her daughter (mom has creepy Munchausen by Proxy-like issues) and called the state to report me, etc. The deal is I have evaluated this kid daily for 12 days and can't find anything that adds up (random symptoms) and I made a Primary MD appt for her kiddo for this Wed., but mom wants her seen today in the ER because "I think she's gonna die of pre-cancer!" (Yes, mom has mental health issues.) Also I talked to mom over the weekend AND gave her my personal cell to call and ask me if she had concerns and of course she didn't do that...she called the State of WI.

Anyway, had to send her to ER to placate mom and simultaneously misuse our tax payer/health care dollar this pm. We shall see..

Holy cats and congrats to Joe and Stacy and Baby Brogan!!! Precious pictures!!!!

Sunday November 1, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

The kids helped me rake leaves and I physically, emotionally and spiritually (alright perhaps only figuratively) sucked it up and mowed the dang lawn after waiting and wanting some one else to swoop in and do it magically for the last many weeks. Let's hear it for the can-do power of the single mom!!!

Worst Part of the Day-

A bit of whining going on around the O'Neill home. Liam is in his whine period (again) and the exertion of independence. Alas, normal child development.

Saturday October 31, 2009

Best Parts of the Day-

1. Implemented first ever Movie Marathon pretty much all day prior to Trick or Treat.

2. Liam took a couple hour nap so S. and I could whip up scary snacks for the post T or T party: bloody fingers ( def not vegan) and mummy pizzas. (Finally I am able to make creations with my kids!!)

3. Coloring Scarlet's hair black with white streaks for her vampiress costume. She dug it! (Wash out color.)

Worst Parts of the Day-

1. A tad hectic for me to try to do last minute adjustments to both kids' costumes (case in point why man-to-man defense is effective) and also ready throw on my Cruella Deville number.

2. After a solid 3 months of talking about wanting to be a ghost for Halloween and wearing a ghost costume around daily, Liam pretty much refused to don his ghost costume today. Save for 2 pictures snapped in 4 seconds, he didn't wear it.

3. He went to a few houses in his normal wear (Scarlet was mortified, "You are going as yourself for Halloween, Liam!") and ended Trick or Treat '09 in 8 minutes flat.

4. Never did get to be Cruella, officially. Did wear a nice mink around, though. Thanks, G-ma!

Scarlet Quote:

As we entered home of friends getting ready for T or T, Scar declares: "My dad was really nice to let me borrow his (fake) blood capsules. He uses them on stage now and again, but he said I could use his, no problem." Perks of having rocker, blood-spewing father.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Amy!!! What a fantastic b-day. (Am jealous...)

Monday November 2, 2009

Best Part of the Day - WELCOME BABY BROGAN!!! Joe and Stacy had their sweet petite today and all are healthy and well. The Reitter Boyz were sooo psyched to hear about their new cousin that they immediately scored a tender yet hilarious lullaby to the tune of Baby Beluga (Oh Baby Brogan you are such a sweet. When we meet we'll tickle your feet.) Just kidding. They reacted to the news with little to no reaction. But they do love them some babies (or at least love to point out babies), so we'll just have to wait for a face-to-face (with INTENSE adult supervision) meeting.

Worst Part of the Day - Had the first kickboxing class today and I loved it!! Dripping with sweat, all jazzed up ... then talked with a negative nelly after the class who just took my endorphins down a notch. Booooo.

Sunday November 1, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Chris, Ann and the kiddos came over around 2ish for some hanging out time. The babes played downstairs with NO incidents of drama - whoa! It was so great. They made forts and created obstacle courses and played trains ... it was pretty great. And very relaxing for the adults as we got to finish conversations and sit undisturbed for more than 10 minute stretches.

Worst Part of the Day - It seems to be getting more and more difficult to get Wes into bed at night. This evening I said "you get back into bed" (after the third time of coming back upstairs). And he just looked at me and said "no." And it kind of stopped me in my tracks - because he's made excuses before or just stood there. But usually he has a little bit of fear in him regarding me coming back up those stairs. This was no fear and teenage-like (whatta you gonna do about it, huh?) I just put him back in bed with some books and left him and 10 minutes later he was asnoozin'. Oh lawdy - that child.

