Injury of the Day (A Report)

Life is a dangerous sport for Nater Tater lately. In fact, after I told my mom about his latest head injury, she told me I shouldn't be taking him to the grocery store, people are going to think I abuse him. Since he's had 2 incident reports written on him in less than 24 hours, I feel relatively safe rom being arrested at least. However, there are those "questioning glances".

An Explanation:

Yesterday (Sunday) we did our usual routine of running out the door 5 minutes later than we should to get to church. I always take the kids into the sanctuary for the first 15 minutes, after which time Pastor does a children's service, and my kids go to the nursery to play. After church Jack goes to Sunday school, (which incidentally he missed yesterday). All was going well until I took communion and on heading back to my pew, the nursery babysitter came to get me. She was young, but her mom who runs it was there, so I felt safe leaving the kids. Poor Nate had fallen and hit his head. NASTY bump.
So Nasty we almost went to the ER because I was afraid of a skull fracture.

However, I knew he was okay when he broke free from my loving embrace (to hold on an icepack) to eat the donuts that the old people put out for "fellowship" time.

He's fine, by the way. Pastor called last night to see how he was doing, and so did the Nursery Lady. We win an award for sustaining the first injury in the nursery. They never saw my boys coming.

Explanation 2: I try to take the boys swimming every Monday since John works from home. Went early today and was mid-exercise class when the gym babysitter came to tell me that Nate bit his lip and now has a swollen, bleeding lip. Nice.

So, not only does my baby have a head wound he also has a fat lip. As I said, my butt is covered thanks to incident reports. Otherwise, with such an accident prone kid, I may be writing my next blog from the confines of a Child Protective Services Lockdown facility.

Merry Christmas, right?

The Tree

I just wanted to let everyone know that 8 days after sawing down an evergreen in the middle of a forest it is still sitting in my garage undecorated. The goal is to get it up today. Just letting you all know. Christmas Queen is having a tree crisis.

I don't wanna get off on a rant here....

But I really do. There are just things that have been bugging me to no end.

Like, what the HELL is the BIG deal with this Barak Obama anyway? I get it. He's an Illinois Senator who may run for president. I don't know about other states, but this dude is EVERYWHERE. On Oprah. On the news. On Entertainment Tonight. In the papers. On the radio. ENOUGH!!! He's a senator who doesn't seem do be doing any "senating". Just traveling around signing his stupid books. What does he stand for as a Senator anyway? What's he accomplishing in Washington if he's traveling around writing and signing books? Get off your high horse, and do something other than talk about how awesome your trip to Africa was. Be an effective representative for me, will ya?

And another thing. Occasionally I will flip on the t.v. during the day, maybe catch 2 or 3 minutes of Oprah, or the View. Oh, the View. ROSIE. I personally have had ENOUGH of her and can't stand to even think about turning that show on. She dominates every conversation. She interrupts the other hosts. All she can talk about is how everything goes back to being a lesbian and frankly, Rosie dear, I DON'T GIVE A SHIT!!! It's not all about you and your oppression. You are not a good example of a "strong woman with a voice." You're a has been trying to come back. Do something other than thinking you're so cute and funny. Stop calling grown men "Cutie Patooties". You, Rosie, are annoying and are ruining the show. Take that Barbara Walters!!

And really, ENOUGH with Kanye West!! Do you REALLY think that DUBYA hates blacks, or were you just trying to make a stupid statement and sell records? I've heard the non radio approved lyrics to "Golddigger". Do you really think that they're appropriate to be spitting out and then claim WHITE MAN RACISM? Why aren't more people pissed about this? Seriously! I'm with the Dixie Chicks on this one. Practice Freedom of Speech all you want, but then don't go and complain that WHITE MAN keeps you down and then go and use that N word about 800 times in a 3 minute song. Gain some self respect Mr. West. And I'm pretty sure DUBYA doesn't hate blacks, but after your comment, I wouldn't blame him for having personal issues with you. Don't get me wrong on this either. I'm not a DUBYA fan lately. I too,am embarrassed he's from Texas. Hell, at this point I'm also embarrassed I voted for him and feel like a lot of innocent American TEENAGE blood is on my hands thanks to our crappy war in Iraq policy, but that's another rant.

Right now I'm just hoping the war ends before I have to think of sending my beautiful baby boys to Canada (I don't care if it's illegal, I WILL do it). DUBYA and his crappy war are not laying hands on my flesh and blood, especially since we don't know what we're fighting for anymore anyway.

In conclusion, in the words of the wise Forrest Gump: That's all I have to say about that.

Until tomorrow at least.

Yes, they really do that stuff

Today I had a "Wow" moment. It wasn't a good wow though. We dropped Jack off at school. We ran some errands. We went to Ms. Deena's music class. We were early and men were painting in her hallway so we (Nate, Maddie and I) went into an adjacent classroom lest I be the one repainting where there were tiny handprints on the wall.

It was a huge room. HUGE to run around in. And run my 17 1/2 month old did. With my keys. Straight to the ONE non childproofed outlet in the room. I didn't think kids really did that stuff. It was sorta made up by saftey people to scare us new moms. But yes, they really do. Luckily I caught him before he did any damage.

Note to self: Don't tell a child NO when something is dangerous. It gives the allure of the forbidden. Then they'll want to do it even more. Not sure what the other option is, but don't make something bad look appealing by giving it a red light.

Please tell me my kids aren't the only ones trying to electricute themselves!!

Enter the Griswold's

Sunday we we missed Bear's Kickoff to hunt for our fun old fashioned family Christmas perfect Christmas tree. Here it has been spotted by Numero Uno. The tree farm idea is great, they have a warming house with hot cocoa and sell pine cones for a dollar. Our tree came with pinecones anyway I think, so we didn't buy any. Daddy, boys and sharp harmful tools are always a winning combination. Jack did most of the hard labor here. We had such an awesome day too, it was in the mid fifties up here. Sure it was early to get a tree, but why freeze if you don't have to? I'm sure Maddie preferred it this way, as did I. Said tree is still in the garage sitting in water however. Hard to decorate with babies!!!

Thanksgiving!!

Here is the Divine Ms. M. with her first Turkey leg. We went straight from breastmilk to bone- in protein.








Hours and hours of preparation led to this....the
Happy Meal Lion Toy decided he was hungry and wanted some of mom's pumpkin pie. Rarrr!



Check out the food spread here! It was awesome, except for the Brussels Sprouts. On principle they are just gross. Of course, the cranberry chutney sauce and veggie dish (always my faves) were perfection, and 5 days later still are delish!





Brooke's first Thanksgiving...she got one of the turkey legs!!! Mmmmm....

When I was a little kid....

I was informed by my oldest, the one there with the Scooby Doo cup and utensils up his nose that "When I was a little kid mommy, I used to play with those toys". Referring to Nate's toys. Apparently, according to him, he is not a little kid, but "A big Man".

My, how time flies.

Peace

I'm not usually a fan of country music, but can't help love this music coupled with the amazing artistic images. My cousin Erin is an incredible artist, for some reason some of the images made me think of her, and her beautiful talent. I regret only that the ability to create art is not a talent I inherited from my dad's side of the family. She however, was blessed, and I love telling people that I am related to a bona fide artiste!!

Back to the song...There is something so powerfully peaceful about the lyrics, listening to the words makes me realize my babies are ever more precious. There are so many horrible things in this world, I am glad they can "keep the world at bay for me."

I am thankful this year for my blessings times three. Although they never really are "peacefully silent" they are my salvation. Enjoy....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQvD5tdTHW8

Power Rangers at church

Yesterday, Jack had a Sunday School lesson on giving thanks. I'm trying to get him to realize that holidays are more than just presents, Santa Claus and food.

At the end of class, he very proudly showed me the class mural. Kids had said, "I'm thankful for mommy", or 'butterflies' or "birdies". Jack had drawn a blue and black scribble. "Look mom, I'm Thankful for Power Rangers".

Mind you, this is a show he's never seen. He's just been in contact with it because boys at school talk about it (peer pressure at 3?).

I consulted the teacher, did he REALLY say he was thankful for (gasp) Power Rangers??

No, according to her, "He's really Thankful for the Power Rangers he's going to get for Christmas".

Oh, Really, huh?

Hmmm......

Aaaargh Matey!

I just find this photo funny as hell. For some reason, John looks happiest posing with a Pirate Dog. He doesn't even look this happy in our wedding photos. He looks happier than the kids to be standing next to Pirate dog.

As for Pirate Dog, he just looks a little confused. Sorry buddy!! But, hey, he's a great dad, isn't he? Three cheers for Daddy and Pirate Dog!!!

The museum

Today we went to the Big City to the Children's museum. We had a blast.
Below, see Jack in the "climbing schooner" very very high in the air. It was made for kids 5 and up, or so it said. This 3 yr old took it on no problem. His mother however, had a heart attack and watched Nate play in the nearby safety town ambulance.















