Tuesday June 29, 2010

Best Part of the Day - To the gym and then hangin' with my friend J. Is there anything better than a pal you can be your bitchy self with? Don't think so.

Worst Part of the Day - Called the fridge repairman this morning and he said he would be over this afternoon. At 4:30 p.m. I figure it's not longer 'afternoon' and I call and leave a voicemail. At 5:30 p.m. I call and leave another voicemail. At 6:10 p.m. I call and leave my last voicemail of the evening. THEN I write down everything that has happened with this repair day by day and e-mail it to him. Getting myself geared up for small claims court. I hoped to never sue anyone ever - but I will sue this dude. I am TIRED of the runaround.

Monday June 28, 2010

Worst Part of the Day - Refrigerator starting beeping .... signifying a low internal temperature. JUST LIKE BEFORE THE $$$ FIX. Hmmm. Not pleased. Called the repairman and no call back.

Best Part of the Day - Oh that Wes. He will be swimming in a matter of weeks. And what a SHOW OFF - the swim coach had to finally sit his excited arse down and tell him gently "shhhhh". His stoic bro simply chewed on his shirt sleeve and made some minor strides (which are pretty major really). We ran home to beat the rain and snuggled in for the evening.

Tuesday June 29, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

Stolen vehicle located. This confirms it was stolen! (Did not know I lived the Grand Theft Auto life...) Policia stopped car due to traffic violation and the driver took off on foot. Cops thought he was maybe drinking and driving and then they ran the plates...nice police work. Car not yet back in possession, but will be by tomorra.

Worst Part of the Day-

The standard ol miscommunications with Will-O. May desire a sounding board, but even I am super sick of talking about any of it.

Note: Wonderful to see how much fun kiddies are having at summer camp. Liam said at dinner that he "already has a nickname." I naturally asked what the nickname is and he said with a large grin, "Buddy!" I didn't have to the heart to tell him maybe it's just that the staff don't yet know his name. Scarlet got miffed with this piece of info and crossed her arms in a huff and said, "Aw, a nickname?! On the second day of camp...that means Liam is popular!" I didn't have the heart to share my nickname theory with Mizz Sassypants...

Monday June 29, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

4 besties:

1. First day of summer camp for kiddies. Excitement is in the air...

2. Successful interview for potential accreditation at work.

3. Smiling faces and stories post-first day o' camp.

4. Regular length work day (not a 15 hour hell day. First Monday night off in a long while...whoop!)

Worst Part of the Day-

5 things that sucked:

1. Went out to drive kiddies to camp and no car in driveway. Car is gone. Towed? Stolen??

2. Went to garage to get car to drive kiddies to camp. Flat tire. Different tire than days ago...what in the heeeeel?

3. Drove kiddies to camp in existing car with supremely flat tire (no time and it is very close.)

4. Rode bike to work when I needed to be fancy-like and put together--not like a hippie on bike.

5. Called police and discovered car was not towed...he placed a report that it was stolen. What in the serious heeeeel???

Sunday June 27, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

Took the kiddies to beach in afternoon and had a marvelous time. Scarlet and I played frisbee and Liam played independently in the sand and the surf, as little boys should.

Liam fell asleep in the car on the way home so Scar and I had a a lil girls' time in the eve.

She was beyond amazing. She was funny and pleasant and creative and just plain cool to be with. I had to tell her that I notice a large difference between her in a 1:1 setting and how she acts with with Liam (she really seems to stoop down and bug and sass...) She said, "yeah, I know. I just really like to bug him and get him in trouble." Oh my, the candor!

Worst Part of the Day-

I had another over-the-top allergic reaction to my parents' home. Even with benadryl and claritin amy eyes were swollen and crazy itchy. What is up?? It is dust? Old dog hair? There is some major allergen in that home.

Saturday June 26, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

1. Pleasant wedding shower mid-day.

2. Then mom took kiddies to her house so I could have a moment to search to clean, organize and thus, locate "lost", but can hear vibrating cell phone.

3. Slept over at parentals'--complete with beach, dinner, kids all entertained and me resting early with Real Simple mag.

Worst Part of the Day-

1. Scarlet had impromtu play date this morn..made me miss quarterly work-out (could not take non-member child to gym..arrrggh.)

2. Cannot locate cell phone though I can hear the annoying vibration throwing itself across the room.

3. Kids (and oddly Scarlet!) sooooo sassy when trying to leave the house for kid-centric fun. I almost lost it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday June 24, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

Book Club! A fantastic meeting of the minds discussing The Help. Such a bright, informed groups of true friends--we can discuss the hot-button topics (i.e. race, politics, school reform, etc) and always leave more sensitive and better for it. Superficially: it was a picture-prefect night out on the veranda. Yummy delights!

Worst Part of the Day-

Feeling a tad of the good ol mom guilt as my kids were at the sitter's all day for hospital job and then to new sitter's for the evening. Scarlet fell asleep in the car on the way home...what is my option??

Question: Why do I feel such guilt?? I was at book club, for heaven's sake--not a heroin den...

Thursday June 24, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

Totally cranked it out at job #1 in preparation for fancy accreditation peeps coming next week. FYI-I laaa-hovvve the laminator...many things will be laminated in my dorkalicious world comin right up.

