What a day you had Jenny! Thank goodness for that neighbor! Yes, the extra day to prep for guests helped, especially since yesterday was booked solid. The kids and I went to "Honk" - a musical based on the Ugly Duckling. It was very cute - there were 4 kids ducks and about 30 kid "froglets" in the show.
This upcoming week is probably one of my busiest yet - I'm finding that the older my kids get, the busier we get as a family! So every day I will need to be super organized to get through all this. Thank God I'm only working PT.
TADA so far:
Curves
dw emptied
showered
nails done
laundry in dryer
cleaned in playroom for 15 minutes
PODA left to do:
Zone (mini blind cleaning)
prep dinner
paid work 1 hour
post office
bank
Aldi
a few things I need to do online
DD4 to dance at 3:40
finish laundry
I forgot to ask - what is everyone's favorite way to clean aluminum mini blinds? I'm going to tacklet that today - it's only 3 windows, but they are digusting. ONe set is in our guest room, which will be used tonite - I can't have guest with fingerprints on the mini blinds!
I found the best way is to clean with windex and a paper towel one by one. I tried taking them off, going outside and get them with the hose, but with our hard water, I got major spots.
Back is still in major pain this morning. But the day must go on!
PODA:
*bills
*dh's farm newspapers culled out
*vacuum and dust (I did bathrooms and mopping last Friday, I think they are ok til next week)
*column
*Longaberger order
Was called to sub today, but had to turn it down. No one to watch Chance. I hate to ask MIL to do it alone (that is, without dd4 or dd6 there to help entertain him). I just feel that she has raised her kids and that grandkids are for fun when you want them, Grammie isn't a babysitter so mommy can make a little dough or get a break, Grammie is there for fun. Does anyone else feel that way?
Well, I got some toast in me, I'm going to take a couple advil and see if I can manage to get something done today without making things worse. DH is supposed to be back late tonight!
That's a bummer that you can't find anyone to watch him Jenny! Are there any home daycares in your area that take drop-ins? Thanks for the cleaning suggestion.
Well, I'm taking a break to eat lunch, I've gotten a lot done, but more to do. We are off to do errands now that DD's friend is gone. First I want to tackle those mini-blinds though.
Don't know why another Flybaby thread posted - maybe Lynn can remove it.
No, not unless I want to drive 26 miles to town, then back here to the school, back to pick him up. Besides, that would take care of at least half the 40 bucks I made subbing, after paying for the childcare, fuel, taxes took out of the sub money... No one I know watches kids in their home. I thought of doing that, but I don't want to be tied down all day. I don't mind taking my kids out on errands and helping DH, but I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it with other parents kids. I sure wouldn't want anyone else taking my kids to town on an errand or to feed cows. LOL! My schedule is just too unpredictable.
I've done my weekly blessing, whoohoo!, cleaned some spots on the carpet (where did those come from?), cleaned the kitchen, did my column. Time for lunch. Took some medicine for my back, but it still hurts to do much of anything, even walk. Hope it goes away soon, I cannot afford a dr. visit! Hopefully, Chance will take a nap soon so I can go to the mailbox without carrying him all the way out there. would I like some cheese with that WHINE! LOL!!
We'll let you whine Jenny! YOu're right, the cost would eat up your paycheck. I don't think I could handle home daycare either. A friend of mine does it around the corner and actually goes out on errands with the kids - she'll have anywhere from 3 to 5 or 6. It is difficult, but it allows her to stay home with her own kids instead of going out to work.
We are off to DD4's dance after I put the chicken in the oven and set the table. This day is unreal. I did get my work done and cleaned the mini blinds with a swiffer cloth, only took 10 or 15 minutes. OUr guests should be here between 3 and 4.
I'm holding my breath for you this week. I can't stand having weeks like that. You do sound like you are well prepared, though.
Jenny, I hope the ibuprofen worked! You don't need to have a bad back with Chance to heft. Does DH give massages? I kinda feel the same way about grandma not having to sit all the time. My mother jumps in & offers, so sometimes I don't even tell her when I have appointments or meetings. Right now with DH out of regular work it's been a little easier to run out when I need to.
We had a nice party yesterday for J.D. Mom brought everything, bless her, including b-day cake and my salad fixings. We brought in the train table last and all the kids like to play with it, whether for good or ill (much fighting over it today!). He also got a battery-operated engine to run on the track, much coveted by everyone as well.
