This one will be quick but I don't want to forget it.
Today I was talking about bullshit comments with my Father in Law and somehow the comment about what John thought when he first met me came up. We were in the car at the grocery store and the kids were with us.
John says his first thought was that he wanted to date me.
Dad says yeah, what's wrong with that??
I say we met at a bar Dad. He was the bouncer, I was a patron. I call bullshit on him saying he wanted to "date" me because WHAT bouncer says that about a chick that walks into a bar?!
Dad laughs.
Ryan pipes up from the backseat. Mom, is a bar a place where daddy gets his haircut?
Yes Ryan, yes it is!
Oh, so daddy was getting a haircut when you met him? And then when he was done you went on a date and then he asked you to marry him?
Yup, that's pretty much how it went buddy!!!
He's only six. He can learn the whole truth in a few years. ;-)
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Mean Boys
Tonight my heart broke a little bit.
Ryan asked me if I could come up with a new name for him by the morning. Then he burst into tears. It seems that one of his classmates is teasing him about his name and it's really hurting his feelings.
Really?! RYAN??? I mean this twofold. 1. Ryan is my tough little man. He is the one who will be the linebacker, will protect his older brother if someone picks on him. But, then again, I think about how easily he can breakdown if he thinks someone is mad at him. Hmmmm. 2. Really. The name RYAN is causing him to get picked on? It's not like we named him Scout. Or Talon. Or Mango. Come on now. Give me a break.
My first instinct is to go to school and berate the little shit that brought my little man to tears. Make him cry a few himself. But, clearly I cannot and would not really do that. No matter how Mama Bear I want to get, I am a rational human being. (Look how far I've come, aren't you proud of me?!) But how the hell do I fix this one?! Obviously I can't change his name. Trying to explain this to a 6 yr old is proving rather difficult. Trying to explain "ignore, walk away and he'll move on to someone else" isn't working too well either. I wish I could fix everything and shield him from the mean little shits out there but that just isn't reality.
Ugh. This motherhood stuff is really hard. If anyone has any advice, lay it on me mid love to hear it.
Ryan asked me if I could come up with a new name for him by the morning. Then he burst into tears. It seems that one of his classmates is teasing him about his name and it's really hurting his feelings.
Really?! RYAN??? I mean this twofold. 1. Ryan is my tough little man. He is the one who will be the linebacker, will protect his older brother if someone picks on him. But, then again, I think about how easily he can breakdown if he thinks someone is mad at him. Hmmmm. 2. Really. The name RYAN is causing him to get picked on? It's not like we named him Scout. Or Talon. Or Mango. Come on now. Give me a break.
My first instinct is to go to school and berate the little shit that brought my little man to tears. Make him cry a few himself. But, clearly I cannot and would not really do that. No matter how Mama Bear I want to get, I am a rational human being. (Look how far I've come, aren't you proud of me?!) But how the hell do I fix this one?! Obviously I can't change his name. Trying to explain this to a 6 yr old is proving rather difficult. Trying to explain "ignore, walk away and he'll move on to someone else" isn't working too well either. I wish I could fix everything and shield him from the mean little shits out there but that just isn't reality.
Ugh. This motherhood stuff is really hard. If anyone has any advice, lay it on me mid love to hear it.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Day 26 - Ears...yes, I said ears
I'm thankful for the ears of friends. The ones that listen when you need them, even if you didn't intend to use them in the first place. They listen, they hear.
They will use those ears to realize when things aren't right. They will listen and try to make something hurt a little less even when they know they can't fix it.
I'm thankful for friends who will use those ears to hear what you are saying and will then in turn give you a wake up call when you are feeling bad. They will tell you the truth. They will tell you to buck up and realize when things aren't your fault.
Funny things those ears. You'd never know how powerful they can be or how much they can mean.
They will use those ears to realize when things aren't right. They will listen and try to make something hurt a little less even when they know they can't fix it.
I'm thankful for friends who will use those ears to hear what you are saying and will then in turn give you a wake up call when you are feeling bad. They will tell you the truth. They will tell you to buck up and realize when things aren't your fault.
Funny things those ears. You'd never know how powerful they can be or how much they can mean.
Monday, November 26, 2012
One liners from my lil ones
Still tracking these but I need to get better at it because I'm missing some good ones! The problem is they'll just toss something out when I'm driving and well, that's not a great time to be whipping out my cell phone and texting myself a quick note so I don't forget.
Aidan:
I love that cops can just stop when they are done chasing a bad guy and go have a donut at Dunkin Donuts for less than regular people pay for a donut. I love that about cops!!
Ryan:
Every day when I get home from school I take a nap.
Me: That's because you are tired because you stay up too late after you're supposed to go to bed.
Ryan: No, it's because I do all the tired things at school!
Erynn:
I am SO PUFFED!!!
Me: What? I'm sorry, I have no idea what that means.
Erynn: Yes you DO Mom. It's when you are really really full and you can't eat anymore.
Me: Ohhhhhh, you mean you are stuffed!
Erynn: Oh. Yeah. I'm so stuffed.
Aidan:
I love that cops can just stop when they are done chasing a bad guy and go have a donut at Dunkin Donuts for less than regular people pay for a donut. I love that about cops!!
Ryan:
Every day when I get home from school I take a nap.
Me: That's because you are tired because you stay up too late after you're supposed to go to bed.
Ryan: No, it's because I do all the tired things at school!
Erynn:
I am SO PUFFED!!!
Me: What? I'm sorry, I have no idea what that means.
Erynn: Yes you DO Mom. It's when you are really really full and you can't eat anymore.
Me: Ohhhhhh, you mean you are stuffed!
Erynn: Oh. Yeah. I'm so stuffed.
Day 25 - Teamwork.....my little family of Five
I'm thankful for teamwork.
Today was a day that we didn't have to go anywhere. We didn't have anyone coming over. But it was a day where there was still a lot to do. So the five of us set out to do the things that needed to be done and I loved that we all did them together. We cleaned the whole house. Erynn's room (she did that herself), the boys cleaned their room together, John and I teamed up to clean and organize the kids' playroom, we ALL cleaned the family room, the living room and the kitchen. It was great. Not the cleaning, I haven't been hitting the crack pipe that hard.........although I am one of those crazy people that does like to clean.......but I loved that we all got down as a family and did what needed to be done.
Once that was done, it was game on - do whatchoolike. I read an entire book yesterday and started another. John caught up on his DVR. The kids were playing make believe games, playing on their DS's, coloring, running around. It was a wonderful day spent together as a family and I loved every minute of it.
Today was a day that we didn't have to go anywhere. We didn't have anyone coming over. But it was a day where there was still a lot to do. So the five of us set out to do the things that needed to be done and I loved that we all did them together. We cleaned the whole house. Erynn's room (she did that herself), the boys cleaned their room together, John and I teamed up to clean and organize the kids' playroom, we ALL cleaned the family room, the living room and the kitchen. It was great. Not the cleaning, I haven't been hitting the crack pipe that hard.........although I am one of those crazy people that does like to clean.......but I loved that we all got down as a family and did what needed to be done.
Once that was done, it was game on - do whatchoolike. I read an entire book yesterday and started another. John caught up on his DVR. The kids were playing make believe games, playing on their DS's, coloring, running around. It was a wonderful day spent together as a family and I loved every minute of it.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Day 24 - Movies
Movies. I love them.
I love going out to the theater and losing myself for a couple of hours in a storyline. I love all kinds. Comedy, horror, romance, action, suspense, drama. I love that the theater I frequent offers the " Lux" version where you can do dinner, drinks and a movie all at once. It's a wonderful thing! I love going with my hubby, the kids, a girlfriend, my brother - it all depends on what movie I'm going to see.
While I don't get to go as often as I used to, I'm thankful I'm able to go at all.
I love going out to the theater and losing myself for a couple of hours in a storyline. I love all kinds. Comedy, horror, romance, action, suspense, drama. I love that the theater I frequent offers the " Lux" version where you can do dinner, drinks and a movie all at once. It's a wonderful thing! I love going with my hubby, the kids, a girlfriend, my brother - it all depends on what movie I'm going to see.
While I don't get to go as often as I used to, I'm thankful I'm able to go at all.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Day 23 - Black Friday hell / fun / pick your word
As much as I loathe staying up all night (because, let's face it I'm not young anymore!!) - or most of it anyway - I'm thankful for Black Friday. I'm thankful for the kick ass record I set this year with Susan!
We left my house at 12:30a this morning....I did TRY to take a nap but that didn't go so well. As soon as I went to lie down after cleaning up completely from a ridiculously large Turkey Day dinner....everyone and their brother decided they would start texting and calling me so that nap was a big fat FAIL. Anyway, I got up and showered at 11:30p to wake myself up and we got on our way. We got to Kohl's at 12:40a, the doors opened at 1a. I was FULLY prepared. I had my lists for the stores I needed to go to, how much I was spending at each store and which kid needed what. We were in and out of Kohl's in 28 min because we got right in, grabbed what we needed and ran right up to the register where there wasn't a soul in line. That is pretty damn impressive - especially when that line to get in at 1a went all the way down to Rite Aid. If I could tell you in feet I would but I suck at that. Forgive me.
