Choices

Have you ever done anything that was not wrong, but not the best thing to do, and now you get reamed out?  Has anything ever happened where "one bad apple, spoils the bunch?"  That is kind of what I am going through... and it sucks because that is such a big part of my life, that I do not know how to distance myself comfortably.  No, it is not my marriage or kids or FT job... but I dare not say here... because the internet has eyes...

And on another note... less then a week till the Parade of Ponds and I do not think we are close to being ready.  It is a good thing my dh has employees that can help him this week.  I really have tried to get things done, I have worked very hard, for me... so...

And because of all of this and the stress of life I am so worn out.  I have not been sleeping well.  I need to sleep in or get to bed early.  Today I did not even want to wake up so I completely overslept, which meant I had to drive today (in my Grandpa's almost broken car).

Also, found out this weekend that Mollie either really likes me and/or really misses Mandi because she just whines when I am out there till I take her out.

There is probably so much more, but I have a lot to do.
C-Ya!

Dear Blog

Dear Blog,
I have decided I need to make a change.  I think I need to reasses what is going good and what is going bad in my life.  And really, what my values and goals are.  I know my first priority are Nick and Jeffrey and Samantha... and I need to do what is best for them and for me.  (BTW... every time I say first priority I want to giggle because that is the name of Nick's company :-) ).  So my goal is to take some time and think about that.  If it means getting off of my lazy ass, that is what I have to do.

So, while I do not have time right this second, that is what I plan to do.... and heck..maybe I can hash it out here... and maybe someone will come along and understand.

C-Ya!

Hey

Well today is one of those days you want to just go back to bed. Nothing seems to be going right.
So I am just saying Hey!

C-Ya!

Busy July

This month is so busy!!  Between this and that I have so much to do.  Last Friday I ran to Anoka and back and then Saturday went out with my friend Tonya and others (and dropped a bundle).. and along the way trying to help Nick get the yard ready for the Parade of Pond (which of course I am not too much help because he is a perfectionist).  Last night we went and dropped a bigger bundle at Costco - at least the kids had fun shopping.  Thursday we may go to our friends for dinner and Friday we got tickets to the Legion's pork chop dinner.  And the big thing (hopefully) is Saturday.  I am in the business expo of the Mound, MN Spirit of the Lakes Festival (first annual - we hope).  I am hoping to drum up a lot of Creative Memories business that way.  I also scheduled a show and business opp for the next day at my house - so I hope people come.  Also, Saturday night we may go out for my Mom's birthday (which is actually today - Happy 52nd Mom!) because they will already be on my side of town.  Then next Monday is our Creative Memories meeting.  And the really big thing is the Parade of Ponds our house will be on.  It is Sat & Sun, July 30-31!  Nick is hoping to get a lot of people to stop by to see our pond, pondless waterfall and nightscaping.

And I cannot forget - the biggest thing is on Friday, July 29 we have our 5th wedding anniversary!!
So I guess forgive me if I am so tired....
Favorite phrases by my kids:
Jeffrey:  "why.........cuz"
Samantha: "Mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy, MOMMY!!!"
and not to be left out Nick: "It is so darn hot out here... if the shade could just come over here it would be better"

C-Ya!

Mollie

Well, I talked about our older lab, Mandi, but I realized I hardly mention Mollie.  Mollie is my first puppy.  She is the first animal (besides) fish that I have had since they were a baby.  She was born May 16, 2001 and we picked her up from the breeders in Nebraska the end of June or beginning of July that year.  And that girl sure grew fast.  And now she misses Mandi.  Nick says when he goes into the garage she whines because she has no one.  That is the one thing, with the labs not being in our house, that has made it easier for them to be in the outdoor/ (heated) indoor kennel - because they had each other.  And I think, I know, it will be a long time before we get another lab for her.  We will just have to make it a point to spend more time with her.

Though I think Nick wants a small, compainion dog, like Mandi was to him.. and like the poodle, Andrew, he had before her, was to him.  I know I would love one. *sigh*

And just a random thought - Altoids are a great, $2.00 sex toy!
C-Ya!

Bye Bye Doggie

Well, we knew this day would come.  Nick had to put Mandi to sleep last night.  Poor things was in the final stages of liver and kidney failure and probably only had a couple days anyway.  Nick is taking it like a man, though I know he is so broken up inside.  I know many of us can understand what it is like to have a pet so long they are so part of your life and give to you more then you can ever give to them.  Gar is also upset, he wishes it was Mollie instead (never really liked Mollie).  Jeffrey really does not understand and Samantha was at my parents last night, but I am sure she cannot understand.  And for me, this is the first pet I have ever lost.  But I knew she was at the end.

