My son Anthony surprised me with a visit this weekend. He was under orders with the Army Reserve and was doing some advanced training over in KS, but they were given the weekend off. Rather than stay in the barracks and be bored to tears (or find mischief to get into) he decided to come to mom's, see the family, and play with his little brother. It was great to have him here! He was helpful too: he got Eric's harley all up and running (Eric went and got it licensed and insured on Friday) so we now have that for a backup vehicle (although as Eric says, he needs some practice on it before he takes it any distance); he checked out Brie's car and said "trash it" (if it was salvagable he would have told us, because he is a whiz with cars); and he diagnosed a blown radiator hose on my van (it has been leaking and overheating). The catch? The van has been the backup vehicle for Brie to use to get back and forth to work and school, and it cannot be driven as it is right now either... Eric says he feels competent to replace the hose, but we have to get one first (Tony would have done it for me but he had to get on the road for his 6 hour drive back to the army base) and I am not sure we can get it done tonight.
Then there is the week ahead. Eric's new term starts and he'll have class monday, tuesday, and wednesday evenings (after work on the days he works), so he'll essentially be gone from 5 am til 10 pm on Monday and Tuesday of this week. The car Brie was going to buy from a friend is no longer for sale, and she was not approved for a car loan so she can't get one through a dealership... We are back to the drawing board on that front. She is, however, getting the phone she has been salivating over: her replacement phone won't hold a charge, and because it is an insurance phone, and they don't have any of her phones left in stock, they are sending her the one she wanted as a replacement phone (using an upgrade on the plan to get it). From what she is saying, she is getting the new phone (it should have cost her close to $200) for free, along with the accessories, and it should be arriving on Monday.
I have my final paper to write this week, and have a lot to do to prep for it, along with my last two assignments. Brie had drill all weekend, so I have been babysitting, and she stayed last night at a friend's (whom she is riding back and forth with to drill), meaning I haven't had a lot of time to do schoolwork. Last night after Skye went to bed I did print off close to 200 pages worth of research article on my theme that I will start reading and annotating today. Eric has been gone the better part of the weekend despite it being his weekend off because Aurora has been in a gateway tournament (Bowling) in St. Louis, about an hour away. She made it to the semifinals today, and Eric said she is doing well--solidly in the middle of the pack at this point. But that limits my mobility dreadfully and we need groceries and stuff... Not to mention getting the hose to repair the van... I am feeling a little frantic.
The nice thing is Tony was no work at all. He helped with the vehicles, he played with the baby so I could do a few chores, he entertained Patrick and Reimond (and it was wonderful to see him hanging with the boys, working on bikes, making Patrick his assistant as he repaired the harley and checked out the other vehicles). It meant the world to me to have him here. We even dragged him to the pool to cool off yesterday after his repair jobs were done! Skye went to the pool for the first time (she seems over her cold for the most part, finally) and she loved it. And I am glad we are getting use out of the family plan!
I have relost one of the two pounds I had gained, and hopefully the second one will be gone when I weigh in on Tuesday. I have gotten back to being good. Lets just hope the stress of the coming week doesn't get to me too badly (along with PMS etc.). Speaking of that, my sister's surgery went well, although it was more extensive than they had planned on, and she was in the hospital an extra day because of it. She is doing better though and is glad to be home. She even went up to the lake this weekend with her family and told mom she could sit on her backside as easily there as stay home, and it makes sense to me!
Patrick is back to job hunting as he lost his job at McDonalds early this past week. He was late one too many times. He is bummed and relieved both. He is planning to move in with a friend to an apartment in Mascoutah proper and has been putting in applications at the businesses on Main Street. The apartment is centrally located between here and Main St. so he feels transportation (or the lack thereof) won't be as big an issue, and my guess is he will use his savings to cover his costs of moving. He is of the opinion that it won't be "forever" at this point; he just sees himself as helping out a friend for a few months, as well as helping himself be closer to the job market. Eric and I fully support this. My guess is this will happen sometime over the next few days.