Next stop, Walmart. Holy CLUSTERF@#%. I'm sorry, but truly, CLUSTER. Most disorganized, torn apart store, EVER. Half of the things they had in the flier were nowhere to be found. Of course my kids shopped OFF the damn flier so it was like being on a treasure hunt. Regardless, we still managed to be in and out of there in under an hour. We were waiting in line for about 10 min when Susan went to look for something. She noticed there was someone checking out in jewelry and there was NO line. She ran over to get me and I ran over. Yup, checked out in 5 min. SCORE two points for team Susan and Christine!
Third stop, Target. This was the biggest list for both of us. But, we're both quite familiar with the layout at Target - shocking, I know, so we weren't worried in the least. We got in, got what we needed and actually looked around a bit because we finished up faster than we thought. We didn't have to wait in any line for checkout here either. Unheard of. Last year John and I spent more time waiting in lines for checkout than we did shopping!
So, this year's Black Friday shopping time - 2.5 hours. My kids are 100% DONE for Christmass, aside from their stockings. Holy hell! That has GOT to be some kind of record!!! So, again, even though it's 7p on Friday and I've gotten 7 hrs of sleep in the past 48hrs, it was absolutely, 1000% worth it and I know my ass will be right back at it again next year. Yeaaaaaah buddy!
We left my house at 12:30a this morning....I did TRY to take a nap but that didn't go so well. As soon as I went to lie down after cleaning up completely from a ridiculously large Turkey Day dinner....everyone and their brother decided they would start texting and calling me so that nap was a big fat FAIL. Anyway, I got up and showered at 11:30p to wake myself up and we got on our way. We got to Kohl's at 12:40a, the doors opened at 1a. I was FULLY prepared. I had my lists for the stores I needed to go to, how much I was spending at each store and which kid needed what. We were in and out of Kohl's in 28 min because we got right in, grabbed what we needed and ran right up to the register where there wasn't a soul in line. That is pretty damn impressive - especially when that line to get in at 1a went all the way down to Rite Aid. If I could tell you in feet I would but I suck at that. Forgive me.
Next stop, Walmart. Holy CLUSTERF@#%. I'm sorry, but truly, CLUSTER. Most disorganized, torn apart store, EVER. Half of the things they had in the flier were nowhere to be found. Of course my kids shopped OFF the damn flier so it was like being on a treasure hunt. Regardless, we still managed to be in and out of there in under an hour. We were waiting in line for about 10 min when Susan went to look for something. She noticed there was someone checking out in jewelry and there was NO line. She ran over to get me and I ran over. Yup, checked out in 5 min. SCORE two points for team Susan and Christine!
Third stop, Target. This was the biggest list for both of us. But, we're both quite familiar with the layout at Target - shocking, I know, so we weren't worried in the least. We got in, got what we needed and actually looked around a bit because we finished up faster than we thought. We didn't have to wait in any line for checkout here either. Unheard of. Last year John and I spent more time waiting in lines for checkout than we did shopping!
So, this year's Black Friday shopping time - 2.5 hours. My kids are 100% DONE for Christmass, aside from their stockings. Holy hell! That has GOT to be some kind of record!!! So, again, even though it's 7p on Friday and I've gotten 7 hrs of sleep in the past 48hrs, it was absolutely, 1000% worth it and I know my ass will be right back at it again next year. Yeaaaaaah buddy!
Day 22 - Tradition...new, old, as long as you have something
I'm thankful for traditions and the chance to continue them on with my lil ones. I'm thankful for the Macy's parade that I got to watch with my children. That I've been watching since *I* was a child. I'm thankful for the memories that come rushing back to me when I watch it with them. I'm thankful that those memories bring smiles as well as a touch of sadness.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Day 21 - my job
I'm thankful for a job that gives me the flexibility to work from home.
I know I am one of the very lucky ones because I know, from experience, that not everyone is this lucky. Heck, *I* wasn't even this lucky a year ago because my previous manager wasn't one that was one to let me work from home much. Only when absolutely necessary. New job, new manager, new world. I'm thankful for the very many changes I've gotten to experience and getting to skip that oh-so-wonderful trek into Boston today was definitely a welcome one!!
I know I am one of the very lucky ones because I know, from experience, that not everyone is this lucky. Heck, *I* wasn't even this lucky a year ago because my previous manager wasn't one that was one to let me work from home much. Only when absolutely necessary. New job, new manager, new world. I'm thankful for the very many changes I've gotten to experience and getting to skip that oh-so-wonderful trek into Boston today was definitely a welcome one!!
Day 20 - Bad days. Yes, I can even have appreciation for these.
Honestly I had to wait on this day because it was a bad day. I had a very hard time finding something to be thankful for.
Then it dawned on me. I need to be thankful for the bad days because they make me appreciate the GOOD days that much more. So there I go. I'm thankful for the bad days that happen every now and then.
Then it dawned on me. I need to be thankful for the bad days because they make me appreciate the GOOD days that much more. So there I go. I'm thankful for the bad days that happen every now and then.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Day 19 - MUSIC!
I am thankful that my children LOVE music. There is nothing that makes me smile more than hearing my children burst out into song....even when they think they know the lyrics. I love listening to them sing at the top of their lungs, throw their little bodies around into what they think are the best moves ever, watch their faces light up when they hear a song they love come on the radio. I love the little impromptu dance parties we throw in the living room. I love when they ask me to put their favorite song on the radio, computer, iPod. I have always loved music and I love that my kids do too!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Day 17 & 18 - weekends....two days of family time.
I am thankful for weekends with my family.
I am thankful for weekends that contain pajama days. In the summer they don't happen that often because there is always so much that is going on......but we can swap them for beach days and that is good enough. In the fall/winter we bring pajama days back and my kids faces just light right up. There is something to be said about staying home, all cozied up in your 'jamas as a family with nowhere to go. We all love these days and I am thankful our schedules have slowed down enough to let them stat happening again.
I am thankful for weekends that contain pajama days. In the summer they don't happen that often because there is always so much that is going on......but we can swap them for beach days and that is good enough. In the fall/winter we bring pajama days back and my kids faces just light right up. There is something to be said about staying home, all cozied up in your 'jamas as a family with nowhere to go. We all love these days and I am thankful our schedules have slowed down enough to let them stat happening again.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Day 16 - good times with great friends....and recovery time
I went out with Jules, Christy and Neil last night. Then our mutual friends younger brother joined us and my school friend Bill swung by for a bit. We listened to a band that was really good, had a few beers and had an overall blast. I hadn't been out in a couple of months and Jules and I really missed each other so it was much needed. We stayed out late, found a breakfast place that was open when the bar closed - I didn't even know those places still existed after Bickford's closed! Mmmmm Bickford's. I wish that place was still open. I can't remember the last time I stayed out so damn late. I needed the next day to recover because I'm clearly not 22 anymore but boy did I have fun!
Day 15 - so damn thankful for my short week!
Some weeks are crazy busy - this was one of them. These weeks make me very happy that I work the (4) ten hour work days that I do!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Day 14 - My Father in Law
He is the only dad I have ever really known and I couldn't have asked for a better one. I think God was really trying to make it up to me with my FIL when he "gave" him to me with John.
He is e most generous man I have ever met in my life. He is a wonderful grandfather. He would do anything for anyone and usually does. We may not always see eye to eye, but who does?
I am so thankful he is a part of my life.
He is e most generous man I have ever met in my life. He is a wonderful grandfather. He would do anything for anyone and usually does. We may not always see eye to eye, but who does?
I am so thankful he is a part of my life.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Day 12 - VACATION DAYS!
When I get to take them that is. Technically I was supposed to be taking 1/2 day today but I had to log on to do some work for my boss this evening. That is what happens when you work for a VP I suppose. You do have to take the good with the bad and I do love my job soo.......
Anyway, 1/2 vacation day = spending extra time with my family! YAY! John and the kids had the day off so after my neurologist appt we all went to the movies to see Wreck It Ralph. SO cute. The kids loved it, I loved spending the extra time together as a family and I felt like I almost got an extra weekend day. Win/Win all around!
Anyway, 1/2 vacation day = spending extra time with my family! YAY! John and the kids had the day off so after my neurologist appt we all went to the movies to see Wreck It Ralph. SO cute. The kids loved it, I loved spending the extra time together as a family and I felt like I almost got an extra weekend day. Win/Win all around!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Days 8-11......dammit, time to play catch up!
UGH. Catch up again!
Day 8.
I am thankful for my job. I am one of the very lucky people who actually wake up in the morning happy to go to work. It wasn't always this way. I've worked at P&G for over 12 years now but I didn't always look forward to work every day. The past year has been amazing and I am absolutely loving the work I do, the people I work with and most importantly my manager. My work life these days is pretty damn good and I am very thankful for that!
Day 9.
My Mom. She may not be here any longer but I am so thankful for the time I had with her. She is and will always be my hero. I think about her and miss her every day. I try my best to make her proud of me and hope that I am the daughter/mother/woman she hoped I would become. I will spend the rest of my life wishing I'd had more time with her but I thank God every day for the time that I did have.