Anyways, now we all have to go to the wedding tonight.  I really hope they are cheered up enough.
C-Ya!

Dooce/95deg/Blood/Mandi

On the heals of the original blog about talking about your job in your blog, I found one of the first people that were fired because of it. www.dooce.com is the site for Heather in Utah. It is actually quite candid and interesting. And do you know, there is a new word in the english language because of her Dooced: to be fired for writing about your job in a blog (or something like that). Anyways, she is now married with a kid and is extremly open.

It is suppose to be around 95 degrees today. HOT!! Nick plans to not work long outside, which is good, because this is not the day to be doing anything for too long outside unless you are in a pool or lake. At least the house and my work have a/c because you need it. Though Nick's truck and my car's a/c are broken. That does not make for a fun time. But I am not going to complain about the heat, because I hate the cold.

I am giving blood today. I am really, really nervous. Not about the needles or seeing the blood. But the last two times I have fainted or almost fainted at the end. I do plan to drink a lot of fluids before hand and will eat my leftover spaghetti.. and I hope that will keep me safe.

And poor Mandi is getting worse. She has not eaten for 4 days and was spitting up bile. I do not think she will be with us for very much longer. Poor thing.

C-Ya!

Coffee

Well after yesterday's blog, I have to rescind a little bit of my policy not to give away any work secrets.  I know of one... they are trying to get us addicted to coffee!!  Today they are letting us try out a bunch of coffees to decide which to have here.  Plus they are going to have a Flavia machine... If you want choices in you coffee of record, this is your chance.. and with the Flavia, anyone who drinks hot drinks should be happy because you can also get tea and hot chocolate.  I mean we had these choices before in another machine.. but this one is a lot cooler.

So, if I am wired later I will blame work.

In other news, Nick says he has poison ivy.  Not that hard to get when you work in landscaping.  So I do not even want to get near to him, for fear that it is contagious.  And because of this I am craving a man's touch.  Kind of weird to admit this.  But all we can do is kiss right now... which I guess is not the worst that could happen, when he was burnt I could not even kiss him.  Oh well, this too shall pass.

I am listening to the Backstreet Boys new CD for the third time today.. not as happy with it.  Of course it is hard to rate it when I have to keep it low so my co-workers also do not have to listen to it.

Otherwise kids are the same, angelic devils!!  Oy!  One minute they are hugging, the next they are fighting over a toy!!  But I am really trying to get them into music, we have been watching the latest dancing and singing reality shows; so far no complaints from them.  In fact they will take each other's hands and dance!!  Aww.. they can be cute at times!!

Well, back to the coffee-addicting work!

C-Ya!

My views do not represent...

My views in this blog do not represent the views of anyone in my family, any of my friends, or my place of employment.

I guess it sounds like I may need to do this.  I read today how some people are losing their jobs based on the contents of their blog.  How nuts can these people be??  They announce future products, comments on co-workers or post provactive pictures in their workplace.  I mean duh... you will not see me on here keeping a tally of times I may take a lunch longer then an hour and I will not be posting how much a spot in Oprah costs.  Yes, I agree with free speech - just do not be stupid about it!

Food Coma

ZZZZZzzzz.... I am in a food coma.  I mean, I cannot completely blame the food... but it has pushed me over the edge.  Actually it started this morning when we had bad storms and the power went out at 3:30.. then I got up and could not do some of the things I needed to because of the lack of power.  Then for lunch at work today we had a potluck.  We have more food (& high carb food) then one needs.  So we are all sitting here in a food coma.

Otherwise, all is ...zzzZZZZZZZZZZ

Mandi

Mandi is my first dog.  She became my dog when I married Nick almost 5 years ago.  I met her 8 years ago when I first started dating him.  She is a yellow lab and has always been a good girl.  But I have never been able to give her much attention - and since she is (was) a hunting dog - you are not supposed to treat them like you do just a pet.  Anyways, she is getting old.  She is 14 1/2, and is going blind and deaf.  Because of this she has ran away three times this Spring.  You cannot actually call it running away.  She just starts sniffing and wanders off.  Now this is causing a dilemma for Nick.  What to do?  Should she just be put to sleep?

I really wish I knew the answer.  But as much as she is now my dog - she has always been Nick's dog.  And my father-in-law's dog.  She is their girl. 