This is not ET, however after walking around the water exhibit for a while, I was craving Reese's Pieces.






















More in the climbing schooner, and ET trying to drink the water at the exhibit. So Gross.


Digging for dinosaurs was tough work today!!!

The boy can EAT!

I am not entirely sure why, but most of the pictures we have of Nate involve him eating. Sometimes we can get him eating AND sleeping, at the same time. Not many people can participate in their two favorite activities at once, but he has made an Olympic event out of it.

Nate tries to steal others snacks in public. He has been known to eat off the floor (usually while I'm trying to clean the mess he has created with his food). He's been known to attempt to eat inedible objects, like leaves and rocks. Yes, the boy can eat, and when he does, he has a certain panache, if you will.

Forget handi-wipes, Bring in the hose!!

Sweet Girl

Here is the Divine Miss M at her finest...I love the tongue!
She just loves to smile at her Uncle Richie!
She is sooo baldie bald. And she looks just like her brothers. Thank goodness for pink!
I think this one may be my fave. She is just so innocent, and happy, and a great baby!

Full length shot...see how big she's getting? Oh, and notice the one sock. We have a rule in our house...you may only wear one sock at a time.
Thought I'd share these... She's just sweet sweet sweet!

Poo!

I warn you, this blog is not for the squeemish. That being said, I'd like to thank my oldest for the quite visual and fragrant reminders that my bathrooms needed cleaning. Allow me to divulge more....

Monday, I went upstairst to check the progress of teeth brushing, when I encountered a horrid smell in the bathroom. I asked son if he forgot to flush and realized I was standing smack in the middle of a poo Picasso. It was smeared on the floor, the rug, the tub, the toilet, the sink, everywhere. I'd like to think that he was wiping, got some on his hands and proceeded to make art because he couldn't reach the faucet. However, after today I'm pretty sure numero uno has a poo fascination and I'm just grossed out.

Today we headed out to music class and to get Jack a haircut. I noticed a funk in the downstairs bathroom but didn't have time to figure it out until we came home 2 hours later. The boys were eating and I still couldn't find the source of the smell. After Monday's episode, I checked the counters and under the sink, and the garbage. No visual...until that is I opened the potty that hasn't been used for anything other than a stepstool for at least a year.

There, lying in the potty was a man sized poo that was making my bathroom smell like a porta potty. Of course I cleaned it out and disinfected and put the potty in the garage to avoid future issues, but I asked son when he did this. "Well mommy, I did it like, 2 days ago". It could be the truth, or just a bad sense of time for a 3 year old. 2 days ago was Monday though, and possibly just a poopy day in general.

This is the stuff you can't make up, and nobody tells you about this part of parenting. All you hear when you're pregnant is "Sleep now" or "Good luck with labor". Nobody ever says to you, "Hey, you may want to reconsider buying a new home because nobody really appreciates poo remnants smeared everywhere". Speaking of which, do they make the sellers of a house disclose any poo incidents, like they do when someone is murdered or dies in a house???

Parenting at it's finest.

Running

I did a 5K race with Steph today. She paced in at about a 10 minute mile, give or take a few seconds. I was tired since the baby was up at least twice last night and paced a 12 minute mile. Not too bad 3 mos. postpartum and out of shape, but not the greatest either.

It was fun, once you get past all the garbage in your head telling you how much it hurts, and how
crazy you are. Then you look around at the beautiful scenery and enjoy the run because you know at the end there will be food and water, and in some cases even beer (not today though).

The best parts of the race were A.) when I wanted to quit I "hooked up" with another lady and we ran the last 3/4 mile together. It was good motivation and incentive. B.) My sister met me slightly before the finish line and pushed me to the end by running with me. C.) We saw a really hairy guy and could laugh together and "Scary Harry" who by some freak of nature actually had more body hair than my brother, whom we have nicknamed the "Wookie".

We are hoping to do a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. I hope she finds one by her because the one by me doesn't cost anything to enter except a can of food for the food pantry, but doesn't give you a t-shirt either. When you run these things, it's all about the t-shirt.

Oh, and the beer and the food at the end don't hurt either. Thanks Steph, I had fun today!!!

Girl Talk

Thursday the girls came over for our monthly scrapbooking session. They scrapped, I wrote in the baby book. They left around 10:40 ish, at which point John asked me if we always stayed so late to scrapbook and gab. This was followed by a very confused: "But WHAT do you guys talk about for so long?"

Guys don't understand it I guess. Or they're insecure because they probably think we're talking about them, which is sometimes the case but not always. This week, we had riveting conversations about hemorrhoids, incontinence, how loud 3 year olds can be, Grey's Anatomy, the dynamics of the Reese/Ryan divorce, how being pregnant screws with your body and basically destroys it and how much fun THAT is, my new found love of the Momfidence book (www.momfidence.com) and dancing with the stars. We agreed that Mario is a little cocky.

These are all subjects that you simply cannot discuss with your husband, which is why we get together to gab. With your hubbie you're relagated to "safe" topics, such as the kids and bills and politics. Bring up the K-FED EX gossip and you are being tuned out. You can see the little radio of circus music playing in his head as you wonder how fat Tori Spelling is going to get, and how much she'll spend on plastic surgery post-delivery. I can visualize the eye rolling if the TomKat wedding is even brought up...

Yes, that is why girls get together. These things are not necessarily important to us in our lives, but sometimes a little mindless celebrity gossip is fun, especially when you are "on" all day with your kids.

Girl talk is simply essential to the survival of our femaleness. As the Spicegirls said "GIRLPOWER RULES"!!!

Madilynn Grace

Take note mom, the spelling is MADILYNN.

The other day, my parents called to ask how Maddie spells her name. This would have offended someone else, I'm sure, since they only have 2 granddaughters and Brooke isn't easy to forget how to spell.

However, half the time I look at my kids and call them by the wrong name entirely (I've been known to call Jack "Richie", Nate "Jack", and Maddie "Nate"). When strangers ask me how old they are I actually have to STOP AND THINK ABOUT IT, because I've forgotten, and on a bad day, DO NOT even think of asking me how big they were and how much they weighed when they were born. I can't keep that crap straight, and it's all written down somewhere so that I don't have to.

No, I'm not offended when others forget details that I'm lucky myself to remember about the fruits of my loins. I'm lucky I remember they belong to me because believe me, there are days I try to forget!!

Weekly Lessons

Though it is only Thursday, I thought I'd write down a few things I've learned this week:

1. When Jack tells me he is going to "play doctor" at school with the girls, he and I have very different views on what it means to "play doctor".

2. Madilynn does not like baked Tostitos tortilla chips.

3. Madilynn does not like Extreme Cheddar Goldfish Crackers.

4. Madilynn does not like honey flavored Teddy Grahams.

5. It doesn't count as a first solid food if the 16 month old is shoving said food at the 2 month old.

6. Nathan really will bump his head on everything not padded.

7. My children occasionally find it amusing to skip their naps. I disagree with them on this subject.

8. I refuse to "agree to disagree" about aforementioned subject.

9. Jack loves Christmas music almost as much as I do.

10. My children's unending happiness really isn't my problem, now is it?

Camera Thief!

My sister thinks it's funny to take random pictures of herself with other peoples cameras. They usually involve a pose much like this one, only her mouth is usually open. This picture is old, but I thought I'd put the warning out there. Beware where you lay your cameras!! You never know what you're going to get!!!

I am pretty sure at Brooke's college graduation someone will have memories like the one below to look back on fondly.......

Thank god for digital because I used to get entire rolls of this:

OH! The pain of it!!!

I have not been to yoga in a loooong time. I went today after church. I am going to be so so so so sore tomorrow. I'm already sore now. Oh. My. Gosh.

If you don't hear from me for a few days, it's probably because I am lying immobile somewhere (I'd like to think bed, but HA! to that happening) unable to even turn my head because I was massaging my insides using Ujahi (spelling?) breathing. How creepy is that? "Let's massage our internal organs using good breaths". Uh, what??? I love yoga, I do, and I usually feel better afterwards, but please don't tell me I'm massaging my insides.

Anyways, I'd prefer laying on a warm table with someone massaging my tense neck and back...you know, massaging my outsides......

And So It Begins.....

Today on my way to work I discoverd that a local radio station has begun its annual Christmas Themed programming. Meaning, all Christmas music, all the time. I cannot tell you how excited I was driving to work on a cloudy Saturday morning, drinking my coffee and listening to Christmas music.

I am of the opinion that there is no finer holiday season than the Christmas season. It's not about the presents, in case you're wondering. For me, Christmas has always been magical and beautiful. When they're not out in a mall shopping, people just seem nicer, or want to try to be better people anyway.

I love the lights, the music, the snow, the cold winter nights cuddling on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa and a good movie on. I love seeing my kids so excited. I love storefront decorations, and mall window shopping. I love hot soup and comfort food. I love the idea of peace on earth and good will towards men.

