Tuesday December 29, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Received b-day/holiday gifts in the mail from my lovely family members/friends! How fun.

Worst Part of the Day-

Much productivity in the home organization world. Not too much writing...

Monday December 28, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Enjoying the last week of my part-time work and full-time kids. The kids slept in until 9AM!!!

Lounged a bit and then went into work leisurely.

Worst Part of the Day-

This was the week I planned on writing screenplay...have not started and don't really feel like it...

Monday December 28, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - You know when you are deciding between two things and you are never quite sure if you made the right decision? Well, I'd like to personally thank Wes for really making it crystal clear we made the right decision to head on home. He was a complete and total nightmare at Hilton Head. He wouldn't listen, wouldn't obey, wouldn't eat when it was time, wouldn't wash his hands ... he was a complete and total brat. And I thought I had been embarrassed in Marco ... this was 10x worse. I especially love it when people who are not in your shoes, give you advice. So, so, so nice.

Best Part of the Day - Arriving home at 10:30 p.m. I about hugged our house. THANK GOD.

Sunday December 27, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Left Marco for the five and a half hour drive to Jacksonville. Had to pack all our stuff in the minivan which was stuffed. Arrived in Jax and had to immediately TV the kiddos to keep them from getting into all of Alex's stuff. Also Erik and I have decided that we will not stay in Hilton Head for the next three days and then have his parent's watch the kiddos. It's been sooo rough - we are just going to go home. So now there is no alone time in sight. Saddest.

Best Part of the Day - Both boyz went nicely to bed. Had delicious sushi with Alex and Erik. To bed early.

Saturday December 26, 2009

Happy Birthday Miss Megan!! Ahhh the many Arnies and Rose's celebrations we've had!

Best Part of the Day - Erik took the kiddos to the playground for three hours, then we went directly to the boat for a three hour ride and beach picnic, and then to the pool/hot tub.

Worst Part of the Day - All of the above activities ... and the children were still badly behaved (mostly Wes). It's over peeps - we can't take much more. I haven't read more than two pages of a book, I'm constantly on watch for a non-kid proofed house, I can't finish a thought until they go to bed (which is late and then we are beat.) All done.

Friday December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas - Ho! Ho! Ho!

Worst Part of the Day - You know those little monster-like kiddos who grab presents and don't listen to their parents and are more interested in getting, getting, getting and who scream and yell and cry and annoy? That was Wes. It was positively embarrassing and you could just FEEL everyone thinking "man, that's not how I would do it." Erik and I are just... about... done. Hard to enjoy any part of Christmas with this going on. I guess I just thought we would get some much needed help and a little break after driving 12 hours to get there - but that did not so much happen. Wes has smelled blood in the water and now is completely acting like a terrorist. Hardcore.

Best Part of the Day - Got the kiddos to the beach and then playground. After a ride on the double helix (this ride on, twisty deal at the playground), Sista Sarah perked up and was a HUGE help with the kiddos. Nice to have a meal with everyone this evening.

Sunday December 27, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Fave day:

Met Cuz K. and friend for a belated B-day brunch. Oh my the Bloodys and the beer chasers and salt-infused brunch delicassies with fun conversation sans kidlets. I love you.

(I then came home to an empty home, read trashing People mags and took a many hour snooze. Are you kidding me???!)

Worst Part of the Day-

The kids refused to rest peacefully and immediately as I swear I have trained them to do. 2.5 hour bedtime dealy does not please.

Saturday December 26, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Happy Birthday to me!! I met my parents and Mike out for lunch and it was grand. Spent my B-day eve treating the kiddies to the Chipmunks movie, The Squeakquel. Just how I like it.

Worst Part of the Day-

At the last minute Will-O opted out of our plan to take the chilluns together to see the Squeakquel this eve. It was challenging to say the least to handle the 2 and the bulk of coats and armfuls of drinks/popcorn. As always, it is easier with man-to-man defense, but alas I am somewhat used to it and we did it and it was pretty funny.

Friday December 25, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

I do declare one of the most relaxing Christmas Days in a spell. Just lounged about in flannel pants and zip up sweatshirt with my twin, Marinel. We watched the kids, ate non-stop, even grabbed a mag and snuck in a quiet read session and nap and lounged, lounged, lounged the day away. How rockin. Thank you, Baby Jesus.

Worst Part of the Day-

Sean and Alli had to take off in the early morn to road trip to FL. Sad to see them go or envious of road trip and sunshine??

Thursday December 24, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Getting to my parentals' and letting the official Christmas fun begin. The kiddies had such a blast with their extended fam and of course, celeb=Cousin Wyatt. Fun, relaxing, yummy (my mom made delish soy meatballs!), Cold Duck and enjoyable peeps all around.

