If only I had more time in the day, the week, the month.
I must utter this at least once or twice a day. It has been a while since I posted (but really does anyone but my family even read this?). I have been so busy at work and with spring sports, I just haven't had time to post, catch up on twitter, facebook or even read the blogs I normally do. I feel as if I am running on empty at times. I CANNOT wait until June when work slows and summer takes over. Of course I still have camp and swim team schedules as well as work to deal with, but it is way more relaxed.
Today was a busy one. Pat had to work this morning so I had to handle all 3 girls by myself. Normally not a big deal, but we had 9:00 Tball for Megan, 10:30 soccer for Sarah. Then we had to prepare for a 3pm princess party for Megan at the house. We managed to get it all done and in good spirits, it was miraculous. Megan's Tball coach calls her a "Hitting Machine" and that has gotten her much more interested in the game. Sarah scored 7 goals (I actually only witnessed 5, so I am not 100% sure she has the number corrects) and is floating on a cloud!
The Party of 6 girls (ages 4 and 5) went quite well. We decorated goody bags, home made magic wands, and princess tiaras. We played on the swing set, played pin the tail on the unicorn, and had an awesome scavenger hunt for the princess castle pinata. The girls had so much fun and Sarah was such an awesome helper, I couldn't get over it.
I tucked the girls into bed tonight and felt so good about the day. So often I put them to bed and vow to myself to work hard to be a better mom tomorrow. I hate it when I feel like I've lost my patience with them and that I've yelled at them more than not. Tonight was NOT one of those nights. I kissed their sleeping heads and felt so great about how the day went. I'm not sure what worked today, but I hope I can replicate it over and over again.
Today was one of those days that makes me feel so happy to be their mom.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Happy Birthday
It is hard to believe that my youngest and last child is turning one today. It is a bittersweet feeling to be saying goodbye to infancy and hello to toddler hood.
With every child, time seems to pass even more quickly. I look at my girls and wonder how I lost them to "big-girlness". Wasn't it just a few years ago that Sarah was born...can she really be 8? Megan has morphed into a surly pre-schooler who has outgrown pre-school quickly. Little Emma, who was born the size of the other two at 2 months, is walking and finding her Independence.
Despite all the stresses of a newborn, it is one of the stages I love the most. I love being the provider of sustenance and comfort that only I can give her. The utter helplessness surrendered to total love and care.
We have partially weaned and I long for, yet dread, the end of breastfeeding. It is an amazing bond that is indescribable.
What an amazing year this has been. There were times when I thought I would lose my mind, yet I wouldn't change a thing. My dear sweet Emma, I love you more than words can say (however I will say that I love you more when you sleep through the night). Your sisters, even Megan, have embraced you and love you more and more each day. You have made our family complete and I love you, little love bug.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Long lasting Aluminum
10 years ago today, I married my best friend.
Barf...I know it's terribly cliche, but in this case it is absolutely true.
The past 10 years of my life have been wonderful. I cannot imagine what my life would have been like without Pat by my side. Believe me, he has his flaws just like everyone, but he has kept me laughing for the last 10 years and the 4.5 years of dating prior to that.
He is my confidant, my rock, my best friend, and my pain in the ass.
Over lunch today my coworkers and I were discussing marriage. One of my friends mentioned that they had heard that the 7th year of a marriage was the hardest. Another one agreed, but then her marriage ended in divorce. I thought and thought then stated that I couldn't recall a really bad year.
We have had our ups and downs, but I can't really remember any horrible fights or stressful times in our marriage. Other things in life may have been difficult, but they brought us together instead of tearing us apart.
The time has passed quickly, yet I feel like he and I have always been together. I can't imagine my life without him and I am glad we found each other.
By the way, evidently the traditional gift for a 10th anniversary is ALUMINUM! Nothing screams I love you more that a roll of tin foil or a can of soda!
Barf...I know it's terribly cliche, but in this case it is absolutely true.
The past 10 years of my life have been wonderful. I cannot imagine what my life would have been like without Pat by my side. Believe me, he has his flaws just like everyone, but he has kept me laughing for the last 10 years and the 4.5 years of dating prior to that.