Most of all, I love "A Charlie Brown Christmas", "It's a Wonderful Life", "The Grinch", and all the holiday cartoon/claymation favorites (Frosty and Rudolph anyone?).

I love the fact that on my wedding day (December 16th) the church was decorated with poinsetta's and it snowed. The reception hall had a tree with lights on it and we played Christmas Carols during cocktail hour. It was a perfect day.

The Christmas season has begun, and with 3 kids, it doesn't get any better than this.

On losing your Mind

I think I'm going crazy. It is quite possible you know. I recently discovered that Thank you notes written for Maddie's baptism were just weird. I thanked people for the wrong things, or left things out altogether.

I think on one where Miss M. got 2 gifts from the same family, instead of thanking them for both gifts, I said thank you for the same gift twice. As in..."Thank you very much for my purple outfit. I will wear it a lot. Also, thanks for the purple outfit. I put it in my college fund, and it will come in handy in the future."

Yesterday I almost put a small grocery bag with 2 nasty diapers into the fridge. I had intended on taking them OUTSIDE to the garbage, but I guess when you go a little crazy diapers end up in the fridge.

I could also be just plain old exhausted with a newborn up to eat in the middle of the night, and a 16 month old up cutting teeth, and a 3 year old scared of some Halloween decoration that consisted of a talking head in a Globe. Some idiot told him it was grandpa's head and every night since Tricks or Treats I've found him in my bed. We've also had to call grandma and grandpa three times since then to ensure that it wasn't HIS grandpa's disembodied head in a globe.

Let's think of a better way next Halloween to petrify the 3 year olds, hmmmm?

Recently Viewed

Watched a phenomenal movie yesterday called "Iris" starring Judi Dench and Kate Winslet, both outstanding British actresses. The movie was about Iris Murdoch and her demise via Alzheimer's.

British movies don't beat around the bush, and over expound on any given subject. I find British movies to be efficient, to the point, and raw. The movie was not about Alzheimer's though, it was a story about love and loving what is good in this life.

I highly recommend it. http://www.shape9.nl/murdoch/movie.html

The Efficiency of Toddlers

The funniest thing happened the other day. My baby Nate here was multi-tasking. Not only was he sleeping, but he was also eating an oreo. He was sooo tired he couldn't stay awake, but he was SOOO hungry for his cookie that he wasn't letting it go for anything or anyone.

Now THAT is what I call a gifted child....

Fun with Pumpkins

Pumpkin carving is a big deal. A fun tradition full of goop and glop and bloody injuries (Jack sliced open his finger...)

Either we don't feed Nate enough, or we don't love him enough. I can't figure out if he's trying to eat the pumpkin or kiss it. Either way, it's slightly disturbing.

The Alpha Males of the family, during some quality bonding time. Note the EXACT SAME EXPRESSIONS on their intense faces. The only difference is Dad's pumpkin had eyes and a nose. Jack's had some holes that led to his bloody injury when he poked a hole in the pumpkin with the designated pumpkin tool.
Note Nate's swanky get up. T-Shirt, diaper, and one sock. He takes after me in the style department.
Even the baby got in on the carving. She's awesome.

The Candy Capers

I am mortified and unsatisfied. My kids got the motherload of candy on Tuesday...they hit paydirt basically. I am pretty sure my chocolate purist friends will call for my lynching, but so far the only candy I've been able to happily filch from the kids is ONE bag of Skittles and TWO mini packs of Starbursts (that's 4 Starbursts total).

Now, don't get me wrong, I like chocolate too, but my favorite candies are Skittles and Starbursts. For all the houses the boys went to, only ONE bag of Skittles has emerged.

And, while I'm on the subject, what's up with those cheap skates who hand out Brach's Star Mint candies??? Oh, you know the ones that NO KID likes and basically guarantees an egging by the older trick or treaters. Seriously, you buy that crap in bulk and can get it at an Italian Restaurant with your bill.

I remember once as a kid getting walnuts at one house instead of candy. Healthy, sure...kid friendly NO WAY!! Poor Charlie Brown only got a rock. Fess up folks, what are your Halloween Horror Candies??? Can't wait to read them!!

ATTENTION ALL MOMS!!!

RUN RUN RUN...DO NOT WALK...

To your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of "Momfidence, An Oreo Never Killed Anyone and other Secrets of Happy Parenting" by Paula Spencer.

Lose the Mom Guilt in a quick easy read....

This book is great, it talks about making parenting fun again, and not feeling bad that your kid is not an overscheduled piano playing Tolstoy reading genius. It's all about letting Kids be Kids and enjoying parenthood for what it is.

I never buy books, but I bought this one and will refer to it often in my daily life. HIGHLY recommended!!!

The family

Here are some photos of my family. I Love these guys!!

No, he's not potty trained. He just thinks he's Mr. Big Pants.

This is the NEW and IMPROVED Kristen. We like her. She's really smart too, so we're still wondering what she likes about my brother!!! Okay, he's kinda cute..... (people say we look a lot alike) :-)
A rare quiet moment side by side. It's amazing what food can do for people.
The entire Fam. I think my dad was pinching my sister's butt. He thinks he's funny when he does that in picutres. From L-R there's Craig my Brother in Law and Brooke, my sister, my dad--who if he had more hair bears a striking resemlance to Earl from My name is Earl, Hubby John with Nate, Jack in front, Me and The Divine Miss M, Richie, and my mom. What a gang!
My ma and sister bought this little number at a Craft fair. I think the bow on the hat should go on the front, but I think it looks sassier to the side. I swear if she wasn't in pink you'd think she was one of the boys...they all look like their dad!!

Cookies

Dear Julianne,

You have been writing a lot in your blog about chocolate. I am posting this recipe for you, but pretty much anyone can enjoy them. They are EASY EASY EASY!!

I grew up on these cookies and Jack ate 3 for breakfast the other day. Since they have oatmeal and peanut butter, I figured they were healthier than some cereals on the market these days, right?

So, everyone, enjoy. Talk about a craving fix!!! Beware, you can't stop eating at ONE cookie!!

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

2 1/2 Cups granulated sugar
2 T unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup butter
1/2 C milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 C creamy peanut butter (if you like nuts you can substitute chunky)
3 C QUICK COOKING (important) rolled oats, uncooked

In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk. Slowly bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil ONLY for 1 minute (Use a timer and do not overcook). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, PB and oats, mixing thoroughly. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper and let cool.
Yum yum yum!!!

Crime Fighters and Princesses

It's just a preview for next week, but wouldn't you want this Batman and Robin Dynamic Duo to come KAPOW!! and BAM!! and ZOWIE!!! the evil doers in your local suburbs?

And Miss M? She's sweet sweet sweet. Her picture is old, but pretty much that's what she does---sleep through the antics of Mutt and Jeff.

This is when kids are fun. This is when I can say I enjoy motherhood. However, at 2 a.m. I'm sure I'll be writing a different tune---SOOO tired!
Enjoy!

Bosses Day vs Sweetest Day

Happy Sweetest day. Belated. Of course it's a Hallmark Holiday, but every once in a while it's nice to give and recieve a card that says you still love someone, even when the trials of daily life don't necessarily allow for adult conversation.

I forgot all about Sweetest day, but remembered my mom's birthday, so when buying her card I noticed the Sweetest cards. I also saw the Bosses day cards and remembered that Mr. Big Pants (John) got a promotion recently and is a true Boss at work. He was ahem...upset that his employees didn't recognize him on bosses day. This from the man who never recognized his bosses ever, but still.

So, I considered getting him a bosses day card for sweetest day, but then I remembered, DUH! He is NOT the boss of me, no matter what anyone thinks, so a cartoon Cat saying a goofy poem about spending money and breaking appliances it was...as it is every Sweetest day and Valentine's day.

Then I felt like garbage because for a Hallmark Holiday he got me a massage and made dinner. He said the massage was for all the work I did for Maddie's baptism, but I still feel like a bad wife. I didn't get him a gift. Aaaargh!

Maybe I'll make it up to him and let him be the boss of me for a little while. Maybe that will be gift enough....only for a LITTLE while though.....

A Month of Meals

Well, I did it. Yesterday my friend and I, along with her good friend got together in her kitchen and made 24 freezable meals. I am sooo excited about this once a month cooking thing. 4 p.m. seems to be witching hour here, some days I have all 3 children screaming and yelling at me. It is not stressful at all, really.

Anyway, it's really hard to make dinner at that time, but family dinner when John gets home at 6 is really important to me. Even if I have to leave to the next room to breastfeed, the t.v. is off and we are there as a family. What to do, what to do?

Solution: we made meals for a month. All I have to do is take one out of the freezer in the garage, thaw and cook according to the directions on the label our friend made. Easy breezy.

John was laughing at me earlier today (he works from home Mondays and Fridays) because I took chicken out to thaw. He said "Uhh, didn't you spend NINE HOURS cooking yesterday? Why are you thawing chicken?" Obvious answer: Why waste a frozen meal when he's home to help supervise and calm screaming children? Right? Am I right? Of course I am!!