I am hoping I am not getting sick. Yesterday I felt really run down and tired (although some late nights and early mornings this week helped to contribute), but I woke up with a sore throat/swollen glands. I do NOT need to be sick with everything going on this week! So I am drinking my orange juice, taking my vitamin, and praying hard!
Skye is needing attention so I guess I will post! Keep your fingers crossed for us this coming week goes smoothly!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Apologies all around...
I am mortified to realize that the previous post I wrote, just for myself, published instead of deleted after I wrote it. Sometimes I get so frustrated I need to vent, but then hit delete so that my thoughts remain private. For those who read it, please take it for what it was, private thoughts that weren't meant to be published, thought in a moment of frustration. I apologize if any of it upset anyone.
I am getting down to crunch time with some homework, and things are chaotic at times around here. With only two running vehicles, I feel like I am sometimes on the bottom rung of the priority ladder when it comes to usage, and the needs for mobility don't stop just because there isn't an extra running car. Skye is amazing in all she is learning to do and express, but the downside of that is that she is fairly strong willed and independent, and she wants what she wants, when she wants it (of course that describes most kids these days). I only have two hands, and am not as good at multitasking as I used to be I guess.
My husband took on an overtime shift this week because it's his short week otherwise, and it threw a minor wrench into our plans for things to accomplish before his new school term resumes next week. He is doing a great job of balancing all his responsibilities and deserves some down time too. I sometimes just get impatient when I should be more understanding. We have taken on a lot of things we want to accomplish, but haven't really gotten very far on any of them, and the upheaval they have caused gets tiresome at times. I know my frustration over that is directed as much at myself as it is him, because I too start things, meaning to finish, and there they sit because of interruptions and distractions. With his working the overtime shift, I have been really confused as to what day it is (I know the days based on the normal routines); his having worked 3 days in a row suggests to me that today should be Monday, but it isn't; and yesterday I wasn't sure if it was Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday! I knew in my head that it was Wednesday, because my assignment was due and Aurora had stuff at the college scheduled. But it felt like one of the other days, because Eric was working his second day in a row...
Anyhow, please forgive my rant and understand that I was having a rough time, with many stressors and worries all at once. I learned a valuable lesson out of it though: to make sure if I do put anything out on my blog I double check which button I am pushing before I hit it and I proof read it to be sure I am posting what I want to be posting.
I am getting down to crunch time with some homework, and things are chaotic at times around here. With only two running vehicles, I feel like I am sometimes on the bottom rung of the priority ladder when it comes to usage, and the needs for mobility don't stop just because there isn't an extra running car. Skye is amazing in all she is learning to do and express, but the downside of that is that she is fairly strong willed and independent, and she wants what she wants, when she wants it (of course that describes most kids these days). I only have two hands, and am not as good at multitasking as I used to be I guess.
My husband took on an overtime shift this week because it's his short week otherwise, and it threw a minor wrench into our plans for things to accomplish before his new school term resumes next week. He is doing a great job of balancing all his responsibilities and deserves some down time too. I sometimes just get impatient when I should be more understanding. We have taken on a lot of things we want to accomplish, but haven't really gotten very far on any of them, and the upheaval they have caused gets tiresome at times. I know my frustration over that is directed as much at myself as it is him, because I too start things, meaning to finish, and there they sit because of interruptions and distractions. With his working the overtime shift, I have been really confused as to what day it is (I know the days based on the normal routines); his having worked 3 days in a row suggests to me that today should be Monday, but it isn't; and yesterday I wasn't sure if it was Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday! I knew in my head that it was Wednesday, because my assignment was due and Aurora had stuff at the college scheduled. But it felt like one of the other days, because Eric was working his second day in a row...
Anyhow, please forgive my rant and understand that I was having a rough time, with many stressors and worries all at once. I learned a valuable lesson out of it though: to make sure if I do put anything out on my blog I double check which button I am pushing before I hit it and I proof read it to be sure I am posting what I want to be posting.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
An update for June!