Worst Part of the Day-

A tad hectic doing the 2 Christmas Eves in 1 day. We were to be to Will-O's mom's at 1:45pm and then heading to my p's at 4:30-ish. Ahhhh. I found myself a titch irritated that I was showered and donning my eve outfit at 1pm. (Why does that bug??)

Also just the standard annoyance of bringing tons and tons of things in the vehicle. (And I had given 3 bags of shenanigans to my mom last night and already delivered the gifts to other partay...) Why are there sooo many things to bring???

Wednesday December 23, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Uncle (Brother) Mike flew in from Portland, OR this eve. The kiddies were sooooooo jacked up to see their long lost uncle. We had pizzas, lil wine and a high energy reunion! The holiday fun is beginning.

Worst Part of the Day-

There was a ton of snow coming down...My parents got in a little fender bender just minutes after picking Mike from the airport. (Always something.) I was overjoyed that so major damage was done to the car and no damage whatsoever to the humans on board--whew. My kiddies were (jumping around) waiting for Uncle M from the hours of 6-8pm. That's a ton of shrieking and looking out the windows to spot the arriving guests.

Thursday December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas Eve! Missing the Gasts and Cahills this eve (as I probably will for the next 60 years).

Best Part of the Day - Got the boyz outside at the park for two plus hours. Got Wes to (finally!) take a nap.

Worst Part of the Day - It's an off year. I can feel it. I think Erik and I are annoyed we're not being helped more. I think Sarah would like a little space. I think Joe is trying to stir things up which is NOT NECESSARY as things are already stirred up. I think Stacy is being a real trooper what with her past three weeks and a newborn to boot. I think my mom could have pulled out a separate (meatless) bowl of the chicken spaghetti dish she made. I think I'm getting my period and it's making me hyper sensitive. Erik and I are starting to think this road trip was a really, really bad idea.

Baby - During church Wes refused to enter into the pew for a good 15 minutes. When he started to unbutton his pants, Erik finally cajoled him into the pew. After many loud outbursts he finally looks at Baby Brogan and announces "AWWW LOOK AT BABY JESUS! HE SO CUTE. BABY JESUS."

Wednesday December 23, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Up and to a park with the little ones. Then a boat ride and lunch outside at the Snook. Warm and sunny - not hot (needing fleeces on the boat). Sarah arrives! Then we got to meet the sweet Baby Bro who seems content to eat and look around and generally be calm. My fave kinda babe. Stacy's sister Susan and her beau Eric joined us for drinks n' dinner and it was really delightful. We toasted Rita (their mom) who's birthday is today :( Good job Gigi.

Worst Part of the Day - The lunch out with the little boyz was BRUTAL. Wes would not nap in the afternoon. Seems to be a long line of meat filled din dins coming up .... must remember to bring my own food.

Pavlov - We were singing to Rita when out of nowhere Mr. Quinn appeared at the table. (I really thought he was asleep.) That song is like cheese to a mouse for the preschool set - they know there is gonna be cake!

Tuesday December 22, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Scarls had a fantabulous last day of the semester. She had a 'pajama/party day' and said the entire day was full of fun and games--quite literally. She was so happy and animated as she bounded off the bus--great to see. Let the holidays begin!

(No need to wake her @ 5:50am for a few days, I am hoping/planning.)

Also brought Liam's B-day treat to preschool and he was pumped! And I think this helped him feel more comfortable about being 3.

Worst Part of the Day-

Same kinda lame tension between XXXX and myself.

Monday December 21, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

More of the shopping chipped away. Finally set with the teachers' and sitters' gifts that need to be ready for tomorra morn.

Worst Part of the Day-

Will-O and his mom. omg.

Sunday December 20, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

My Littlest Li of Land and Sea is 3!!!

Liam was thrilled to have a lil bowling party, b-day song, cake and presents!! He and Scarl played sweetly with his loot for the rest of the day. My babes.

Worst Part of the Day-

I wondered why Will-O planned our immediate family bowling extravaganza to begin at 9am. Does the early bird get the worm in the bowling crowd?? Then I realized the Packer game was on in the afternoon. Ahhhh. Then it was just me and the kiddies from lunchtime til bed.

Quote:

As I was tucking in the birthday boy to bed he looked at me very seriously and said, "I don't want to be 3. I want to be 2 again. I like to say I am 2."

Saturday December 19, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Began my Christmas shopping with a productive bang. Golly gee I have a lot of teachers and child care providers in my world...

Worst Part of the Day-

Attended a 4 year-old's B-day party this evening. Unbeknownst to me, there was a cat in the home and I had what I dare say was my first allergic reaction/ASTHMA attack. (No, I do not have asthma...) There I was audibly wheezing, uncontrollably sneezing/coughing and clearly in mild distress to get air. It was a terrible/horrible/awful feeling. Maybe linked to my recent lung issues??? Odd.

