Wordless Wednesday: A Day at the Cavern

A fun day out with the family.

Our Family is Growing

Yes indeed, our family is growing. Well, has actually already grown.
Meet our two newest additions...Mitsy and Matthew!

Family Weekend Away

For the Columbus Day weekend we went on to visit my brother in Buffalo. 

Being originally from the Western New York area, I am an avid hockey fan and love the Buffalo Sabres.  We spent part of Saturday at First Niagara Center.  The Sabres were actually playing overseas in Germany. The team broadcast the game on the jumbo tron at the Center.  My son was so excited to be able to see a game there, even if it wasn't live.  I'm hoping we can get him to an actual game sometime this season.

Being a goalie, my son loves this work of art.

Buffalo Sabres fans truly do live hockey.  We definitely do in our household.



The kids enjoyed meeting the Sabres mascot, Sabretooth. 



We walked around the Buffalo Waterfront enjoying a beautiful 80 degree fall day.



Sunday the girls spent the afternoon at The Great Pumpkin Patch in Clarence, NY while the guys watched football.

The petting farm was a huge hit!

Amazing pumpkin carving!

Another piece of pumpkin art!

Wow, over 1,600 lbs of pumpkin!

View from the car ride home.

Windmills in the fields.  My kids found them mesmerizing.

The weekend flew by way too quick. We tried to do as much as we could in a 48 hour period.  Late Friday night we feasted on traditional Friday Fish Fry and chicken finger subs.  Saturday morning included a trip to a local Tim Hortons for delicious coffee and bagels.  How I miss Timmy's!!!  Saturday night we had pizza and wings.  I always associate Buffalo with a variety of amazing food choices.  We weren't able to hit every place so I have a to do food list for next visit...Ted's Hot dogs, Mighty Taco and Beef on Weck (hold the weck) just to name a few.  I did pick up some sponge candy and I have it stashed away until I have a major sugar craving.  I may share it if the kids ask nicely.

It was wonderful spending time with my family and seeing my brother.  It was tough spending the first night at my brother's place because he has a one bedroom apartment.  We stretched out on air mattresses which screwed up my neck and back.  The hotel we stayed at was good but it was hard having 5 people in a room with only a king bed and pull out couch.  Little Bee shared the bed with hubby and I.  She's a bed hog so I didn't sleep too well.  I was ecstatic to come home and sleep in my own bed Monday night.

I'm sad it was over so quickly.  I'm looking forward to another visit soon!!

Sad Goodbyes

I haven't blogged much in the past two weeks. First I was on vacation and most of my posts were written the week before and scheduled over the next 10 days with a few awesome guest posts included. Then I got caught up in the post vacation fury of unpacking, laundry and attempting to retake control of some semblance of order. Then all hell broke lose in my little corner of the world.

It started with an earthquake and ended with a hurricane (downgraded to a tropical storm) with a smattering of tornado warnings thrown in. Good news is we're ok here.

I have lots of blog fodder for weeks to come about the last 2 weeks. However, I can't bring myself to write about that right now.

Tonight I am sad. Heart broken. My whole family is sad. Why you may ask. It's not because of Hurricane Irene, though she did a number to our community and those surrounding us. No, its because of life changes. A big one is the start of the new school year next week. I plan to pour my heart out about that in the next few days. Tonight, my heart is heaviest because we dropped my stepdaughter off at her mom's earlier.

As many of you know, she spent the month of August with us. This is a first in the 10 years she's been in my life. I haven't blogged about anything about it besides the fact she would be with us and how excited I was. I wanted to enjoy and absorb the whole experience with open eyes and heart.

At 17 she can be (as she proclaimed) a teenage drama queen. There were definitely moments of that. They make me fear my kids teenage years. There were moments where I wanted to say, what the hell are you thinking?! Such a moment....the night Irene was hitting, she actually asked to sleep over a friends house. No way! We want you with us. I don't know what her friend's mom was smoking to even consider having friends over. Maybe I'm the crazy mom. Who knows. All I do knows is the basement in her friend's house flooded and the fire department had to come pump it out.

All those moments were minor and typical of an average family with a teenager. She frustrated me and made me want to cry.  A few times I did actually, and I then vented a time or two on Twitter about oblivious teenagers (or something like that). Sometimes I felt things too personally because that's how I am. I usually feel better when I get it out and have someone to commiserate with or who will offer me insight and guidance.

However, I wouldn't have changed a moment. I think the ups and downs brought us all closer together as a family. I think she sees us more as family, if that makes sense. It's tightened our bond.

We had a wonderful August.  Lots of fun and laughter.  We had picnics, movie and game nights, late night chats and long trips to the new ice complex my son is playing hockey at.  Every memory brings a smile.  Even the ones that drove me nuts or made me question her sanity.  *Laughing*  We never fought though I'm sure if I had been her mother she would've given me a piece of her mind a few times. Though, I feel we've always had a good relationship, I think this month really helped us see the other clearer.

I hated letting her go. I didn't cry but I sure wanted too. The pin pricks of tears were building up but I forced them back. One of a mother's hardest tasks to do sometimes. I didn't want to upset the kids. They were already upset and sad enough. I was amazed to see her eyes red rimmed and tears pouring down her face as I pulled into her mom's driveway. She was so sad to be leaving us. My heart ached for her because I know she was torn in two directions. She was happy to be home but realizing how much she'd miss her home with us.