Worst Part of the Day-

Ongoing health nightmare for sweet cousin still in the ICU. Needing a miracle.

Wednesday June 23, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

Met my mama at local Park N Ride to transfer the kiddies into her care this evenineg as I am on-call tonight and Will-O in Chicago.) Nice to just regain some calm.

And no call-ins!!

Worst Part of the Day-

The mildly hectic morning gig of feeding, cleansing and readying 3 to be out the door at 7:15am--non-fun.

Sunday June 27, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Mid afternoon boat ride to beat the heat.

Worst Part of the Day - Wes earned his Leapster today. We've been keeping chore charts for two months now (I'm hardcore - mama can giveth stars and can taketh away the stars). Not to mention that these video games are $50 each - I don't know that I ever got a present that expensive. If I did, I didn't get anything else. Anyways - back to 2010, we thought that:

A. Wes had earned it so he deserved it (the kiddo will do ANYTHING for a star! Will stop bad behavior, pick up the basement, go to his room. Quinn is less enthused. Understatement).

B. This would spur Quinn to earn his own Leapster. Hells no am I dealing with just one Leapster. But Quinn really is not motivated by the stars/chore chart.

Well Quinn upon seeing Wes get the Leapster just calmly said "I will use it when Wes goes to sleep." Um no. Then he said "well I will just watch Wes." Wes either wanted Quinn around him or tried to run away from Quinn with the Leapster. Then on the boat Wes kept saying "I want to go home. I want to play my Leapster." He said this over and over and over and over and over (and you get the picture.) Then more drama with Quinn, Wes and the Leapster upon arriving home. Wes lording it over Quinn and the like. I am wanting to put my head through the wall. SO SO SO SO SO ANNOYING. D#$M YOU TO H#LL LEAPSTER (and yes, I know it's just new and the love will fade, but still very frustrating). Meanwhile Quinn is still not motivated to earn his own Leapster. Shaking me head.

Saturday June 26, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Birthday party at the pool. Very fun (and Pirate themed - clearly did not get my PC note regarding the thieving and murdering. Heh heh.) Then home for a rest before STORYTIME LIVE. Yes, we've never done it before - but we took our kiddos to one of those live children's shows. This one had four stories from Nick Jr. They did pretty good (I mean, isn't that like saying they like lollipops? A show geared totally toward them - if they can't sit thought that, then we are in trouble.) Then off to (ahem) Olive Garden. Oh yes. We've had this $25 gift card from God knows where hanging around maybe since Jacksonville?? Wes was in heaven eating two plates of salad, spaghetti with meatballs, minestrone soup (hey, that's mine!) and then splitting this berries, sorbet and creme deal. Bourgeois evening complete.

Worst Part of the Day - Is there ever some little kid who just bugs you for some reason or another? There was one at the pool party and I felt like he was constantly around me.

Friday June 25, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Erik home!! Friday Night Lights marathon. We've been DVRing them. I want to be Tami Taylor when I grow up. It's soooo good. We stayed up way too late.

Worst Part of the Day - Hauled boyz to Trader Joe's to return the wrong Greek Yogurt. I'm heading back to the service desk with correct eight containers in my arms when I hear a clear cry of distress from Quinn. I run and dump the yogurt down and run toward Quinn - he comes in for a hug and I see just red around his eye. Everyone is in an uproar. Seems he walked right into the corner of a wine display and knocked the under eye area of his right eye (whew - just a little further up and it might have been severe damage!) It was bleeding and getting puffy. A store manager comes back with a box of Joe's O's (like Oreos) and gives them to Quinn. We make it back to the car with two seriously fired up boys regarding these cookies. I buckle them in and give each a cookie and Quinn says "You hurt your eye and you get COOKIES!" Excellent - 4.5 years of NOT giving the child a treat when he hurts himself undone in an instance. I told him that this was only done in stores. Then I asked "was it worth it?? That eye looks like it hurts." Wes answered "oh yes - the cookies are GOOD."

Thursday June 24, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Taught Centergy as a sub today. Then off to the pool to hang with the neighborhood ladies and sit in the pool. The pool water is not really refreshing - far too warm. But it feels go to just be IN water.

Worst Part of the Day - Realized that I bought the wrong kind of Greek Yogurt at Trader Joe's. That's EIGHT containers of the wrong Greek Yogurt at the 25 minute away Trader Joe's. Double sigh.

Wednesday June 23, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Walked into Wes' room at preschool to pick him up and realized it twas Pirate Day when he turned to me, pulled down his eye patch and said "arrrgghhh." There was much talk of X marking the spot, gold coins and Ahoy Mateys. It is funny to me that we glorify pirates to the preschool set - I mean aren't they thieves and murderers? Shiver me timbers - clearly I'm being way to PC.

Successful run to Trader Joe's with my little pirates - low drama. And Wes is just about swimming! Whoa! Q ... well he's working on putting his head in the water :)

Worst Part of the Day - Sweltering. Simply Sweltering. Can't do anything but play inside or hit the pool.

Tuesday June 22, 2010

Best Part of the Day - A working fridge, a grocery run and hanging with my pal J before preschool pick up.

Worst Part of the Day - Still feeling the tiredness from the weekend fun, fun. But cannot get myself to go to bed.