And we have two other dogs at our house.  I am sure our other yellow lab, Mollie, will miss her buddy.
Poor Girly Girl! :(

C-Ya!

Memorial Day Weekend

Last weekend was Memorial Day Weekend.  Normally this means us hanging out at home the whole weekend and Nick working Saturday or Monday.  Well this year it was different.  My oldest cousin on my Mom's side graduate from high school, so we went up north to celebrate.  Drove up Saturday and went to the shortest graduation ceremony I have ever gone to - 45 min.  Then off to dinner and a tour of my Aunt and Uncle's land that they are going to eventually build a spectacular log home on.  Then back to the hotel.  We got to take Jeffrey and Samantha in their first big swimming pool, and they loved it.  We had a blast.  On Sunday we got up and went to church and then to my Aunt and Uncle's house for the party.. and then home (4 hours away).  And on the drive there and back I scrapbooked a total of 12 pages!  Monday we slept in (thank you Jeffrey) and then got up and just took our time.  Nick got the rest of the veggie garden planted, we got out the ball pit for the kids, they played in dirt and had a bath and then we did nothing.

All in all it was a fun weekend.
This means a shorter week for work!  Yahoo! 
I am also getting very annoyed with this sleep problem, so I am thinking I need it checked out.

C-Ya!

Yawn!

I just cannot stop yawning... and it is so annoying.  I know I am tired, I am always tired.  But it gets to that point where I am tired of being tired.  I know I need to get into a sleep clinic, but the couple times I have gone to the drs I have had tests done, they have come back as normal, and I never get anywhere else.  So things just do not get done because I cannot find the energy to do them.  Blah! 

This weekend hopefully will be fun.  We are taking the kids up to Cook, MN to my cousin's graduation.  That means the first time they are getting to stay at a hotel and swim in a big pool (well Jeff did stay at a hotel but he was 4 mths old).  I hope the kids behave for the ride up and back.  I am hoping they will be entertained with the DVD player and possibly taking a nap.  I am going to try to scrapbook, otherwise I will have to read.

Lets just hope this weather gets better!!

C-Ya!

Another Monday is almost over!

Well, It is Monday!  Yes, last Saturday my son turned 3... and he kept going around the house saying "Happy Birthday, Now" but in his cute kid voice.  His party was Sunday and it turned out great.  Wonderful weather, people showed up, the house was clean..... and Nick and I were exhausted at the end of the day.  But we all had fun.  I could tell Jeffrey was exhausted too when we put him to bed.  And of course Samantha enjoyed all the attention as she was passed from one person to the other.  Now if you are wondering what we did about the cake.. I made a simple recipe I found on kraftfoods.com and it was a construction/dirt cake.  Looked pretty good, if I do say so myself!  And we had just the right amount of the other food.  Nick got the base of the deck pretty much done, so that was nice. 

So, besides the fact that the house could use a vacuuming, it is realtively clean.  Too bad I cannot keep it that way.  I do not know how others do that.. keeping the house clean, bills paid, kids to bed on time, in bed themselves at a good time.  Maybe they take hits of crack throughout the day :-) 

Well, at least this season of TV shows are almost over and the summer is upon us.  Maybe now I will get stuff done.

C-Ya!

Cake?!?!

So Cake is invading my thoughts.. yes the sweet, delicous cake. You see, with Jeffrey's birthday party on Sunday I have yet to make arrangements for a cake. And being the good mother who made a cake last October for Samantha's birthday, I think I should make it. Well some of the time I do. I have looked online and seen some nice recipes, but I really do not know if I have the time to get a cake made.. and I am no pastry chef. Plus, a lot of people can not make it, so why go to a lot of work for a couple people. So hubby suggests DQ cake.. so we may do that.. though that gets all melted really quickly.. uggh! I should have just bought a cake!

(And BTW... I have just - as of the last post - figured out how easy it is to post through my email - very cool!!)

C-ya!

Busy/J turning 3!

Well I have not written in over a month - life has been busy.
I have been spending the past month and a half filling in for someone on maternity leave. This meant taking time away from my usually boring job to do something in a dept that is always busy. I am back to my normal position now. It was a lot of fun for this change of pace, but I was starting to get ansy for my regular position (probably because I knew she was coming back).. it is hard filling in for someone when you try to do most things the way they are while sitting at their desk. I was glad to get back to my own space in my dept (filled with the most goofy of people). That said, I did enjoy the position I was doing and would be open to that position in the future. Anyways, the past month and a half has been a blur and I need to get back to a lot of things I have put to the side in my personal and Creative Memories lives.

