Swim Meet #3

She swam 4 events. DQ. Disqualified. twice. it is so hard to explain to her why without discouraging her. But, she placed third in backstroke and first in a free relay. Her coach made a huge deal about her being the one to close the gap, therefor giving them the win. She is diving in off the block, which she never thought she would do. Such a strong swimmer! Very proud of her!

Crazy times!

So, Life has been so busy lately. Baily's swim team is going well, she likes it a lot. I Love it. I admit I am living through her. I have gotten back to swimming myself becaus of it. She practices 3-4 times a week and this weekend she had her first meet/meets. She did so well! dropped 6 seconds off her backstroke time on Saturday and then another 4 off it on Sunday. I am so proud of her! Erika is having a hard time...middle child syndrom for sure. I am trying to make sure she has special things to do so she feels "equal" but the truth is she is only 6 and in 2 years will also have opportunities just like Baily. So for now, playdates when ever possible and special time together will have to do. Braydon...well, when ever he gets a chance...he tests me. He recently showed my expecting brother and sil what exactly they are in for. In 1 hour he was like the tazmanian devil. He has an ear infection right now, so more patience is needed for him.

this was all the time i had to update...not much of an update...but i am sure exhausted from it all!

Swim Team

So, I just broke the news to DH about how much money we are putting out for B's swim team. It's very expensive. First you have to join the Y, then you have tryout fees, then there is the fee. Of course you need a swim team suit to wear at the meets along with the warm up suit and possible bag (do you need one...probably not, but you want them to feel a total part of the team.
How can I feel okay with the cost? They practice 4 days a week and meets on Saturdays. I know the exercise is going to be wonderful for her and the coaches I have watched are top notch. So far after 1 practice she is inlove with the sport. I believe this is a team and individual sport that is so good for self esteem. I am so proud of her for making the team. She is proud of herself too. The look in her eyes when she found out she made the team is not a look we see often. Today we have a parent meeting starting at 3 pm. I don't expect to be home until after 7. She also has practice in the middle of it all. (sigh) Ya know? I am looking forward to it.

Flowers

Jingle bells

not sure what it is about this picture but i luff it! After these flowers bloom you end up with pods with tiny black seeds. You can shake the pods and hear the seeds inside. The kids love to sprinkle them all over our flower beds...we ended up with a ton of these flowers this year!

JUNE

I just love these flowers! I wait for them to bloom, they are so brilliant in color and I love how they climb! This is the most they have flowered so far.

So...

Not much to talk about...Kids will be fininshing school soon and our summer begins. As much as I like the freedom, it can be hectic with softball, swimming lessons and playdates. This year we are going to take a bunch of small vacations...day trips even so that the kids can enjoy our local parks etc. It should be fun!

Mother's Day 2008

So, this year I was told I was going to sleep in as late as I wanted. After hearing Braydon scream for Daddy for what seemed to be 20 minutes, I came down to find him in need of a TV buddy while dad was on the pot. Had he not been sick, I would have ignored his desperate screams and let dad handle it. Nope, he was poopy and I needed to know he was ok. I don't ever remember my mom getting the day to herself...I don't remember doing anything special for mom other then going to church (normal) and getting her flowers...a flower to be exact...and my dad always got me one too. My kids decided I needed breakfast made for me. So, chocolate captin crunch, an apple (with the sticker on it) and bananas covered in honey and cinnimon with a surpising hint of mint it was. the mint was overpowering. Mint extract on bananas is not a flavor one enjoys or would ever ask for again. It was the thought that counts. The mint flavor also found its way into my coffee...the one reheated in the microwave from the night before. My dear husband thought he would do good by making a fresh pot of coffee for me. Don't ever let anyone who doesn't drink coffee make coffee. It was strong...3 scoops too strong. It was the thought that counts. but I had to make a new pot of coffee. All in all is was a nice day, planted in the garden and around the yard, spent with the kids...the only way i really enjoy it...the only way i would want to spend it again.