Tuesday June 22, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

Spontaneously took the kids to one of the neighborhood pools as soon as I picked them up from the sitter. It was hot, hot, hot at 5pm and gorgeous as it gets. I get such a kick out of watching Liam (and all the kiddies) laugh and beam at the sheer joy of running through and splashing in the water. Pure joy. Scarlet was instantly surrounded by 3 "new friends" laughing and playing and Liam was happy as a clam to trounce about solo. The sheer glee a neighborhood pool can bring is pretty priceless.

Worst Part of the Day-

Both kids have NOT been listening well or settling down for bed per my usual militant demands. Yes, I know there is bright sunshine until 9pm and there are kids and adults clearly running around playing and the damn ice cream truck cruising around all hours, but my oldest has spent the last 6.5 years hitting the sack at 7pm. I fear those days are numbered.

In what may pan out to be one of my poorer parenting moves, I told the kids that I hired a "non-listening elf" to watch them for their listening and non-listening behaviors. Instantly Scarlet burst into tears, "You mean a creepy little elf will be in my room at night??" I back peddled a bit, but stuck to my story (no, it isn't a monster...yes, it is smaller than Liam...no, it can't and won't harm them...yes, it smiles, no it doesn't have fangs...geez). Scarlet seemed pretty freaked out overall and Liam seemed intrigued to know of a fella smaller than him.

(I just needed some new, inventive motivation for my offspring. Charts don't have staying power, "X"'s don't work, the "thinking step" doesn't carry over into actual life, taking away treats/privileges is old and bribing never really worked for these two...

I just want listening on the first time. i.e. "Hey guys, time to go." "Yes, Mom, here we come!")

After night time smooches, Scarlet asked, "If you hired him you can fire him, right??" Maybe this non-listening elf is making an impression already?? (Or is this called a scare tactic?)

Monday June 21, 2010

Worst Part of the Day-

Called in to hospital from 11:30pm-3:30am and then had to be back there at 7am. One of the cases last night ended in a code blue sitchy and it just annoyed me.

Best Part of the Day-

My RN Manager at the hosp is a mother to all and made me go home and go to sleep at 11:30ish this morn. I did as Mom/Mary said. I took a serious nap (prior to job #2 evening duties) as the home was empty and it replenished like no other. When I awoke I felt like I had sleep through job #2 duties--I was soo rested. The kids came in my room at about 3pm and were shocked to see my in my bed mid-day. Scarlet said, "I thought you weren't going to take a nap until after I am 18!" After I explained my long night on-call and the nutty case, Liam said plainly, "well that makes perfect sense" in his Bronx accent. (Me sweets.)

Sunday June 20, 2010

Happy Dad's Day to ya.

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O took out me/kiddies for Mexican fare ( a lil World Cup on the tube) and then we went to south shore beach. Delightful time on beach and super cool kid play zone. Lovin Bay View more each day.

Worst Part of the Day-

My pager went off at 11:15pm. What the???

Monday June 21, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Erik took Wes to the pool in Hilton Head this morning and a woman remarked "what a happy child you have! He just seems so very, very happy." Whoa - gold star this day. Last year I couldn't keep him at the pool for more than 20 minutes, this year he's getting compliments. And nice to finally arrive back home.

Worst Part of the Day - Did not sleep well last night. Feeling very tired. Then the drive from Hilton Head to home was brutal. Seemed to take FOREVER. We drove into our neighborhood and then right to the pool for swim lessons. I then drug them from the pool, fed them, bathed them, put them to bed and then about collapsed myself. Mama tired.

Sunday June 20, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Slept in and headed to Hilton Head to reunite with babes and Nana. Went to the beach around 4ish and it was divine. The waves were crashing and the water was cozy. Boyz in heaven.

Worst Part of the Day - Tired. Need a buffer day to nap before seeing the babes. But was missing them.

Wes - Nana tells us this story. She and Quinn are on the floor reading a book when the doorbell rings. They get up to answer the door and there is Wes. Seems he figured out how to open the back door, snuck out and then went around to the front door. I was dying laughing. I could see Erik thinking about the pond out back, crocodiles, running in the road .... but I'm just picturing Quinn and Nana looking at each other and wondering "who could be at the door?"

Saturday June 19, 2010

Best Part of the Day - slept in and then off on a walk for Iced Coffee (am officially addicted). Then Erik and I went to our friends house - they have a screened in pool. We just jumped on in. Then there was this amazing moment when Erik went to Alex's hotel (he is the assistant manager) and I spur of the moment decided to get a pedicure. It felt so .... spontaneous. Made me kind of giddy. Lovely. I picked up a five drink better off Erik and we headed to the OMS graduation. Good to see all the old residents and talk about the old times.

Worst Part of the Day - Not in bed until 2 a.m.

Friday June 18, 2010

Worst Part of the Day - Packing the bags, kiddos and dog in the minivan for our trip to Hilton Head. The kiddos are going to Camp Nana for the weekend (Erik's mom) and the dog is going to Camp Alex (Erik's brother) for a month. Although I only needed to pack kiddos and myself for three days, it somehow felt like a Herculean task. Sweaty, annoying work. Also had to stop at three different McDonalds on the way down ... going to write them a letter about remembering catsup.