It has been a full week already, and we are only just barely into the month. The kids and I got safely back to IL from MN on Tuesday, even if we were again running a bit later than I had initially planned. It was a good trip and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to go. Saw all my siblings, most of their families, a number of dear girlfriends, and spent time with my mom and some of the Florida relatives, who were up visiting the same time I was. I came home saddened to leave the other grandkids and my big kids, but grateful for the time and activities we had/spent together.
This week has been a week now of catch-up-- on chores, on homework, on life. Brie had some issues this week: her car engine seized up and is not driveable (she let the oil run dry) and her cell phone took a dunk in the toilet (literally); the replacement phone will be here on Monday (she hopes--is going through withdrawal from not having text messaging!) and she is talking to the bank again on Monday about an auto loan to get a new-to-her car. My son Anthony says we could probably resurect her car with a new engine, but since we don't have anyone down here with the expertise to put one in, I am not sure what we will do with it. My van is once again getting lots of mileage put on it as it takes the place of second runner for whomever needs it.
Skye had a bad cold when we got back--sneezing, runny nose, cough, and low grade temp. She is finally sounding better, but was a sick cookie for about 72 hours. She has a fake cough to go with the real one that cracks us up. Aurora came home from Hawaii sick too, but she had a lovely time while there, and she seems to be feeling better as well.
Aurora and Rei, Skye, and I went to the travel league bowling banquet today. Aurora got first place females for high average, and they both (along with the team) got team trophies. It was really neat to be there. I am proud of both of them! It was a long day for Skye though, who was stuck on laps, or briefly, on the floor, and she was getting bored and restless. We got through it though and she did well.
I got the family pass for the pool for us, and I went yesterday for two hours. I had asked Rei to spray my back with sunscreen (the aerosol canned kind) and he did--but he didn't check to make sure it was evenly applied, and I have a very blotchy sunburn in places, esp. along the edges of things... Youch! It isn't terrible, unless Skye scratches at my skin, but when she does, I want to cry!
Eric is done with classes for a week--Yay! And his long week ends today so we should have a nice week this upcoming one. We need it! I haven't been doing so hot on my WW plan lately--got off track with the month of May and all the parties going on, and haven't fully gotten back on the bus as yet... I am working on it though! At least I have maintained my initial 10 lb loss, and hope to now add to it (I regained 2 lbs from the initial 12 I had lost). I am not discouraged though. I made some conscious choices.
I have two weeks of classes left and need to try and get ahead on some things there so I can do my final paper. I have to figure out my topic, then call Eric's dad and interview him for it. Not sure even still what I want to write about! I have to figure it out soon though--it's supposed to be about 15 pages long or so...
Anyhow, that's where we are at for now: enjoying these hot, summery days (FINALLY!), figuring out what is gonna pass for the new "normal" schedule with school out, and, taking things a day at a time. My sister has her surgery tomorrow, so I have her in my prayers, and I am cautiously looking towards another trip to MN in July over the 4th. We'll see what happens as we get closer!
This week has been a week now of catch-up-- on chores, on homework, on life. Brie had some issues this week: her car engine seized up and is not driveable (she let the oil run dry) and her cell phone took a dunk in the toilet (literally); the replacement phone will be here on Monday (she hopes--is going through withdrawal from not having text messaging!) and she is talking to the bank again on Monday about an auto loan to get a new-to-her car. My son Anthony says we could probably resurect her car with a new engine, but since we don't have anyone down here with the expertise to put one in, I am not sure what we will do with it. My van is once again getting lots of mileage put on it as it takes the place of second runner for whomever needs it.
Skye had a bad cold when we got back--sneezing, runny nose, cough, and low grade temp. She is finally sounding better, but was a sick cookie for about 72 hours. She has a fake cough to go with the real one that cracks us up. Aurora came home from Hawaii sick too, but she had a lovely time while there, and she seems to be feeling better as well.