She hugged everyone tight and told us it was her best August ever. I think we were finally able to bond on a higher family level. I am filled with great joy and sadness.

When we got back home I found a very touch, heartfelt post on my Facebook wall. Only a teen would think to post something so personal and intimate there. I think it was her way of not only telling me, but everyone in our world how much she appreciated her time with us.

Here's what she wrote:

I wanted to say I seriously had the best time this month. I feel like I got so much closer to you and daddy but I feel like I got soooo much closer with the kids, especially B (goalieboy) I don't know why. But thank you so much for dealing with all my diva teenage moments because I know I have them. Tell daddy and the kids I miss them so much. I can't believe the month went by so fast, its not fair. But I love you guys and I'll see you soon.

My son kept saying how much he missed her. Over and over again, all night. It broke my heart. He feels certain things so deeply. This will weigh heavy on him for a long time. I think he almost feels abandoned. l am sobbing now as I type this. They use to be so close when they were younger. I think my daughter felt left out at times. But as my daughter has gotten older they've bonded over girl things in the last few years. And now my son has felt left out. There's no easy balance to it all.

She spent lots of time reading with him, playing Wii with him and just talking with him. I believe he's very open with her about his thoughts and feelings. I'm glad he feels comfortable enough to open up to her. He needs that. He has low self esteem at times and he keeps it bottled inside.Sometimes, I see some of a younger her in him. She can reach him at times. It's wonderful for them both. Her words made me tear up more.

I wrote back that it was the best August for us ever. I wish it could last forever. We had our moments but that's what family is all about. I appreciate everything she did to help and support me. I am forever grateful to have her in my life. I love and miss her terribly.

I pray that this month lives on for all of us and is not forgotten or taken for granted. I want to build on it and make our family bond stronger. We were not truly saying goodbye but until next time. I am grateful that it will be in a little less than two short weeks.

In my eyes, family is everything. Hold on to it tightly.

Sundays are Family Time

In our house Sunday's are family days.  I really wish that we could go back to the days of the Blue Laws where stores we're not allowed to be open.  To many of you this may be inconceivable but to my family it would be a gift.

Why you may ask?  My husband and I have spent our adulthood working in various retail type management jobs.  If the blue laws were in effect this would give us one clear day off to be together as a family.  We've tried hard to make this work for us since the kids were born.  We have fought to have this one day together every week.  It's become easier since I am currently unemployed.  For a two year time period, I would often work a Sunday if needed.  I dreaded it.  I cried not being able to spend time with my husband and kids.  But not anymore.  Those days are over.  Hopefully forever. 

In retail management it is hard to call the schedule shots.  Sometimes even when you're the boss.  Why?  Because ultimately you are responsible for filling any gaps in your schedule.  If no one can work it or someone calls off it comes down to you.  Upper management (district and regional managers) don't care.  It's "your" store and your responsibility to get it covered.  They don't care how, just get it done.

When I was working as a store manager for my last company there were many times I was working 6 days a week, 12-14 hour days.  Some started as early as 4 a.m. if we were getting a truck I had to pull in and ending at 7 p.m., when most of the pack out was done for the day.  It was mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting.  It was unforgiving.  Corporate was uncaring.  I use to pull in 10 pallets worth of merchandise stacked over my head.  The only way to break it down was to get a metal chair to stand on and pray I didn't hurt myself.  Eventually I did and my body has paid for it time and time again.  It's the reason why I am currently not working.

It's not worth it.  I missed way too much time of my children's early years.  My son was 4 and my daughter 2 when I finally threw in the towel and demanded a demotion. Yes, demanded. Months before I sat on the phone telling my district manager I couldn't do the position anymore.  He promised support.  He lied.  He said whatever he could to make me feel guilty and stay.  I was a hard working, team player.  He was lucky to have me.  He told me he would get me out.  He never did.  I finally sat in  his office in tears, almost begging him to fire me.  Finally, it took a call to human resources to make it happen.  The week I was demoted he went on vacation and left the company.

I couldn't take it anymore...mentally, physically, or emotionally.  I was actually having panic attacks driving to work. I gave it up for myself and my family. I wasn't the person I wanted to be.  I wasn't the wife and mother I knew I could be.  At that point I had already injured myself once. The move hurt us financially and we've struggled ever sense.  It's rough right now because of my choice.  But I can honestly say my kids and my body appreciate what I did.  I have no regrets.

Since my husband is still in management we have committed to making Sunday our family day.  Most of the time we are together.  Sometimes not all together but together, if that makes sense.  Occasionally the guys will do a Nascar trip with hubby's friend who gets free passes and Little Bee and I will do a girls day.  But, it's all focused around family and continuing to strengthen our bonds

Without each other we are weak.  We will be there for each other through thick and thin.  When push comes to shove and all those other quotables.  No matter what though, we will stand by one another.  That's what family does.  We are teaching our children the importance of being together and enjoying each other's company.

That's what Sundays mean to us.

The Little Things In Life

It truly is the little things in life that make it worth living.  When I take a moment to sit back and relax my subconscious reminds me of this.