Day 10.
Books. I am a HUGE reader. I love getting lost in a book. I love the feel and smell of a book, the way you have to use your imagination to really get INTO a book, the way a book can just suck you in and make you lose track of time. Well.....for me anyway. There have been nights that I've read well into the night without even realizing it. I think I take reading for granted because I enjoy it so much. I'm thankful that I've never had a problem learning to read. I'm so glad it's a hobby that I immediately got into at a young age. (Yet another thing I can thank my Mother for.)
Day 11.
I am thankful for Veterans. They are the people who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom. They protect our country, they fight for people they don't even know. They keep us safe without regard for their own safety and I will forever be grateful.
Day 8.
I am thankful for my job. I am one of the very lucky people who actually wake up in the morning happy to go to work. It wasn't always this way. I've worked at P&G for over 12 years now but I didn't always look forward to work every day. The past year has been amazing and I am absolutely loving the work I do, the people I work with and most importantly my manager. My work life these days is pretty damn good and I am very thankful for that!
Day 9.
My Mom. She may not be here any longer but I am so thankful for the time I had with her. She is and will always be my hero. I think about her and miss her every day. I try my best to make her proud of me and hope that I am the daughter/mother/woman she hoped I would become. I will spend the rest of my life wishing I'd had more time with her but I thank God every day for the time that I did have.
Day 10.
Books. I am a HUGE reader. I love getting lost in a book. I love the feel and smell of a book, the way you have to use your imagination to really get INTO a book, the way a book can just suck you in and make you lose track of time. Well.....for me anyway. There have been nights that I've read well into the night without even realizing it. I think I take reading for granted because I enjoy it so much. I'm thankful that I've never had a problem learning to read. I'm so glad it's a hobby that I immediately got into at a young age. (Yet another thing I can thank my Mother for.)
Day 11.
I am thankful for Veterans. They are the people who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom. They protect our country, they fight for people they don't even know. They keep us safe without regard for their own safety and I will forever be grateful.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Day 6 & 7 - Ryan Joseph and Erynn Louise!
Of course I already fell behind. Shocking.
Day 6.
Ryan Joseph Foley
This little man just makes my heart melt. My typical middle child. He is tough as nails. NO fear. He would be the one to jump from the top of the bridge to show how tough he is. But the second he thinks someone is mad at him his little heart breaks into a million pieces and he will burst into tears. He is the sweetest little tough boy ever. He has SO much heart. He calls Aidan his "best buddy" and I hope he never forgets it.
He still asks me for a hug and a kiss every night. Three times. He still sleeps with a teeny little stuffed hamster (God only knows where he got this thing, I think from a prize machine or something, it's so awful) that he has named Mister Kipling and he makes me give Mr. K a hug and a kiss too. He loves his cuddle time and he loves it when I call him my little mouse.
My life would not be the same without him and I thank God every day for sending me my little Ryan Jofess.
Day 7
Erynn Louise Foley
My baby girl. I always joked that I hoped I'd never have a girl b/c she'd be just like me. Well, she isn't a baby anymore but she is JUST like me and I love her to the moon and back. Watching this little girl walking about is like watching a combination of myself and my mother. She is my absolute joy.
Erynn is SUCH a girly girl. She loves her fashion. She loves having her hair done. She loves having her nails done. If I go anywhere, she wants to go with me. Every weekend, as soon as she wakes up, she comes running to my bedroom to get her snuggle / cuddle with her Momma. I hope it never ends. I'm sure it will.........when she is twenty. ;-)
She absolutely completes our family of five and I am thankful my JOKE never came true. I cannot imagine my life without her.
Day 6.
Ryan Joseph Foley
This little man just makes my heart melt. My typical middle child. He is tough as nails. NO fear. He would be the one to jump from the top of the bridge to show how tough he is. But the second he thinks someone is mad at him his little heart breaks into a million pieces and he will burst into tears. He is the sweetest little tough boy ever. He has SO much heart. He calls Aidan his "best buddy" and I hope he never forgets it.
He still asks me for a hug and a kiss every night. Three times. He still sleeps with a teeny little stuffed hamster (God only knows where he got this thing, I think from a prize machine or something, it's so awful) that he has named Mister Kipling and he makes me give Mr. K a hug and a kiss too. He loves his cuddle time and he loves it when I call him my little mouse.
My life would not be the same without him and I thank God every day for sending me my little Ryan Jofess.
Day 7
Erynn Louise Foley
My baby girl. I always joked that I hoped I'd never have a girl b/c she'd be just like me. Well, she isn't a baby anymore but she is JUST like me and I love her to the moon and back. Watching this little girl walking about is like watching a combination of myself and my mother. She is my absolute joy.
Erynn is SUCH a girly girl. She loves her fashion. She loves having her hair done. She loves having her nails done. If I go anywhere, she wants to go with me. Every weekend, as soon as she wakes up, she comes running to my bedroom to get her snuggle / cuddle with her Momma. I hope it never ends. I'm sure it will.........when she is twenty. ;-)
She absolutely completes our family of five and I am thankful my JOKE never came true. I cannot imagine my life without her.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Day 5 - Aidan John
My first born.
My oldest.
The first one to make me feel what it felt like to have my heart walking around outside of my body.
My sensitive little man. He's 7 years old and so much older than his years. I worry about him all the time because he's so sensitive. I worry about his fragile little self esteem. I hope he has enough friends, I hope he is happy. He is such a joy and he is such a kind, BIG hearted little boy. He's inquisitive, thoughtful, loving. He's always looking out for his brother and his sister. He always wants to include them. (Actually, they all do this - they are VERY thoughtful when it comes to one another) He still wants to give his Mother a hug and a kiss in front of his classmates at school - he's not too old for that. He is SUCH a love. I hope he always will be.
He was the one we tried for the longest. After over two years of infertility our prayers were answered and he is SUCH a blessing. I am thankful that we were able to finally have children. I am thankful that he was our first. I am thankful for my Aidan John.
My oldest.
The first one to make me feel what it felt like to have my heart walking around outside of my body.
My sensitive little man. He's 7 years old and so much older than his years. I worry about him all the time because he's so sensitive. I worry about his fragile little self esteem. I hope he has enough friends, I hope he is happy. He is such a joy and he is such a kind, BIG hearted little boy. He's inquisitive, thoughtful, loving. He's always looking out for his brother and his sister. He always wants to include them. (Actually, they all do this - they are VERY thoughtful when it comes to one another) He still wants to give his Mother a hug and a kiss in front of his classmates at school - he's not too old for that. He is SUCH a love. I hope he always will be.
He was the one we tried for the longest. After over two years of infertility our prayers were answered and he is SUCH a blessing. I am thankful that we were able to finally have children. I am thankful that he was our first. I am thankful for my Aidan John.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Day 4 - Friends..again...but the lifelong kind!
After yet another one of our "monthly get togethers" on day four I am thankful for life long friendships.
Every month we get together with the same group of people. I am connected to the five women from this group. 2 of them I have known since 6th grade. One I met my Junior Year of High School. The other two I met when I was 20 years old. I've grown up with these women. We've been together through all of the times in life one can go through. We're all married now, with children of our own and we are starting the friendships with our children now that we once had as children ourselves.
I treasure this and I am so thankful. The memories we have between us and the memories we continue to create are blessings I cannot even begin to describe.
Every month we get together with the same group of people. I am connected to the five women from this group. 2 of them I have known since 6th grade. One I met my Junior Year of High School. The other two I met when I was 20 years old. I've grown up with these women. We've been together through all of the times in life one can go through. We're all married now, with children of our own and we are starting the friendships with our children now that we once had as children ourselves.
I treasure this and I am so thankful. The memories we have between us and the memories we continue to create are blessings I cannot even begin to describe.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Day 3 - Friends, random as they may be
Day three of thankfulness.
I'm not going to go in any particular order.
Today was a great day spent with a great family so for day three, I am thankful for wonderful friends made in random places.
Today we spent the day at Sturbridge Village with the Gottman Family. Long story short, Jode and I met over the internet 10+ years ago and we still see each other. We had a WONDERFUL day and I am just so thankful for friends like her. You never know how much someone will mean to you and your family when you initially meet them. You never know just how strong your bond/friendship is going to be.
I'm not going to go in any particular order.
Today was a great day spent with a great family so for day three, I am thankful for wonderful friends made in random places.
Today we spent the day at Sturbridge Village with the Gottman Family. Long story short, Jode and I met over the internet 10+ years ago and we still see each other. We had a WONDERFUL day and I am just so thankful for friends like her. You never know how much someone will mean to you and your family when you initially meet them. You never know just how strong your bond/friendship is going to be.
Friday, November 2, 2012
30 Days of Thankfulness
Every now and then I'll stumble across something that fuels my blogging. As you may have noticed I tend to fall woefully behind on my blog. I'll leave myself little notes here and there about things I NEED to blog about. I really do have good intentions. I just have to actually sit down and WRITE these good intentions down IN my blog. That seems to be the hardest part for me. Right now I have a good 4 blogs sitting here in the "notes" app on my iPhone. Good place for them, eh?