Soo, the 30 day gourmet has yet to be tested. But I'm sure it will be fine. The best part is that it averages out to about $9 per meal to feed my family. That's a complete meal folks, meat, veggie, and starch. How awesome is THAT???

A Butt!! And A Wave!

Jack thinks he's superman. He really does. And I love my dad and Uncle for putting in my new carpet (finally) but I know that right below the bottom step it will get worn out quickly, simply from Superman "flying" (and landing quite heavily) on the living room floor.

Next time you want to fly, just put your arms up, yell "A Butt, and a wave" just like the Big S man himself, and you too can pretend to enjoy my soft new carpet and thick padding that will last about another 50 flights or so.....

Skinny Girls Suck

In case you don't know, there's a new show on CMT about Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader tryouts. These girls are very very very very in shape. They make a new mom feel, um, a little on the plus size side.

Anywho...I was watching last night and I think I now know why I'm depressed and crabby today. These gals are in training camp, with the coach and choreographer commenting on 'So and so is a little thick in the arms, don't you think?". And, "So and So needs to lose some weight". HELLO???? These girls look like they need a few happy meals and then some!! They are all SKINNY SKINNY SKINNY!!

CMT just lost MY count in the Nielsen ratings. From now on, I'm sticking to nice shows, Like Celebrity Fit Clubs, and Biggest Loser. And least those people don't make my size 8 butt look like I should be the next Anna Nicole look alike. In fact, they make me feel like I could be one of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.

If only I could still do the splits....

Fall Fun

Last Saturday we went to a pumpkin farm near our house. I learned a few things that day.


#1: Nate DOES NOT like pony rides.


#2 As much as he loves animals, sheep kinda freak him out.

#3. If we lived on a farm, Jack could drive the tractor...if it had no engine and worked with pedals.

#4. Being a grown up means you'd look silly sliding down this fun pile of straw. I also learned that growing up and being a parent kind of stinks...all the kids looked like this hayrolling was at the very least, the best thing they'd ever done.

Under Witch's Hats

Jack is learning the Pledge of Allegiance at school. He's got the "under God" line down right, but that's about it. It could be due to the fact that I think he's trying to rival Uncle Richie for the title of "Ultimate Class Clown".

When the teacher called us in yesterday before pickup to listen to all the darling voices recite the pledge, there was Jack, under the toy workbench, not listening, and definitely NOT reciting the pledge. When we got home we had a chat and have been practicing. I just don't have the heart to correct:

"and to the public,
under witches hats...
nation
UNDER GOD
under God,
Under God......"

That is where he gets stuck.

So until then, Under witches hats under God we go.

Logrolling

You know you are officially OLD OLD OLD when you take your kids out for a walk to the hill at the end of the block, teach them how to logroll by logrolling down the hill yourself, and you get dizzy. Very very very dizzy...as in still haven't recovered an hour later dizzy.

I may be old, but I had fun logrolling, and laughing on this beautiful fall sunshiney day. The boys seemed to love playing together too, despite bronchitis (Jack), and teething (Nate).

Oh, and I only got 2 "Wow, you have your hands full" comments today. One at the mall (had to buy nursing bras) and one while logrolling. So, I guess even when I look like I'm having fun (which I was) people still need to comment on my choice to have 3 kids.

Nice.

Fun with Nate

While Jack was in school today, I took the babies out with a friend for a walk on a nature path on School grounds. It was a perfectly crisp fall day, and I had a blast with my happy, beautiful, smiley boy.

I loved every minute! He is such a sweet, funny, and fun loving kid. I enjoy spending some special time with him, and he enjoys the donuts he got that he didn't have to share with his brother.


Here he is right before Brooke's baptism. I've been told that the only thing I've really taught him about life so far is how to use this fine bit of technology. I think I have a very similar photo of Jack... I love these boys!!

The War on Food

Thank you to Oprah, Dr. Phil, Dr. Mercola(www.mercola.com) , my monthly gym magazine http://www.lifetimefitness.com/magazine/ , anorexic celebrities, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Morgan Sperlock, and any other "expert" in the field of good nutrition.

Thanks to those listed above, I have MAJOR issues with not only what I am eating, but what my kids eat too. Although I realize balanced meals and lots of fruits and veggies makes for health in general, foods I ate and enjoyed as a kid are no longer okay enough to feed my kids.

Take for example, the staple of PB & J with a glass of milk, maybe some crackers on the side. Peanut butter...NO good, unless you buy the all natural kind with no sugar or salt added (which, by the way I do). Jelly? FORGET IT!! Unless you by all natural without added sugars, you get nothing but high fructose corn syrup (which by the way is in EVERYTHING). This HFCS is blamed mainly for childhood obesity trends and this type 2 diabetes trend with young ones. On to the bread...Forget white bread, or anything with the word "enriched" in it. It has to be whole grains or bust. And the milk? Umm, unless it's organic, it might contain some Bovine growth hormones...Whatever the hell those are!! The crackers just add too many carbs, and may also have the dreaded TRANS FATS in them somewhere. I will not even go into the whole lunchmeat and hot dogs issues.

I no longer feel comfortable eating out, (especially at 'chain' restaurants) and I TRY TRY TRY hard to buy organic when possible, finding foods with little or no fructose syrup, and absolutely NO trans fats, but it is hard, and it is waging a WAR ON OUR POCKETBOOKS.

It's not to say my kids have a perfect diet, far from it I'm sure. I can't just feed them granola all the time for crying out loud. We're just NOT those people. But I still feel guilty...my family doesn't have the best genetics and has years of unhealthy eating to boast about. Practically my mom's entire family is diabetic, and/ or obese (1 in 4 Americans are obese!!) and high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, and heart attacks are on both sides of my line. John has nothing but Alzheimer's really to worry about, but they're finding dietary links to even THAT!!!

And whilst I wage this battle with the food industry, I am optimistic to know I'm not the only one. There are actually FIGHTS being fought over cupcakes in schools:

http://www.dailycampus.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticlePrinterFriendly&uStory_id=431c0b48-cd70-41c7-9e29-ba7a57efbbc4

http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2006/04/28/school_system_mulls_over_ban_on_cupcakes_and_sweets/

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/la-me-cupcake27sep27,0,4544237,full.story

As if just the simple act of raising my children without the need for too many therapy sessions when they're older isn't enough, I've got to worry about some DAMN cupcakes!!!

Call me crazy...because that's where this Crazy Mm is headed!

Anatomy Lesson

The kids were all in the bath. Maddie was in hers on top of the sink, the boys in the big tub. Jack decided to get out and wanted to say Hi to his sister.

A close inspection revealed the obvious: "Mom, I can't find her penis".

That's right, you can't find her penis. She doesn't have one.

"That's cause girls just have butts. It's okay Madilynn, I'm a gentleman, I'll take care of you".

Touche 3 year old innocence, Touche!

Yes, I KNOW I have my hands full

Thank you to everyone who continually tells me "Wow! You've got your hands full, huh?". Although I recognize the need for some cameraderie by random strangers, I do not need their sympathies. Me trashing and bashing with my girlfriends is one thing, but I'm really getting irked by well to do random people giving me that look, then that "grin" and then that line..."You are very busy", OR "You must have your hands full".

Maybe I'm post partum depressing right now. Maybe I never paid attention to it before because I was too busy. But today, I got it TWICE at church alone, and once at the gym. I have a feeling that my count of sympathy was low today because we weren't out in public much, but I swear if I'm out I hear it at LEAST 5 times a day.

And if I don't hear it, I get that look. Ohhhh you all know that look. The "That chick must be crazy, just look at her kids" look. Or the "Wow, do they know what birth control is" look. I can also do without the dirty "She can't even control those kids" look. YOU try buying enough groceries for 5 people with 2 kids in the cart and one strapped via Bjorn onto your chest. YOU try functioning on 3 hours of sleep, and then tell me how much control you've got.

And I'm wondering if it would be different if I had all girls? Or if I had 2 girls and 1 boy, or Hell, what would I be getting if I had ALL boys??? Ugh ugh ugh.

So, My girlfriends and family, when I complain to you, it's because I know I can. To you would be sensitive random stranger trying to make nice, Yes, I know I'm busy. Now, please stop giving me that look!!!

The Disaster Within

I am trying VERY hard to get organized, and it's just NOT happening. My sisters house is very tidy and organized, and she's given me some good ideas, but I simply cannot seem to GET IT DONE--what with 3 kids and all. My goal is to do something soon, but I'm not sure what. Maybe I'll just bomb the house and collect the insurance money.

I do know that mealtimes around here are a bear. I just get started cooking when Nate decides he needs to EAT NOW, as does the Divine Miss M. I run the risk of traumatizing 2 children for life, or burning my dinner, neither of which are good options. So, what I'm thinking of doing is following the lead of a friend of mine and making enough meals for a month..kind of like those places you go to. I've checked out www.30daygourmet.com and have found a few recipes.