He is my confidant, my rock, my best friend, and my pain in the ass.
Over lunch today my coworkers and I were discussing marriage. One of my friends mentioned that they had heard that the 7th year of a marriage was the hardest. Another one agreed, but then her marriage ended in divorce. I thought and thought then stated that I couldn't recall a really bad year.
We have had our ups and downs, but I can't really remember any horrible fights or stressful times in our marriage. Other things in life may have been difficult, but they brought us together instead of tearing us apart.
The time has passed quickly, yet I feel like he and I have always been together. I can't imagine my life without him and I am glad we found each other.
By the way, evidently the traditional gift for a 10th anniversary is ALUMINUM! Nothing screams I love you more that a roll of tin foil or a can of soda!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
I hate Jillian
Today is day 10 of the 30 Day Shred Challenge at the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans. It is also Weigh in Wednesday. While I don't really hate Jillian, I do really hate today's weigh in. I don't quite understand what has happened. I have done the shred every day since day 1, I have been watching what I eat. I feel like I took it easy on Easter and did not overindulge. I have had unusual self-restraint when it comes to all the chocolate Easter candy that is in my house. yet, the scale this morning reported a .8lb weigh GAIN. WTF?!?! How the hell did that happen!? I was so depressed that for a brief moment this morning I contemplated giving up, I should just accept the fact that I will be "fluffy" for the rest of my life and deal with it.
By the time I got to work, I realized that my body is dealing with a lot of change (you know the not pumping and reducing breastfeeding to 1 or 2x a day) that I just need to be patient. I do feel as though I am seeing improvement in areas, just not on the scale. I have come to hate phase 1 of the workout though. the first few days I felt energized afterward and loved how sore I felt in the morning (that means it's working, right?). But by day 5, my knees starting hurting. the jumping jacks kill my knees! I am pretty sure the aerobic part of the jumping jacks is no problem, it's the pain that makes me want to stop.
I will forge ahead and keep doing phase 1 for a few more days and then bump up to phase 2. If I can managed to find a few more minutes to exercise, I'll hop on the treadmill too (I did that on Monday and it felt really good). I will also begin really tracking my food intake.
Here's hoping for a better week to come!
By the time I got to work, I realized that my body is dealing with a lot of change (you know the not pumping and reducing breastfeeding to 1 or 2x a day) that I just need to be patient. I do feel as though I am seeing improvement in areas, just not on the scale. I have come to hate phase 1 of the workout though. the first few days I felt energized afterward and loved how sore I felt in the morning (that means it's working, right?). But by day 5, my knees starting hurting. the jumping jacks kill my knees! I am pretty sure the aerobic part of the jumping jacks is no problem, it's the pain that makes me want to stop.
I will forge ahead and keep doing phase 1 for a few more days and then bump up to phase 2. If I can managed to find a few more minutes to exercise, I'll hop on the treadmill too (I did that on Monday and it felt really good). I will also begin really tracking my food intake.
Here's hoping for a better week to come!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
The Easter Bunny made his appearance, as usual, bright and early this morning. I heard Zoe barking like mad trying to keep him from invading her space. He must have been running late because the dawn had already broken and as I glanced at the clock it already was pushing 6AM.
I tried to shower before anyone else woke up, but that did not go according to plan. The big girls knocked on the bathroom door as I was getting in the shower. I told them they had to wait and that they could crawl into bed with Pat (who had just gotten home from work about an hour before). Before I was done with my shower, Sarah was asking to get Emma who was up and crying in her crib.
We all went down to see what the Easter Bunny left for the girls. They had to find their baskets which were hidden all around, as well as the 15 eggs we dyed yesterday. They had a good time and we discovered that Emma loves marshmallow peeps!
Off to church and the second egg hunt of the day. Pat stayed home to sleep and we went to get more sugar! Emma decided to show off her lungs during church and was extremely loud. Then home to eat lunch and put the baby down for a nap.