Anyway, we're in November. November, aside from being known for "Movember" which I think is the month where guys either shave all kind of weird things on their faces or don't shave at all............I haven't quite gotten the meaning of Movember down yet...........is also known for the month of being thankful. So, I figure I can blog 30 Days of Thankfullness. One blog post per day of things I am thankful for. True to form I am alread a day behind. Way to go me. So, today, I will start with two.
1. I am thankful for my life. General, yes. I will specify as the month goes on, I am sure.
2. I am thankful for my husband. I am more than thankful. I am grateful, I am blessed. He really is the perfect man for me. Who else in their right mind would strap THIS on for the rest of their life?? The man is a saint, really. HA! He is not perfect, none of us are, but he is my perfect match and I thank God every day (yes, even the days I could kill him for the things we all want to kill our husbands, wives, partners for) for thirsty Thursday because if it weren't for Pat Flanagan's I would never have met my man. Ahhh, sigh. Just the story you want to tell your children when they get older. Yes honey, I met your father in a bar. Bwahahahaha. Come on, I'm thankful but I'm not losing my sense of humor! ;-)
Anyway, we're in November. November, aside from being known for "Movember" which I think is the month where guys either shave all kind of weird things on their faces or don't shave at all............I haven't quite gotten the meaning of Movember down yet...........is also known for the month of being thankful. So, I figure I can blog 30 Days of Thankfullness. One blog post per day of things I am thankful for. True to form I am alread a day behind. Way to go me. So, today, I will start with two.
1. I am thankful for my life. General, yes. I will specify as the month goes on, I am sure.
2. I am thankful for my husband. I am more than thankful. I am grateful, I am blessed. He really is the perfect man for me. Who else in their right mind would strap THIS on for the rest of their life?? The man is a saint, really. HA! He is not perfect, none of us are, but he is my perfect match and I thank God every day (yes, even the days I could kill him for the things we all want to kill our husbands, wives, partners for) for thirsty Thursday because if it weren't for Pat Flanagan's I would never have met my man. Ahhh, sigh. Just the story you want to tell your children when they get older. Yes honey, I met your father in a bar. Bwahahahaha. Come on, I'm thankful but I'm not losing my sense of humor! ;-)
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I couldn't make this up if I tried
I've been trying to keep track of the random funny things that my kids say.
I find myself whipping my phone out to type it into my "notes" app so I don't forget because, honestly, some of this cracks me UP! It might just be because they are my kids. I am hearing them say it. I hear the tone, the way, etc. I know them. You may not find it as funny as I do. But I'm blogging anyway because I'm sure, one day, I'll look back on these and find them even more funny than I do now.
Sunday we're on a road trip.
I had asked John two months ago to fix my roof racks because they make a REALLY loud whistling noise when you're driving on the highway. Super annoying - I can't stand it.
Erynn says Mom, what is that NOISE???
I said It's the roof racks.
She says It's really annoying and LOUD!
I said Yeah, it kind of is, isn't it?? (all the while looking pointedly at John who is just smirking out the side of his face)
Aidan says It sounds like pigeons Mom!
Erynn says YEAH! It sounds just like MIDGETS!!!!!
WTH???
Ryan comes into the living room.
Guess what I'm going to be when I grow up Mom!
What are you going to be when you grow up Ryan?
I'm going to be a rock star singer. Because I have an awesome voice! And you can come. Anytime you want. Just give me a call at my house. It will start at ten o'clock.
Okay buddy, I'll be there. LOL.
Ryan says Mom? Is breeze a different word for wind?
Yes Ryan.
Oh. Well, that sure is some good breezin' going on out there.
The other night I was watching Big Ang. I know, I know, but there was nothing on TV or on my DVR.
Her friend took her to a consignment shop to get rid of some of her clothes and things because she had WAY too much crap in her house. Erynn came down and was watching that segment with me.
Erynn says She is definitely NOT a nice girl!! (referring to Ang's friend)
I said Why not?
Because she won't let her friend buy any of those clothes!! (Ang was looking at other items in the shop that she wanted to buy and her friend said no, you came here to get rid of stuff, not buy MORE!)
I swear - the things that comes out of these kids mouths is just priceless. I love every minute of it!
I find myself whipping my phone out to type it into my "notes" app so I don't forget because, honestly, some of this cracks me UP! It might just be because they are my kids. I am hearing them say it. I hear the tone, the way, etc. I know them. You may not find it as funny as I do. But I'm blogging anyway because I'm sure, one day, I'll look back on these and find them even more funny than I do now.
Sunday we're on a road trip.
I had asked John two months ago to fix my roof racks because they make a REALLY loud whistling noise when you're driving on the highway. Super annoying - I can't stand it.
Erynn says Mom, what is that NOISE???
I said It's the roof racks.
She says It's really annoying and LOUD!
I said Yeah, it kind of is, isn't it?? (all the while looking pointedly at John who is just smirking out the side of his face)
Aidan says It sounds like pigeons Mom!
Erynn says YEAH! It sounds just like MIDGETS!!!!!
WTH???
Ryan comes into the living room.
Guess what I'm going to be when I grow up Mom!
What are you going to be when you grow up Ryan?
I'm going to be a rock star singer. Because I have an awesome voice! And you can come. Anytime you want. Just give me a call at my house. It will start at ten o'clock.
Okay buddy, I'll be there. LOL.
Ryan says Mom? Is breeze a different word for wind?
Yes Ryan.
Oh. Well, that sure is some good breezin' going on out there.
The other night I was watching Big Ang. I know, I know, but there was nothing on TV or on my DVR.
Her friend took her to a consignment shop to get rid of some of her clothes and things because she had WAY too much crap in her house. Erynn came down and was watching that segment with me.
Erynn says She is definitely NOT a nice girl!! (referring to Ang's friend)
I said Why not?
Because she won't let her friend buy any of those clothes!! (Ang was looking at other items in the shop that she wanted to buy and her friend said no, you came here to get rid of stuff, not buy MORE!)
I swear - the things that comes out of these kids mouths is just priceless. I love every minute of it!
Oh Pinterest, how I love Thee
I'm obsessed.
If you are on Pinterest, you are as well.
If you are not on Pinterest, get there and you will quickly become obsessed.
Spinning off of my Happy Anniversary post.........three things happened.
3. Trying on my wedding dress led me to complete yet another Pinterest pin. I saw one a few months ago that showed a little girl trying on her mother's wedding dress. My heart melted and I knew I was going to have Erynn do this. (of course!) Once Erynn saw me trying on my dress she said "Mom!! *I* want to try on your dress too!!!!!" Of course you can try it on!!!
Here is the result. Swoooon. This is definitely one of my all time favorite pictures of Erynn, without a doubt. I just love my mini me to pieces.
If you are on Pinterest, you are as well.
If you are not on Pinterest, get there and you will quickly become obsessed.
Spinning off of my Happy Anniversary post.........three things happened.
1. I weighed myself and my anniversary gift was I'm finally back at my wedding weight! YAHOO! It only took me 11 years (hey, I had 3 children and two MAJOR deaths, along with some other major life things going on...pretty valid excuses methinks) but I'm finally there! No, I don't intend on stopping on this weight loss journey, I'm still trucking along.
2. I tried on my wedding dress and it FIT! Holy shit, it fit! Granted...the girls have changed a bit, again, 3 kids here, so I may have totally looked like a Hooters girl in my dress but damn I got it on and it fit and that is all that matters! LOL. Yes, that is a total smirk on my face. I fully admit and own it. Tell me you wouldn't have one as well and I'll call bullshit on you! HA!
Here is the result. Swoooon. This is definitely one of my all time favorite pictures of Erynn, without a doubt. I just love my mini me to pieces.
Happy Anniversary!
I'm not quite sure how it happened but it's been 11 years since John and I got married!!
Some days it feels like 1,000 years. (Come on, you know you have those days too!)
Other days it feels like 10 minutes.
I love this man with all of my heart. I could not have married a more perfect man for me.
There were those who thought we were crazy (we might have been) but we were crazy in love and 11 years later we still are.
I love you THIS much and I always will.
Some days it feels like 1,000 years. (Come on, you know you have those days too!)
Other days it feels like 10 minutes.
I love this man with all of my heart. I could not have married a more perfect man for me.
Um, there isn't another man that could up with me full time. Have we met? You KNOW what I'm like! HA!
He's a saint. We all know this.
Looks like we've made it.....Look how far we've come. We didn't take the long way, lol, but we took the way that was meant for us and that's all that matters.
There were those who thought we were crazy (we might have been) but we were crazy in love and 11 years later we still are.
I love you THIS much and I always will.
Once again...
I'm ridiculously far behind. Never when coming up with my "byline" did I think how accurate is really was going to be. "Random" musings indeed. I just can't seem to get here often enough to stay updated. I'll have to do quite a few posts to become current. Otherwise this will be the longest blog post in the history of blog posts. Not having that.
Let's start with back to school. Yes, that happened. The summer has come and gone in the blink of an eye. All three kids have been back to school for over four weeks now! The boys started before Labor Day.