Otherwise, my "baby boy" turns 3 on Saturday. I cannot believe it was almost three years ago that my life changed so wonderfully! Jeffrey and Samantha are the biggest joys in my life. They are both really progressing with their talking. Jeffrey can say "sentances" and even kind of sing "Rock a Bye Baby"; Samantha can say about 8 words and even two words together. I am sure I will talk more on the big party and everything later.

Though I do have a lot to get done for his party on Sunday.
Also, in my CM life, it looks like I have my first recruit!! Yay for me!

Well back to work.

C-ya!

What a nice weekend!!

Yea... the first "perfect" weekend of the Spring.. highs today were about 65-66!! I spent so much time outside.. and got to have Jeffrey and Samantha outside as well. And Nick got to help his cabin fever and spent almost all of the daylight hours outside. He is re-doing our pond and hopes to have it up next weekend. Of course this meant I did not get anything done this weekend... though I did clean the bathroom and do the laundry... I am just in that avoidance stage of things I really need to you.. of course I was so tired this weekend between the fresh air, staying up late to scrapbook on Friday and daylight savings time early Sunday.
Oh well... tomorrow is my first day in my (temp) position!!! Good Luck to me.. I hope I do not screw anything up.
So my eye is pulsing... ack!

Yesterday we lost the only pope I ever knew. Pope John Paul II. People call him extrodinary... I belive that.. but since I have only been a Catholic for about 7 years, it is hard for me to relate. Like I just heard on the news, "it is a deeply historical moment"... this is true.. this is an amazing piece of history for the next couple weeks. First we will see his funeral and then all the Cardinals get together and vote on the new Pope (Conclave).. They say an American will not get it.. I hope that someday that will not be true.. Sometimes I feel like American Catholics are the younger brothers of others.

C-Ya!

April Fools Day!

Well so far, so good on the fools part. I guess they did something to a guy at work but he will not know till he gets back from his meeting. Just a harmless prank.

Otherwise... the kids' eyes are getting better, though they now have colds.

And it is Friday!! Wohoo!

Not much more to say at the moment... maybe I will have more later.

C-Ya!

Pink Eye!

Well... after 2 years, 10 months and 8 days of life on this earth my oldest (ds) has gotten pink eye!!! And I am sure my youngest (dd) will be getting it at about 1 year, 5 months and 2-4 days of life. Ick, ick, ick!!! It is hard on a mother to see you kid sick with something like that.. it is not like you can give them a good dose of motrin and put them to bed and they will feel better. Instead we have to worry about eye drops, and him not touching his eye, and washing our hands constantly - all this while trying to prevent Samantha from getting it... oh and ourselves as well. But Jeffrey is really being a trooper. He really understands washing his hands a lot. Though another thing that sucks about pink eye is that unlike when they have a cold, you do not want to coddle them... because it is so contagious and can keep coming back... you want them (or atleast their eyes) to be as far away from you as possible. So we have resorted to giving Jeffrey kisses on the head, and telling him to look away when we give hugs. Poor kid. :-(

Today it is raining. Today is one of the only days when it actually does not suck that it is raining... because it could be cold enough it could be a snowy, slushy mess. Plus we need the rain after not having a lot of snow this year (I am not complaining).

Otherwise, life kind of sucks... the only bright spot is I am having a Creative Memories show tonight!! I hope it does good because I NEED to place an order today or tomorrow.

C-Ya!

Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter to all!! It actually feels kind of like Easter here. The temps got to about 55 degrees here and it was sunny off and on. I am glad when Easter=spring. It was nice enough to put Samantha in a dress and the kids (after they changed out of their Easter best) could go outside for an Easter Egg hunt!! They had a lot of fun, and even Samantha was looking (though I had to pick them up for her - picky girl), and of course Jeffrey got more then Samantha. Then it was off to inside for their Easter gifts (rather EB brings that then candy). Before that I had finished my long streak of singing. I sang twice on Palm Sunday, Hold Thursday, (long) Easter Vigil and then two masses today for Easter. We were all beat by the end of today.
And so I have not gotten tons done today. Just do not have a lot of energy and motivation. I did not even scrapbook this weekend.
Ah well, not much else... I just go to work, come home, deal with kids, and repeat. This is the life of a wife and mother!!!

C-Ya!