Tuesday December 22, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Oh my - six plus hours o' driving with the babes. This involved repacking the car, doughnuts for breakfast (just the babes), extra large coffees (just the mom and dad), McDonalds stop (again with the nuggies, but even with Sista Sarah's help we couldn't find a GD playland), potty breaks, a Dora DVD which was placed precariously on a overturned plastic tub, unorganized arrival (could we have more bags?), crazy kiddos in an non-child proofed parental home, two exhausted parentals. But really the boyz were pretty dern good on that ride - due to a three hour (!) nap taken by Mr. Wes.

Best Part of the Day - The arrival to Marco Island. Whew - the drive is over, the grandparents are in the house and more helping hands to arrive tomorrow. Weather is beautifully warm which doesn't scream Christmas but is most welcome nonetheless. Let the Christmas/Hanukkah celebrations begin!! Can't wait for the rest of the clan to arrive :) And especially to get a load of that bebe Bro!

Fave Comment - As we were leaving our delightful and laid back host Alex, he remarked "man, I thought you two were really overboard with your cupboard and door locks. Now I know why you have them." Ah yes - sanity = preschooler proofed home.

Friday December 18, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Attended a First Stage production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with Scarlet and a friend her 4-year old girlie. Soooo dang cute! Inspiring for my wanna-be dramatist, Miss S., as there were over 33 little kiddos in the play. Very well done.

While we were downtown we took our little ladies to my all time Milwaukee fave for a late night din: The Safe House. All of the nooks and crannies and even the spy theme was surprisingly perfect for kids.

Worst Part of the Day-

Scarlet dressed me up for our Girls' Night and when she decked me out in: fancy boots, check. fancy fur coat, check. This left my phone in the pocket of my non-fancy faux fur coat and thus outta touch and outta luck when trying to meet up with friend/daughter pre-show. (How did we deal with the meet up pre-cellies???) Who knew the Starbucks location with hipster outdoor ice rink was the place to be if you were sporting skinny jeans and fluffy sweaters...the place was crawling with peeps and we could not/did not meet up. I was stressin sans phone.

Monday December 21, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Poor Alex. We are staying in his bachelor pad/non-preschool proofed home and I fear we're going to need to write him a check. The kiddos have already almost broken his table, overfed his fish and missed the toilet many times. Not to mention Clarence has further destroyed the carpet in his garage entryway. Sigh o sigh.

Best Part of the Day - Made it to a MOST excellent outdoor park for the kiddies to get some energy out. Quinn was able to confidently do the zip line deal all by himself. So cool. Then over the our pals Ted and Sandy's house - they have a four year old boy and two year old girl and it was like exhaling a deep breath. Kiddos could run around outside with many toys and then inside with many toys. We at Sierra Grill (one of our old Jax faves) and got to hang out and talk. Deeeelightful.

Also did get some fleeces bought for the boyz. Guess I really do have to write everything down - even the really, really obvious stuff.

Sunday December 20, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - The actual car trip from Charlotte to Jacksonville was not all that bad ... until the last 30 minutes when Wes was OVER it. We placated him with snacks and movies but he still just wanted o-u-t of that seat. We also got a last start because we returned to the house two extra times because we forgot things. Sigh.

Also forgot the boyz coats. Really? Yup - no coats. Luckily we are heading South and Old Navy is having a hell of a sale.

Best Part of the Day - Arriving in Jax. Hooray! We then turned right around and got in the car to hang with our pals Chris and Rayanna and their two year old. They had a bouncy house set up for the boyz outside and it was the perfect thing to get some preschool energy out. Then they nicely played with Leila and her toys for over two hours with pretty dern good results from all three kiddos. At one point Leila and Quinn were snuggled in Leila's room on a little seat watching Barney. Adorable.

Getting them to sleep seemed rough - but then I calmed down and realized they needed a little transition time and then they were both down asap.

Also watched the season finale of Survivor with was fun - but the wrong person won. It's bugging me STILL 10 hours later (which is rare for me as I can let these things go after 20 minutes).

Saturday December 19, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Got the last of my packages mailed out today - post office was not all that bad which was nice. And with a sweet little two day priority mail ... feels like I'm ahead of the game.

Worst Part of the Day - Prepping, prepping, prepping for the drive day tomorrow - car snacks, loads of laundry, vacumming out the minivan, bagging up the presents, packing the boys clothes, packing my clothes, packing the dog's clothes (just kidding). We leave for Jacksonville tomorrow - the first stop on our driving tour. I already feel rather exhausted.

Kiddos - today I decided to quiz the babes on their Christmas knowledge. So I said "what baby was born on Christmas?" They looked at me for a bit. Then Quinn said "Baby Brogan?" And I said "no, not Baby Brogan. Another baby. Remember Wes you said it a couple days ago." And Quinn said "I KNOW! Baby Beluga!" Hmmm.