Ryan is in First Grade with Mrs. Henderson.................
Erynn is in her second year of Pre-K with Mrs. Cicci...............
Let's start with back to school. Yes, that happened. The summer has come and gone in the blink of an eye. All three kids have been back to school for over four weeks now! The boys started before Labor Day.
Sidenote. WHEN did it become acceptable to start back to school before Labor Day weekend? Before last year I'd never heard of such a thing. Growing up we never started bts before LD. Ever. It just wasn't done. Last year Aidan started before LD and I was floored. Fast forward to this year and it's apparantly the norm. But I digress.
So, Aidan is now in Second Grade with Mrs. Verlicco...........
Ryan is in First Grade with Mrs. Henderson.................
Erynn is in her second year of Pre-K with Mrs. Cicci...............
So, four weeks into school and all three kids are loving it. The boys have homework every night. Some days it's a chore but, for the most part, they are really good about it and learning is fun. Let's hope that continues!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Moms Gone Wild
Well, a little wild. ;-)
Hard to believe it was two weeks ago already but it was. I ran away for the weekend with 17 other mothers. No husbands, no children, no responsibility. No little ones hanging off our every limbs saying "mom, mommy, mama" and it was heaven. Yes, I missed my children. Yes, I missed my husband. But it was still lovely to have some ME time again. You forget what that is like when it's all about everyone else all of the time! If you are a Mom and you are reading this, hell if you are a a WIFE without being a Mom yet and you are reading this, you GET what I am saying!! You are picking up what I am putting down!
This is a trip that is done annually or semi-annually, depending on how you look at it. Usually this large a group is done semi annually but we do get together annually on a smaller scale. I believe the largest group was over twenty and that was back in 2010. I couldn't make that one so I was damned sure going to make this one. I am SO glad I went!! Out of the 18 of us I had only met 8 of the women in person before so I was a bit nervous. I know, I know, you wouldn't think that *I* would be nervous about meeting new people and some of you may call bullshit but I get VERY nervous about meeting people. Even though I have been talking to most of these women online for over ten years and I feel like I know them already, it was still nervewracking. It's funny, some of them I talk to every.single.day. More than I talk to the people in my life now. Some of them know me BETTER than my "in real life" friends, isn't that crazy?? But it just goes to show you that you never know who you are going to bond with. I can honestly say that I feel a special bond with some of them and feel like they are there for me MORE than some of my IRL friends are and that might be a bit sad to say, but it's the truth. What can you do?
So, I left for KC on Thursday morning and I got there around 2p or so. Cindy picked me up at the airport. She is a prime example of what I was saying before. She and I talk almost every day via email - definitely more than I talk to some of my IRL friends. She and I had never met before but when I got off the plane she came right up and we hugged and that was that. No nerves or anything with her. Loved it! We had to wait at the airport for a few more people so we went and had a drink while we waited. The others came and we were all hungry so we went to a restaurant and had apps/drinks then headed to the hotel to check in. Cindy had made us the CUTEST shot glass favors as gifts for the gtg so I made up the rule that as each set of girls arrived we all needed to do a shot. Hell, why not! No responsibilities for the weekend? Game on. Although it wasn't really game on - we totally mixed sprite in with the vodka we used for the shots LMAO. We all hung for a bit, got ready for dinner (KC BBQ which I tried really hard to like but just could't do it b/c you know I'm picky as hell) and then we went to the movies. What a difference that was from home. $7.50 for the movie and the seats - full on RECLINERS. Leather flipping recliners. Holy hannah. Loved it. The seats were better than the movie LOL. We saw Ted. It wasn't awful but it was something I could have waited for cable to see lol. We all agreed on that but it was still a great night.
Friday we had breakfast at club level - this was such a great deal. The club level access was something that cost like $20 and it got you access all weekend - free soda/water, snacks and breakfast. Plus a place to hang out whenver you wanted. Big room that held all of us. Computer access so we printed all of our boarding passed. Sweet! Friday was the main travel day for most of the girls so they were trickling in. We had lunch at the hotel (hotel gave us a 20% group discount for staying, very nice!), we hung out some more and then got ready to take on the Power and Light District. One of the girls won a party at Howl at the Moon. We each got two free drinks, free admittance, free apps and a section of the bar roped off for us. We took the place over and it was fantastic. Epic dancing laughing singing and owning the place. Hysterical. A couple of the girls had a LONG day and were back at the hotel at 9p. Most of us stayed out til the end. After that it was back to the hotel. Hit rooms, get changed, back to Club level. We decided we were hungry so we ordered pizza. FYI - KC pizza at 1am - ripoff. $50 will get you two pizza and mozz sticks. Ouch.
Saturday more breakast c.l. Some of the girls walked to Starbucks to get more coffee. Some of the girls headed out right away to get their shop on. There was a huge shopping area right down the street from the hotel. Think outlets but taking up a downtown area of a city. Awesome. The rest of the girls (me included) went out a bit later. I didn't shop but walked around with the other girls. We met up with one group for lunch and then we went back to the hotel and hung out at the pool. Have a couple of drinks. Then it's time to get ready for dinner. We go to Kona Grill. After dinner it's time for the Trolley. For $10 this thing carts you around all night. SCORE. It takes you to four different sections where you can get out and go to bars or restaurants, places to go and have fun. We get out at one area and hit this DIVE bar. It was hysterical. None of us want to use the bathroom. The drinks were so strong we could have lit our breath on fire with a match. It smelled like mold. We were cracking up. Had to be done. We stayed for one drink and it's back on the trolley we go. Back to the Power and Light district and we hit Howl at the Moon again. We stay there for a while but some of the other girls hit another bar that has............wait for it..........mechanical BULL RIDING. Oh hell yeah. The rest of us join. Most of us ride the bull. Oh yeah, I rode a mechanical bull. In a skirt. No I was not drunk. Yes, there may be video of this blessed event. No you will not be watching it. It was hysterical. I may or may not do it again because I do hear there is a place around here that has it. If I do attend such a place I can assure you I will be wearing proper attire! HA!
Sunday was a sad day. Breakfast again. Then time to pack up and go. So sad. This was the most fun I have had in a VERY long time. By the end of this weekend I would never have known I hadn't met any of these women in real life before. Everyone got along so well. We all had such a good time. It was just the right amount to be gone away. Thursday to Sunday and I was ready to come back home to my family. The girls all trickle out in random groups depending on flight times and it's time to go home.
Speaking of home. What a clusterf@#% that was. Get to airport. Waiting for flight. Supposed to board at 1:15p and take off at 1:45p. At 1:30p they tell us flight attendant is sick - taken to hospital with kidney stones. They will need to wait for another F.A. from incoming plane @ 2p and we'll be able to board then. Won't delay us too long, should still be in Boston around 6:15p. Okay, no problem, shit happens. At 2p they tell us flight has landed, shouldn't be too much longer. They will do fast boarding and we'll be on our way. Great! Roughly 2:30p they tell us PILOT is missing. Um, what now? How do you "lose" a pilot? At 2:45p FLIGHT CANCELLED. No explanation, nothing but flight cancelled. Go to customer service and see what they can do. Holy mother of God. Luckily a few of the girls from the GTG were flying to MN so they said GO and we'll watch your bags! "Thanks girls!" Off I RUN to cust svc. While waiting in line some guy hands us a card and says for us to call instead of standing there doing nothing. Um, RUDE much?! WTF? I am NOT an experienced flier and, truth be told, I HATE to fly. It freaks me out, especially flying alone. So I call and I get the rudest person on the effing planet. I explain that my flight has just been cancelled. She says why?! Um, I have no idea, I'm not privvy to that information. I just tell her I'm sorry, I'm not sure, they just told us it was cancelled. So she tells me I can't get home today. What?! Then she says hold on. Maybe this flight. No, they won't give me a ticket. This one. No, can't get this one. Ma'am. Are you walking and talking to me? You need to be WALKING now. I said what? No, I'm standing in customer service like they told us. Ma'am. You have 6 min to catch this flight or you aren't getting home. OMG! So I start running back to security while asking what GATE I need to get to. While this is going on my phone is beeping. It's Anne trying to call me to tell me they've moved (with my bags) to their boarding gate. (when I didn't answer, she texted) Thank GOD it's close to the gate I need to go to. Once I get back through security I run to my bags and have to literally grab them and run. I don't even have time to hug my girls goodbye!!! I have NO idea where I'm going aside from to a gate. The "customer service" rep has just told me to get to the gate. I know I'm going to Boston. I know nothing else. I get to the gate, I explain what has happened. The first ticket agent has MAJAH attitude. He tells me the plane has boarded and that I don't have a ticket. I explain to him again what has happened. I apologize for being frazzled and tell him that I've just been told I need to RUN to get to the gate or I'm not getting on the plane. He tells me he has no ticket for me and there is nothing he can do. He is so rude. The other agent with him must feel bad for me b/c she asks to take my (now cancelled) boarding pass from me and looks me up in the computer. SHE finds my tickets and tells me I'm all set to board. Thank you NICE agent!!! I get on the plane and have *this* much time to text John and tell him my flight is cancelled and I'll text him when I land. IN ATLANTA. OMG, what? I'm going to ATLANTA?! Why yes, yes I am according to the ticket I'm holding. For a 3 hr and 45 min layover. Faaaaantastic. I'll depart Atlanta at 9:45p and I'll arrive in Boston at 12:30a Monday morning. Shoot me now. I call John from the airport in tears. I was just emotionally and physically exhausted at that point. I tell him what's going on and then I feel even worse b/c he is the one that will have to wake the kids up at 12a to get them in the car and drive to Logan to pick me up in the middle of the night. Of course he doesn't care but that's not the point. Bottom line - I land in Boston at 12:30a. Get home at 1:10a. Off to bed I go. Thank God I took Monday off. I spent the day with the kids, doing laundry and grocery shopping.