Best Part of the Day - Erik met Nana, the babes and I at the HHI 95 exit and then he and I vamoosed to Jacksonville for some kid-free fun. Had sushi, beers, martinis and some relaxing fun.

Saturday June 19, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
1. Gettin er done: Returned clothes, planted flowers and did general tending o' the home. The kiddies were grand helpers on this beautious day.
2. Mild relaxing: started in next book club selection, The Help, (I know everyone has read..) and I am a likin. Oddly makes me wanna hire some good help meself and just set about the house all damn day...

Worst Part of the Day-
I'm on-call this weekend so I worked much of the day.

Friday June 18, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
I have a friend who is a television show director who lives in NYC. I received a text that she would be in my lovely city tonight and could we meet up?? Whoop, whoop.
We met at her downtown hotel, she treated me to cocktails and sushi (I was told it was covered byt the History Channel...) and then we met the t.v. crew out for beers at an Irish bar. It was HILARIOUS and super fun. The host of the show (The Pickers) was a fan of mine and our collective midwestern bravado. I declare these New Yawkers all left lovin Swill City! Though they were perplexed that I don't have a t.v., let alone cable...

Worst Part of the Day-
Rushed home from work to bathe, dress and get the heel out. The kiddies were non-pleased. You just got home! My littles, Mama has to go out and be wined n dined with the big kids.

Thursday June 17, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Had kiddos at the pool at 10a.m. sharp. Stayed for two and a half hours - then home to meet up with fridge repairman who was one and a half hours late. It turned out that he drove his car into a ditch. AND he did take a good long time to defrost our freezer with a steam vac deal and then cleaned it all up. AND the fridge and freezer do now seem to be working ... too bad it took until 6 p.m.

Worst Part of the Day - Trying to channel my impatience (waiting for the fridge repair dude) into something productive. Did not work.

Wednesday June 16, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Oh how much I can get done without my two sprightly shadows. Double sigh and big hooray for preschool (but really, should be more than two mornings). Cleaned part of the garage for the new fridge to be delivered next week - too bad I didn't do this one week earlier, eh? Also cleaned out the terribly messy back room of the basement. At the pool early again for the swimming lessons - just sat in the pool with the fun friends to beat the heat.

Worst Part of the Day - Well the fridge part is in - but he can't come by until tomorrow. Dinner of champions once again.

Also how many times can two boys need to pee at the pool in a two and a half hour period? Try three times each. Really now. Guess I should just be glad they are not using the pool as the potty.

Tuesday June 15, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Well, friends, after three weeks of being summer camp director AND single mama, I had much pleasure dropping off the babes to preschool summer session. Both my dahls ran into their classrooms without looking back. Met J at the pool for some adult swim/chit chat time. It felt illegal and rather blissful. Upon picking up my boyz they wanted to make sure there was school tomorrow. Oh yes indeedy.

Worst Part of the Day - Called and called the fridge dude until he picked up the phone. The part is still not in. I am so not resourceful - am living on diet pepsi and pretzels. Then the power went out for a hour - perfection for my already (probably) inedible food in the fridge which is nearing the 'unsafe' mark on my temperature gauge.

Wednesday June 16, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
Rode bike to hospital job and it was a gorgeous way to start and end the day.

Worst Part of the Day-
Scarlet may have been exhausted, but she was being a rowdy, non-listening pill before bed. I had to remove all of her (billions) of stuffed animals as a consequence (had not had to do this in over 3 years??) Liam was perplexed by it and said a few times, "I just want to give her a hug...maybe that would help." Why is my 3 year-old acting more mature than my 6 year-old? It was a LOT for me to take.

(Weird) kid quotes:
When pretending I was a Mama bear per Liam's request, he was having difficulty articulating that even though he wanted me to be a bear, he no longer wanted to be a bear. "I am not a bear anymore...I am a, a, one of the people." "You mean a human?", I asked. "No", he whined, "not a human...I mean a person!" Oh my.

As I was telling Scarlet about how my hospital job was today, she made her telltale sour face that has to do with her being sensitive to malodorous scents occasionally found in the hospital zone. As I started in on my generic speech of how to act appropriately when dealing with older folks and hospitals and nursing homes, and pee-pee and poop smells, she cut me off. "It's not so much the pee smell, I can handle that now. It's that strange rotten lasagna smell I can't get over." What?? Double oh my.

Tuesday June 15, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

Volunteered at Scar's school's Staff Appreciation Brunch this morn. Had a chance to give out teacher thank you notes and gifts--whew. I love this crew.

Also cranked through work at job #1 which allowed me to cut out early and take a small napper in the quiet home before kiddies arrived. Absolutely divine!!!

Worst Part of the Day-

I have no clue when I can get down to Chicago to help/see/support my friend who going through her own mini-hell with her little guy and cancer and the whole bit. When can I swing it? It seems super duper lame to even utter the words "I'm too busy"...yuck.

Monday June 14, 2010

Best Parts of the Day-

#1 Cousin J.'s B-day today and I heard he sat up in bed (this is 11 weeks of ICU...eeek.) Happy Day and keep it comin!!

#2 Completed our fitness unit at work with the Presidential Fitness Challenge today. The girls pulled it out.

