Houdini

I guess I need to tighten the straps!

Cycles

I'm tired today.

I stayed up late last night.

I stayed up late because I enjoy the peace and quiet.

The business and "volume" of the day can be stressful.

It's more stressful when I'm tired.

The more stressful it is the more I enjoy the peace and quiet.

The more I enjoy the peace and quiet the later I stay up.

The later I stay up the more tired I am the next day.

It's a vicious cycle!

Make Believe

The little girls have spent a lot of time playing in their castle tent lately. They like to fill it up with books and toys and then just hang out. Maybe they miss camping.....

Another "First" and the Dreaded Diet

Today we went to a pool party and Boo had her first dip. Much like the other girls she took to it like a natural. She enjoyed splashing and putting her face in the water. The water was warm and I think that helped. It was also a warmer day overall, so she didn't have to deal with the whole get outta the water and freeze to death thing. I'm just glad she had fun.

As for the dreaded diet, surprisingly it hasn't ended up being so dreadful at all. Sure I miss my indulging now and then, but overall things are going very well. I've been walking on the treadmill 20 minutes a day and also doing an Ab video every day too. It's strangely nice to be exercising again. I really didn't realize how much I missed it. Starting tomorrow I will be going to the gym Monday-Thursday (the same gym I've been a member of for 6 months, but only used the pool). I'm still very far from my ultimate goal, but it's nice to see some beginning results.

Pure Sweetness

I'm Just Plain Weird

I was tagged by Elizabeth to tell 5 weird or random things about myself. It's actually hard to limit it to just 5, but here goes:

1. I am an extremely picky eater. I have never tried salad or salad dressing. I was a very picky eater as a child and just never out grew it. I could eat pizza (pepperoni or cheese) for dinner every night.
2. I'm obsessed with organizing my kids toys. I make sure all the pieces are with each set and are put together correctly each day.
3. My second toe is significantly longer than my "big toe." It doesn't bother me at all. In fact I very rarely wear socks. I spend most of the time wearing flip flops or crocs. Even in the snow. I can also walk bare foot across gravel or hot cement without a problem.
4. I am petrified of most types of travel. I am scared of driving in big cities (or riding for that matter.) Boats and planes freak me out even more, and don't even get me started about trains. I hate how this limits me, but I can't really help it.
5. I have an incredible sense of smell. I can literally track a scent like a hound dog. Strong smells drive me crazy, good or bad. Interestingly smells are what most of my memories revolve around. Just one wiff of Blueberry Lip Smackers takes me back to my 8th grade field trip to Mese Verde.

There you have it, I'm a freak. I hope you're satisfied.

Happy 6 Month Birthday

I took these pictures this morning right as Braddie Boo was waking up. She is such a happy baby. I can't believe her first year is already half way over. She looks so much like Tea it's amazing. She is really wanting to crawl. If she is laying on the floor on her tummy and a toy is placed in front of her, just barely out of reach, she will go nuts just trying to get to it.
Just like the other girls at this age, she is developing an eczema rash. Unfortunately it's on her face and there's not a whole lot I can do about that. Her hair is starting to come back in where all of her baby hair had fallen out. She is a very curious baby and loves to pull hair and rip glasses off of complete strangers. She's a snuggle buddy for sure and I look forward to 6 more months of baby time!

Strange Dreams

Lately I have been having the weirdest dreams. One in particular I've had several times in the last month or so. It involves me going out and about in nothing but my night shirt. Very odd, I know. In the dream it's snowy outside and I feel very awkward. The strangest thing is, Tea told me today she had a similar dream. She even showed me the night shirt in my drawer. She said in her dream I wore it to the store. I hadn't even told her about my dreams so I thought that made it even more interesting. It must be something we're eating!

Teething...