All in all, aside from that cluster of a flight home, it was a GREAT weekend and I can't wait until next year. Chi-Town baby!!!!!
This is a trip that is done annually or semi-annually, depending on how you look at it. Usually this large a group is done semi annually but we do get together annually on a smaller scale. I believe the largest group was over twenty and that was back in 2010. I couldn't make that one so I was damned sure going to make this one. I am SO glad I went!! Out of the 18 of us I had only met 8 of the women in person before so I was a bit nervous. I know, I know, you wouldn't think that *I* would be nervous about meeting new people and some of you may call bullshit but I get VERY nervous about meeting people. Even though I have been talking to most of these women online for over ten years and I feel like I know them already, it was still nervewracking. It's funny, some of them I talk to every.single.day. More than I talk to the people in my life now. Some of them know me BETTER than my "in real life" friends, isn't that crazy?? But it just goes to show you that you never know who you are going to bond with. I can honestly say that I feel a special bond with some of them and feel like they are there for me MORE than some of my IRL friends are and that might be a bit sad to say, but it's the truth. What can you do?
So, I left for KC on Thursday morning and I got there around 2p or so. Cindy picked me up at the airport. She is a prime example of what I was saying before. She and I talk almost every day via email - definitely more than I talk to some of my IRL friends. She and I had never met before but when I got off the plane she came right up and we hugged and that was that. No nerves or anything with her. Loved it! We had to wait at the airport for a few more people so we went and had a drink while we waited. The others came and we were all hungry so we went to a restaurant and had apps/drinks then headed to the hotel to check in. Cindy had made us the CUTEST shot glass favors as gifts for the gtg so I made up the rule that as each set of girls arrived we all needed to do a shot. Hell, why not! No responsibilities for the weekend? Game on. Although it wasn't really game on - we totally mixed sprite in with the vodka we used for the shots LMAO. We all hung for a bit, got ready for dinner (KC BBQ which I tried really hard to like but just could't do it b/c you know I'm picky as hell) and then we went to the movies. What a difference that was from home. $7.50 for the movie and the seats - full on RECLINERS. Leather flipping recliners. Holy hannah. Loved it. The seats were better than the movie LOL. We saw Ted. It wasn't awful but it was something I could have waited for cable to see lol. We all agreed on that but it was still a great night.
Friday we had breakfast at club level - this was such a great deal. The club level access was something that cost like $20 and it got you access all weekend - free soda/water, snacks and breakfast. Plus a place to hang out whenver you wanted. Big room that held all of us. Computer access so we printed all of our boarding passed. Sweet! Friday was the main travel day for most of the girls so they were trickling in. We had lunch at the hotel (hotel gave us a 20% group discount for staying, very nice!), we hung out some more and then got ready to take on the Power and Light District. One of the girls won a party at Howl at the Moon. We each got two free drinks, free admittance, free apps and a section of the bar roped off for us. We took the place over and it was fantastic. Epic dancing laughing singing and owning the place. Hysterical. A couple of the girls had a LONG day and were back at the hotel at 9p. Most of us stayed out til the end. After that it was back to the hotel. Hit rooms, get changed, back to Club level. We decided we were hungry so we ordered pizza. FYI - KC pizza at 1am - ripoff. $50 will get you two pizza and mozz sticks. Ouch.
Saturday more breakast c.l. Some of the girls walked to Starbucks to get more coffee. Some of the girls headed out right away to get their shop on. There was a huge shopping area right down the street from the hotel. Think outlets but taking up a downtown area of a city. Awesome. The rest of the girls (me included) went out a bit later. I didn't shop but walked around with the other girls. We met up with one group for lunch and then we went back to the hotel and hung out at the pool. Have a couple of drinks. Then it's time to get ready for dinner. We go to Kona Grill. After dinner it's time for the Trolley. For $10 this thing carts you around all night. SCORE. It takes you to four different sections where you can get out and go to bars or restaurants, places to go and have fun. We get out at one area and hit this DIVE bar. It was hysterical. None of us want to use the bathroom. The drinks were so strong we could have lit our breath on fire with a match. It smelled like mold. We were cracking up. Had to be done. We stayed for one drink and it's back on the trolley we go. Back to the Power and Light district and we hit Howl at the Moon again. We stay there for a while but some of the other girls hit another bar that has............wait for it..........mechanical BULL RIDING. Oh hell yeah. The rest of us join. Most of us ride the bull. Oh yeah, I rode a mechanical bull. In a skirt. No I was not drunk. Yes, there may be video of this blessed event. No you will not be watching it. It was hysterical. I may or may not do it again because I do hear there is a place around here that has it. If I do attend such a place I can assure you I will be wearing proper attire! HA!
Sunday was a sad day. Breakfast again. Then time to pack up and go. So sad. This was the most fun I have had in a VERY long time. By the end of this weekend I would never have known I hadn't met any of these women in real life before. Everyone got along so well. We all had such a good time. It was just the right amount to be gone away. Thursday to Sunday and I was ready to come back home to my family. The girls all trickle out in random groups depending on flight times and it's time to go home.
Speaking of home. What a clusterf@#% that was. Get to airport. Waiting for flight. Supposed to board at 1:15p and take off at 1:45p. At 1:30p they tell us flight attendant is sick - taken to hospital with kidney stones. They will need to wait for another F.A. from incoming plane @ 2p and we'll be able to board then. Won't delay us too long, should still be in Boston around 6:15p. Okay, no problem, shit happens. At 2p they tell us flight has landed, shouldn't be too much longer. They will do fast boarding and we'll be on our way. Great! Roughly 2:30p they tell us PILOT is missing. Um, what now? How do you "lose" a pilot? At 2:45p FLIGHT CANCELLED. No explanation, nothing but flight cancelled. Go to customer service and see what they can do. Holy mother of God. Luckily a few of the girls from the GTG were flying to MN so they said GO and we'll watch your bags! "Thanks girls!" Off I RUN to cust svc. While waiting in line some guy hands us a card and says for us to call instead of standing there doing nothing. Um, RUDE much?! WTF? I am NOT an experienced flier and, truth be told, I HATE to fly. It freaks me out, especially flying alone. So I call and I get the rudest person on the effing planet. I explain that my flight has just been cancelled. She says why?! Um, I have no idea, I'm not privvy to that information. I just tell her I'm sorry, I'm not sure, they just told us it was cancelled. So she tells me I can't get home today. What?! Then she says hold on. Maybe this flight. No, they won't give me a ticket. This one. No, can't get this one. Ma'am. Are you walking and talking to me? You need to be WALKING now. I said what? No, I'm standing in customer service like they told us. Ma'am. You have 6 min to catch this flight or you aren't getting home. OMG! So I start running back to security while asking what GATE I need to get to. While this is going on my phone is beeping. It's Anne trying to call me to tell me they've moved (with my bags) to their boarding gate. (when I didn't answer, she texted) Thank GOD it's close to the gate I need to go to. Once I get back through security I run to my bags and have to literally grab them and run. I don't even have time to hug my girls goodbye!!! I have NO idea where I'm going aside from to a gate. The "customer service" rep has just told me to get to the gate. I know I'm going to Boston. I know nothing else. I get to the gate, I explain what has happened. The first ticket agent has MAJAH attitude. He tells me the plane has boarded and that I don't have a ticket. I explain to him again what has happened. I apologize for being frazzled and tell him that I've just been told I need to RUN to get to the gate or I'm not getting on the plane. He tells me he has no ticket for me and there is nothing he can do. He is so rude. The other agent with him must feel bad for me b/c she asks to take my (now cancelled) boarding pass from me and looks me up in the computer. SHE finds my tickets and tells me I'm all set to board. Thank you NICE agent!!! I get on the plane and have *this* much time to text John and tell him my flight is cancelled and I'll text him when I land. IN ATLANTA. OMG, what? I'm going to ATLANTA?! Why yes, yes I am according to the ticket I'm holding. For a 3 hr and 45 min layover. Faaaaantastic. I'll depart Atlanta at 9:45p and I'll arrive in Boston at 12:30a Monday morning. Shoot me now. I call John from the airport in tears. I was just emotionally and physically exhausted at that point. I tell him what's going on and then I feel even worse b/c he is the one that will have to wake the kids up at 12a to get them in the car and drive to Logan to pick me up in the middle of the night. Of course he doesn't care but that's not the point. Bottom line - I land in Boston at 12:30a. Get home at 1:10a. Off to bed I go. Thank God I took Monday off. I spent the day with the kids, doing laundry and grocery shopping.