Friday December 18, 2009

Best Part of the Day - It feels divine to be in your home with everyone safe and cozy when it is sleeting out. Bad weather for NC - a day in April for the Midwesterners. Still it was coming down hard and sticking and it felt good to be tucked inside with all the boyz.

Worst Part of the Day - Reluctantly I must bring to the forefront of my mind the impending trip to Jacksonville, Marco Island, Hilton Head and back to Jacksonville. If you wonder why I am reluctant than clearly you don't know car travel with two preschoolers and a dog. It's gonna be brutal!

Thursday December 17, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Impromptu trip to Ikea. Boyz in the play area. Erik and I leisurely walked around the showrooms and bought a Billy Bookshelf for the guest bedroom. It's going to store my tons (and tons) o' photo albums. It really is a magical place. We pulled up and Wes immediately said "look Mama, we're at IKEA!!" Whoa - that kiddo has some sort of recall.

Worst Part of the Day - Why o why can't there just be preschool today??? What a long afternoon.

Morning Times - I'm going to start audio taping Wes in the mornings. He is so animated and hilarious - today he said "Mama you got to shut that door to the bathroom. The buzzy bees are gonna get in. The buzzy bees get in and pinch my bum. They pinch my bum." Where do they come up with this stuff?

Wednesday December 16, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Adorable, adorable, adorable Christmas program at the boyz preschool today. Quinn hit the last gesture of Away in a Manger (making the universal sleeping motion) about a beat behind everyone else and it twas adorable. Wes got into the singing so much he began to stomp which prompted a few of his other male classmates to stomp - but it ended quickly.

Found out today that brother Joe, Stacy and Baby Bro (plus Stacy's sista Susan and her beau) will be joining us for Christmas!!! JOY.

Worst Part of the Day - Drama over the new to us chairs. There could be fights over a piece of lint, I swear to God.

Outta the Mouthes o' Babes - Today while twirling in the new to us chair, Wes said "Mama, Mama, look (yook) how little (widdle) I am. I am little. I am little like Baby Jesus." Erik and I laughed so loud and hard - little you are, my friend. Like Baby Jesus? I seem to remember that that child 'no crying he makes.'

Tuesday December 15, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Last full day of preschool before the Christmas break - took full advantage with a trip to NoDa (supposed to be like Charlotte's version of SoHo. Don't laugh - I'm being serious.) And it is very adorable - full of independent coffee shops, bars, restaurants, stores, galleries with artists present and working. Pretty cool. Also new (to us) bed and chairs are now set up in our house. Nice. Thanks M and D.

Worst Part of the Day - Frantic call from Erik that the movers had already shown up (my parents have sent some things to us from Grand Rapids - a bed for our guest room. Hooray!) And it made me feel harried at the end of my lovely time out with the gals to NoDa. (I just wanted to write that again - NoDa.)

Thursday December 17, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Slept 10 consecutive hours (the consecutive part is crucial as that has not happened in eons). Feeling TONS better thanks to the uninterrupted rest and meds of modern med that equal Levaquin.

Spent the morn in solitude sifting through piles of Scarlet's school papers, paying bills and readying for this lil holiday rapidly approaching.

Worst Part of the Day-

Had a tiff with Will-O over the fact that I bought Liam the most minimal of gifts for his B-day. Will-O thinks I am tooooo excessive by purchasing more than 1 gift as his birthday is so close to Christmas. As I have a birthday even closer to Christmas it is an important fact for all to note that they are two separate holidays (duh), Liam can't help when his birthday is (ah ha!) and I am still a phenomenal minimalist by any standards. (Blah.)

Wednesday December 16, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Christmas performance and party for staff/families put on by the girls at work. Exemplary job by the girls and super dups holiday fun. Liam was front row for the Christmas carole karaoke and slamming soda pops in secret. Both of my kiddies were quite well-behaved and not tooooo much sobbing when we had to exit.

Worst Part of the Day-

After my day of work and early eve party I was done. Even though I had it all planned that Will-O would tend to the chitlins in the eve, I could not muster up enough energy to join the "grown-up" work party that truly was just down the street....arrrggggh. Had to skip free food/drinks and funny, loud, buzzed up co-workers--had to rest.

Tuesday December 15, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Depositing things in my bank account.

Worst Part of the Day-

I feel I am officially being harassed by my nurse recruiter in the way of an excessive amount of calls, emails and inquiries regarding "my thoughts". After my assertiveness and a few lines of "well, when I see an offer in writing I will gladly give my thoughts" did not work, I am now being a brat and simply not returning her calls. I need a day or two...