#3 Scarlet's last day of kindergarten! She is officially in 1st grade...omg. A glowing report card for our sweet!

Worst Part of the Day-

Needing my assistant again:

Need to pick up car with fresh and new tire from car place.

Need to get teacher thank yous in order, a few b-day cards and the like.

Need to sleep after my 15 hours o'labor.

Sunday June 13, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

Sis Mar and I threw a wedding shower for sis-to-be, A-Lo. Well, it was at Babs' home, so really Babs did a bunch of work...Nonetheless, it all worked out and the weather held out and I believe all attendees had much enjoyment--and A-Lo and Seanie received muy nicey gifts. Success.

Worst Part of the Day-

Kinda beat after my busy weekend.

Saturday June 12, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

Scarlet had her city-wide track meet today. So hilarious to see her and all the littles running their hearts out! A friend and her cuteness met us there as well as G-ma Barb. A nice day overall.

Worst Part of the Day-

This was an 8-hour day of track and fielding. We arrived with bells on at 9am and when 5pm rolled around Liam was a whiney mess, Scarlet was miffed at how long the awards ceremony was and I needed a latte or a beer--STAT. I thought I was going to fall over.

Friday June 11, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

Had a work outing/Brewer game this eve. Cuz S. and I rode bicycles to Miller Park with ease. A great game (back-to-back homers), always entertaining to see co-workers whoopin it up and smile-inducing to just ride the bikes--feel like a little kid every time! Also, befriended the current bike security team at Miller Park and tried to fanagle our way onto the staff when we learned there are no other females--looks to be a fun and semi-EZ job...

Worst Part of the Day-

Hot, humid and tons of traffic...got home in time to quickly bathe and get the kiddies settled for my exit. Kinda hectic. Will-O just obliviously playing the piano as I am trying to ready myself, kids, etc. As Cuz S. stated, "could he (Will-O) be more unhelpful??" No. No one could/would.

Monday June 14, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Brought boyz to the pool about a hour before swim lessons and just sat in the water (which barely cools you off - feels more like bath water). Then we went over to my friend J's house for an impromptu dinner party (her husband is out of town). Sangria, bean dip and pizza for the boyz. Divine. Low drama from the four boyz. Home by 8 p.m. I was asleep by 9 p.m.

Worst Part of the Day - Again with the 95 degrees and 100% humidity. Also lack o' fridge is cramping my eatin' style. Called fridge repairman and was not called back. What the ....

Sunday June 13, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Slept in until after 9 a.m. Chris brought over lattes in the morning (after his triathlon!) and we chatted for a bit. Then later in the afternoon we went on a boat ride and I just sat in the water with the boyz. It had to be over 100% humidity and 95 degrees. Whoa.

Worst Part of the Day - Probably that 95 degree/100% humidity thing. Boooooo. Also watching the waste of time movie 'Edge of Darkness' with Mel Gibson. Confusing and kind of dumb.

Saturday June 12, 2010

Worst Part of the Day - Wes had me up five times during the night (for no good reason - just to cover him or tell him "no you can't come into my bed.") So I was dragging the entire day. Just felt beat and like I was going to nod off.

Best Part of the Day - Chris and Erik went boat hunting. Then Erik took the kiddos to the pool for two hours. Then kiddos went right to bed and Chris, Erik and I (Ann and kiddos are in Hilton Head) ordered food. Restful and relaxing.

Friday June 11, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Left the house at 9:45 a.m. and arrived home at 5:20 p.m. Five hours and twenty minutes of that time was spent at the pool. Friends, margaritas (thank you Christine!), pizza and happy, happy kiddos. What a change from last year when Wes could only last twenty minutes at the pool. Quite a jump there.

Worst Part of the Day - Arriving home with kiddos after five hours and twenty minutes at the pool. A mad mess of wet bathingsuits, whining kiddos and tired me. Mama need (another) drink.

Thursday June 10, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Subbed in for another teacher at the gym this morning. Later in the day we met with a Marquette development fellow at McDonald's for a chat. This dude is friends with my parents (somehow) and had the best Wisco accent I've heard in a good long while. Made me miss it all.

Worst Part of the Day - The monster of a fridge is going to have a monster bill o' repair. Until the part comes in, I am shutting it off twice a day to let the ice defrost on the defroster coils (or something like that). Luckily - it is still in the 'safe' zone in regard to food temperature but is rather annoying. Still, aren't we lucky to have indoor refrigerator at all (or am I just a weirdo?)

Thursday June 10, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
The girls at job #1 had a talent show for their last day of school. It was comical....and super cute, quite funny and highly entertaining overall. A Journey song a capella, a Diva vs. Hustler gangsta rap/dance, original choregraphed moves to a Lipgloss hit, a sign language dance, a praise Jesus dance, an off-key country tune and an emo punk song whispered to the crowd in official teen angst mode. It rocked. I would've loved Scarlet to witness all of this performing.

Worst Part of the Day-
Got a flat tire. (No worries as I have AAA...and even less worries that I don't have any health issues pressing on myself of kidlets...)

Wednesday June 9, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
Simply laying down on soft mattress with the kiddies.