All in all, aside from that cluster of a flight home, it was a GREAT weekend and I can't wait until next year. Chi-Town baby!!!!!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Holy Cats!
Where has the time gone?! How is it possible that we are already at the end of the last full week in July? JULY is almost over!!! August is a blink away. I don't understand where this year has gone to. They say time flies when you are having fun. Well, whoever "they" are, they are certainly right! I completely get what they mean.
These days we are all about having fun. Work is good, Life is good. I'm loving my work life. Days are crazy busy, work is hectic, but I'm still LOVING it. I love the work, love my boss, love my coworkers. These ten hour days of mine just whip on by most of the time. I stay busy, the work is fun and interesting. Some days I'm frustrated or worried that I won't get it all done but everyone has days like those and we all make it through just fine.
Life is good. We are spending lots of quality time together as a family. If we're not camping, we're at the beach. If we're not at the beach, we're having fun with friends. This is what it's all about. I love the long days because I feel like we get to make the most of every minute. The kids are having fun with Papa while John and I are at work. They're out running about, on their bikes, playing outside or they go over to Kellie's house to swim in the pool some days. He keeps them busy!
I cannot BELIEVE that it's almost back to school time for them. In just under 5 weeks the boys go back to school. Aidan will start 2nd grade and Ryan will start 1st grade. Erynn will go into her second year of
Pre-K the following week. (WHEN did they decide to have kids start school before Labor Day by the way?! This never happened when I was a kid and I think it's terrible. It's totally screwing up my long weekend camping plans!) It's almost time to get them back into a bedtime routine......getting lunches and backpacks ready, laying out school clothes. I'm so not ready for that. I wish I could stay home and keep them home with me! But, then again, I'll be back volunteering in their classes on Friday's since I'm off so that will be fun too. We know Erynn got Mrs. Cicci for her teacher (which she is VERY excited about) but we won't find out who the boys have until August 20th when they put the list up on the school doors. I wish there was a better system for this but there isn't.
Tonight starts another "glamping" weekend. Not sure how glamourous it's going to be as it's supposed to rain all weekend. Although, you know, I'm okay with the 5 of us all cozied up in the camper in the rain. I can handle that. The kids can still swim at the indoor pool. I can get some quality time with the stack of books piling up on my nightstand.........when I get some time to read I can whip through books like nobody's business. It's just FINDING the time. This weekend might be the perfect opportunity. You know what, either way, it will be the five of us spending more quality time together as a family and we're blessed to be able to do so! So I'll just leave it at that. :-)
These days we are all about having fun. Work is good, Life is good. I'm loving my work life. Days are crazy busy, work is hectic, but I'm still LOVING it. I love the work, love my boss, love my coworkers. These ten hour days of mine just whip on by most of the time. I stay busy, the work is fun and interesting. Some days I'm frustrated or worried that I won't get it all done but everyone has days like those and we all make it through just fine.
Life is good. We are spending lots of quality time together as a family. If we're not camping, we're at the beach. If we're not at the beach, we're having fun with friends. This is what it's all about. I love the long days because I feel like we get to make the most of every minute. The kids are having fun with Papa while John and I are at work. They're out running about, on their bikes, playing outside or they go over to Kellie's house to swim in the pool some days. He keeps them busy!
I cannot BELIEVE that it's almost back to school time for them. In just under 5 weeks the boys go back to school. Aidan will start 2nd grade and Ryan will start 1st grade. Erynn will go into her second year of
Pre-K the following week. (WHEN did they decide to have kids start school before Labor Day by the way?! This never happened when I was a kid and I think it's terrible. It's totally screwing up my long weekend camping plans!) It's almost time to get them back into a bedtime routine......getting lunches and backpacks ready, laying out school clothes. I'm so not ready for that. I wish I could stay home and keep them home with me! But, then again, I'll be back volunteering in their classes on Friday's since I'm off so that will be fun too. We know Erynn got Mrs. Cicci for her teacher (which she is VERY excited about) but we won't find out who the boys have until August 20th when they put the list up on the school doors. I wish there was a better system for this but there isn't.
Tonight starts another "glamping" weekend. Not sure how glamourous it's going to be as it's supposed to rain all weekend. Although, you know, I'm okay with the 5 of us all cozied up in the camper in the rain. I can handle that. The kids can still swim at the indoor pool. I can get some quality time with the stack of books piling up on my nightstand.........when I get some time to read I can whip through books like nobody's business. It's just FINDING the time. This weekend might be the perfect opportunity. You know what, either way, it will be the five of us spending more quality time together as a family and we're blessed to be able to do so! So I'll just leave it at that. :-)
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Sunday Funday!
This past Sunday was SO much fun!
We had our monthly dinner with friends which really was a monthly lunch lol. Since we had to do it on a Sunday this month we did it at noon because so many of us have to get ready for the week of work ahead. Too much to do for staying late on a Sunday night. We're flexible!
So this Sunday the theme was picnic. It was great! We had fried chicken, pb&j, pb&fluff, pasta salad, asian salad, a veggie platter, watermelon, chips, strawberries, typical picnic food. Christen couldn't make it because Ronan was sick but Lisa, Stephanie, Susan, Bridget and their families were there. I ended up with an extra child as well. Roy got into a bind the night before and needed a sitter so he dropped Alexis off with us. She ended up staying the night and actually the entire day with us. He came to pick her up sometime after 3p but ended up staying until after 5:30pm.
I don't even remember how it happened but Lisa had some water balloons in her car. You see where I'm going with this, don't you? Yes, full on water balloon fight. But it didn't stop there. Nope. When the guys ran out of water balloons it ended up turning into a tupperware container, bowl, 5 gallon BUCKET, PARTY BUCKET, down and dirty water fight. You know those big buckets you get at iParty that you put beverages and such into? Yes, those were filled up with water and used as weapons. Oh my. There wasn't one dry soul left on the premisis. GOOD TIMES. I love stuff like this. I might not have loved sitting in my wet jean capris and tshirt all afternoon but, let me tell you, I loved watching all of those kids running around like lunatics laughing their heads off. They were hysterical. Running around, screaming, trying to avoid getting soaked. It was great. THIS is the stuff memories are made of. THIS is the stuff they will remember.
Lisa and Stephanie ended up staying for dinner as well so we ran up to the grocery store and grabbed some hot dogs and chips for everyone to have. So I guess, technically, it did turn into dinner. Ha. It was just a great way to end the weekend. I love spending time with my extended family. Next month's date is already planned. We're doing things a little differently. We're doing a day trip to Capron Park. I've never heard of it or been so I'm excited about it. First things first though - we have a day trip to the beach planned. Almost all of us are going and I can't wait. What a group, we're going to take over the beach! Watch out now!!!
We had our monthly dinner with friends which really was a monthly lunch lol. Since we had to do it on a Sunday this month we did it at noon because so many of us have to get ready for the week of work ahead. Too much to do for staying late on a Sunday night. We're flexible!
So this Sunday the theme was picnic. It was great! We had fried chicken, pb&j, pb&fluff, pasta salad, asian salad, a veggie platter, watermelon, chips, strawberries, typical picnic food. Christen couldn't make it because Ronan was sick but Lisa, Stephanie, Susan, Bridget and their families were there. I ended up with an extra child as well. Roy got into a bind the night before and needed a sitter so he dropped Alexis off with us. She ended up staying the night and actually the entire day with us. He came to pick her up sometime after 3p but ended up staying until after 5:30pm.
I don't even remember how it happened but Lisa had some water balloons in her car. You see where I'm going with this, don't you? Yes, full on water balloon fight. But it didn't stop there. Nope. When the guys ran out of water balloons it ended up turning into a tupperware container, bowl, 5 gallon BUCKET, PARTY BUCKET, down and dirty water fight. You know those big buckets you get at iParty that you put beverages and such into? Yes, those were filled up with water and used as weapons. Oh my. There wasn't one dry soul left on the premisis. GOOD TIMES. I love stuff like this. I might not have loved sitting in my wet jean capris and tshirt all afternoon but, let me tell you, I loved watching all of those kids running around like lunatics laughing their heads off. They were hysterical. Running around, screaming, trying to avoid getting soaked. It was great. THIS is the stuff memories are made of. THIS is the stuff they will remember.
Lisa and Stephanie ended up staying for dinner as well so we ran up to the grocery store and grabbed some hot dogs and chips for everyone to have. So I guess, technically, it did turn into dinner. Ha. It was just a great way to end the weekend. I love spending time with my extended family. Next month's date is already planned. We're doing things a little differently. We're doing a day trip to Capron Park. I've never heard of it or been so I'm excited about it. First things first though - we have a day trip to the beach planned. Almost all of us are going and I can't wait. What a group, we're going to take over the beach! Watch out now!!!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Everybody's working for the weekend
Or at least I am!
It's a glamping weekend! YAY!