Aurora and Rei, Skye, and I went to the travel league bowling banquet today. Aurora got first place females for high average, and they both (along with the team) got team trophies. It was really neat to be there. I am proud of both of them! It was a long day for Skye though, who was stuck on laps, or briefly, on the floor, and she was getting bored and restless. We got through it though and she did well.
I got the family pass for the pool for us, and I went yesterday for two hours. I had asked Rei to spray my back with sunscreen (the aerosol canned kind) and he did--but he didn't check to make sure it was evenly applied, and I have a very blotchy sunburn in places, esp. along the edges of things... Youch! It isn't terrible, unless Skye scratches at my skin, but when she does, I want to cry!
Eric is done with classes for a week--Yay! And his long week ends today so we should have a nice week this upcoming one. We need it! I haven't been doing so hot on my WW plan lately--got off track with the month of May and all the parties going on, and haven't fully gotten back on the bus as yet... I am working on it though! At least I have maintained my initial 10 lb loss, and hope to now add to it (I regained 2 lbs from the initial 12 I had lost). I am not discouraged though. I made some conscious choices.
I have two weeks of classes left and need to try and get ahead on some things there so I can do my final paper. I have to figure out my topic, then call Eric's dad and interview him for it. Not sure even still what I want to write about! I have to figure it out soon though--it's supposed to be about 15 pages long or so...
Anyhow, that's where we are at for now: enjoying these hot, summery days (FINALLY!), figuring out what is gonna pass for the new "normal" schedule with school out, and, taking things a day at a time. My sister has her surgery tomorrow, so I have her in my prayers, and I am cautiously looking towards another trip to MN in July over the 4th. We'll see what happens as we get closer!
Friday, May 27, 2011
I'm back "home" in MN!
Rei, Skye, and I drove back to MN yesterday, to be here for Memorial weekend. I had a number of reasons for coming this weekend: my dear friend's amazing daughter Amy is graduating from high school and her achievement is being celebrated on Sunday; we are *supposed* to have family from Florida up here visiting (although they are roadtripping too and are on a very loose schedule); and I had postponed my original visit from Easter weekend til now due to the heart scare. Unfortunately it's a grey and gloomy weekend being predicted, but since I didn't come for any out-of-door events, I don't care. I came to see those I love and have missed and that's my plan!
We got in last night around 8ish, and surprised my sister with a visit. I had knit a beaded shawl for her that I wanted her to have before she headed up to the lake this weekend, and I really wanted her to have it for her surgery recovery (she is having a complete hysterectomy on the 6th). She loved it, and I was so pleased to give it to her! I also got to admire her new cement work that was laid yesterday, and it looks stunning, and I got to see my lovely niece, home from college for the summer.
We got here to Liisa's close to 10 pm and I was exhausted. We got unpacked so I could set up the pack 'n play for Skye to sleep in, and I crashed sometime around 11:30. My friend Erika has been teasing me about staying in my old house, now owned by my daughter, and my ex-husband also living here... Surprisingly, it doesn't feel awkward at all. It just feels like "home." I enjoy being at my mom's but I love being here in the old house, in the old neighborhood. It is comforting to see the familiar around me, even with the changes Liisa is slowly making. The new privacy fence is gorgeous, and the gardens have, for the most part, become a clean slate to resettle. I love how neat and clean it all looks, and that the gates now work!
Skye got up at the god-awful time of 6:43 this morning, and was wide awake, so we started our day. I gave her a bottle, then a bath, and then I showered too. We took Liisa with us and went out for breakfast with Erika at Denny's, then dropped Erika off at an appointment and headed to Tony and Andrea's house. Alexis was thrilled to see me and Skye, and we spent a good hour and a half over there visiting and taking a few pictures. We will be going back this afternoon after Justin gets home from school so I can see him too. We came home so I could lay Skye down for a nap, and she is crashed out. I knew she was getting tired from all the playing she did with Alexis.