Inspired

I want to talk about a person in my life that I never expected to be close with or even still be talking to at this point in my life. I met her about 10 years ago. Wow, that is the first time I realized how long we have known each other. I had started a new job. She worked at this salon. I knew she was a good stylist, but she wouldn't give me the time of day. I thought she was a snob. I had no idea that she was on a new path. A path that I would soon follow. She left this salon for a new one after only working together 4 months. Two months after that I followed her, reasons are another story. That is when we started to hit it off. As much as we seemed to respect each other we still had this wall between us. Time passed and I found out I was pregnant. Super excited we had a party to tell everyone. She wasn't coming because she was going away. I told her why we were throwing the party. She kind of snickered and said...yeah, well me too. I had no idea this was her path. She had been trying for some time and it finally happened. It was shocking, but exciting at the same time. I remember someone telling me "how cool! you can raise your babies together!" I rolled my eyes and said..."Yeah, that would be nice, but I don't see that happening." You see, we live 1/2 hour away from each other and I was certain our "friendship" would end once the distance was apparent. Fast forward 8 1/2 years. Our daughters are best friends, our second kids are 1 month apart (supposed to be 2 weeks apart- thank you Erika for being 3 weeks early) and we are God parents to eachother's third children.

So what is inspiring of her you might ask? She is Supermom, Superwife, Superfriend, and SuperWoman. She handles her children like she has been doing this for 100 years, supports her husband and rarely has anything bad to say about him, would do anything for you including picking up your slack, and now has run a half marathon. I was doing my best to keep up with her (because I strive to be like her- in a most positive way) and now the half marathon...I cannot compare. Though I may be able to run it someday...The inspiration doesn't stop there. It is the way she lives her life. She lives it entirely to be the best person she can be not only for herself but for her children and for her husband and her friends as well. No matter what she does she tries to be the best at it and seems to achieve that goal. I only hope to be 1/2 the person she is and I know I will be a better person. I am a better person for knowing her and am super lucky to have her in my life. Thank you my friend Teri.

3

Braydon turned 3 yesterday. We had a busy day. The girls were so excited for his birthday they went in to his room and woke him up. He opened his legos in record time. The girls got off to school and we went to pick Morgan up for our day together. Went to Daddy's work to see the garbage trucks and diggers. What better to do for a 3 year old boy? Then to Walmart to buy dirt and cake mix. We made cupcakes, 6 dozen mini cupcakes to be exact. We planted green bean seeds, and played in dirt. Then Uncle Darrin surprised him with a Firetruck. Not a toy fire truck...the real deal. Sirens lights and airhorns. He lost his breath he was so excited. After a dinner of McDonalds at his request we had brownies and icecream. He about passed out at bed time. I would say he had a wonderful day.

Happy Birthday my boy!

First Holy Communion

April 19,2008 Baily made her First Holy Communion. It was a beautiful day. Had to have hit the 80's no doubt. I believe she is relieved it's done with, I just can't belive we are at this point in her life already. Grammie and Poppy, Grandpa, Aunt Kathy and kids, Uncle Kevin and Aunt Shauna and kids, Teri, Mark and Kids, Shanda and Jason and kids also celebrated with us. We had Sub Sandwhiches, Shrimp, Pasta Salad and Cake to name a few. We are so proud of each of her accomplishments.

So pretty, especially when she isn't trying!

The Artist

Baily has loved to draw since she could hold a crayon. She can do it for hours. It doesn't matter what it is, but she will draw it until she thinks it is perfect. This year in school all the kids drew pictures that were entered into a county wide contest for an education calander. Her picture was chosen. She is 1 of 13 kids that will have their picture in the calendar and she wins a savings bond as well. We are so super proud of her. She is still floating from the news. Her teacher is going to be there with us when she recieves the award. When we recieve one of the calendars (probably next year) I will have to post her picture. All I know is it has to do with sea animals and keeping the ocean clean. Just had to toot her horn a little.

Easter

I boiled 2 dozen eggs this year. Knowing some would crack during the boiling part. Nope, not one cracked! Not until DH dropped two on the floor that is. The kids really had fun coloring the eggs. The Easter Bunny had fun hiding them and I will enjoy eating them! Kids ate so much junk they should be in a sugar coma tonight. I know I will be!

Me!

this is quite a funny picture of me. I was sitting in the sandbox (full of snow) with the kids and just turned the camera to me and took a shot. I was cold, but I look a bit mad in the picture...I wasn't. Look at all those wrinkles! Holy Crap! I also lightend my eyebrows after seeing how dark they are. Just thought I would share.

My Brother-in-law Darrin

He is engaged. We are so excited for him! She is a really nice girl. They are so inlove right now and it is obvious. They will be married in November of 2009. They asked DH to be the bestman and the girls to be flowergirls. They also asked Braydon to be the ring bearer. There will be 2 other flower girls and another ringbearer. Lot's of kids! I hope they know what they got into!
We are looking forward to exciting times!

food journal

today i will keep track of what i eat.
2 cups of coffee with fat free creamer
1 egg omlet with spinach and mushrooms
salad with cucumbers peppers and cesar dressing with crutons and bacon bits
and now i am eating an apple.

i really want the brownie that is on my counter...just maybe the kids will get to it before me.