We're off to Canoe River tonight as soon as John and I get home from work. Can't wait. Susan is joining us tonight, Rob and Georgie will join tomorrow. Janet has her own campsite so she'll be with us this weekend as well. Weather report this morning says high 80's and sunny all weekend. Mama will be working on her tan. YAHOOO! You know that's all I need for a good time. Well, that and camping with my family, my BFF and her family of course. Um, maybe a little booze. My girlfriend, Tiffany, was kind enough to call me Tuesday night and share that she has tried Three Olives "Loopy" and it's to die for. Bitch was half in the bag and bragging about how good it was and I had to try it. LOVE HER. LOL.
I'm so grateful that we are blessed enough to do this with / for our kids. Camping is something I never did with my family growing up. My Mom just wasn't into things like that. Aside from the fact that she was a single mother raising three children. She worked full time - she did it all on her own. I know how hard it was for her. I'm not faulting her. I'm just saying these kinds of things totally weren't her bag. That's okay. But I love doing it and I love that our kids and our friends love doing it with us!
The kids are all so excited. They are SUPER excited that The Taskers are coming with us. Erynn has been talking about them all coming for days. I love it. I love that my kids love them as much as I do. I look at Susan like she's my sister. I'm definitely closer to her than I am to my own sister, so it means a lot that my kids love her so much. Warms my cold little heart. *wink*
I fully admit that starting off this weekend with the midnight premiere of Magic Mike isn't making my day any worse either. HA. Lord almighty I can't wait to see this movie. I posted on Facebook the other day that I bought Lux Level passes to the midnight viewing and someone commented about lowering my expectations and I should be fine. Um, expectations? It's a movie about male strippers LMAO. I have no expectations. I don't care if there is NO plot. Have you SEEN the commercials? Have you seen the men that are in this movie? I just hope to keep the drool at a respectable minimum thankyouverymuch. Bring on the half nekkid men......yeah buddy!
Just in case you are living under a rock and have no idea what I am talking about I am happily willing to share the trailer with you. Enjoy!!!
It's a glamping weekend! YAY!
We're off to Canoe River tonight as soon as John and I get home from work. Can't wait. Susan is joining us tonight, Rob and Georgie will join tomorrow. Janet has her own campsite so she'll be with us this weekend as well. Weather report this morning says high 80's and sunny all weekend. Mama will be working on her tan. YAHOOO! You know that's all I need for a good time. Well, that and camping with my family, my BFF and her family of course. Um, maybe a little booze. My girlfriend, Tiffany, was kind enough to call me Tuesday night and share that she has tried Three Olives "Loopy" and it's to die for. Bitch was half in the bag and bragging about how good it was and I had to try it. LOVE HER. LOL.
I'm so grateful that we are blessed enough to do this with / for our kids. Camping is something I never did with my family growing up. My Mom just wasn't into things like that. Aside from the fact that she was a single mother raising three children. She worked full time - she did it all on her own. I know how hard it was for her. I'm not faulting her. I'm just saying these kinds of things totally weren't her bag. That's okay. But I love doing it and I love that our kids and our friends love doing it with us!
The kids are all so excited. They are SUPER excited that The Taskers are coming with us. Erynn has been talking about them all coming for days. I love it. I love that my kids love them as much as I do. I look at Susan like she's my sister. I'm definitely closer to her than I am to my own sister, so it means a lot that my kids love her so much. Warms my cold little heart. *wink*
I fully admit that starting off this weekend with the midnight premiere of Magic Mike isn't making my day any worse either. HA. Lord almighty I can't wait to see this movie. I posted on Facebook the other day that I bought Lux Level passes to the midnight viewing and someone commented about lowering my expectations and I should be fine. Um, expectations? It's a movie about male strippers LMAO. I have no expectations. I don't care if there is NO plot. Have you SEEN the commercials? Have you seen the men that are in this movie? I just hope to keep the drool at a respectable minimum thankyouverymuch. Bring on the half nekkid men......yeah buddy!
Just in case you are living under a rock and have no idea what I am talking about I am happily willing to share the trailer with you. Enjoy!!!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Migraines = Hell
Yep, I still have them.
Yes, they still effect me.
Yes, they still suck. Big time.
The good news is, in taking better care of myself, I have started seeing a neurologist again and I'm back on the daily migraine preventative meds. Topomax. I have definitely seen an improvement over the last few months. But, the last two weeks have been really bad. I'm not sure what changed but the migraines have definitely increased and intensified. No bueno. I went back to the neuro for a check up on Friday and he's upped my Topomax to 125mg per night. He gave me a week-long course of Steroids to try and break this cycle and I'm having an MRI today. I haven't had one since before Aidan was born. I honestly don't remember much about it. I do remember them giving me headphones and asking what station I wanted to listen to. I remember it being useless because I couldn't hear a damn thing over all that banging and knocking. I can't remember how long the MRI lasted. I can't remember if I wanted to freak out. They did ask me this time around if I am claustrophobic. I said no because I don't think I am. I've only done this once and it was a long time ago people. I can barely remember last week nevermind nine years ago lol.
I must admit I am a *teeny* bit nervous. Dr. Kulla said MRI and I said sure, no problem. Then he called it in and said "Brain scan to look for a mass." Oh, um, okay. Maybe I should have left the room for that part. It hadn't even occured to me. I was blissfully clueless and just saying oh sure, you can send me for a scan, no biggie. But the mass part didn't even click. I'm sure it will be fine though. Positive thoughts and all that.
I'll come back and update with the results once I hear back. Wish me luck!
Update - MRI went well. No results, will have to call Dr in a week or so.
Yes, they still effect me.
Yes, they still suck. Big time.
The good news is, in taking better care of myself, I have started seeing a neurologist again and I'm back on the daily migraine preventative meds. Topomax. I have definitely seen an improvement over the last few months. But, the last two weeks have been really bad. I'm not sure what changed but the migraines have definitely increased and intensified. No bueno. I went back to the neuro for a check up on Friday and he's upped my Topomax to 125mg per night. He gave me a week-long course of Steroids to try and break this cycle and I'm having an MRI today. I haven't had one since before Aidan was born. I honestly don't remember much about it. I do remember them giving me headphones and asking what station I wanted to listen to. I remember it being useless because I couldn't hear a damn thing over all that banging and knocking. I can't remember how long the MRI lasted. I can't remember if I wanted to freak out. They did ask me this time around if I am claustrophobic. I said no because I don't think I am. I've only done this once and it was a long time ago people. I can barely remember last week nevermind nine years ago lol.
I must admit I am a *teeny* bit nervous. Dr. Kulla said MRI and I said sure, no problem. Then he called it in and said "Brain scan to look for a mass." Oh, um, okay. Maybe I should have left the room for that part. It hadn't even occured to me. I was blissfully clueless and just saying oh sure, you can send me for a scan, no biggie. But the mass part didn't even click. I'm sure it will be fine though. Positive thoughts and all that.
I'll come back and update with the results once I hear back. Wish me luck!
Update - MRI went well. No results, will have to call Dr in a week or so.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Angry Bird Recap
I can't believe Ryan is already 6 years old. Where did the time go??? I love this little man. He is the sweetest little boy with the devil in him. You know how it goes. He is fresh at times but if you yell at him or tell him he's in trouble he'll burst into tears because the thought of you being mad at him breaks his heart. I just love him to pieces. He has his moments (hello, all kids do) but for the most part he's pretty damn good.
I found these at the Dollar Store and then colored the faces with Sharpie markers. Artist I am NOT but the kids loved them lol.
Ryan's special cupcake - this one was an extra large one
Food bowls
Food labels
The balloons - I think these were my favorite. We tied them to the mailbox so ppl knew where to go since our house is set back off the road. We also had them tied to the front porch. Ryan loved them and they were SO easy to make!!! Cutting the faces out was a bit of a pain but after that it wasn't bad.
The birthday boy and his special balloon
The Kids - almost all of them. I think the grand total ended up being 22! Thank God it was nice out! What a difference from last year. Almost every kid he invited this year came AND the parents stayed as well. Last year it was okay, here is my kid, nice to meet you, we'll be back in two hours!
My big boy - Happy 6th Birthday Ryan Joseph!!!
He decided he wanted an Angry Birds party so off I went! I found some things on Pinterest (of course because you know I am addicted to that website!) that helped me out a bit and then I was able to come up with some things on my own as well. He had such a good time and I think everyone else did too!!
Favors
I found these at the Dollar Store and then colored the faces with Sharpie markers. Artist I am NOT but the kids loved them lol.
Cupcakes
Ryan's special cupcake - this one was an extra large one
Food bowls
Food labels
The balloons - I think these were my favorite. We tied them to the mailbox so ppl knew where to go since our house is set back off the road. We also had them tied to the front porch. Ryan loved them and they were SO easy to make!!! Cutting the faces out was a bit of a pain but after that it wasn't bad.
The birthday boy and his special balloon
The Kids - almost all of them. I think the grand total ended up being 22! Thank God it was nice out! What a difference from last year. Almost every kid he invited this year came AND the parents stayed as well. Last year it was okay, here is my kid, nice to meet you, we'll be back in two hours!
My big boy - Happy 6th Birthday Ryan Joseph!!!
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