The little things I've been grateful for this week:

• Healthy Children-My daughter started feeling sick the other day all of a sudden.  Often times we live in the moment and forget to cherish the moments our children are healthy.  It all started with a sore throat when we were in Target. By time we got home she also had a headache and her skin was flush.  She ended up with a fever that jumped between 100-103 the rest of the day and into the next morning.  Thank goodness for Motrin.  It kept knocking it down.  Poor baby was up from 2 a.m. until 5:30 a.m. because she was feverish and couldn't sleep.  We snuggled together in her bottom bunk and I let her play with my phone.  Eventually the meds took hold again and she was finally able to fall asleep.

• Thoughtful small gifts-My husband knew what a rough day I was having.  Between Little Bee being sick and Goalieboy almost closing the van door on his ankle it was a long night.  When he left his second job at 10 p.m. he picked up a bouquet of flowers on the way out for me.  He said they were just "because".  So sweet.  It meant the world to me because there was no special occasion and it wasn't an "I was a jerk, I'm sorry" gift.  It blew me away. Bright, golden sunflowers to brighten my day.  I would post a picture of them but the poor things are fading away quickly.  It's the thought that counts and I'm beaming with happiness just thinking about it.

• Brother and Sister Moments-The bond between my kids when they sit back and just enjoy being with each other.  It's amazing.  My heart sings during those moments.  I love when they are being considerate of one another and respecting each other.  Those two things are so hard to teach.  They sat side by side enjoying the rare luxury of being on the computer and playing Club Penguin.  I limit computer time so it's definitely a treat here.  Many a times they'll fuss and fight over it, not wanting to share.  This time, they chatted and took turns all the while being patient with the one who was playing.  That truly deserves gold medal status.

• Helpful Hands-I love when they willingly help me out without much argument.  They've been rinsing dishes and loading them into the dishwasher without many reminders.  Goalieboy has taken on the task of cleaning up the litter boxes and wanting no help from Little Bee. I do need to prod him a bit but he does it without any grief.   He's also been taking feeding the cats more seriously.  We had a long talk about forgetting to feed them and how he would feel to be hungry and thirsty and having no way of getting food and water.  I think it finally clicked.  Setting the light bulb off in understanding, I'm slowly learning, is all in the correct approach.  What works for one child does not always work for another.

These are just a few "Little Things" in my life that I am appreciative about right now.  I'm working on not taking them for granted.  In our hectic lives I think many of us do just that.

What are some of your Little Things?

Vacation Time Is Here

So excited that my husband worked his last shift at either job last night!  Woohoo!  He won't return to work until Tuesday, August 22nd!

Today I've convinced him we should just relax and enjoy a day of nothing.  So far it's going ok but he's got an itch to use the free tickets he got to a local water park.  We'll see what happens. 

This morning for the first time in maybe forever, I got to laze in bed until 10 a.m.  I slept until 9.  It was absolutely divine!   Goalieboy was sleeping over the grandparents. Dancer Girl and Little Bee's are at friend's houses.  I actually have to get off the computer and go pick them up. I'm procrastinating.

Hubby said the sweetest things to me this morning when I woke up.  He embraced me and nestled me close to his chest.  He murmured in my ear that this will be a wonderful week for us.  We're going to have a lot of fun.  Kick back and enjoy each other.  We're going to show and tell how much we love each other.  We're going to get it on a lot...lol.  You know what I mean. 

He was so endearing.  I know he wants to get in my pants. I know TMI but it was cute.  See, he's always under a lot of work stress and I'm always going crazy juggling the kids.  We are tired and stressed out more times than we care to be around each other.  Unfortunately, sometimes that translates into major grumpiness around one another.  We tend to argue more when we've got something big coming up....vacations, holidays, birthdays, etc.  It's the added stress that gets to us.  We've vowed this time that we are slamming the NEGATIVE emotion door and just enjoying all the positives in our lives.

We still don't have an actual vacation plan.  I'm a planner by nature and it's driving me a bit batty.  But, I'm tucking it away and going to go with the flow.  I'm sure my husband will be amazed when I don't nag him about where we're going and what we're doing.

***Since we'll be off on some adventure of another this coming week I have several posts scheduled to post and a couple guest posters.  Show them some love when they stop by!

Happy Saturday everyone!!

So Thankful it's Finally Friday

The last week and a half have been wonderful, hectic and never ending!  My brothers (Uncle C and Uncle J) came in to town for a visit last Monday afternoon and stayed until this Wednesday morning.  While it was wonderful having them here I'm so glad to be getting back to our "regular" summer routine. 

As many of you know my parents live next door.  While it can be a godsend at times it's seriously not the wonderful, supportive place many may envision it to be.  It's been crazy here with my whole family, in addition to my stepdaughter, staying with us for the month. I always hope it's going to be sunshine and rainbows but it rarely is.  My parents are short on patience and quick on negative opinions.  Thankfully they're great grandparents or this would so not be worth it.