Saturday October 31, 2009

Happy Birthday Cousin Amy!! I remember the day you were born - sigh.

Worst Part of the Day - The mood in the house was light and airy (just like the balmy ass weather). Wes feel asleep around 4:30 p.m. At 5:15 p.m. I woke him up and it (seriously) took him 45 minutes to recover. There was weeping, throwing hands up in the air, throwing his self to the floor, making me carry him, more weeping .... now about this time Erik is heating up. We are about 1 second away from total familial meltdown when I send Erik upstairs and promise Wes a sucker if he eats his dinner. A shaky quiet descends on the household. Then there was some drama getting Wes IN his costume ... but finally at 6:30 p.m. we walk out the door. At least Quinn and I still had the light and airy mood goin' on.

Best Part of the Day - Is there anything better than the preschool set trick or treating? Once we got out the door, it was lovely fun and one of the few experiences that has not changed a bit since my own childhood. Quinn had this Mr. Incredible outfit on (from the Incredibles movie) but he kept calling it Exclamation Point man ... he really does love punctuation marks. Maybe he's saving the world from this !!!!! Not a bad calling as far as Super Heroes go. Wes is the Paris Hilton of babies (loves to be naked, doesn't always match and changed his costume twice. It might have been three times, but it started raining). The day was warm, warm, warm. Actual hay rides on flat bed trucks came into our neighborhood to drop off kiddos to Trick or Treat. Our next door neighbors set up a HUGE haunted maze - I was dying laughing watching out the window as kids would run SCREAMING up the lawn to the street. I think if someone was chasing me with a chainsaw (chain off, of course), I might run too. Then Quinn and Wes loved giving out candy to the 'peoples'.

Friday October 30, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Cuz S. saved the day and babysat while I donned my inappropriate and offensive Halloween costume for a gathering for "grown-ups only". Funny fun.

Worst Partz of the Day-

1. Planned to meet peeps and take kiddies for an early din to an ingenious restaurant that has a separate "family room" with a carpeted section and a slew of fascinating toys for the littles to play, play, play while adults eat, chat, drink. I knew it was dicey for my kiddies as Fridays are tough and usually the little freaks eat right at 4:30pm and Liam has a known/documented witching hour from 5-6pm, blah, blah, blah--something told me not to, but I did it anyway...Liam was being highly fussy from the start... Within 12 minutes of our arrival he ended up socking a friend's little guy over a coveted train and I had to exit him pronto (he has never clocked anyone except his beloved sibling.) Scarlet was irked to say the least and she ended up staying with Cuz K and having a blast.

Liam had what I would call his first full-blown tantrum (Scarlet had 1 billion by his age) and he sobbed for 33 minutes until his voice was hoarse from screaming over and over, "I want to go back to the kid party!!!!" I was only pleased that I had not yet ordered a glass of wine--then I would've been extra mad to leave with such a quickness.

2. I planned to not go into work today and instead clean/put on storm windows, launder like an Irish servant and clean the entire home from top to bottom. Even after my hours of slaving, I somehow felt guilty for not going to work. Get over it, Freak!!

Thursday October 29, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Scarlet had a blast going to the pumpkin farm with her day off from school group. She hung with her BFF, met new friends, made crafts and even handled her arch nemesis with fairness. Whew. When I collected her she was cheerful and delightful and that is the transparent sign of a good day for my girl.

Worst Part of the Day-

I am being a slight wuss about this whole second job thing. Really it would equate to me working full-time and bizillion of parents do this and don't bat an eyelash....I just feel slightly overwhelmed working part-time and maintaining a home and yard and kids by my bad self (and yes, also fitting in time for a tad bit o' exercise and a wee social life)...I know I just need to jump in. I feel trepidation for certain.

Happy Birthday, Kelly!!! We love ya!! Miss S. is terribly excited about giving you numerous gifts and creations....