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.

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....

Friday October 30, 2009

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

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

Thursday October 29, 2009

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

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