I never made it to church, because I chose a dress to wear & then discovered was out of hose. Went looking for pants to wear, and couldn't find anything that fit or matched. It was too late by the time I came up with something, so I just reorganized my clothes instead. Ta da! Flung maternity clothes and more. Too bad about church, because I missed the surprise announcement in the service that my DF is unexpectedly pregnant with her seventh!
Today I have: straightened up a little, done a couple of small laundry loads, cleaned up last night's party mess, unloaded DW & reloaded, set up a more elaborate RR track for kids on the new table, flung some more papers & files, and put DH's fishing stuff out in garage. And fed & diapered kids, of course. And fetched straying helium balloons.
We're starting back with DD7's therapy this week, so I'll be running three days. Bleah. Tomorrow is P.E. and the kids get to go swimming! I'd like to visit my grandmother too; haven't seen her in weeks. Wednesday is the therapy (bleah). Friday (I think, or maybe Thursday?) I have a doctor's appointment. Oh, I'd better call my new play group friend if it's Thursday.
Tonight, *must* pay bills. Sure hope Emma cooperates. She wouldn't go to sleep until 2 this morning! I fed her & rocked her & fed her more (she threw up the entire contents of her stomach at one point) and finally used the swing to get her to sleep. I immediately fell sound asleep and didn't even go back for her until she woke & cried at 6 a.m.! I'll be dragging by the kids' bedtime tonight.
We're a Neilsen family this week, so I've also been keeping a tv log. That reminds me, the kids are watching Bob the Builder. Gotta write it down.
I am wiped out today! Between the crazt weekend schedule, which is usually my time to unwind, and DD up since 2am, I am quite irritable today.
TADA
Dinner made
Wednesday's chicken breasts marinated
Last load of laundry done
PODA
Sit and vegitate, maybe read the paper
Read to DD3
Early to bed so I can get an attitude adjustment.
Does anyone have advice for little girl hair? DD3 has very fine hair that has never been cut because I have had bangs all my life, and would feel naked without them, and I don't want to do that to her. However, sometimes she will not let me touch her hair and shrieks as if I am pulling it out by the rotts when I am combing it gently with a wide-toothed comb! Then she looks like such a rag-a-muffin I'm embarassed. I don't want to cut it short either. It's just below her shoulders, and very fine. Any suggestions from all you wise mommies of girls?
Just me, flapping on by again, with a reminder to email me with your snail mail if you want to be part of the Christmas Card Exchange this year. So far, I have Andrea, Becky, Susannah, Jul, Vonnie, Bronwyn and Jamie Lea.
Anyone else? I will be emailing all the addresses out to all the participants in a week or so.
I've got a girl with a tender scalp...my 7yo. She usually combs her own hair now (not always up to my standards, but I try to hold my tongue) but when I do it (like after a bath), I use spray-in detangler. It doesn't help with the complaining all that much, but it does get the tangles out more easily. I finally had her hair cut to chin length (no bangs). It's wavy, so it still gets tangled, but at least it's less to comb. It was very long for a while and when I look back at pictures, I realize it looks much better kept now. I'm not a "hair-fixin'" kind of mommy, just not my thing, so it works better for us not to have to do barrettes or braids.
Wow, up since 2? Was DD not feeling well?
I haven't paid bills, nor have I cleaned up the nasty kitchen. Need to get to work, it's almost midnight. Baby won't sit for me, though. Oh well. BTW, She rolled over from back to belly a few minutes ago!
...just in heavy lurk mode. Deadlines are nasty to me this week, and the morning sickness has been nasty to Dana. The combination has me really strapped for time. Flying the last week or so has consisted of about a 3-hour block in the evening:
- Do dishes and simultaneously cook dinner
- Wash diapers
- Feed kids, eat dinner
- Bathe kids
- Feed cats & dogs
- Clean catbox
- Haul firewood & make a fire
Other than that it's mostly been eating, sleeping, and trying to make sure kids are fed. We're keeping it together, but we'll both be much gladder when the first trimester is over.
Anyhow, I just wanted to drop in and point y'all at a scan I took of the dedication page of the latest book I've had published (Amazon managed to list my co-author's name and not mine, but hopefully they'll get that cleaned up soon).
With any luck I can get back to posting regularly next week...maybe...