I am gonna start my homework, but figured I would post this quick so everyone knew where I was. Skye travelled awesomely yesterday and has been no trouble at all to take places, although she is hating her car seat at the moment... Perhaps I will post more about me trip later this weekend, although perhaps not. Totally depends on what I have for free time!
We got in last night around 8ish, and surprised my sister with a visit. I had knit a beaded shawl for her that I wanted her to have before she headed up to the lake this weekend, and I really wanted her to have it for her surgery recovery (she is having a complete hysterectomy on the 6th). She loved it, and I was so pleased to give it to her! I also got to admire her new cement work that was laid yesterday, and it looks stunning, and I got to see my lovely niece, home from college for the summer.
We got here to Liisa's close to 10 pm and I was exhausted. We got unpacked so I could set up the pack 'n play for Skye to sleep in, and I crashed sometime around 11:30. My friend Erika has been teasing me about staying in my old house, now owned by my daughter, and my ex-husband also living here... Surprisingly, it doesn't feel awkward at all. It just feels like "home." I enjoy being at my mom's but I love being here in the old house, in the old neighborhood. It is comforting to see the familiar around me, even with the changes Liisa is slowly making. The new privacy fence is gorgeous, and the gardens have, for the most part, become a clean slate to resettle. I love how neat and clean it all looks, and that the gates now work!
Skye got up at the god-awful time of 6:43 this morning, and was wide awake, so we started our day. I gave her a bottle, then a bath, and then I showered too. We took Liisa with us and went out for breakfast with Erika at Denny's, then dropped Erika off at an appointment and headed to Tony and Andrea's house. Alexis was thrilled to see me and Skye, and we spent a good hour and a half over there visiting and taking a few pictures. We will be going back this afternoon after Justin gets home from school so I can see him too. We came home so I could lay Skye down for a nap, and she is crashed out. I knew she was getting tired from all the playing she did with Alexis.
I am gonna start my homework, but figured I would post this quick so everyone knew where I was. Skye travelled awesomely yesterday and has been no trouble at all to take places, although she is hating her car seat at the moment... Perhaps I will post more about me trip later this weekend, although perhaps not. Totally depends on what I have for free time!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
I can sooooo relate!
The names may change but the sentiment sure doesn't!
Happy end of the world day (according to the news... I personally don't believe it. God has too much planned for us to end it all today!)
Friday, May 20, 2011
It's my birthday!
Happy birthday to me!
It's been a fairly easy day so far, with lots of love shown to me on facebook and hugs and kisses this morning as people left for their various activities. Skye and I have been cleaning house a little, and I finally got her down for an uninterrupted nap (every time she fell asleep something woke her immediately, and it became a battle royale to get her back to sleep...)
I am working towards getting some homework done, and I am just thinking over all the events of the last couple of weeks. It's been crazy hectic around here, between the birthdays, graduations, and other events. I loved having my in-laws here over last weekend for the granduation and party, and I appreciated all they did to help out. My husband did an amazing job on the yard, and I love my new back patio area. The roses are in bloom, the gardens are colorful, and life is good! The only fly in the ointment has been the weather, and I am about as sick of rain as one can get. I need some steady, comfortable temps, and some blue skies and sunshine.
I bought a bike the other day and cannot wait to start riding it. I also bought a bike trailer that seats 2 little ones so that I can meet my goal of taking Skye out riding with me. Another form of exercise I enjoy and a way to save gas on local (i.e. uptown/main street) errands. We just need to clear out the garage some so it's easier to put things in and take them out. It's not terribly user friendly at the moment.
None of Aurora's mom's family made it to town for the graduation, and things were a bit strained as we tried to accommodate who might need a ticket or not for the actual ceremony. The party was small (just immediate family and some of Aurora's friends) because we had left the guest list up to her, and she didn't invite a lot of people we thought might like to come. Oh well. It is what it is, and it was a very nice party.