Most of the 10 days was spent with my younger brother (Uncle J) bickering with my mom or off in his own little world.  Every time he comes to visit he talks about family being important and wanting to fill up the time with fun activities with his niece and nephew.  He means well but being a bachelor he honestly doesn't quite get "it".  He stays up late taking over my mom's computer (drives her NUTS) or hogging our tv while consuming multiple beers.  Then he'll sleep in until close to noon. Oh, the joys of bachelorhood.  It really effected making plans for full days out.

My other brother (Uncle C) has mental and emotional handicaps.  He's on various meds to keep his moods stable and keep him from becoming too excitable.  He loves coming to see us.  Unfortunately, while my parents love the idea of having him visit, it seems to be too much for them.  They constantly treat him like a child.  While sometimes that's needed they tend to forget that he is quite capable.  He lives in a group home and has many responsibilities.  It became frustrating and sometimes heartbreaking to listen to them.  They would shush him, tell him to sit down, don't do this, don't do that.  I understand it's a fine line and sometimes action needs to be taken but there are better ways to handle situations.  Little Bee picked up on it really quick.  When he would interrupt her or ramble on and on she would shush him too.  She wasn't trying to be mean but she was mimicking the adults that should know better.  I pulled her aside and talked to her about it.  I told her how to nicely let him know that she was trying to talk or how to cue him that he was getting carried away.  I don't want her to treat anyone the way my parents treated my older brother.  My heart breaks for him when he's here because he's lost in his own world at times and he just really wants everyone to talk to him and to be the (positive) center of attention.  It's a tough situation to be in the middle of most times.

On the bright side...we did have some fun days out.  One day we spent at a local park.  It has a large pond that we decided to picnic by.  I spread out the blanket and relaxed with Dancer Girl while the kids skipped rocks and their uncles watched.  It was the perfect day.  We also spent a day hiking a beautiful park.   You must look at these beautiful pictures.  The lake was picturesque and everyone had a great time.  I can't wait to take the kids again.  We spent another day at a different park enjoying the lake, beach, swimming and soaking up the sun.  The kids loved it!  Uncle J decided not to go that time because he's not much of a beach person.

We also hiked back and forth to the ice rink three different times.  It's about 70 minutes each way.  I loved that Goalieboy's uncles got to watch him play.  He participated in two goalie clinics and a three on three.  Uncle J got into it and took numerous videos to show my husband who wasn't able to attend any of the days because of his second job.

In between all that we also had two days of gymnastics and some rainy days.  On the rainy days we watched movies, played board games and pigged out on junk food.  Absolutely perfect in my opinion!

One of the best days for the kids though was when their Uncle J took them out to shop for their birthday presents.  For their birthdays (Early June and Late July) he sent them both a card with some cash.  He told them in addition to that he would take them out shopping when he came to visit.  Goalieboy picked out some Hexbugs and accessories.  Little Bee got this Tea Cup Piggie and accessories.  After that he treated them to the lunch of their choice...Taco Bell.  That day was a huge hit!  They really loved having special time alone time with him.  He said they were very well behaved.  I was proud and impressed, to say the least.

After they left on Wednesday we treated ourselves to another afternoon at the lake with friends.  It was perfect.  Unfortunately, I think we all got a little burned even though I slathered us with sunblock numerous times.  Poor Little Bee felt sick late this afternoon.  I think she might have caught something while swimming.  She had a low grade fever, stuffy nose, headache and sore throat.  I gave her some meds and put her to bed early tonight.  Hopefully she feels better tomorrow  (today actually).  We are definitely going to chill after the busyness of the past week and a half. 

Thankfully, come Saturday my hubby is on vacation.  I'm still not sure what we're doing.  But I do know this...we're definitely going to enjoy being together as a family!  I hope we'll have time to relax a bit together too.

So, I'm extremely THANKFUL and grateful it's FINALLY FRIDAY!  Happy FANTABULOUS Friday everyone!

Bathroom Etiquette or Lack Thereof

Nasty, dirty bathrooms are a pet peeve of mine.  It's disgusting!  I can't stand the grossness of public bathrooms.  I don't understand how people can be so rude and inconsiderate.  Pee and toilet paper on the floor.  Unflushed toilets.  Gross, gross, gross!  Do their bathrooms at home look like this? 

I have a feeling their bathrooms are not quite so bad.  But, there's got to be a connection there somewhere.  And their laziness and inconsideration seeps over into public restrooms but in a much bigger way.  I get the heebee geebees going into most public bathrooms.

I've taught my kids well on bathroom etiquette.  They know to always put the toilet paper in the toilet.  They flush and put the seat down at home.  When out in public they know to quickly do their business without touching anything, flush with their foot and wash their hands thoroughly.  All without causing any mess they'd have to clean up.

Believe it or not all this is just a set up for the real meaty part of my post.  If you'd like to read a great post about public restrooms head over to Bees With Honey.  She tells it like it is.  We all know public restrooms are gross.  Hopefully, we have all taught our children proper bathroom usage and hold them accountable.  This post is about behind the scenes in MY home, when follow through doesn't happen.  Watch where you walk, it could get dangerous!