Monday December 14, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Book Club Christmas party this eve. Delighful, comfortable, yummy and engaging gathering with comedic, smartypants lasses--as always.
Acquired a creepily addicting brandy slush recipe I will be concocting for Christmas Eve...omg.

Worst Parts of the Day-
1. Diagnosed with pneumonia after I reported a fairly significant stabbing pain with each breath I take since approximately Saturday. Ah ha. It all makes sense.
2. Attended a 4 hour job interview/tour. Peeps, I just do not know what I want to do....can some one pay me to hang out with my kids?? No? Awwww.

Sunday December 13, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Took the kids on a Santa Train of yester year. We sang caroles, a cheery elf read kids books and there was some Santa lap sitting during the 45 minutes electric train ride. I enjoyed.

Worst Parts of the Day-
1. Attempted work out #1 in 3 weeks. Officially cannot breathe.
2. Will-O arrived home after 9 days in Michigan doing recording for compilation cd. He has a crappy attitude and the stress follows...

Saturday December 12, 2009

Best Parts of the Day-
Christmas prep without the gifts:
1. Took the kidlets to an adorable Santa's Workshop through Liam's preschool. They had a blast and played and "shopped" and made crafts for hours. Scarlet bought or made gifts for all on her lengthy list. Super holiday fun.
2. Cute Christmas hair cuts for both kids. Scarlet waltzed in and demanded "a short bob--like the olden days." They lopped roughly 7 inches off her mop and she gleefully proceeded to strut her new look self around for the rest of day/night. Lookin good.
3. Snuggling with both loves on the cough as we watched network tv Christmas specials and stayed up late!!! (9pm--whoa.)

Worst Part of the Day-
Bedtime was a toughy toughskins despite the day of kid-centric fun and a dinner out at Noodles as single mom with kiddies. (Don't these kids know how good they got it?!)

Friday December 11, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
Volunteered in Scar's classroom this morning. Wonderful (and eye opening) to see the kids in action. I prepped a Christmas wreath art project and set up a math activity station. Scarlet was exemplary. If I had to go back, I would strongly consider the teaching-of-little-ones route.

Worst Part of the Day-
Scarlet complained of a stomach ache in the wee hours. I believed it and then saw her playing out in the backyard in full snow gear. Ah ha. I nixed the playtime and drove her straight to school.
Also, I still cannot breathe with any exertion. Unable to work out or speak emphatically...both will make me feel out of breath.

Thursday December 10, 2009

Best Part of the Day-
The kiddies were delightful balls of love today.

Worst Part of the Day-
So awful to hear the news of Stacy's mother. Heartbreaking.

Monday December 14, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Wes slept in until almost 8 a.m. (!) Got my little certification tape in the mail - USPS not so bad. Expecting worse lines.

Worst Part of the Day - I ran some late day errands while Erik stayed with the kiddos. Bless His Heart - Erik kept Wes from falling asleep (we thought maybe we could shake up the routine since he had slept so late today). I got home at 4 p.m. and then next hour and a half felt like about eight hours - that kid was either throwing things around the room or throwing himself down on the ground in despair. I had to dig very deep into my depleted reserves to remain calm. On a positive note - he did go straight to bed. But not worth it - rather have the naps and tough bedtimes.

Frog Update - Wes has not let the frog out of his sight since they were reunited (and it felt so good). And he keeps saying "mama you found him in your purse. He was lost and I never find him." Then he whips him across the room. Ahhh, young love.

Sunday December 13, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Wes peed out his bed and came into ours at 5 a.m. He and Quinn were then up at 7 a.m. I hung out with them for a hour. Then Erik got up and took care of them while I went back to bed. Then I got up at 10 a.m. and sent Erik back to bed. Then I took another nap and so on and so on and I didn't get out of my pj's all day and Quinn must have logged HOURS on the computer. Bad parents. Bad parents.

Best Part of the Day - Ahhh going over the party with Erik is almost as good as going over a party with the Blue House girls or my DC pals. He cracks me up.

Saturday December 12, 2009

Best Part of the Day - I was taped for my Centergy certification today and it went well - only a couple minor errors so that's all good. Later in the evening, we went to a neighbor's Christmas party which I found to be really, really fun. We brought the kiddos who were then shepherded upstairs and we didn't see or hear from them until we left at 10:20 p.m. (!) Then Erik and I came home, mixed more drinks and watched Survivor. And it was actually pretty dern fun.

Worst Part of the Day - So nervous prior to taping. Also it's always a wonder to me that Erik can KNOW we are leaving at 7 p.m. and then be sitting unshowered at 7 p.m. Me no get.