Worst Part of the Day-
Found out that friend's son had successful nephrectomy, but now has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer with spots noted on his lungs. I talked to her husband today and it was the most tear-filled conversation I have had in awhile. My heart is breaking: for the little guy, his twin sis who just wants to make it all better--and my friends. How do you watch your child in pain???

Tuesday June 8, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
Simply resting at the end of this day.
Will-O took Liam for the eve so Miss S. and I had a relaxing "girl's night".

Worst Part of the Day-
Health Nightmares:
Finally talked to Cuz K. after weeks and weeks about her brother who remains in the ICU for the last 10 weeks. Now he is post-2 liver transplants and it just seems like nothing is going his way. He is my age and has a B-day next week and had a wedding date the following week. Arrrgggh.

After Cuz K., got a message that my dear, sweet friend's 4 year-old son was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on his left kidney. On Monday all was well, on Tuesday they are planning for a surgery to remove his kidney...what is up?????
As a nurse, I am someone who is generally low key in the wake of medical horror, but this...all of this makes me feel physically ill. I feel for all those in pain. And trust me, there is much pain and uncertainty involved.

Monday June 7, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
Kind of a funny day at hosp job. Since our Physician Assistant, Phil, is on vacation this week, our doc knicknamed me "Mini Phil" and had me rounding on all the IR patients in house. Actually fun and easier than my normal work.

Worst Part of the Day-
Just my standard 15 hours of Monday workin fun.

Sunday June 6, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
Impromptu fun: impromptu beach (Lake Michigan, y'all!) with kiddies and then last minute hanging with friend and her awesome 4 year-old. Impromptu visit from parentals in the eve. Trying to enjoy the little things...

Worst Part of the Day-
Good help is hard to find...2 lawn men (totally different lawn services!) failed to call or show up this weekend...good lord.

Saturday June 5, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
Watching Miss S. in her track practice...those little legs a'runnin! Then watching Little Man L. getting his summer hair cut in the big boy chair. My loves.

Worst Part of the Day-
How do I put this nicely? Maaa-jorrr sitter issues. Finally solidified a sitter: a niece of a hospital co-worker/friend. And then major issues....perhaps the teenage set is just not as normal as they once were (circa 1984), thus I failed to make it to sista-in-la-to-be's Bachelorette party....arrrggghh.

Wednesday June 9, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Headed to this park deal about a hour north of Charlotte with my pal M and her two boyz. The park was perfection for the under 5 set - petting zoo, 'wildlife' area, carousel, train ride (lasting about three minutes - but all boyz had eyes as big as saucers) and a huge playground. Outdoor family friendly fun (including outdoor picnic) for four plus hours. Wes began to lose it at the end - but was successfully diverted by another carousel and train ride. Nice improvement from the old days when he just would have lost it and continued losing it until we left. He was asleep in moments after leaving the park.

Worst Part of the Day - Came home to a beeping sound from the fridge .... at first I thought we had left the door open. But now it looks like it's not cooling very well? I shut off the alarm and tried upping the temperature ... and it's cooling, but only to about 47 degrees. How do I know this? My handy dandy refrigerator temperature gauge I bought when we had all those issues in our rental house. I'd love to try and do some troubleshooting but this fridge is a built in MONSTER. I'll give it the night and see what happens.

Tuesday June 8, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Successful trip to Discovery Place with boyz. A full two hours of scienc-y fun.

Worst Part of the Day - Very tired from Wes getting me up in the middle of the night (that's two nights running .... booo.)

Quote - Today I said to Wes "You're so cute. I love you so much." And he replied "yes, and when I get old I never call you." This is a running joke I have with Quinn (who I do think might not call me all that much - he already is very frustrated with my "TOO MANY QUESTIONS." But that's funny coming from a kiddo who asks me 25 questions a hour.) Anyway I have not said this to Quinn in at least two months. Amazing what they will remember (and then use against you).

Monday June 7, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Erik takes kiddos to the playground for two plus hours. They are red cheeked and happy, happy when they arrive home.

Worst Part of the Day - Erik leaving and he looks exhausted. Drive safe, my sweet.

Sunday June 6, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Erik and boyz head off on the boat. I teach my class and then run by the grocery store to pick up some items. So blissfully relaxing to do it on my own. Then Erik picks me up on the jet ski and we zoom (me diving - whoo hoo that thing can haul) over to the sand bar (aka our own Redneck Riveria). One of my friends is there with her family. Quinn floats in a lifejacket (without freaking out). I hang in the water and reeeellllaaaxxx.

Worst Part of the Day - Kiddos just bouncing off the walls by the time we get home (Wes is insisting we stop by the pool. Um - you've been boating for SIX hours.) I swear you cannot tire these two out - or rather, you can tire them out but then they act terribly. Hold it together, preschool friends.

Saturday June 5, 2010

Worst Part of the Day - The painting crew showed up this a.m. (unannounced) and proceeded to try and fix all the f&*kups. So I had to stay in the house (with doors and windows open - they did not do this the first time around) while E took boyz to soccer. Then Wes is being a pill so he does down for a forced nap. So I send E and Quinn out on the boat with Chris and the boys. It's hot n' buggy in the house - boooo. Meanwhile, the painters finish and then the dude in charge tells me that they need to be paid right away as that is their paycheck for the week. But we need E to go over the job ... so they all (E, Quinn, Chris, boys, other pal and his daughter) have to end the boating and come over and it all blows up as the job is still not done very well. It ends on a sour note and truly through no fault of ours .... I mean is it too much to expect good, detail orientated work?? Booo.