Now to get organized and buy the stuff and plan a nice Sunday afternoon sans children but embracing a nice bottle of Cabernet while playing Julia Child for a while. I think it would make mealtimes go smoothly, don't you?

Fairy Godmother--Part Deux

Today was my favorite niece's baptism...She's in the middle there. Isn't she cute? And, not to change the subject, but notice me in the snazzy(and slimming) black dress I borrowed from aforementioned friend proudly wearing my mother's day strand of pearls and matching earrings???

I am Brooke's Godmother, something I don't take lightly. My brother (to my right) is Godfather Number 1, and My sister's brother in law (to my left) is Godfather Number 2.

Being godmother means I get to do cool stuff for Miss B, not the least of which is by her fun, educational and NOISY toys (gotta have a little payback after 3 years). I have decided I will be Brookes Fairy Godmother...she and Maddie are going to be best buds...like sisters.

Being her Fairy Godmother means she may just get random mailings of chocolate to cheer her up...maybe after her first broken heart, maybe during finals week. Who knows?

What I do know is holidays are going to be a blast with 2 boys and 2 girls now in the family. Toys R US never saw Oma and Opa Coming!!! And I promise you dear Brooke, I will be a VERY good Fairy Godmother, and you won't have to share any sweets with your dad, or your Barbie's and Purple stuff with your mom. I promise!!!

The Best of Friends

I am truly truly blessed. I am lucky enough to have friends who love me enough to arrange their entire day around helping me create baptism invitations for The Divine Miss M. In spite of what SHE had to do that day, which I'm sure could have been better spent. For this reason, she is Miss M's Godmother...We call her Super Nurse. She delivered all 3 of my children, and is like a personal therapist. I only wish I could be a better friend for her....

I am also lucky enough to have a friend who gives me all of her kids clothes, just because she's done with them. And when I asked for a snazzy something to wear to my nieces baptism today, she cleaned her closests to help me out. What a blessing to have 2 friends who would go to the ends of the earth for you...I hope they both know I'd do the same.

Thank you thank you thank you god for letting me share my life and memories with such wonderful women....

My Fairy Godmother

I'd like to begin this blog with a short story. Bear with me if you will...

A Coworker, and good friend of mine once commented on how another coworker is her Fairy Godmother, and it's true. Said coworker takes care of other coworker in a most positvely wonderful way. One day I went into work for a regular Physical Therapy appointment while pregnant, and I noticed the Fairy Godmother giving my good friend a dark chocolate Dove Candy Bar. I exclaimed "Wow...Mary really is your fairy godmother."

At my next weekly appointment, Mary presented me with a Dove dark chocolate candy bar, "because she felt bad that she gave one to my friend and not me". By the way, Dove bars are delish, if you're wondering.

That being said, last week was a rough week at home. I was with the kids from 4:30 a.m. until about 7 p.m. Long days. Until I received the following in the mail.....

Yup, you guessed it, It was a package of dark chocolate m&m's from MY newly adopted fairy godmother. My friend is not happy that I've adopted Mary as such, but that's okay. Everyone needs a fairy godmother to give them a pick me up, and mine seemed to know just when, and how much I needed. She is wonderful, and I am so lucky!!!

The M&M's are quite yummy by the way. I have hiddent them, and they are officially MY candy stash. Keep out ye heathens!!!

The Saddest Thing To See

Nate has breathing issues. Last week, I knew we need to refill our script for nebulizer meds and we went to the Doc. He wound up with ear infections in both ears and needing to be nebulized 3 times a day as needed. My mom and bro came over because I made some homemade soup and mom (Oma) had to help the little guy out.

Just looking at his face breaks your heart, but look at Oma...you can tell how loved the poor little guy is. I hate having to do it to him, but it helps.

I guess the easiest thing about parenting can be teaching them right from wrong, if you're consistent. Playing with them isn't so hard either. To me the hardest thing is "hurting" them, or making them uncomfortable "for their own good". How can making your child miserable be in their best interest, even if it is only for 8 minutes a pop? It is the saddest thing to have to go through...at least for now. Who knows what the future has in store????

Fun with Videos

I should be baking for my nieces baptism tomorrow, but instead I'm doing this crap. Check it out gang...I wish all my treadmill sessions were so fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NINJQ5LRh-0

On Death, In General

Here folks are some interesting facts to check out:
http://www.discover.com/issues/sep-06/departments/20thingsdeath/

Makes you want a "green burial". And Jill, I know you KNOW what I'm talking about!!! I think Sub conciously my little Nate may be named after the character. What tv and pop culture has done to mush up my brain!!!

Just Wondering

I love top 10 lists. I don't know why, I just do. So, for today, I have a top 10 list of things that have just popped into my head. Things I'm just wondering about.

1. How the heck can "Flavor Of Love" on VH1 be considered reality tv? It's more like a comedy than anything.

2. How can any of the women on that show find Flava Flave anywhere near attractive?

3. How do my children know the exact second I get on the phone to have an important conversation, or the exact second I hit REM sleep? That is when they decide they need something.

4. Will Meredith choose the guy who was Robin when Val Kilmer was Batman, or the dude that was a dork in all those 80's Teen movies?

5. Why does everyone think he's McDreamy anyway? He's a little bit of McGeeky, and McI Can't make up my mind because I'm a guy. Figure your crap out already dude.

6. Why is Rachel Ray always so damn perky? Does she EVER have a bad day? Or a cold?

7. Why are kids clothes so expensive? Less than 1/2 the material is used for kids clothes than adult ones and they're pretty much the same price sometimes. I don't get it.

8. Why are SOME of the elderly so crabby? Their kids are grown, they've got pensions to live on so they're not working...They get senior discounts everywhere...They can live it up now.

9. What's Patrick Swayze up to these days?

10. When will I finish all the crap I need to get done?

Isn't she sweet?

When I took my training to be an infant massage instructor, our trainer said that there is no such thing as a good baby or a bad baby. It's just that some babies are easier than others, and others are more difficult. Nate will go down as the easiest baby in history, hands down, but Ms. M isn't too difficult either. She has a fussy period everynight, but is asleep before 10, and she only wakes up once in the middle of the night.

She still looks up at me with her eyes that are her father's eyes that still have "what the hell is going on here" written all over them, and I get a little nervous because I can't answer those questions she's going to have. In fact, sometimes I think she knows more about this life than I do.

I can't wait to put her in ballet and watch her do all the things I used to do, hopefully with more confidence and self-esteem. I'm not big on shopping but maybe we'll have fun doing other stuff instead, what I'm not sure. I seriously never thought I'd have a girl.

Life's full of surprises, isn't it?

Fun With Apples

Welcome to a photo journey of our 4th annual trip to a local apple orchard. Even Maddie got into the action, sort of. Next year is going to be tons of fun. The two little ones are going to be a blast to watch. For now though, I'll enjoy them being little and cute and innocent.


Ahhh...the taste test. How are ALL those apples Sir? Welcome to the funnest apple orchard in the midwest...full of all you can eat entertainment. And then, when you're done tasting, you can just throw the apple to the ground for fertilizer. Just be careful not to hit any other people, esp. those girl scouts we ran into!
Okay, Nate is a cheater. The kid has a sparkling personality, but he's a klepto and a cheater. Here he is picking apples at the orchard with the family...but not off the trees. He got them off the ground. Less work and more to eat, since you can taste test as many apples as you want. The hardes part was keeping him away from apples that had already been tasted. Nice.


Isn't this a great photo of the boys???!! Dad worked hard pulling the wagon and doing a majority of the picking. I worked hard with the baby in the bjorn carrier and taking pictures. We wound up with a 1/2 bushel of apples. It was a beautiful day to be out and about, and now we have apples coming out of our ears. So much fun! I almost can't wait until next year, what beautiful family time!

Naughty Boys Need Love too...

Get your minds out of the gutters people! Jack had school today. Upon picking him up, I asked how school went. He promptly informed me that he was not listening and had to sit next to the teacher, so I ran back in the building to find out what he did. Bad behavior is not tolerated, but the teachers looked at me like I was crazy...Like, hello earth to you lady...he's 3 and was doing 3 year old things. We had a discussion about it later, and he kept asking if I was upset because he's a naughty boy. How do you stress that you still love them, naughtyness and all?

On another note...anyone read anything good lately? I'm almost done with my latest Barbara Kingsolver installment. Please don't suggest any sordid romances...I'd rather eat a pigs liver (and you all know how much I love pork!) I need a good book to read at 2 a.m. during the hour of life called "Fun with Nursing in the middle of the Night". The sad part is, Ms. Maddie is not bad. It's the boys who are up 2 and 3 times a night that's killing us. My 2007 new years resolution (aside from not getting pregnant) will be to sleep through the night once a month.