FROWGGIE! - So (if you've been keeping really excellent notes) Wes' frog has been gone since Oct. 13. I was at the Centergy training (ironic - see above) and Erik called to ask if I knew where he was. Nope. And we COULD NOT FIND that thing. Wes would say in a sad voice "Frowggie gone. He lost." And after two months of him being gone I really thought he had been thrown out. So as I'm prepping to tape for the Centergy certification, I start to look for the paperwork (which is still lost btw). I open up the zipper compartment of the bag I used and .... ta da - there is Wes' frog. He must have zipped him in it in the five minutes that my bag was on the first floor of the house when I was leaving for the training. I presented the frog to Wes and it was like he ran into a long last love. He knew within five seconds that it was the original frog (he NEVER took to the 'new' frog we gave him - never carried it around, asked for it and cuddled it). "YOU found him, mama," he said to me looking at me as if I was supergirl. "Where you find him? He lost now he found." Ah yes - I'm mama and I can do ANYTHING (isn't that nice someone feels that way? Actually every male in my house feels that way - for better or worse.)

Friday December 11, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - After a TERRIBLE night sleep in the hotel (there were two beds, guess which three of us shared a bed? I glared over at Erik sleeping on a diagonal in his own bed many times that night.) We went to a coffee shop before meeting with the Realtor and the boyz were super freaks. Acting like 1 1/2 year olds - crying and whining and trying to steal each other's muffins. So annoying and exhausting.

Best Part of the Day - So HAPPY to get home and be home. It made Erik and I very happy to get everyone in the door and unpacked and settled in. Very calming evening with a terrible movie - but I didn't even care. Just happy to be snuggled in my own house (you'd think I'd been gone for weeks not one night.)

Thursday December 10, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - My sister-in-law's mom, Rita, died today. I'm think that it was due to a compromised immune system due to the pancreatic cancer she had been fighting. Everything else seems pretty darn small compared to this news. We left for Fayetteville today for an interview for Erik and took the boys to the dinner (!) and it was just annoying (to say they were amped up is a MAJOR understatement) and my mind was on Rita. No best part.

Wednesday December 9, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

I snow shoveled the sidewalk and drive. (Why is that a 'best'?) I feel a dorky sense of can do power just doing what needs to be done without complaining. (Also I am trying to LoVE winter and all the labor that goes along with it...) Shoveling=exercise, outside time, chore productivity, fewer lawsuits on my property AND saves on electric bill as I am warmy warms for 1 hour post. See? Best. (Also I clearly had a lame day.)

Worst Part of the Day-

Liam was a ball of tears after I picked him up from preschool. I had to wake him (what the?) on his cute little preschool mat and he was sobbing and sensitive until bedtime.

Wednesday October 9, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Excellent work out and then coffee and chit chat with Janelle. Then I came home, put Wes to sleep and started cleaning out the guest room (aka the room we put all the crap we didn't know what to do with when we moved in last Feb.) Wes woke up at 3 p.m. and Erik took both boyz to the playground until 5:15. I GOT SO MUCH DONE - finished cleaning out the room, wrapped presents, got presents ready to mail, did a load of laundry, picked up the entire basement, picked up my closet and bedroom .... oh my.

Worst Part of the Day - WHY oh WHY does Wes fight the sleep so much? I WISH someone would put me to bed every night at 7:45 p.m. That kiddo doesn't fall alseep until a hour after that - once he doesn't need a nap anymore I hope it will get easier. But WHEN (oh when) will that be?

Tuesday December 8, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Taught the first five tracks of the Centergy Oct 09 Release. All good!! I'm ready to tape this coming Saturday. Hooray.

Worst Part of the Day - Calling Santa is no longer working ... perhaps because I was doing it five times a day?

Waiting for the Preschool Conference - Clear as a bell Wes announced "God Damn IT" when his ball rolled under the table. Nice.

Monday December 7, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Wes up about three times during the night and then at 5 a.m. crawls into our bed. Man oh MAN. Then he falls asleep. So Quinn and I are downstairs breakfasting and getting lunches ready when Erik calls "ah Molly can you come up here." That Wes had peed our bed. Now friends, we don't have a waterproof mattress pad - but we do have a brand new-ish mattress. I ended up hitting the pad of my hand on the doorframe and yelling "God DAMN it!" I mean really - this will be the FIFTH time in SIX days that I am doing sheets and mattress pads and this time I get to deep clean a mattress too.

At 9:30 p.m. I was sooo tired and then realized I am teaching part of a class tomorrow. UGH - had to pull out the laptop and do a hour and a half of prep. Boooooo.

Best Part of the Day - Started watching 'Everything's Sunny in Philadelphia' and it's pretty dern funny. I KNEW I should have bought a bar.

Sunday December 6, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Plaza de Fiesta for the little ones so Erik and I could write up a little business proposal. Well let's face it, for me to write up the business proposal and he to glance it on over. Then invited ourselves over (what, we're family!) to Chris and Ann's for some Sunday hang out time. Erik, Chris and boy Jack went to the game - Ann and I chilled at home with three kiddos who did pretty well for the majority of the time.