Let me first start by saying it's not just the young that are sometimes oblivious to the rules of the bathroom.  Some of the biggest offenders are daddies and teenagers.  Let's be honest.  The hubbies are always running out the door early in the morning and don't pay attention to their surroundings through blurry eyes.  Mine works long hours, 2 jobs and is usually up by 3:30 a.m. and home sometime between 5 and 10:30 p.m.  His nighttime rituals can be just as chaotic as his morning ones.  The teenager is oblivious to others.  Ironic that if someone else has the same bathroom etiquette it grosses them out but they don't see the wake they leave behind. I have to admit that while gross, I bet there are worse scenarios out there than mine.  For that I am truly grateful, but I'm still grossed out.

I try hard to give the hubby a pass in the morning and on the nights he comes home really late.  I try not to let it drive me nuts.  But honestly...it does!  I'm the one left (most times) to clean up in his wake.  Sometimes I want to cry.  Other times scream.  And many times both, while jumping up and down.  Come on, get with the program!  They're are little eyes that monitor everything you do.  They mimic you in so many more ways than you realize or comprehend.

His transgressions:

• Toothpaste in the sink
• Toothpaste on the counter and on the mirror.
• Drenched Wet towels left on the floor (or put wet in our bedroom laundry hamper)
• Clothes left on the floor after shower (He does always pick them up, eventually.)
• Flooded Wet floor from not making sure the curtain is tucked in.
• Flooded Wet floor from taking a bath (yes he does) and sloshing water onto the floor
• Shower curtain untucked or half open.  (Yes, I'm particular with this one.)
• Leftover shaving "remnants" in the sink...hair stubble, shaving creams (Gross!)
• Not emptying an obviously overflowing garbage can and adding more to it.
• Peeing on the seat or floor in the middle of the night.

The teenager is here for the month of August.  Love her!  But in true teenage fashion she is careless and oblivious to how her actions effect others.  Normally not an issue because she's only her one night every other week.  Now it's a bit gross.  Not horribly gross.  I'm sure it might be worse if she was a boy.  But then again, I could be wrong.  I fear as she gets more comfortable it could get worse.  So far, she cleans up her hair products and cosmetics.  That gives her huge bonus points.

Her transgressions:

• Leaving wet towel from hair on bedroom floor (Better than bathroom floor?  Maybe.)
• Hair and soap scum in the shower drain. (This is by far the most gross thing...even worse than pee, I think.)
• Hair on the floor and in the sink

The kids seem to pattern after the older residents in the house.  But they do listen well and go back and clean up when I point it out to them.  I try to keep it positive.  When the bathroom looks good I try to tell them.  Positive reinforcement can go a long way to fixing problems.  They're hit and miss right now.  Overall, the boy is worse than the girl on follow through.  We'll keep working on it.

Their transgressions:

• Toothpaste in the sink.
• Toothpaste splatter on mirror and counter top.
• Toothbrushes not fully rinsed off.
• Soap "bubbles" left in tub (Way too much body wash and/or shampoo).
• Clothes left on bathroom floor.
• Wash cloth on tub floor.
• Towel not hung up (I just ask them to remember to have an adult help them).
• Peeing on the toilet seat or floor.
• Body wash/shampoo not put away or left upside down to drip over tub.
• Shower curtain not tucked in.

The good news...they don't do this disgusting stuff out in public or while visiting friends.  I'm trying to concrete the point that I'm not a maid.  It's their responsibility to clean up after themselves.  The toothpaste things drives me CRAZY!  It's not hard to rinse it out of the sink.  And if you pay attention you can avoid getting it on counter and/or mirror.  The pee on the floor thing is beyond gross.  I understand at night aim is off and it's dark because you don't want to turn on the light.  You need to check in the morning and wipe up area with the Lysol Wipes under the cabinet.  It's not hard to do.  And, you need to listen to your bladder.  If it tells you to go, Go!  Don't wait.  That's when you tinkle on the floor because you can't get your pants down quick enough.  You're old enough to know better.  Clean up after yourself please.  And the most disgusting thing is the hair in the drain.  I clean up mine.  God, there are days I swear I'm going bald because there's so much in there!  But once I'm all dried off, I use a tissue and clean it out.  Gross, but it's my responsibility.  I now have to delicately brooch this subject with the teenager.  I hope she doesn't get sensitive about it.  I cleaned it up at least twice this week.  I won't be doing it again.  It makes me want to hurl.  *Gag* Ick!

I have to admit, it's getting better.  Towels are hung up, less water on the floor, sinks occasionally wiped clean.  I'm going to focus my efforts on dry floors, hairless tub drain and rinsed sink for now.  I hope my efforts pay off.  Pray that I don't lose my ever loving mind in the process!


Do you have bathroom pet peeves?  What rules do you have for bathroom etiquette in your house?



***This post was inspired after the whole hair in the drain thing.  I find "blog therapy" to be both calming, inspirational and insightful before I tackle issues head on with delicacy and aplomb.  Also, I love when others can relate so I know it's not just me with these crazy feelings.

Fantabulous Friday!

So happy that Friday is finally here! Happy Fantabulous Friday everyone! Here's a list of fantabulous happenings from my week:

1. My brothers are here for a ten day visit!

2. My son had a great two day goalie clinic. He's learning a lot.

3. My stepdaughter has moved in with us for the month of August.

4. We had a fantastic picnic at the park yesterday complete with skipping rocks in the pond.

Little Bee is looking for rocks to skip.  Seriously, but I swear she is ready to dive in.