So, I think I am getting ahold on my feelings about my family. My brothers to be exact. Right now they are cought up in "their" lives and seem not to have time for anything but their own. This has been hurting me for a while now. I grew up (with them of course) visiting grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles weekly. There were Sunday dinners, Saturday nights when my parents and their brothers and sisters went out while we had babysitters. Living in the same town or close by it was always about family. We were each others friends, network, alliance etc. Holidays? It was just known where we were going to be. This is not how my brothers are choosing to live now. I understand they have wives and they do with their families, but our family is just getting ignored. I truely believe it is not intentional, but it still hurts. I believe they just think we have a strong family and will be there in the end. I don't think they realize that in the end...we might not have that connection that took years to build. Anyway...at this point in my life...I now will do as they do. I will take care of My family (husband and kids) and not set myself up for disappointment. It will have to be up to them to realize how important it is to try and stick together...and in the end...if they don't...I will not have wasted hours and days trying to glue us together. I am not going to play games but I refuse to be a door mat anymore.

I really felt okay about this and now I am sad again...but I know it is best for me to move on.

what's in it?

ok, I will share...not to bad actually...

my wallet, my makeup bag(yes i actually do wear makeup sometimes, my phone, floss, and a pile of receipts under my makeup bag. some keys and some medicine for my finger( 2 kinds actually)

what's in your bag?

Thankfully, I cleaned out my bag yesterday...well, organized the mess anyway. I have to have a big enough bag that I can fit diapers and wipes in (though I didn't have any today in there-braydon is lucky he didn't need one!)

blah blah blah

I have not been good about updating. Don't know what to write really. Lately I have been working out, gave up alcohol for lent and eating...well ok. I must just be a pig. Not losing a darn thing. This really frustrates me. I just want to see a little difference. One pound. That would be nice. No really, I would like to drop a total of 30. I just developed pictures from Erika's Christening. I looked great. I Know I felt great...she was 5 weeks old and I look more pregnant now then I did then. Baily makes her communion in April...I would like to drop 10 pounds by then. that gives me 6 weeks. It can be done. I know it can. I just have to really be strict.

Wow, I had no idea I could ramble so much about that. but these are the things that go through my head...at least 5 times a day i think all that to myself. So...I will do something about it. what a waste of time to think the same thing over and over, and that subject none the less.

gotta go for now.

Mother Knows Best

Yep. My mother knows me the best. She can tell if I am sad or mad even when I am trying to cover it up. We have this connection. We end up making the same things for dinner. She lives in Florida and will tell me she is making chili for dinner tonight and mine is already cooking in the crock pot. For christmas this year we got each other the same christmas present. A Garmin. She will ask me if things are ok between me and dh even before knowing we just had a huge blow out. I attribute this all to actually building our relationship over time. As much as she knows me best, I think I Know her better then anyone too, even my father. So, my mom would be the person that knows me best. Thank Goodness!

Here are the rules:1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name).3. After you are tagged, you need to update your blog with your middle name and your answers.4. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and that they need to read your blog for details.)

Kathryn

K- kind, i really try to be kind to most people
a- athletic, love to swim, play softball, and do yoga and kickboxing
t-timely...i have to be ontime or it makes be feel out of sorts
h-honest...i cannot tell a lie...very well
r-redhead...at least i was when i was younger
y-yacketyyack...i can talk for hours
n-nice...i think i would like me if i met me lol

7 people? JEANNE! 7 people!

white socks

well, this is not what some of you may be thinking of. This morning my 7 year old daughter and I are officially sharing our socks. I had to buy her the next size socks because the heal was in the arch of her old socks. the next size up...my size. she will be eight in just 2 weeks. i can't believe how much she has grown. i see a layout in my future.

POOP!

Yes, I said poop. As I was getting DD off the bus today...DS decided to dump his beans and weenies (hot dogs and beans in a can) all over the carpet. So I sent him to his room where he decided to take off his diaper which had a gigantic POOP in it and smear it with one of his 4x4 trucks into his carpet in his bedroom. One mess after another and he just smiles at you. even when you are crying and yelling at him he smiles at you. "Sorry, I no mean it" is what he says in the sweetest of voices, but what he means is "sorry you are mad but it was a blast for me". How do you reason with a 2 1/2 year old? Boys are just gross. pure enjoyment out of a mess. And today started out so well. He Pooped on the potty first thing in the morning. I told him how proud I was of him and ge got M&M's for it. I think we will take the sticker approach. I hate poop. I really do.