Oh, and since I'm into posting links lately, check this one out. It will be my boys in a couple of years I am sure... Cracks me up everytime.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKXFqGUGdTk

The Mommy Link

If you are a mom, check this link out. Check it out even if you're contemplating motherhood and/or grandmotherhood. It hits home, especially since I've been home for an hour from a playdate and Jack has not stopped talking to me since we pulled in the driveway.

Talking about nothing. Just talking talking talking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qnAK-ZVfvA

Grandma's 1 Liners

This is me with my grandma's at my Baby Girl shower. One grandma is in her mid 70's, the other in her mid 80's.

They both have these sayings from years ago that crack me up, especially the ones my gram from Kentucky comes up with. It makes me sad to realize that when she's gone, a wealth of polite language that people never use with each other anymore will also disappear. For instance, if we don't talk for a couple of weeks she'll phone and say "I haven't heard from you in a month of Sunday's". It's a nice way of saying "I'm old, you're a shit, get off your duff and call me."

My dad's mom cracks me up with her sayings too, but for a different reason. The woman raised 9 kids and I honestly don't know how the hell she did it. I can't even handle three. My favorite one liner from Grandma came when I was complaining about all the "stuff" women/mom's have to do. I do not remember the exact way she put it, but she said something along the lines of how she used to say she had so much to do and "If you shove a broom up my ass I can sweep the floors while I'm doing everything else around here."

How true is that? I feel I live life running between my laundry room, and the kitchen with the cooking and cleaning, and you know what? If I shoved a broom up my ass, the floors WOULD get clean in the process.

Someday, these women will not be around to give me such sage advice and I am going to regret not listening to them more. I really need to start paying better attention to the lessons they're teaching me, even when they're not intending to. Between the two of them they raised 14 kids, so they should know what they're talking about, right?

Right.

PS Isn't that the coolest shirt I'm wearing (Gram would call it a blouse. No one calls dress shirts blouses anymore. Why?) I bought it for $1 at Old Navy. Swear to God. I love that blouse.

The Ta-Ta's

Part of me thinks it may be in bad taste. Part of me loves the idea of this site:
www.savethetatas.com

Breast cancer runs in my family, on both sides, so I am a fanatical about it. I think I would get the shirt "My Ta-ta's are survivors". It would make people curious, and for a good cause. For now, I'm contemplating the "save the tatas" shirt. I want to get it, probably not while I'm breastfeeding though...I don't want people to get the wrong idea.

Hmmmmm....

Action Figures Need Not Apply

I'm kinda on a warpath here, but I can't succumb to it fully, because we've only had 1 official day of school, and I can't be "That Mom" yet.

Jack gets to celebrate his summer birthday at school in a couple of weeks. He gets to bring in a favorite book, or toy, which means his Spider-Man, Batman, or Superman dolls. All of the above are considered "Action Figures", and unfortunately for little boys, they are not allowed on school grounds.

The unfairness comes in because presumably, girls can bring in Barbie, or Strawberry shortcake, or whatever without it being considered an "action figure". I was considering why this is possible, or how it can be even close to being remedied.

After all, if the issue is "Boys toys promote violence", let's consider little Suzy who's parents do nothing but fight aggressively. Then Ken could seemingly become a violent, bitch slapping, eunich asshole who is promoting violence in the home (If little Suzy decides to act out what's happening at home).

Guns, I can see not bringing them in. But Batman and SuperMan...heroes of the future??? The double standard just pisses me off!!

Everyone Should Have a Top 10

Last week I saw Lance Armstrong's ex-wife on Oprah. I got to watch about 2.5 minutes of the show with the little ones screaming, but what I did catch I thought was great. She said that before her divorce, her only identity was her husband...for example if you asked her for a list of 10 things she loved or enjoyed, the 10 items would center around her husband. She would say, "oh, I love how I married such a great dad" or whatever. Now, her top 10 is all about her. So, I decided to write my top ten loves that have nothing to do with my family, subject to change without notice or warning. Of course I love these guys, but they're not my ENTIRE identity.


So, here goes. And, oh yeah, I'm not writing corny things like "I love romantic walks at sunset." Everyone loves romantic walks at sunset if you can get them. These are more like, everyday things.

10. I love intense t.v., like 6 Feet Under and the X-Files. I do not love the Emmy committee that snubbed all things 6 Feet Under, it was seriously one of the best shows on t.v. I also despise anything on the WB, or what is now the CW. I find it insulting that Fran Dresher is still considered funny enough to have her own show again.

9. I love oreo blizzards from DQ with a sprinkling of cookie dough in it. YUM!

8. I LOVE a good red wine, preferably a Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, thank you.

7. I love brownies so much I could eat an entire pan if I didn't control myself.

6. I love a good book, preferably one about a culture I know nothing about. For example, I loved the "Kite Runner", "Snowflower and the Secret Fan" and also "Sky Burial". I thoroughly enjoyed "Cane River" as well.

5. I love Pop culture. I love watching "I Love the 70's, 80's and 90's" all on VH1. I love reading Us Weekly when it's not about American Idol people (I hate reality tv). I love the People magazine crossword when I'm in the OB's office with nothing to do while I'm sitting with a paper towel covering me from the hips down. This crossword if very Pop Culture friendly.

4. I love Fondue. All kinds, but mostly the dessert. Mmmmmmm.....

3. I love to smell good. Lotions, soaps, perfumes... anything not flowery, but clean. I love my house to smell good too...hence candles and homemade cooking.

2. I love alternative music and the punk bands of old like Violent Femmes. Euraser, and the Ramones. I hate 80's bubble gum pop, but enjoyed the rap and rock from that decade immensely, until of course Eddie Vedder and the Grunge movement took hold. Forget Cobain though, too overrated, like the Beatles.

1. I love my girlfriends. I wish we could hang out more without kids and talk like grownups do. But then, what do we talk about when we're together but our kids anyway.

This is just a sampling of my favorite things. I'd love to hear from other gals about their top tens!!!

The Hook-ups

It has now happened to me twice in less than a year. My first Mommy Hook up came at the library. I have since made many invaluable friends since that hook up.

Today, it happened again, only at the new park. After the Dr. appt., I took the kids to play and kind of crashed another playgroup, but met lots of pregnant women with kids around the age of my boys. One mom asked for my number and e-mail so that we could play with them. I've officially been "picked up" mommy style.

Julz was right...we used to go to bars to get guys, now we go to parks to get moms. Oh, how life takes us in directions we never expected it to, but learn to love anyway.

Flying Solo

I am on DAY 2 of flying solo with 3 kids, and so far so good. Granted, I'm exhausted, but at least in a few years they'll all be out of the house and in school, right?

Yesterday was Jack's first day of school, or rather a meet and greet the teacher for 1/2 an hour. It was awesome! He had been saying he didn't want to go, but once there, he was so excited to play in the room, and he didn't want to leave. Rock on! Now we'll see how it goes when I'm not there tomorrow, but if Tues. was any indication, we'll be all right.

Today Maddie had a Dr. appt. In 2 and 1/2 weeks, she's gained almost 2 lbs, and grown almost 2 inches. Apparently Breast Milk agrees with her. Fabulous.

Now, to get the kids fed and napped all at the same time. After that is accomplished, everyone may as well call me "Super Mom", but I'm not holding my breath!!

Clean Your Mess up!

Today we went to my parent's house for a cook-out. It was a nice family event...I brought brownies, my sister brought corn, my brother worked the grill, dad ate about 5 Italian sausages and heaps of some Polish potato salad, Grandma met Madilynn, and mom fried up some zucchini.

The ride home was pleasantly quiet because Jack is into the Mulan II cd lately. Great. When we got home we unloaded the car for the most part, got the kids their baths, and got Nate to bed. I was feeding Maddie when I heard the crash. Instantly I knew that the lid to my 8 x 8 Corningware dish toting said brownies had somehow met its death via driveway black top.

Then, out of the mouth of a wee babe I hear in the sweetest clearest way possible, "You made a mess dad."

Yes Jack, I know, I made a mess.

"You better clean that mess up dad. You made the mess, so now you gotta clean it up. It's your job."

For anyone who does not have a 3 year old, this may not be a big deal. For anyone trying to teach their kids how to clean up after themselves, this is a riot. So, while upstairs nursing, I giggled, and then a moment of panic hit. What if it wasn't just the LID of the pan, but the whole pan with extra uneaten brownies lying on my driveway? Crap! Those would've been good for breakfast tomorrow!!

Gloriously enough, when I went downstairs, I discovered the pan intact, with John ouside sweeping up his mess, and Jack holding the flashlight in place, presumably supervising the glass lid removal.

Of course, at that moment, I had to make sure the brownies were still okay, and I must say they are quite delish. Fantastic!!

The Belly of the Beast

I think I am officially stuck with this belly and I am mortified. Before Maddie was known to have been conceived, I was doing great at the gym, even starting to get some AB-definition. Now, I go to the gym, and get about a 20 minute workout in before they have to page me to come get my screaming 1 year old from the babysitting room. What is the deal with this kid anyway? He cries at church, he cries at the gym, he cries when I am not in his sight. I realize developmentally it's a phase, but wake up buster, you've got a sister to contend and vie for my attention with.