5. Relaxing pool playdate with a mommy friend. I love those because the kids play great together and I can kick back and chat with no worries.

6. Fun times at gymnastics with my girl.

7. Spending the day at Balloon Fest with the family. Even if it was too hot and I wanted to pass out.

8. Stopping at my favorite grocery store (Wegmans) on the way back and shopping. I love this store and we try to include it in a trip at least three or four times a year.

9. At the lake today enjoying fun in the sun! Kids are playing in the sand and swimming. Perfect family day minus daddy. I wish he could be here.

Perfect day for a day at the lake.  Look at those gorgeous clouds.

10.  Tonight we're dong movie night.  A couple DVDs, popcorn and ice cream.  Yum!

I hope you're all having a fantabulous Friday too!

What did you do this week?

Take two steps back

My whole family is in various stages of sick.  All 5 of us, including my 16 year old stepdaughter who is only with us on the weekend.
It all started last Saturday night when hubby came home feeling off.  He langusihed on the couch all night and most of the next day.  Some how he dragged himself to my son's away game even though he was coughing and aching everywhere.  I would've taken him but I was obligated to taking our 6 year old daughter to the rink for her 2 lessons and competition practice.  I even offered to make a few calls and have another parent take him.  I would've just suggested he stay home but the team only has two goalies and the other goalie wasn't going.  We believe that our children need to commit to their sport and support their team unless they are sick or their grades are suffering.
Not only did hubby drive an hour to the game but then proceeded to coach one of the groups of kids.  My son's mites team is large and under USA Hockey they only play cross ice games so they split up into 2 teams and played what they call a "Jamboree" of games for 2 hours.  My husband froze on the ice cold bench.  The rink they were at was somehow colder than ours.  By Sunday night he had a fever and was miserable.  Of course, he still refused to closet himself in our bedroom for his health and ours.  He dragged himself to work at 4 a.m. on Monday and dragged himself back home at 2 (normally its 6).  He dozed off and on on the couch and actually agreed not to go into work on Tuesday.  Tuesday we were hit with a storm but he was able to get into the doctors early.  She said he has a very nasty, highly contagious virus.  She gave him Tamaflu which we couldn't get for 2 reasons....1) He told her it started Sunday when in fact it was Saturday.  Tamaflu is only effective when used within the first 48 hours and 2) Our insurance requires a deductable, so we have to pay the full cost of medication which is $90.  He did get a Zpac and another script that cost us $50. 
Now it's Thursday and he's back to work finally.  He's not 100% but he's getting there.  Unfortunately, the symptoms hit the rest of us Wednesday.  Well, I actually started feeling achy on tuesday night.  I got the call from school within an hour of it starting that DD6 had a temp of 102.  The para in my son's class happened to be in the nurses office and said that DS8 seemed off too.  So, we had him come down.  He didn't have a fever but he did look like he hadn't slept in days.
My poor daughter has had a fever ranging from as high as 103.1 to as low as 100.5 with pain reliever.  She also has an ear ache.  Both kids have a sporadic cough.  Unfortunately, I ache everywhere so I can barely get up and down the stairs.  I'm hoping everything is better in the morning because we are getting another storm tonight and I fear even if I feel better I won't be able to get them to the doctor.
My stepdaughter was over this weekend and she's got it too.  A headache, body aches and a low grade fever.  We're all miserable.  And she put it so eloquently on Facebook...My whole family is sick because my daddy likes to share.  I love that girl and her sense of humor!
So, before you get to close to any of us.....remember to take two steps back!  Otherwise we will show you that sharing is caring.