Jo, I keep bangs on my kids. They don't have real thick hair, either, I think bangs make it look fuller. Both are below their shoulders, dd6 has some waves, dd4 has some bigger loose ringlets, but not kinky ones. DD6 has a tender head. I try to brush it before baths, then I use Suave Kids Shampoo with detangler, AND Suave kids conditioner. They smell great, Watermelon and Grapes, respectively. I found the spray in detangler didn't work very well, but maybe that's the Walmart brand rather than Johnson's & Johnson's. I always put their hair up in a small ponytail (sides up, back down).
DH is home! The bathroom is a mess, some things never change. He did comment on how nice the house looked before he messed it up. sigh, it was nice while it lasted. We went to town to get some groceries, fixed the truck out in the field. Need to do laundry, espeically dh's stuff. He's catching up on all the Dallas episodes I had to tape for him. LOL!
Popping in for a quick Hi! I have been kind of busy throwing everything out!! I didn't think this nesting thing started until the end but for some reason I just want all the clutter gone and all the hanging over my head projects done. Between watching a Baby Story and Clean Sweep I want to get my house in order. Did you guys ever watch Clean Sweep? They are brutal in cleaning out these peoples stuff. It has actually helped me in tossing LOTS. I told DH to nail his stuff down before he left for work today. Maybe I should get back to work before we have an empty house.
Andrea, I wanted to say thanks for the suggestion of the Mr Clean eraser. That thing is amazing. I nbought a 4 pack today at Target and used a whole one just to clean the shower but it is sparkling now. And they are cheap too. Glad your party went well and I hope your week isn't too crazy.
Jamielea, Hope your bruise is better and your Monday went better than the last two.
Jenny, hope your back is feeling better. Maybe a hot bath would help if you can sneak away for a bit??
Mike, I hope Dana is feeling better. How many weeks is she? I am 9 weeks on Thursday and the morning sickness has kicked in big time. I may switch to Premesis Rx prenatal vitamin, it has vit b6 which helps ms. It doesn't have as much vitamins as my other but for the first trimester may help some. Im sure she has had a million suggestions but ginger capsules help me when I am really bad and also cola syrup. Just don't overdo it, only on the really bad days. And saltines in the middle of the night help for the early run to the bathroom. Hope this helps a little
Hi everyone else
Heres the flying:
TADA:
~2 loads laundry washed dried put away
~went through all my dissaray of photos and was able to get into some order. This is a huge Tada for me
~scrubbed bathtub and shower with Mr clean eraser. It is beautiful!
~ate healthy all day. drank lots of water. Didnt do any yoga or walking but I was tired!!
~meeting good friends to tell them our news tonight at 10pm. Lately I cant stay awake past 9pm- maybe rest before we go
Have a great night everyone. Love, Jackie
No TADA
Well, OK, I did make dinner
Oh! and I walked 2.75 miles this morning
PODA
Bathe DD
Bed
DD is wakeful for no aparent reason. Teeth maybe? More likely dreams. She has woken up because she thinks the cat is on her bed, but the cat is not even in the house. Then she needs me to cuddle her and then she kicks the stuffing out of me, talks in her sleep, and cries if I try to sneak out. Two nights in a row now. Remember how I said I was irritable? Now I'm really cranky.
Thanks for the hair tips, I actually got her hair up & out of the eyes this morning!
Awwww Mike, that is sweet! How nice of you - you are an important part of our group you know.
Glad DH got home OK Jenny, though I'm not glad about your bathroom. I didn't realize he loved Dallas so much.
Jackie, aren't those things great?! I wore mine out and have GOT to get more! I really think it will motivate me to tackle some of those icky jobs because you don't need water or cleaners, just the eraser - think baseboards, walls, closet doors, icky kitchen table and chairs. I guess the "eraser" just kind of absorbs the dirt, it really is magic. It didn't scratch your tub? Pretty sad when I get so excited about a cleaning product, huh? Is Clean Sweep on TLC?
Jo, that is a bummer! Hopefully she will sleep better soon!
Well, made it through another BUSY day - I worked, then off to PT conference for DS6 - I have to brag, his report card was just about perfect! The teachers had wonderful things to say about his academics, especially math, his behavior, social skills, etc. He is almost reading now. We are really proud of him.