None of my girls have ever had difficulty teething. It was like one day I just noticed they had cut their first tooth. Then another and another..... Up until now that is. Boo is having a terrible time. She is completely miserable unless I am holding her and sometimes even that doesn't seem to provide much comfort. I've tried everything from Orajel to frozen teething rings. She likes the Biter Bisquits but after a few minutes of her gnawing on them they make me nervous. I am extremely paranoid about her choking. I guess this is one of those times when you just hope it passes quickly.

Cheese!

Some People

Dear Rude Lady,
What you did yesterday was completely uncalled for. You show up to school to pick up your Kindergartener and loudly announce that his birthday is coming up. He then begins to randomly hand out invitations in front of the whole class. All the while, the entire class, eagerly waits. The location of the party is a kid "hot spot" (that you happen to own) making it a party no kid would want to miss. Unfortunately my kid didn't make the cut. I don't who exactly you think you are or why little kids feelings aren't important to you. In the future please keep things like this confidential. And one more thing, we will no longer be patrons at your business.

Pissed Off Parent,

Queen B

Snow, snow, go Away

We have had snow on the ground for weeks. It's snowing again today with temperatures expected to stay in the teens. Brrrrr. It's only the middle of January and I'm already getting that cabin fever feeling. We can't go for walks outdoors, it's just too cold. This also rules out trips to the park. The t.v. is grinding on my last nerve and I think we've done our quota of "art projects" for the year. I love having 4 seasons, I just wish winter was a little shorter.

Thanks for all the great dinner suggestions! I'm going to pick up a few groceries today and I appreciate the new ideas. Hopefully the kids will show their gratitude and eat up.

Dinner Dilemma

Lately, with the King being gone and all, I have really been struggling at dinner time. In fact Elizabeth and I had this same conversation on the phone today. I don't want to go all out and make a complicated meal for basically myself. The girls can be picky. At the same time the idea of fish sticks or chicken nuggets every night is simply nauseating. Going out to eat is always an option, but I don't want to serve them fatty foods all the time and financially that can be straining. How about some kid friendly appetizing meal ideas. Even if you don't have kids, what kind of meals would you make for yourself? I'd really appreciate some suggestions! And look at these faces, they need your help :)

Lookin' Good

I must extend a big thank you out to Elizabeth for introducing me to this world of new blogger templates. I am "in love" with this one. I plan to leave things like this until at least after Valentine's Day. I think it fits our family as well. Much better than the old, if I do say so myself.

Waaaahhhh!

I want to know right now where this weekend went. Is it me or was it not just Friday night? Now it's Sunday night and I am feeling rather unaccomplished. A busy week lies ahead complete with girls scout meetings x2, school events, and illegal amounts of laundry. I don't usually get into politics but I'm thinking of running for some type of office. My platform will consist of plans for an 8 day week. Vote for me and the promise of "Funday."

Sittin' Pretty

If only.....

I need a hobby. A cheap, possibly free hobby. I like to be active I'm just in a lazy slump right now. The weather doesn't help, it's freezing, so going outside is not much of an option. I don't know how to sew or anything like that. I play some computer and video games, but they're very addictive and not active. I wish I had a Wii. Maybe for my birthday......

It had to be Done

I never know what Tea is up to. She is the sneakiest of all of the girls. Whether it's unrolling an entire roll of toilet paper and stuffing it into her purse, squeezing out a whole tube of tooth paste, or pouring her own juice, it's always interesting. So I did what any desperate parent would do. I put a bell around her neck. Now when I don't hear jingling, I panic.

Lucky Girl

Last night before bed Chiggie said she wished she didn't have to start back to school in the morning. I explained that while it had been an excellent break, she did have to go back. We then talked about how exciting it would be to see her friends and all of her teachers again. Once she was satisfied I tucked her in and she went to sleep. Turns out it snowed all night and school today was cancelled. Imagine the look on her face after sleeping in until 9am. What a lucky girl. Wouldn't it be nice if all wishes were that easy?!