Best Part of the Day - Impromptu dinner party with Chris, Ann, kiddos and other couple and their daughter. Good fun as always with take out Asian fare, roasted marshmallows o'er the fire pit and sangria. I think Erik's best part of the day was sangria and worst part of Sunday was sangria. Heh heh.

Friday June 4, 2010

Worst Part of the Day - Still not feeling very swell. Took boyz to see Shrek 3 (or is it 4? Can't recall). They did make it through the movie - but I have a feeling it was due to:

a. M&M bribes (at 9:40 a.m.)

b. Me saying "we are going straight home after this if you don't make it until the end."

Much squirming, musical chairing and the like.

We've been getting our house pressure washed and painted over the past, oh I don't know, six weeks. And the job is not very good. So E and the dude in charge had it OUT this evening (p.s. you might not want to approach someone when they've just driven close to 3 hours after working. Just sayin').

Best Part of the Day - The Shrek movie had a very nice message (if you are male and bored/annoyed with your wife and kiddos ... you might just not realize what you got.)

Friday June 4, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

Getting done with this somewhat long & crazy work week! Took Scarlet with me to job #2 after job #1 and it was fairly seemless.

Made a delightful Asian inspired din.

Worst Part of the Day-

Though I have a lead on the sitter front, nothing is set in stone. Ho hum.

Thursday June 3, 2010

Best Part of the Day-

Little Man L. had his first official dental cleaning today (I guess I though kiddies had to be 4 or 5 to do this as I was glared at by Pediatrician last week for not taking him last year--wth??) He was such a biggun in the chair and quite pleased to pick a toy from the universal Treasure Chest of the DDS.

Worst Part of the Day-

After an odd game of can't secure a sitter--oh one canceled--found another!--oh that one can't do overnights--this one has strep throat...current status for sista-to-be bachelorette party in 2 days is: no sitter. (Note: all 5 family back-ups will be out of town this weekend: Babs, T. Sally, Kel and SEL...and Will-O attending respective bachelor party--wth??)

Thursday June 3, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Chuck E. Cheese with J and her boys (and one extra boy). The kiddos loved the 'Vegas' (isn't it really just Vegas for children in there?) Wes spent all his tokens and then had a lesson in "might want to slow down and savor them" as I would not buy him any more. Quinn getting quite good at Air Hockey - I actually tried to beat him toward the end. Hmm - maybe I'm just not very good. Then dropped off the kiddos at M's house and went for a chair massage and haircut. Then picked up boys and headed home with ten minutes until the babysitter came over. J dropped off her kiddos at my house and we met a bunch o' lasses out for dinner and Sex and the City 2. I enjoyed it all - margs, crab cake, movie. Nice.

Worst Part of the Day - So stuffed up on one side of my nose that I couldn't close my mouth to chew. Nothing is draining - just all pressure and stuffiness. But margs did make it feel betta for a bit.

Wednesday June 2, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Met my two pals J and M with their two boys each at the spray park which was cool, uncrowded family fun time. My boyz joyfully sprang into the water (spraying from the ground under a tent so it was completely shaded) and ran themselves into red cheeked glows. Lunch at this park. Then to Baskin Robbins/Dunkn' Donuts (did you know iced coffees are only .99 cents right now? Right on!) Then M dropped off her two at my house so she could grocery shop in a relaxed, sane way. The four played soooo nicely even while exhausted. No worries!

Second set of swim lessons - almost canceled due to thunder.

Worst Part of the Day - Sore throat is still there but now I seem to have a head cold - all pressure and feeling somewhat stuffed up. Summer cold? Allergies? Kind of miserable.

Clarence escaped again and I was given a lecture by the person who found him.

Wes (most unfortunately) has my hate o' authority and coaches. Such a snot to Coach Jess at swim lesson .... she told him to put his hands over his head and he just looked at her and said "no." As every other kiddo waited patiently with their hands in perfect 'shark fin' over their heads. Ummm - who's kid is that?

Tuesday June 1, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Met up with a pal and her two boyz for some playland fun. They all played for two plus hours (!) with no drama. (They had been separated for a week and a half so it was happy reunion time. Wes and Connor mutually acknowledge that they are "bwest fweinds" although Wes is enamored with C's older bro as he instinctively knows that older kids are 'cooler'.

First set of swim lessons at our neighborhood pool (roughly a 30 second drive, three minute walk). Coach Jess is the bomb - got both boys putting their faces in the water even after Wes declared he would NOT.

Worst Part of the Day - A slight sore throat that began yesterday seems to be getting worse. Booo.

Also finished the entire Arrested Development series this morn and I am having Bluth family withdrawal.

Wednesday June 2, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
Hitting the sack. Oh so sleepy this whole day/night.