So ... onward to the next day - it is an at home day and DD4's real birthday - she and I are going out for a birthday breakfast and a small gift in the morning - then our family party tomorrow night.
Hi all! The musicology conference went well and I didn't get sicker from it, except I think I caught strep from my seven-year-old cousin. I'll check back with y'all later!
Hello all. Sorry I haven't written in a while. As expected, things are just a little unpredictable in a household with a 3 year old.
Yesterday was a really bad day here weather-wise. We had a small tornado rip a path through the heart of the city. The worst area was the largest & biggest intersection, at the lunch hour. What was even spookier was that I had just gone through it 5 minutes before it happened. I left a little early to go pickup DD from Mom's Morning Out so we could hopefully avoid the rain. If I had left at my normal time, I would have been right in the middle of it. Billboards were blown down on cars, power lines draped across cars trapping people in them and debris was everywhere. If you are interested in seeing photos, a link to our local paper is:
Anyway, I don't work on Wednesdays so I am hoping to get some things done today. But, we're getting off to a slow start. I haven't showered or dressed yet & it's already 8 a.m. But, we'll get things going soon.
Glad your conference went well Becky, but strep? Yuk, I hate that.
Well, today my DD is 5! Can't believe it! We are going out for our breakfast in a few minutes and then grocery shopping. I'm trying to slow down somewhat today so I can spend more time with her, after all she only turns 5 once, right?! I do have a PODA going though. I've already exercised, showered, emptied dw, and have 2 loads of laundry going. Tonite we will celebrate at dinner and open her gifts, then off to DD6's pack meeting.
Quick post as I'm about to leave to take DC16 to school. DS5 is sleeping in with Daddy today, DH has an dentist appointment this morning. DS17 leaves VERY early for school and NJROTC practice.
TADA (from yesterday)
2 loads laundry done to finish
spiffied LR, FR, and kitchen
BBR
PODA
homeschool
work on Master bedroom (at least kelly's missions)
Soccer practice for DS5
We'll see what else the day brings, see you guys later.
Jamie Lea
Jackie, what's a hot bath? Hadn't had one of those since before Chance was born. I was too depressed then because my butt barely fit in the tub. Guess I'm scared to get back in it. LOL!
Vonnie, tornados give me nightmares. I'm facinated by them, have recurring dreams about them about once a week, but scared to death of them! Glad we don't have many out here.
Cleaning and Scrubbing can wait til tomorrow,
for babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep
Is that the one you wanted?
Back is a bit better. It just took some time I guess.
Today is errand day. Even though I went to town yesterday with DH. Today is storytime and MIL needs me to pick up some stuff for the girls' flowergirl dresses (elastic, thread, zippers). Reg. bank, farm bank. And while I'm in Clovis, might stop by our brand new LOWES!! I heard an ad on the radio, I guess it's open!
I think that might be my main PODA for today; both kids are already up (and fighting ) and I'm feeling a wee bit stressed at the moment.
Let's see, what else do I need to do today:
- Write more code
- Grocery shopping
- Feed shopping
- Bank deposit
- Dishes, diapers, dinner
- Haul ashes and cat litter to dump
- Clean catbox
- Get unanswered e-mail to 10 or less
Jackie, Dana's at 10 weeks and still pretty queasy most days. Saltines help. On bad days, meclazine helps. Also she's found that small, infrequent meals, and drinking water mostly between meals instead of with the meals, help her keep food down. Who knows, maybe some of that will help for you.
No tornadoes here Vonnia (yay), but we're supposed to have 65MPH wind gusts this morning with rain, and then snow tomorrow. Very odd weather for these parts. Glad it missed you, anyhow.
OK, time to try to get some writing done before we run out to the big city
Breakfast with DD was nice - we went to Denny's (her choice). It was actually almost 10:00 by the time we ate, so it was more like brunch.
My PODA is done except for paid work, which I'm doing now, can you tell? Also have to make dinner - DD5 (hard to say that) has requested pasta with pesto, garlic bread, and "lettuce" for me, DH, and DS, she won't eat salad. She's already a carb lover, scary. Think I'll also do some chicken or fish.
Did the fighting settle down Mike? My kids fight every day of their lives and it drives me nutty! That is one of the few things that drives me to yelling.
I had the same reaction as Andrea, I said, "Awwww!" It warmed me right through. Hope Dana gets through it okay. As long as everybody stays out of the hospital... BTW, I think I tell myself "Don't Panic" on at least a weekly basis. Douglas Adams?