Eric and I went to Litchfield, IL to an old route 66 restaurant and met up with my mentor for lunch. He and his wife travel the country in a 5th wheel, and I haven't seen them in ages! It was lovely to spend a few hours conversing and catching up on things. Chuck looks wonderful, and I hope he conveyed my greetings to his lovely wife (who wasn't able to join us). We took a few pictures, and had a very nice meal. It was a highlight of the week for me!
Skye is now crawling with the sole purpose of getting to things she wants, or to pull herself up to standing on things, and she has started walking the edges of furniture. She tumbles as much as she stays upright, but she is oh so proud of her accomplishments! She also has 6 teeth now, and has learned to grind them together (yuck!) She is a busy baby and she keeps me hopping!
Reimond is finishing out his last few days of school with finals. Patrick is working and doing his thing, and Brie finished finals this week, so she is free of school for a bit. Eric and I still have some to go before our terms are up. Speaking of which, I should be doing homework right now...
Anyhow, that is a better update on what's been going on for us--lots of cleaning, rearranging, sorting, and landscaping, along with lots of partying... It's been nuts, and I look forward to things slowing down some so that I have some time to think!
It's been a fairly easy day so far, with lots of love shown to me on facebook and hugs and kisses this morning as people left for their various activities. Skye and I have been cleaning house a little, and I finally got her down for an uninterrupted nap (every time she fell asleep something woke her immediately, and it became a battle royale to get her back to sleep...)
I am working towards getting some homework done, and I am just thinking over all the events of the last couple of weeks. It's been crazy hectic around here, between the birthdays, graduations, and other events. I loved having my in-laws here over last weekend for the granduation and party, and I appreciated all they did to help out. My husband did an amazing job on the yard, and I love my new back patio area. The roses are in bloom, the gardens are colorful, and life is good! The only fly in the ointment has been the weather, and I am about as sick of rain as one can get. I need some steady, comfortable temps, and some blue skies and sunshine.
I bought a bike the other day and cannot wait to start riding it. I also bought a bike trailer that seats 2 little ones so that I can meet my goal of taking Skye out riding with me. Another form of exercise I enjoy and a way to save gas on local (i.e. uptown/main street) errands. We just need to clear out the garage some so it's easier to put things in and take them out. It's not terribly user friendly at the moment.
None of Aurora's mom's family made it to town for the graduation, and things were a bit strained as we tried to accommodate who might need a ticket or not for the actual ceremony. The party was small (just immediate family and some of Aurora's friends) because we had left the guest list up to her, and she didn't invite a lot of people we thought might like to come. Oh well. It is what it is, and it was a very nice party.
Eric and I went to Litchfield, IL to an old route 66 restaurant and met up with my mentor for lunch. He and his wife travel the country in a 5th wheel, and I haven't seen them in ages! It was lovely to spend a few hours conversing and catching up on things. Chuck looks wonderful, and I hope he conveyed my greetings to his lovely wife (who wasn't able to join us). We took a few pictures, and had a very nice meal. It was a highlight of the week for me!
Skye is now crawling with the sole purpose of getting to things she wants, or to pull herself up to standing on things, and she has started walking the edges of furniture. She tumbles as much as she stays upright, but she is oh so proud of her accomplishments! She also has 6 teeth now, and has learned to grind them together (yuck!) She is a busy baby and she keeps me hopping!
Reimond is finishing out his last few days of school with finals. Patrick is working and doing his thing, and Brie finished finals this week, so she is free of school for a bit. Eric and I still have some to go before our terms are up. Speaking of which, I should be doing homework right now...
Anyhow, that is a better update on what's been going on for us--lots of cleaning, rearranging, sorting, and landscaping, along with lots of partying... It's been nuts, and I look forward to things slowing down some so that I have some time to think!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
busy busy busy...
No, we have not fallen off the face of the earth. We are fine, healthy, and just really busy. Mothers day was lovely, with breakfast out and a day at grant's farm, and we are focused on getting ready for graduation saturday, reimond's birthday friday, finals, projects, and misc other activities.
I will update soon and post pictures!
I will update soon and post pictures!
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