The Hardest Thing

The hardest thing I had to do this week. Well, the hardest thing I had to do was make shamus incharge of the kids why I went to my yoga class. He is a great dad, but does tend to take the easy way out. Baily has ccd on tuesday nights at the same time my class ends. So, I have put him incharge of taking her to ccd so I can finish my class and not have her late. Well the other 2 kids usually come with me because they have a daycare there and it's a part of my membership. Braydon was having a really off day. Terrible. Really Bad day. I did not want to have to leave the class because of him crying. I made shamus take him with him to drop Baily off to CCD. Now, there is a ton of traffic and I knew he would fall asleep and its dinner time and it's not just a quick drop off, but I needed this class. He handled it well. Braydon didn't fall asleep until coming home from picking B up. It worked. I was selfish for once and it worked just fine. I always let shamus take the easy way when it comes to the kids, so this was tough for me. He was not happy at first. I will thank him tonight ; ) and let him know he did a great job watching more then 1 kid in public. So there you have it. I gave up a little control...just a little...on purpose.

Eat, Love,Pray

This book has been mind opening, heart opening and just spiritually opening for me. I am relating to the author in so many ways. I feel like she wrote it for me. Now, She divorced her husband...I am not divorcing mine, and she took off for Italy...though that would be nice, that's not happening either. She is however dealing with some very similar issues. The things she says to herself, I can hear my own mind telling me. I can already see change in my life since I have started reading this book. I almost don't want to stop reading it...I don't want to run out of pages. It was the first time last night during yoga when it came time to meditate that I wasn't looking around the room unable to relax and concentrate on my minds eye. I have been sleeping soundly and waking feeling great ready to start my day...to accomplish. Even a small calmness came over me when dealing with my oldest on an issue that is very difficult right now. I found the right words to help her understand...it's taken 1 1/2 years to convince her she needs CCD. To show her that she can get something worth while out of it even if it's not what they want her to get from it. So for this I am so greatful to my friend who gave me this book to read. I am not sure she even knew how inspiring this book would be for me, but I do believe it was meant to be.

guess who is starting school!

Yep! signed him up today. He starts...TOMORROW! He is so excited! I am too, for him. there are 3 boys in his class and 1 girl. poor girl. This will be good for him. I want him to get in before he gets too used to staying home with me. I will drop him there at 12:30 and pick him back up at 3 pm! I can't believe all 3 of my kids will be in school! (not at the same time as erika is in half day kindergarten-but it will be great for her and I to have some time just for us.) I shall update with a picture tomorrow.

for jeanne

here is an update on my life. I am currently finding myself. I am a little lost or maybe I'm not. Maybe I am finally feeling like it is ok to just be who I want to be, not take crap from people just because they feel it's ok to give to me. With my parents in Florida and my 3 brothers pretty much being men and not feeling the need for a close family it gets kind of lonely. I am also living in a very large town and it is truely difficult to make those relationships that I thought were just normal everyday relationships. You know...the one's where someone just stops by for a cup of coffee just because they want to chat or that you could stop by when you feel like blowing off some steam. Even when I go to the gym there isn't many people who make small talk. Anyway...I am currently trying to find happiness within myself so that I can feel comfortable with or without anyone else wanting to be apart of my own little world. Makes you wonder how someone with 3 kids and a husband can feel lonely...

I think it boils down to...The husband works so many hours that when he is here he is catching up on house maintenance or maybe some sleep. The 3 kids? Yes they keep me busy, I love that. I love them. My almost 8 yearold works my brain everyday. My 5 yearold...sweet as can be and only sees the glass full...not even 1/2 full, it's full all the time. My 2 1/2 year old...he is his father...busy busy busy. So why the loneliness? I am not quite sure. maybe loneliness isn't the right word. I never thought I would have to work so hard at relationships. My friend just asked me the other day...what made you and your husband attracted to each other in the first place? What interests did you have in common? This answer scared the crap out of me. "him" that is what we had in common. I was completely into him. He drove a lifted truck. I could tell you everything about that truck. He went wheeling. He was Hot! People loved to be around him. I loved to be around him. made my heart pitter patter when i saw him. I still feel this way about him...but I was never sure in the first place why he fell for me. He can bullshit any guy at work and he can talk cars and trucks in his sleep, but when it comes to us...