Andrea, your kids fight too? We've been cooped up so long together that the quarrelling about drives me mad some days. It's so nice to be getting out a bit once again. Happy, happy birthday to DD5! Not a baby anymore (sniff!).
Becky, so sorry about the strep! Look for an e-mail from me.
Vonnie, I would be *freaked out* to miss a tornado by that much. We had a warning at about four a.m. this morning but I was sleeping and you can't hear any sirens out here anyhow. I was okay learning about it after the fact. If awake, though, really really scared (I'm with Jenny). I have tornado dreams too. In the last one, DH was sucked right out of a window before my eyes. Ever notice how it's hard to scream in dreams?
Had to really not panic yesterday. Took the kids to swimming at P.E. and DS3 didn't want to wear the life jacket I brought. I took it off, not because of the fuss but because it wasn't fitting properly for some reason, and he went straight down the steps and under the water. Luckily, a wonderful lady jumped in and got him (and got soaked for her trouble, of course!), because I was holding Emma. Mortifying! And scary. We found a life jacket to fit him and he had fun after that. Turns out his rescuer has a 7yo and 5yo, lives right in town, owns riding mules, and wants to get our kids together! So we made some friends at least.
I always feel totally incompetent when something like that happens.
But we survived.
No homegroup tonight after all, so I'm going to Wal-mart. Gotta long list saved up. DD7's jeans and my hose, for just two items! As for the rest of my PODA, DD5 just made muddy footprints all over the LR carpet and all the way into my bedroom to the computer. AAAAARGH! Fetch the steam cleaner...again. I also MUST PAY BILLS! (Yelling at myself, there.)
TA DA's:
*Washing poopy pants
*DS3 actually went in the potty for some of it, though! Yay!
*Two other loads washed & dried
*Vacuumed LR
*Supper is leftover homemade turkey pot pie (a frozen meal-gift)
*Went to DD7's therapy today (pool week! she had fun) and picked up immunization records afterward
Tomorrow is our little play group, and then an appt. at the health dept. (hence, immuni. records).
Well, evidently I attract tornadoes. I am making notes to write my life story (at my Mother's request) and had just made some notes on how strange it was that I had been DIRECTLY involved in two tornadoes in my life. I figure that even here in the deep south, most people would only be able to say they had been in none or just one. In 1990, I was living in a house that was covered with pine trees when three tornadoes went over it, luckily none touching down. Then, about 3 years ago a tornado came down right at my office and a hackberry tree was thrown into the second story roof. Major damage on that one.
Anyway, I had made my notes & had those thoughts on Monday evening and then Tuesday, we had another tornado that I just narrowly missed being involved in, yet again!
OK, so now none of you will want to ever come visit me, huh?....
Susannah, I hope your kids get to know and want to ride the mules! They can be fun!!
Vonnie, I have that poem hanging in Chance's room. When you asked, I just grabbed it and copied for you.
Andrea, it's DH's first cousin's son. There aren't any age appropriate ring bearers, so they are having 4 flower girls instead, from age 7 to 1 year (the baby is the groom's niece, she will actually be a year old the day after the wedding).
Chance got his first haircut today. He's growing up! He's very cute though, looks like a little Marine! LOL!! I've been running like a mad woman all day, taking a break now, and will start up again in just a sec. Ya'll have a great evening!
Susannah, so glad that your DS3 is ok, that is scary. DS5 done just about the same thing in the back yard a couple years ago. The first thing he said when I pulled him out... "Mama, little boys can't sink?" scared me to death but I told him that he was proof that "little boys CAN sink"
Mike, that was Such a neat thing for you to do, makes me want to go out and buy the book! BTW, you were my inspiration *reminder* today when I cleaned the litter box.
Jackie, hope your feeling better soon with the Morning sickness.
Andrea, glad to hear DD5 had a nice birthday breakfast with Mom, hope the party is a great success, is this the "Spirit" party?
Becky, hope your feeling better also! And glad to hear Jenny's back is better.
There, a personal post to everyone! It's been a while sense I was able to do that, there's a TADA
Here's a couple more
Cleaned the litter box
cleaned under the bed in Master bedroom
vacuumed upstairs
homeschooled
dusted Master bedroom
one load laundry done to finish
spent 15 min. de-cluttering in the classroom
Still have soccer practice, uh in 15 minutes, better get going. See you guys tomorrow.