The Best (step)Daughter

I hear giggles and laughter, lots of questions and patient answers  My heart lifts and I smile.  I am truly blessed.  The patient voice belongs to my wonderful 16 year old (step)daughter.
Kay has been in my life since she was 6 and she is very much my first child, even if I only have the honor of her company every other weekend.  She is sweet and fun loving.  She is quick witted and good at making people laugh.  She has many of the qualities that first attracted me to my husband.  And to top it off, she is the best big sister.  We don't, and will never, use the label half siblings/half brother/half sister.  No way, no how. They are siblings, sisters and brother and they act exactly that way.  They love, laugh and argue as siblings do.  There is no hesitation or limit on their love and for that I feel blessed and thankful.  It means that we have a true family that is not going through the motions of acting like one and that Kay does not feel like an outsider looking in.  I hear that many children who's parents have remarried and have had other children feel this way.
Kay makes me feel like a (second) mother to her.  I feel honored and privileged.  I still remember the first time I met her.  It was spring time and we drove 6 hours from where we were living at the time to spend the weekend together.  We met her mom in the parking lot of Burger King for the swap.  It was all very cordial and I was nervous as hell, to be quite honest. We went out roller skating and ate dinner before settling down for the night at a local hotel.  We had gotten 2 queen beds. Kay and I were to each have a bed and hubby was going to take the floor so she wouldn't be uncomfortable.  She said, "It's okay daddy.  I don't mind sharing a bed with Bee."  My heart melted and my nerves disappeared.  My biggest dream was that we would connect.  I couldn't imagine marrying her daddy if we didn't.  I didn't feel it would be fair to any of us.  With those simple words, I knew we all had a bright future together.
Her mom gave me the greatest gift a fellow mom could give.  She gave me her support.  She told Kay from the beginning that she was to listen and respect me as if I were her (mom).  Looking back, now that I have kids of my own, I am amazed and humbled by her words.  She called me and told me this herself one day so I knew where she felt I stood in her daughter's life.  I've always felt touched and honored.  I am also grateful because it helped solidify the foundation of mine and Kay's relationship.  I can honestly say, I don't know if I could ever tell my children what she told Kay.  Just this summer Kay and I sat outside late one night chatting on the back deck.  We talked about boys and troubled friendships and she sought my advice.  She told me she appreciates my advice, feedback and opinions.  I feel so honored.  Not many teens will say that to an adult, let alone a stepparent. I am proud that she can talk to both me and her mom.  We give her support in different areas of her life.  It's like we balance each other out. 
As a sister she is always one to get down on the floor and play.  She'll play dolls, pet shops, Wii, cars and board games.  She'll hang out and watch movies with them.  So far today she has watched Despicable Me twice and America's Funniest Home Videos.  When they were babies she helped feed them, dress them and change their stinky diapers. All this because she wants to be involved and enjoys being an older sister.  Not because it's expected of her. She is a treasure even when the kids are arguing and vying for her attention.  Because of them, she has told me she will wait to have sex.  They are great birth control, especially when my DD cried constantly the first year of her life or when they fight like siblings often do.  She knows that she is not ready to be a mother.  She understands that having a child is a lifetime commitment.
I am truly best to have such a wonderful (step)daughter. She is not perfect.  She's a teenager.  Sometimes she's selfish and puts friends before family.  She struggles in school and sometimes does not make the best choices in friends.  She's human and that's what  I love about her.  I am going to tell her that, once the kids go to bed for the night and we have our time where we just chill and relax together.  And my hubby wonders why I get sad when she can't be here or has to cancel because something comes up.  She's my daughter.  In every sense of the word. 
I love you Kay, you are my first child.  Always...

Too much to do, so little time!

Stop the Earth...I want to get off!  Is it just me or is today's life getting busier and busier?  I know it's not just me.  The American culture today just seems to go at a break neck speed and if you can't keep up then your trampled on.  By that I think you feel used up, stressed out and ready for a breakdown.  Let's be honest here...most of us feel this exact way.  If we don't hang on for dear life our life will run away out of contol, leaving us on the floor. 

I can honestly say that I'm right at that point most days.  And that is sad, considering that I was working a full time job up until 6 months ago.  Before that, 3 1/2 years ago, I had a fast paced salaried job where I was rarely home for my two small children (newborn and 2 yrs old).  Looking back, I wonder how I made it through any of that time.  I'm going insane what's on my plate right now.  I guess, when push comes to shove you do what you got to do.  The question is, why has it come to this?  It's no wonder that heart disease is a serious issue in the U.S. When "we" (corporate america?) decided that people needed to start becoming more time efficient everything went out the window.
There is a limit to how efficient we can be.  The constant strain on our minds and bodies to push further is effectively deteriorating our body and slowly killing us.  The stress alone is tremendous!  I stepped down from my salary position because I couldn't keep up mentally, physically or emotional with the constant needs of my job.  On top of that  I had all the demands of my young children at home. 
I love working, don't get me wrong, but our children need a constant, stable parenting model at home.  I don't care if it's mom, dad or another adult living within the household.  I don't think that homemakers are given enough positive credit.  They work hard and I wish they could collect a govenment stippen.  I think children in these homes with responsible role models have more going for them where both their parents are under tremendous pressure at work and rarely home during daylight hours.  Yes, I know there are many people sitting at home right now collecting government money, not willing to work and could care less about their children running wild and getting into trouble.  These are not the people I am talking about.  I think have a parent at home is such a positive thing for our children.  They learn their limits and are accountable for their actions.  Also, the rules are the rules and they aren't getting told different rules by different people (babysitters, etc). It helps create consistancy which is badly lacking in today's families.
I'm heading back to work shortly.  I'm assuming it will be within the next 6-8 weeks.  My mother and father will be the ones that will help my children get ready for school in the morning once again.  I am lucky to have their help.  I can only hope and pray that they will willingly stick to the rules and routines I have set up for school days. 
I am going to have fun readjusting back to the old juggling act.  I didn't miss it and to be honest, I am juggling a lot right now without work.  I have doctor's visits, physical therapy and a whole bunch of other things to keep me running.
I am so happy I've had this time with my children.  I hope I will remember to take the time and slow down so I can enjoy it.  I can honestly say that I am a person that stresses under pressure.  I wasn't like this before I had children.  It wasn't so hard for me to juggle my personal and professional life, such as it was.  Children change everything.  It is so much better now but it's hard to say no to anything.  I am trying to breathe easier and stick to my mantra that family comes first.  If I can do that and not let the little things get to me, then I think I'll be ok.