Being sleep deprieved does not help for my moods either. Crabby Mom may come out to play and soon if I don't start seeing some bodily improvement. Maybe it's just my postpartem depression thingy...PPD is equivalent to bad self-image and self-esteem, right? I have a goal to get into size 8's again by the end of the month.

Wish me luck!!!

Officially Orientated

Last night we had Jack's orientation for school. We went step by step thru the parent handbook, and I have to say I feel quite good about the school itself. I busted John for tuning the speaker out. We aslo got some free samples of some market day brownies, and they were quite yummy!! In my opinion, that alone made for a successful orientation.

Lately, Jack has been telling me that he is not going to go to school, which makes me slightly nervous. He'll be fine once he's there I'm sure, but getting him there...may be a challenge the first few days. Good thing he's going with his future wife and wardrobe provider Julia (they play in her dressup box together often).

We have officially been orientated to Jack's school, teachers, program, etc. The Director informed us that she will be standing in the hallway on the first day passing out tissues to distraught parents. All I could think of was with 2 little ones, there is no time for me to be distraught, so no tissues for me. Besides, I never cried when I went to school, and I am thrilled for him to be taking this next step in his life. Perhaps when Maddie goes I will need the tissues, her being the baby and all, but by then I may also be ready to sell all my kids to gypsies for a very low group rate. Who knows. And who knows what I'll be like Thursday, his first "real day" of school. I'll keep everyone posted, but for now, we'll just say things are looking good...other than him being in denial about going to school.

Who knew the idea of fingerpainting could be so dramatic?

butter and ice cream

This is an issue of huge debate here in this house. When we went to premarital counseling through church, we discussed things THEY thought was important, like kids and money. The real life stuff...not even touched upon.

So here we are having "discussions" about what you would think would be negotiable topics, but they're really not.

#1: My Side: Neopolitan ice cream is gross. For the record, my brother and sister agree, and my mother never bought it for us as kids. Chocolate--GOOD, Vanilla--GOOD, Strawberry--GOOD. All 3 flavors mixed in one container? VERY VERY BAD!!! You just can't mix flavors like that. It's unconstitutional.

His side: If you like all 3 flavors, then what's the problem?

My Side: It's just not right, and that is all there is to it.

Next topic:

#2: My side: When you are buttering bread, use pats. Evenly measured from the stick, please.

His side: He has no side.

He just takes the knife and skims across the top of the entire stick, thus making it impossible for me to measure even amts. in tablespoon form for the next recipe unless I get a fresh stick. Anyone doing grocery shopping lately knows that dairy in any form is not cheap these days.

However, I do have to say, that if these are the worst of our problems, I'll take it. Everyone should be so lucky, and really, he's a great guy. He just has bad taste in ice cream. I love him anyway though....

Aaah, the things married couples "fight" over.....

The Girl

The Girl is how my husband refers to his daughter. As in, "How is the Girl doing". Oh, your daughter MADILYNN is doing great. Sometimes, Maddie gets lucky and is refered to as "Baby sister". Jack either calls her Baby sister, or (excuse the spelling) Equay Bequay, who was some basketball player from the 70's. We have my dad to thank for that one.

This newborn GIRL is old. She's very very old. She's an old soul who looks at me in this crazy testosterone filled house with these eyes that say "now what"?? Or, they may be saying "Thanks alot, how did I get the short end of THIS stick". I'm not sure. But I do know that when I look at her I see I have a lot of expectations to meet, and I know that I am going to fall very, very short. People say "Oh, you got your girl". Yes, yes I did, didn't I. And then I look at her and think, "I got my girl and then some".......

Friends vs. Family

I hate to say it, but I have to. Even though I know she's going to read this blog. Even though I mean what I'm about to say in only the nicest terms possible, but there's no way to go about saying it delicately so I just have to "word vomit" (Thanks Lindsay Lohann in Mean Girls!) it out. Forgive me for saying it, but Julianne moving to Nebraska has been close to one of the most magical things that has ever happened to me and my family. Don't get me wrong here, I miss her and her adorable chitlins, but if she had never left and had a going away dinner, I would never have made the friends I have since.

I am a VERY strong believer in karma, and everything happening for a reason. Julianne had to leave so that I would make other mom friends before I had baby no. 3 and not be so isolated and alone here. Of course, I could have met these moms had she stayed, probably, but, who knows??? Because while I have a lot of friends with kids, most either live a good distance away or they work, so playdates are minimal and become big "Day Trips". It's nice to have a playgroup to just meet at a park and gripe with on a regular basis.

These moms, I have come to discover, are not only really good moms, but they are an incredibly wonderful group of women. They took me out the Sat. before Maddie was born, just as a last hurrah. And now, this entire week, a different mom has provided my family with a meal every night. It's been fantastic food too, comfort food on every level, complete with salads, breads, sides, a main meal, and of course everyone has brought a dessert. This has been amazing, appreciated, and very much enjoyed.

So this is where the "Friends vs. Family" title comes in. My family calls every single day, several times a day, but otherwise, we're not getting much by way of "extra help". Okay, my mom brought dinner for us last Saturday, but otherwise, we're not getting any "extra help".
Or "extra sleep" either since the boys' adjustment seems to be affecting nothing but their sleep habits and patterns (can I say NO NAP for either child happened today??? Not good when Jack woke up at 4:45 and was FORCED back to bed by a mother who was up every 2 hours). I understand everyone is busy, and has to work, so, while my family helps me out in a bind when we need them to, and they're great about it, our friends have stepped up to the plate and become sort of our extended family this week. My mom repeatedly has said that she has better friends than family and she's right...her siblings are all crazy and I'm glad she's gotten closer to my dad's sisters as of late. They've been awesome too, but that's another Blog.

I guess I owe Julianne a heartfelt "Thanks for Moving", but it's not right(my heart's not in it), because while I am so blessed to have made these friends because she left, the point is she left, and EVERYONE misses her and the girls. I suppose this is the one time in my life I was able to make the proverbial lemonade out of lemons, I just wish I wouldn't have had to, and I had a crystal ball that would have told me things would be relatively the same for me had she stayed.

Damn, these meals have been good though!!! :-)

My Pretty Walls

Wednesday John had a Dr. appt. at 8:30 a.m., so I was left solo with all 3 mini-John's for a few hours. I decided to clean up a bit. Why, I am still not sure, Lately it's so pointless to even try. Anyway, I was down in the basement doing something productive, Nate was in his high chair eating, and Jack was coloring. With Markers. On my wall. Of course, I didn't know about the wall part until he called me up by telling me to "Come and See your pretty walls mommy"! These were not the nice Crayola washables either, and nothing got out the big green circle on my mustard colored wall. Mr. Clean's magic eraser dimmed it a bit because it took off some paint as well. I am dreading John going back to work. Call a wrecking crew because the house may just fall down around us....

And the preschool countdown starts...11 days 11 days 11 days....

Sexy Back and Naked Bongos

I can't help it. I love this Justin Timberlake song. When you are breastfeeding at 3am for the 6th time of the night watching bad videos on VH1 and it comes on, it's like a mantra....I'm bringing Sexy Back...I'll let you whip me if I misbehave... It just makes breastfeeding entertaining for about 4 minutes, plus it's got a great beat.

Let me also add on here while I'm thinking of it that if I could party with any celebrity it would totally be Matthew McConaughy (ignore the spelling!). Honestly, who couldn't have a good time with a dude who tokes up and plays naked bongos? Not to mention, I recently read an article where he partied in Costa Rica and the natives there thought he was a gas. Whoo Hooing and yucking it up for hours on end drunk as a skunk. Those who criticize his antics apparently don't know how to go out with the fun drunk guy and have a good time.

As for myself, an introduction and a tall cold one for the both of us would be just fine. I may forget that I'm a prototypical suburban housewife for a little while...Now, to find my own set of Bongos............

Put me back in!!!

...The hospital that is. Put me back in the hospital. Tuesday, Maddie had a hard night trying to regulate her body temp and needing to be suctioned of all the goo left in her lungs during birth. I slept uneventfully almost all night. The nurses had to take care of her, so I didn't worry and I rested.

Wednesday, I didn't have visitors until after 1. John wasn't even there. I slept off and on until 12:30. I woke up and my lunch tray had arrived uneventfully. That night, I slept pretty well too.

And here it is Saturday, and I don't think I've slept since. She's doing great, yeah, she's up now and then, but that's what babies do. It's the other 2 that are crazy. Thursday, our first night home was nuts. Jack was nuts with the hard transition and adapting. I can't blame him, this is hard on a kid, but man I'm tired.