Jamie Lea
I guess there were no dreams last night, or maybe she was just as exhausted as I was, because she slept all the way through, so I feel so much better today. She had a pretty amusing temper tantrum today because her black ballet shoes didn't match her pink leotard, tights, & skirt. It was all I could do to keep a straight face.
TADA
Up at 5 to exercize 3 miles
Dishes
Floors
Bathrooms
2 loads laundry
PODA
Bathe DD3
Read to her
Catch up on the papers
Work on report cards
Early to bed, I need another good night to catch up
A friend brought her newborn in to school today, and she just is so tiny and smells so good! I had forgotten, and I still think of DD as a baby, but geez, my ovaries were aching!
I think the whole country has had bizarre weather lately. Mike, I think we get exactly your weather about 3 days later. Right now we have wind gusts in excess of 60mph. They said heavy rain for today, but it didn't happen. Temps are in the 60s! Sure doesn't feel like winter in the Far North...
Have a great night and a productive Thursday everyone.
Once again I’ve been too busy to post. But, the good news is that I did finish the kitchen curtains. This week DD(17) is in the play the Greater Tuna. I fixed dinner for the cast and crew (25-30) Mon, T and W. We had rigatoni, salad, French bread and mini carrot cakes on Mon, Chicken Enchiladas with Spanish rice, apples with caramel dip and choc. chip cookies on Tues and last night was BBQ Chicken and Twice Baked Potatoes carrots and celery with ranch dressing and brownies. The kids just love the home cooking. I’ve done this for the past 3 years with the fall play and the spring musical. But, this is DD’s senior year (boo hoo) so I won’t be back next year.
Last week I taught a class on menu planning with the mom’s group at my church. I’m must say it was convicting to get me back to meal planning. What a difference it makes. I also had 5 ladies over to demonstrate investment cooking. In 3 hours we prepared 3 meals of spaghetti sauce and chili, 2 meals of meatloaf and taco meat. If anyone would like the recipes and shopping lists I’d be happy to e-mail offline.
Today I have a sewing class at the extension office. We are making back pack purses (like the Vera Bradley ones). On Monday the class was for a reversible tote. I was only able to cut out the pattern (too much cooking to do). Actually, today I am finishing the purse I started last year. I did manage to sew a wallet, duffle purse and overnite tote bag last year for Christmas gifts.
TADA
Morning routines completed
Laundry started
Dishwasher unloaded and reloaded with breakfast dishes
PODA
Round robin first floor
Sewing class
Run errands (post office, library and bank)
Phone calls (insurance, Purdue visit RSVP for DD and bank)
Tonight DS12 will be testing for green belt in Tae Kwon Do and DD’s play opens. So it will be another full day.
Take Care
Susan
P.S. Honey, sent private message to be added to Christmas list. Let me know if you received. It was great fun getting cards from around the world last year.
We had our little play group today. I think my friend is starving for adult interaction. I have so been there. I told her about what a great support this forum is for me. And if it weren't for the play group we had several years ago, I would have gone stark raving mad.
We had a surprise drop-in visit from two good friends of DH's today, who are just passing through. We had earlier thought they might stay overnight, but DH has lots of landscaping lined up. But they decided to stop through anyway! Haven't seen them in so long, it was a pleasant surprise. They and DH have gone to get a bite to eat.
Of course, the house wasn't company ready, even though I'd cleaned up for play group this morning. Amazing how fast it goes to pot. Not only that, but 2yo had a blowout diaper within minutes of their arrival. Tub bath, steam cleaning carpet, the whole works.
All my ta da's have already been set back, so I can't take pleasure in posting them. I did get us to our health dept. appt. today. I also did my midnight shopping last night. Got socks & undies for girls, finally. Stayed up waaay too late (later than I want to admit) watching movies & unloading groceries. So that's why I'm feeling down today. Only myself to blame!
Still on my PODA before I can crash: Pay bills and steam clean muddy footprints. I am very unlikely to get to these! I also have a 9:30 a.m. doctor's appt. tomorrow and the distinct feeling that DH will not want to watch the kids for me (he has a grading job to do, but he can set his own hours and often gets a later start). There's no way I'll make it if I have to bring the kids.