Worst Part of the Day - I know the staying over at Chris and Ann's until after 7 p.m. is going to bite me in the arse. FORESHADOW alert.

Tuesday December 8, 2009

Best Parts of the Day-

1. The kids went nut-so over the days late St. Nick arrival this morn. Scarlet said, "Magic is in the air!!"

2. Received two job offers today. They are now fighting over lil ol' me. (Now if I only I wanted them...)

Worst Part of the Day-

I lost it on Scarlet at bedtime after her 50 times of non-listening. I know I am hard on her, but it is testing. I feel bad for the first time.

Happy Day, Tamalama!!! Wishing you calm and quiet this day--yeah right.

Monday December 7, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Set up much of Christmassy stuff with kiddies. Also my mom came to sit for my Monday night fun. Nice. The kids are super duper into the holiday jazz.

Worst Part of the Day-

This cough. I cannot exert myself without feeling/sounding like an old man with emphysema. This cough. Each time I violently cough I slightly pee my pants. Yeah, that's right. I'll admit it. I am now an old man and an old woman. What is up??

Sunday December 6, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Finally able to help others now that my lil one is nearly 3 (it's hard to assist when ya can barely keep your head above water...)--assisted Will-O's mom with her 'to-do' list and felt great about checking off things like a mad woman. Also found her emerald ring my kids had lost---eek. Found, whew. At the end of the 3 hour shift Will-O's mom started to go into a little spiel about how she feels much better after her 'to do' list is complete. I had to stop her mid-sentence--yes, fair lady, I know the deal. Welcome to my world. Love to help.

Worst Part of the Day-

Had to cancel St. Nick for the kiddies as they were Beelzebub twins. Using full on bribery (against all parenting books), I told the kids that St. Nick will be in town for another day or so and to get it together if they want the goods. Dudes.

Saturday December 5, 2009

Best Parts of the Day-

1. Seeing some ol' Chicago friends (if even for mere minutes...)

2. Hitting the sack at 7pm promptly

Worst Parts of the Day-

1. My 2.25 hours of sleep seemed alright until the pm drive back to Milwaukee. Hurting with squinty-slept-in-contacts eyes. Where is my chauffeur???

2. Now I am truly sounding pneumatic in the cough arena.

Friday December 4, 2009

Best Parts of the Day-

Success:

1. Nailed job interview for option #3 (I am stopping there)

2. Oil changed on car and home sparkling clean

3. Safe trip with kiddies to Chicago post-school

4. Loving sister-in-law watched 3 total kiddles in eve so I could attend vastly fun and successful fundraiser planned by other sister-in-law and then on to sold out show by Will-O. Whoop, whoop!

Worst Parts of the Day-

Come on y'all:

1. Waited in freezing cold pitch black at 6:35-7:05am with Scarlet for her bus to simply not show

2. Car had spendy needs/issues other than planned upon oil maintenance

3. Chicago traffic on a Friday at rush hour=non-yummy

4. Minor drinking and dialing in the wee ours=head shaking

5. Up 23.25 hours=get over your party people selves!

Thursday December 3, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Had a 1 hour massage with my therapist named, Tom Cruz.

Worst Part of the Day-

Am coughing up a lung or two every 12 minutes. I don't feel bad, but I sound pretty terrible. I know it's not H1N1...do hope it is not TB.

Saturday December 5, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Got a movie from the local Redbox for the kiddos on this chilly, grey, rainy Saturday. It is some sort of weird Playschool pirate movie - they LIVED for it.

Worst Part of the Day - Such a nasty day out and Wes feel asleep late in the day and that made for an annoying long bedtime process ... felt wore out.

Friday December 4, 2009

Best Part of the Day - To the gym and then took the babe's to a new (new to me) McDonald's playland. Quinn (of course) played for two and a half hours with nary a complaint. Wes did well for about 45 minutes and then kept coming back to bug me with his Happy Meal toy. But all in all it was a lovely outing that wore them out.

Worst Part of the Day - Felt lethargic in Group Power today - needing more protein?

-- Quinn wet the bed last night. What the .....

Thursday December 3, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Sunny and bright - but cold! I think winter is acomin' to NC. I'm ready!!

Worst Part of the Day - Childrens are not playing well together, apart or alone ... I'm in need of a full time party clown. If anyone would like to apply just let me know.

Wednesday October 2, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Parents left today :( They are heading to Boston on what was supposed to be a jolly, fun, meet the new grandson trip. However, Stace is still in NJ due to her mom being in the hospital. It's hard to think about the fun of the new babe when the wonderful lady is not doing well ... I feel teary.

Best Part of the Day - Had an evening to myself to just chill out all by me lonesome. Sigh and double sigh.