Back to school today

I feel bad that I haven't blogged in days.  I wanted to blog a few blurbs from my phone but it doesn't seem to be liking me right now.  :(    I had to take the kids out and keep them busy or they would have driven me nuts before killing each other.  I some of my hair turned grey and some fell out, but I survived! 
This morning is actually quite peaceful for a school day.  Hope I'm not jinxing myself.  Oops..maybe I did.  My daughter just yelled at my son.  Please...shhhhh, I want to enjoy the tranquility of it all.  lol
We did Easter on a budget this year since I'm out on workman's comp.  I'm barely getting anything from them.  It's definitely getting tight.  I think the kids still enjoyed the holiday.  The only thing they missed was getting a plush animal on their bed or on their basket.  They'll live, plus I wouldn't mind weaning them off the dust collectors.   The kids will sleep with them and then as they get another the new one gets delegated to the bottom of the bed with the rest of the discarded animals (except for that one special one that will always have an honored place at the top of the bed).
Their Easter basket had two spring/suummer outfits (that was the "big" ticket items), a little chocolate, pencils, a journal, activity pad, sidewalk chalk and a few dollar toys.  At our house the Easter Bunny hides not only the plastic eggs, but also the decorate hard boiled eggs, big chocolate bunnies and the Easter baskets!  Next year I think I might write out clues to the where abouts of the bunnies and baskets since my youngest will be able to read simple clues next year.  Yeah!
The kids did 6 Easter egg hunts ovefr 2 days.  We went out to a farm on Saturday where they did 4 egg hunts throughout the day.  The kids participated in two and had a wonderful time.  We met up with a friend and her daughter.  They got to run around and burn off lots of energy, look at the farm animals (such cute bunnies and chickies!), sand art, gem mining and more.
Saturday and Easter Sunday beat me up!  We colored eggs on Saturday night with Daddy .  The kids really needed that quality time with him.  He had to work Saturday which made it extra hard on all of us, but we made it through.  While he entertained the kids I spent from 7:30-8:30 making the Easter baskets and filling some of the eggs.  He tried to stay up to help me later but he had been awake since 2 am since his store had a food inventory that morning.
I finally got the kids down at 9:30 and asleep by 10 or so.  My son had so much trouble falling asleep.  Poor kid.  I finished filling the eggs and hiding them by 1:00.  I don't hide all of them in the house so I left the outside ones for later.  I really missed having my stepdaughter this year...she's such a help and we have lots of fun hiding everything.  I crawled into bed about 1:30 only to be awoken at 3 by my son.  He saw an egg and wanted to go looking.  I told him he had to wait.  Poor boy.  I don't think he fell back asleep until close to 4.  I know because I was wide awake and achy until after 4:30. 
My daughter amazingly enough was up by 7:30 so she crawled in bed with us until 8.  I'm proud of her because I know she wanted to get started but I told her that she had to wait because her brother was still sleeping.  He's normally up first but I think him waking in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep really hit him hard.
Once the kids were up they hunted all the eggs in the house.  Those were filled with chocolate and stickers.  I don't like to hide the candy ones outside because of the animals and the weather (don't want it to meilt!).  The outside ones get filled with coins, stickers and sometimes small toys.  They also found their big bunnies.  I'll have to post a picture of my daughter's bunny....it's a good laugh.  After all that hunting they ate, dressed in their Sunday best and then headed off to church with grandpa.  Too bad hubby had to drive up to work for a few hours because the manager that orders on Sunday was out of the town for the holidays.  Good thing he remembered, I'll be it at 8 am.   So, while the house was quiet I ran around like a mad woman doing last minute things I normally would've done a day or two before the holiday.  I started the ham.  I vacuumed, swept and mopped the WHOLE house...except the bedrooms.  Then I made the fruit salad and strawberry shortcake.  Then I did all the dishes leftover from dinner the night before (hubby told me to leave them or else!).  Then I made the glaze for the ham, appetizers, and the sweet potatoes.  Then I got the call that grandpa and the kids where heading home from church and the Easter egg hunt there.  I panicked, realizing that I still had to get the eggs hidden outside.  So, I ran around doing that while hubby vegged out on the couch watching a hockey game.  I was stressed to the max but he did deserve to have some down time, especially since he had gotten home only 30 minutes before that.  Thank God I also realized that I had forgotten to hide the baskets.  I accomplished that about 10 minutes before they walked in the door. 
The kids were hyped up from egg hunting and so excited to show us everything they got.  As they wound down, I glazed the ham and jumped in for a quick (10 minutes) shower.
It was a fantastic day that flew by.  The kids hunted eggs at Grandma's and Grandpa's and outside our house.  The day was packed. I'm sad it's over but glad at the same time.  We wound down in front of the tv, watching the movie High School Musical 3 on Disney.  The kilds were in bed by 9, asleep before 9:30.  I finally put my feet up and chilled while watching the end of Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
This morning came way too quick.  I was awake by 6.  Ugh!  I'm still amazed at how well the kids woke up this morning.  I truly thought it would be a huge fight.  They barely even argued...at all!!!
Now, its 10:15 and the kids are in school.  I'm finishing up this post, grabbing a bite to eat and excitedly waiting for my brother to show up.  He's visiting from out of town.  He only shared this with me...it's a huge secret.  I know my parents will love it.  I just hope that no one feels put out that they weren't told.  I know it would annoy me a bit because I'm a planner. lol
I'm off..more coffee, some fruit and a blueberry scone.  YUM!