Eating

24 weeks old today. Her babyhood is flying by and I can't believe it! Today I fed her her first bowl of baby cereal. We did it in the evening at supper time since she is usually so fussy. I don't what made her happier actually eating or just being a part of the dinner time experience. She ate several bites and caught on to the whole process quickly. She already sleeps like a champ at night so there are no real expectations there. We'll stick to cereal for a while and then add some basic fruits when she turns 6 months old. On this same note, I started counting points for Weight Watchers today. I'm a little nervous but given the baby's age it's time. I'll miss the freedom of eating whatever I want whenever I want, but I won't miss the consequences of that I'm sure. We also hit the pool today for some exercise and I plan to walk on the treadmill after the girls go to bed. I really don't want to make this a blog about diet and exercise, but I'll try to update often on my progress just to keep myself accountable.

Quick Update

No more puke today. I think we're out of the woods as far as Midge is concerned. I on the other hand, feel fine, but have almost completely lost my voice. If no one wakes up in the night throwing up or with a fever than the plan is to hit the pool tomorrow. Don't worry I won't take my camera.

Some Bad, Some Good

The bad news is Midge is still throwing up.

The good news is she slept through the night.

The bad news is I am dog-sitting my Mom's Bichon and she kept me up all night.

The good news is Midge isn't acting to terribly sick, other than the obvious.

The bad news is we had to miss church and I hate that.

The good news is no one else is sick yet.

The bad news is the dog is peeing on everything.

The good news is she goes home today.

The bad news is my cat got chased outside and I can't find her.

The good news is I'm sure she'll show up.

The really, really bad news is, she's in heat.....

Keeping my Fingers Crossed...

That this is just a fluke. Midge is throwing up. She was fussy all morning, only ate a bite of lunch, and took an early nap. Upon waking up she threw up the bite of lunch. She later asked for a drink which came up as well. I am really hoping that this is just a case of a sour stomach and she'll be better in the morning. If not I'm hoping we keep it contained and it's not the gift that keeps on giving. I really don't think I could take a widespread epidemic right now. Please, please, please......

Weight Lifted

Today was a busy day. I had an enormous amount of housework to do compounded by my everyday chores. Amazingly I got it all done and then some. I'll sleep a whole lot better tonight just knowing it's all done for now. It won't last long but I'll sure try to enjoy it while it does. After I got finished with my work I surprised the girls with cookies and a rented movie. They hadn't watched any t.v. or gotten on the computer all day so it was a real treat. A nice relaxing end to the week!

Ramblings

Has it really been less than two days? The King left early Monday morning and yet it already feels like he's been gone at least a week. Chiggie ended up feeling even worse yesterday and for a bit I feared she may have strep throat. Luckily she slept very well last night and woke up this morning much better. I didn't even end up having to take her in. Whew, that would have been quite the kick-off into '08.

In good news the baby is now sitting up all on her own. It's weird to see her, so tiny, just sitting there all by herself. She is quite amused with herself and loves this new independence. It's nice to be able to sit her on the floor on a blanket with a few toys. She can actually entertain herself for short amounts of time now. This frees me up to get more done around the house. It's win win really.

I can't believe Chiggie's break is almost over. Time really does go by so fast. Next week she'll go back, halfway through Kindergarten already. Next week is also when youth group and Daisies start back up as well. I'm looking forward to the youth group, but the Daisies not so much. That's a whole 'nother post for a whole 'nother day. The girls haven't gotten nearly as bored as I feared they would. They really have enjoyed playing with their new things and they're obsessed with their Webkinz. Good times, good times......

Rough Start

Today was kind of a bummer. Nothing bad happened really. Just kind of boring. Chiggie isn't feeling very well, only a cold, but still. We hung around the house and didn't go out at all. I think a big part of it is realizing that the King goes back to work tomorrow. We looked so forward to his 10 day vacation and now it's over. There's also that post holiday let-down feeling. Now we just face the vast empty winter that lies ahead.