-- Wes peed out the bed last night. Um .... really? Yes, really.

Tuesday December 1, 2009

Worst Part of the Day - Spent the day going over and over (and over) the Centergy tracks I'm to teach tonight. I'm over it - let's just get it done.

Best Part of the Day - Taught the last five tracks of the Centergy class! Did fine for my first time - clearly need some honing on my presentation and cueing. However, no major mess ups or start overs - I pretty much did everything right. Good feedback from the class and the teachers.

-- Wes peed out the bed last night so awashin' I will go.

Monday November 30, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Dropped the boyz off at preschool and took parents and sista to adorable Huntersville. Dad bought us some Starbucks and Mom bought us some measuring cups at Williams Sonoma (sounds lame, but actually rather exciting.) Capitalism Chain Stores unite!! Then after sista Sarah left on her jet plane, Mom, Dad and I went out to lunch.

Worst Part of the Day - Very, very tired and trying to perfect the tracks for tomorrow's class. Can't get the music outta me head!!

Sunday November 29, 2009

Best Part of the Day - Ahhh - good nights sleep. Sarah and I hit a Centergy class which was just what my sore ole body needed (and now I have a set date to teach half a class on Tuesday evening). Also dropped the kiddos off at a (lovely!) Parent's Afternoon Out at a local preschool. My mom, Sarah, Erik and I tooled around Charlotte's uptown giving the tour (and really, it was amazing how little I know about this fair city. Blame it on the kiddos.)

Worst Part of the Day - Found out my dear sister-in-law's mom is not doing well. This woman is a lovely, lovely person and it makes my heart hurt. Especially as my sister-in-law just had that sweet baby six weeks ago. I prayed tonight for the first time in a long, long while.

Wednesday December 2, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Picking up Liam from preschool. He showers me with cutest boy love and affection anytime I come back into the picture. "Just one more hug", he'll say and "European kiss" (side cheek smoochies). My sweet treat.

Worst Part of the Day-

When the kids and I dropped Will-O off at the train station and he said, "See you guys in a week and a half." Backstory: We had an agreement that I could have a few hours a day to complete the screenplay for a dramatic television series I am writing (don't worry, I would still work and clean/maintain home and prep organic meals from scratch, but he would have kid activs covered for 2 hours each eve for 5 days) and the calendar says he would be back 12/8. Tonight said he would be gone in Michigan through all next week (12/12?). He has shows booked 12/4, 12/5 and 12/6 and that's all I know.

Tuesday December 1, 2009

Best Part of the Day-

Cranked out some work in the day and cranked through much V. Mars at night. (Am obsessed and do not even care now...am a crazed fan who believes I am besties with Ronnie and Logan is my boyfriend...)

Worst Part of the Day-

Kids were soooooo wound up during the normally calming bedtime ritual. I had to employ my "Mama Smackdown Crackdown" (which is simply lights off and doors closed--usually they can have doors open and fall asleep while reading.) Scarlet screamed out a sassy retort in response to the Crackdown, "Good, I don't want my lights on or door open!" Everything I threatened to do or take away was, "Good, I like that" or "good, I don't want tv anyways." Then Liam chimed in and both were unphased by anything I could throw out there and were laughing maniacally as it was clear I had (temporarily) lost all leverage. I was not prepared for my 6 and 2 year-old kids to answer with such 'Tween sing-songiness--I believe I was speechless. It killed. And not in a funny way.

Happy Birthday to Seanie!!! Thinking of you and getting ready to celebrate with you on Friday!! (If the kids weren't going bonkers we all would have left a b-day song--not just my tone-deaf self...)

Monday November 30, 2009

Worst Part of the Day-

While checking my voice mail during a work break I received an cryptic message from my mom stating curtly, "Call me when you get this." The next voice mail was her audibly crying saying, "He died..." I didn't listen to the rest of the message and called her ASAP with a sick feeling in my gut. Turns out our family pet (parental's baby) Golden Retriever named Guinness died today. He was 11.5 years and died after having a tumor removed from his hip. It was not expected. Scarlet reflexively slapped her hand to her mouth when I told her the news. My mom sounded so sad--it was heartbreaking. As I always say, death sucks. I hate it.

Best Part of the Day-

I was pretty freaked when I heard my mom's messages. I forgot that Guinness was having a planned surgery today and when I heard her sobbing and say the words "he died", I am only glad it was not another he that died. (Which is what I thought for a solid 25 seconds.) Whew and omg. Nothing like a little premature ventricular contraction for this baboon heart.

Toast: Cheers to Guinness--the dog with the best life eva. I am sorry my severe allergies allowed me to only virtually pet you for the last many years, but you were a good Buddy Boy, indeed and you will be missed. Prayers and hugs.