Worst Part of the Day-
Now it must be me...today I swear this RN I am orienting was being snippy and kinda weird/rude to me today (and again, I haven't thought someone was mad at me since, well, never...clarification: I know when someone is mad at me...) and we had been down right chummy working together for 3-ish weeks...
Anyhoo, I don't konw whether this RN was getting stressed due to the cases or what, but it was odd. I will sleep on it. We don't need to be BFF's, but WTH?

Also, Liam awoke last night burning alive with fever and sobbing from midnight to 2am...sleeeepy.

Tuesday June 1, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
Started watching All the President's Men via laptop in my bed at nightfall. A goodun. I forget that I enjoy R. Redford.

Worst Part of the Day-
I swear my 80-ish year-old neighbor gave me a fake/annoyed "hi" this evening as we met simulaneously taking out our garbages. This is coming from someone who never thinks people are "mad at me". But I have a hunch she is/was pissed. What happened?? Me? WillO? The kidlets??

Monday May 31, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
Happy Memorial Day! Met the kiddies out at my parentals' home. Hit some tennis balls with Pops and it was delightful. Yummy easy din created by Babs. Really great!

Worst Part of the Day-
Worked mini shifts for both jobs this morn. Is this not a holiday, Party Peeps??

Sunday May 30, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
Kiddies delivered to my parents' home for serious child-centric fun (parks, beach, parade!) Will-O and I headed to a mutual friend's 40th B-day party. Quite fun, funny and relaxing in the goegeous Wisconsin outdoors. Great to see some old buds as well!!

Worst Part of the Day-
Called in again this morn for hospital job...come on, now.
Standards annoyances in the evening...

Saturday May 29, 2010

Best Part of the Day-
With a friend their child took the kiddies to the childrens' museum in the late afternoon (Logic=it was such a beautiful day that no one will be there...kinda.) It was awe-to the-some! The kiddies were pretty perfect and I love this museum. I do want to live forever and ever in the tiny town. Scarlet was hilarious as a deli worker--whipping up sammies, answering the phone with perfect etiquette and handling the line of customers with ease and delight. Liam has his affinity for only the blue collar activs--garage and postal worker for sure. He scoffed at the bank teller, "that's not play--that's work!"

Worst Part of the Day-
1. On-call this weekend and got called in this morn...had to go into other job this eve...
2. After a fun, fun day--a Will-O argument. As I was rounding up the wild chilluns at 9pm for a bath and bedtime beginning he proclaimed "I'm taking them to my mom's!" (We had not discussed this and they were ready to go down.) One kid started cheering, one started crying and I had to throw in the "please communicate better and chaos could be avoided." Also, if I knew the kiddies would have been exiting for the night I would have postponed going to #2 job. Arrggghhh.

Monday May 31, 2010

Worst Part of the Day - Rained from dawn til dusk with more forecasted for the entire week. Erik took off about 5 p.m. for F-Ville.

Best Part of the Day - Fairly relaxing day hanging out at the homestead. Uno, movies, computer, tv .... no naps (I would have LOVED one but kept getting interrupted.)

Sunday May 30, 2010

Worst Part of the Day - Slight GI distress - too much taco bar?

Best Part of the Day - BOATING with Chris, Ann, Erik and all the kiddos. A hot, sunny day with lots o' swimming, sunning, water skiing, tubing and eating. Wes at one point sighed and said "Daddy - I LOVE the boat." Then back to our house for more eats - kiddos all exhausted from the past two days. Carson didn't even make it to dinner.

Finally watched the Lost Season Finale. What the .... must do some research as I am a bit confused. But overall I did enjoy and am sad to have it over. What a show.

Saturday May 29, 2010

Worst Part of the Day - Is time bending? Am I on some crazy Lost type trip? Today FLEW. It seemed I could not ... get .... ahold.... on .... getting it all done.

Best Part of the Day - Headed (late, as I was rushing around) to Chris and Ann's for a Memorial Day BBQ/B-Day Party for Jack and Carson. Good ole family fun - hot dogs, taco bar, drinks, pinatas, kiddos running to and fro. It is simply amazing how easy it is now to bring our kiddos to kid-friendly homes. We barely SEE them. And the day began with rain and turned into a warm, sunny day. Lovely.

Friday May 28, 2010

Best Part of the Day - Erik took the babes to the playground this afternoon and I had a two hour stretch of alone time - divine. Too bad it was taken up by unsatisfying busy work (how do I even have that?)

Worst Part of the Day - This was one of those days that just seemed to drragggg on and on and on. It was 2:35 p.m for about three hours.

Thursday May 27, 2010

Best Part of the Day - While walking out of the grocery store with babes in tow this man stops, rolls down his window and says "you must be married even though you don't have on a ring." And I say "oh yes and thank GOD I am. I couldn't do this alone." I'm thinking he is referring to me with two kiddos and no ring (scandal!! heh heh). And then he looks at me, shakes his head and says "well you are just GORGEOUS. Really now, just gorgeous." Then he drives away. Thanks dude - that made my day :)

Also Erik home this evening as he has tomorrow off!

Worst Part of the Day - Wes pooped his pants (again) today. He is now on notice - the bike we gave him in AUGUST for being potty trained is going bye bye next time it happens. Then later in the day he crumpled some UNO cards on purpose, bit off a side of a puzzle piece on purpose and then spilled half a gallon of water on the carpet (possibly an accident). Calgon - take me AWAY.