I just want to go back to the hospital and sleep. I want to have others watch my children and bring me food on a tray, and constantly ask if I need anything, refill my juice or water without asking, give me a manicure and afternoon tea with a cookie or cinnamon role. It's like a spa with a catheter and IV but once those are out you really don't mind. Just for a couple more days, nothing permanent. Just to get some rest, and what can be considered "Pampering" to a Crazy Mom chasing after 3 kids now. Just a little sleep.....just a little....

The Divine Miss M

Madilynn Grace came into this world on August 15th at 3:46 p.m., weighing in at 7lbs 6.5oz and measuring 21 inches long. Compared to the boys, this was a dream birth. In fact, all babies should be born like this. I went into the hospital at our scheduled 7:30 induction time, meeting up with Nurse Wonderful, Karin. She started me on all my drugs (pitosin) by 8, and by 8:30 my water was broken and labor was in swing (not FULL painful swing, but moving along). I opted for an epidural around 11 ish, and I am seriously wondering what the hell I waited so long for when I had the boys. I truly believe now that an early epidural is key to an early birth!!!

What was sooo very cool about Maddie coming into this world was that there was absolutely NO drama. She almost was out before the Dr. arrived. I had 2 pushes with Doc and was told to stop, and I just looked down and watched everything happen. She was so small, there was literally no pain or pressure, and while surreal, it was the most amazing thing to be able to watch so calmly. She was immediately put on my chest, but I told Karin to take her away, I needed to hear her cry and breathe. Her apgars were perfect, 8 and then 9.

I didn't get sick until I was in the recovery room. I always get sick, but it wasn't so bad. She's here and she's perfect. I look forward to a lifetime of loving her.

It's GO TIME!!

I got the call from the hospital today....Baby Girl Crick is making her grand arrival tomorrow, Tuesday, August 15, hopefully in the early afternoon. The stars aligned, we got lucky and got on the schedule, and we will have a fantabulous nurse taking care of us for 2 days. I am so tired I've forgotten how to be excited, but I did get weepy thinking that after tomorrow Nate will no longer be my baby. I loved having him as my baby for a while, he's been very, very good at it. Jack is really going to be the "big kid" and the boys bachelor days are coming to a close.

A little shout out to my sister...she's WAY too organized for being a mom, but she came up today and helped me get the baby's room together. The boys were terrors for a bit, but my bro got them out while we got a lot accomplished. Actually, to give credit where it's due, she got a lot accomplished. I was kinda useless, but I let her do her thing, and the room looks awesome. Way to go little sistah!! A million and ten thank yous.

So gang, wish us luck, and the next time I write, I will have a daughter!!! A little being in the house who WON'T pee on the seats, and will put the lid (I said lid, not seat) down when she's done. Now THIS is progress!!

The Peanut

I am now referring to my daughter as "The Peanut". It's either that or "The headache I constantly had before you were even born because I was made to worry so much" but since that is such a long title, I'll settle for "The Peanut".

Yesterday at the OB we discovered that I've lost another 1 and 1/2 lbs. That's over 3 lbs in 2 weeks. Not sure how that keeps happening, but, whatever. I am still only measuring at 34 cm (for the 4th week in a row), so I was told I had to have yet another non stress test. She is doing just fine, but I was also told that if I didn't induce soon, I'd have to keep coming in for tests. I wanted Tuesday, but they were all booked, so Thursday Aug. 17th it is. Unless someone else delivers before Tuesday, and then I get their slot. Either way, less than a week to go.

I'm just hoping all is well. Doc says I'm smaller than I was with the boys so she will likely be smaller. I'm slightly afraid that she may not be growing the way she should be in utero. My BF nurse extraordinaire says she may just need to come out to get to where she should be. Last week they estimated she was about 6 lbs., so maybe she'll be about 7 or so at delivery time. I'm not sure what I'll do with a smaller baby, the boys were so...mmmm..robust I guess is the best word. Big feet, big hands, BIG HUGE HEADS!!! That may be Miss Thing's saving grace...small head, quick delivery. Now wouldn't THAT be nice for a quick recovery!!!

To Hell with Suspicious Pharmacists!

Okay, I get it. Druggies are buying children's cold medicine and making meth labs out of it. I get it. However, when a pregnant woman with 2 snotty and whiney children in a shopping cart stops at the prescription window for a little help, is it just too much to ask that I don't get questioned as if it were ME starting a meth lab? I don't even have time to shower every single day, much less try chemistry experiments in my basement.

I'm also slightly confused here on what the point is of drug companies "reformulating" this children's medicine so that it is basically rendered ineffective anyway? Is there some kind of conspiracy out there to make being a stay at home mom just that much more difficult? Have these people ever been at home for 12 straight hours with 2 sick and crabby kids? Do THEY know what it's like to sit in a Dr.'s office for an hour just "waiting our turn"? (To then be told to go to your local pharmacy and get the evil eye from the pharmacist for trying to buy reformulated ineffective medicine because all that's wrong is that your kids have is a virus.) My gut feeling on this one, is a resounding NO.

I'm thinking that if moms were actually in politics (because we have SO much time to be involved) this country would be a more likeable place. There would definitely be a lot more time outs for the bad guys out there!!

Something's not quite right....

There is something inherently wrong with the cosmic alignment of stars, moons, and planets when a husband tells his wife 11 days before she is due with baby number 3 that he is tired in the middle of the day and would like a nap. There is something terribly, terribly wrong with wife's Karma when said hubby is sooo drained after going to an hour and a half movie with a 3 year old while hugely preggo wife is home on hands and knees cleaning the kitchen floor, doing laundry, vacuuming, etc...

The gods were smiling on the XY genetic code on Sunday. In fact, it seems as though the gods are always smiling on the XY genetic code. What was Eve thinking when she picked that stupid apple? Oh, right, probably that Adam needed more fruit in his diet, or fiber, or his cholesterol was high. At any rate, she was probably doing it for HIS benefit in the first place, as is the role of wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters.....

Bad Mom/ Computer deficient

I was told by my 3 year old before the digital clock on the stove read 6:20 a.m. that I am, in fact a "bad mom". Not only that, but "You are a mean lady who should go live in the castle", by which I am assuming he meant I bear an uncanny likeness to The Wicked Witch of the West. The reason for all the drama? He had wet thru his pullup that he only wears overnight, and I was trying to put him in dry clothes. Heaven help the mom who makes the 3 year old take off the Superman Jammies!! This entire incident of course, was the ego boost of the day, and things went swimmingly from there.

Today was better than yesterday though, too many tests on baby girl, who is absolutely fine, just small for her gestational age. I got a great face shot of her via an "emergency" ultrasound, and she looks like Nate, I swear. I also had it triple confirmed that yes, it is still a girl. The ultrasound was exciting, she was sticking out her tongue and moving like crazy! Can't wait to meet her, 13 days until the due date, and counting....August 17th (or before) here I come!

Yesterday was too long to comment on, but I have to own up to the fact that when the fill in for my regular Doc who is out of town expressed concern that "I'm still measuring small, ultrasound looks good...but we want to run a non-stress test" I wasn't worried. In fact, the NST was relaxing in that I got to sit in a hospital bed in a QUIET room by myself and watch bad bad bad daytime t.v. and doze. She did swimmingly by the way....passed with more than flying colors.

Getting back to today though...I'm sitting here, trying to figure out my NEW birthday camera, and I'm getting there, but I cannot figure out how to put pictures on this blog. It keeps saying there's an error in the upload. I've got some great ones of Little Man scarfing down Pizza...the 8th wonder of the world if it were up to him! They're really cute pics too!! I am not a techie, never claim to be, but DAMN this is frustrating!

Practically Geniuses

The boys are brilliant, I swear. They are not going to need their college funds because they will get full rides to a school of their choice!

Of course I'm just kidding. It's really hard to believe in genius when the 13 month old is putting pizza on top of his head because the 3 year old is finding it hilarious, or both trying to drink the bathwater they both probably just peed in. But I digress.

Yesterday, Jack read "Brown Bear" start to finish for me. And then for John. He can read at age 3. Isn't that amazing??? Before you start to agree that, yes in fact, he is boy wonder, let me tell you he's heard the story a hundred and two times, and before he would "read" the page, he kinda peeked at what was to come. All based on memory, but not bad pre-reading skills, right?

Nate has picked up a few words, too. He understands a lot as well. If we say, "Go get your shoes" he will get them and sit down waiting for us to help. He says "mmaa" For More, mama, and milk. Occasionally I get an "aa duh" for all done. He also says "Uh Oh" really well, and "UP". I can't remember what Jack's language was like at this, but I'm hoping that Nate is right on par where he should be, since as I've mentioned before he never gets a word in edgewise.

Nate's my lover though, he'll give kisses and hugs whenever you ask, and sometimes even when you don't. Jack's sweet (at times) too, but he's too busy most of the time. I miss cuddling him as a baby, and am anticipating what's going to happen with baby girl. Can she be so totally different from the other two who are already polar opposites?
Hopefully, we'll be finding that out very, very soon!!