I was able to work in a session of the 30 Day Shred (thankfully, I've been able to resist much of the candy laying around the house) and we leave in a bit to go to Grandma and Pappy's for dinner with Aunt Jan and Uncle Charles and Easter Hunt number 3!
Here are a few shots of the day:
At the house before church
After the Egg Hunt at Church
The girls with their loot from Easter Egg hunt #2
HAPPY EASTER!
I tried to shower before anyone else woke up, but that did not go according to plan. The big girls knocked on the bathroom door as I was getting in the shower. I told them they had to wait and that they could crawl into bed with Pat (who had just gotten home from work about an hour before). Before I was done with my shower, Sarah was asking to get Emma who was up and crying in her crib.
We all went down to see what the Easter Bunny left for the girls. They had to find their baskets which were hidden all around, as well as the 15 eggs we dyed yesterday. They had a good time and we discovered that Emma loves marshmallow peeps!
Off to church and the second egg hunt of the day. Pat stayed home to sleep and we went to get more sugar! Emma decided to show off her lungs during church and was extremely loud. Then home to eat lunch and put the baby down for a nap.
I was able to work in a session of the 30 Day Shred (thankfully, I've been able to resist much of the candy laying around the house) and we leave in a bit to go to Grandma and Pappy's for dinner with Aunt Jan and Uncle Charles and Easter Hunt number 3!
Here are a few shots of the day:
At the house before church
After the Egg Hunt at Church
Emma is helping open the eggs
The girls with their loot from Easter Egg hunt #2
HAPPY EASTER!
Egg Update
Here are a few pics of the dyeing process from yesterday afternoon.
By the way...The eggs peeled perfectly and were delicious! Must remember to boil them this way all the time!
By the way...The eggs peeled perfectly and were delicious! Must remember to boil them this way all the time!
Friday, April 10, 2009
How to Boil an Egg
This is a touchy subject in my in-law's home. Many a family reunion has been "ruined" by deviled eggs that even the devil couldn't peel. My father-in-law has many theories on the best way to boil an egg. I can't remember exactly what they are, but you are either supposed to use old eggs, or new eggs; peel them right away, or let them sit. I can't remember. One year he even conducted an experiment. He used both new and old eggs. I honestly don't think it mattered, both of the eggs ended up looking pitted and less than desirable.
Since it is that time of year again, I thought I would conduct my own experiment. Now, I didn't get all scientific and have a control group or anything, but I did try a new method found here. Here are a few photos of the process:
This goes against everything my mother's "boil an egg" recipe states, so I am reluctant. Who knew I needed salt and a pin?
Poking a hole in the wide end is supposed to help air escape during the boiling process so that you don't have that lovely air pocket at one end. Now, this will probably mean that my eggs are guaranteed to be pink and purple when I peel them after dying, but it's only food coloring, right?
This recipe calls for you to actually place the eggs into boiling water and then simmer them for a particular time based on their size. These are extra-large eggs, so they simmer for 13 minutes.
Covering them with cold water after boiling...that I knew!!
These eggs will be dyed either tonight or tomorrow morning. I'm sure I'll capture that as well. However, I won't be able to post about the effectiveness of this boiling method until Easter morning.
Since it is that time of year again, I thought I would conduct my own experiment. Now, I didn't get all scientific and have a control group or anything, but I did try a new method found here. Here are a few photos of the process:
This goes against everything my mother's "boil an egg" recipe states, so I am reluctant. Who knew I needed salt and a pin?
Poking a hole in the wide end is supposed to help air escape during the boiling process so that you don't have that lovely air pocket at one end. Now, this will probably mean that my eggs are guaranteed to be pink and purple when I peel them after dying, but it's only food coloring, right?
This recipe calls for you to actually place the eggs into boiling water and then simmer them for a particular time based on their size. These are extra-large eggs, so they simmer for 13 minutes.
Covering them with cold water after boiling...that I knew!!
These eggs will be dyed either tonight or tomorrow morning. I'm sure I'll capture that as well. However, I won't be able to post about the effectiveness of this boiling method until Easter morning.
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