Better go get the mac&cheese ready. Gourmet cooking tonight!
- Fed critters
- Helped get kids off to pre-school
- Watered greenhouse
- Refilled horse trough
- Hauled hay to llamas
- Did dishes
- Made dinner (sweet & sour pork, rice, potato soup)
- Washed diapers (still need to do another load of laundry tonight)
- Cleaned catbox
- Wrote a bunch of code
- Reviewed a book proposal
- Answered lots of e-mail (more to do tonight!)
- Reviewed edits to a book chapter
So, the usual, bizzy bizzy....
Andrea, fighting settles down, it flares up, it settles down, it flares up. I'm sure you know the cycle. DS3 seems to be going through an emotional tough spot about now, and DD1 is developing a sense of "mine" that involves trying to swipe things from her brother's desk any time he's not looking. We cope.
Susannah, yup, Douglas Adams. Words to live by. Dana seems to be mostly doing better the last few days, but still having ups and downs. And she does NOT appreciate limiting her salt intake when she's pregnant. Gets tricky to cook sometimes. But she's motivated by thoughts of healthy, natural, quick labor down the road a piece.
And I'm jealous of the mules. One of these days, when I have time to actually attend properly to the animals, I want a mule of my own.
Jamie Lea, no need to buy the book. I don't get royalties on that particular deal.
Jo, if you're gonna get our weather in three days, it's time to batten down the hatches. Snowing heavily here right at the moment. Pretty treacherous too; I ended up on my butt when I was out getting more firewood. No real damage, but I need to remember how to walk in the winter again.
OK, time to go put more wood on the fire, swap laundry, and then get back to e-mail. See y'all later.
Well, I have my first real cold since adopting DD. Gone are the days of hibernating on the sofa when I don't feel well! DD doesn't understand/doesn't care if I don't feel like doing my normal things for her! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE motherhood! I guess I just never thought about the things I took for granted before adopting DD: taking a shower either alone or without a little person banging on the door the entire time; using the bathroom without an audience; etc. etc.
It's Friday so I work 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shouldn't be too terribly bad, I hope. Things are pretty quiet on Fridays, usually. My PODA:
* Work at paid job
* Laundry (of course!)
* Try to rest and get over this stinkin' cold!
Using the bathroom without an audience - that one got me chuckling Vonnie! It is so true, isn't it? Feel better soon!
Wow, you were productive yesterday Mike. Douglas Adams, huh?
Scary moment in the pool Susannah, wow!
Well, it is a home day for me thank goodness, but I"ve got quite the PODA. DD6 has only half a day of school, so that will change things a bit. Tomorrow 4 Tiger Cubs will be here making Christmas ornaments then we are going to see "Oliver" at our local school, should be fun.
Yes, Andrea, I am quickly learning how much I took for granted before DD! It's wonderful, but it is an adjustment!
I should say here that I apologize to everyone on these forums for my posts. I hardly ever post a personal comment to anyone. It's not because I don't care; I read everyone's posts and am very interested. But, I think sometimes I have ADD and I can't remember everything when I go to post unless I make notes as I am reading. And, of course, that's near to impossible with DD3 at my elbows while I am on the computer. Maybe one day the novelty of the computer will wear off! Ha, Ha!
Vonnie, I'm the same way! I'm always thinking of everyone, even if I don't comment on everything.
Susannah, that is scary with the pool, Jamie Lea too!! Yikes!
Busy day today. Have to go to the school at 11 for dd6's "Author Luncheon". Pizza and the stories the kids have been writing. MIL is coming too, then she is taking Chance and dd4 home and I will get to sub this afternoon for the 3rd grade. Whoohoo!
I did get tons of paperwork done yesterday: bills, Longaberger order (which also took care of some of my Christmas shopping). Other planning stuff for gifts. And chasing Chance. His latest trick, to turn the knob on the dishwasher on and off, on and off. Oh, and climbing on the kitchen table. Why is my son so much harder to keep up with than the girls?
I guess I should get busy. Oh, did anyone see ER last night! Shocker wasn't it? I had to laugh about how that certain dr. met his untimely end. I'm awful, aren't I!!??
I sure am glad it's Friday. I think we will actually get to sleep in tomorrow. We plan on putting up the Christmas decorations outside this weekend. It is going to be in the high 60's. Normally we put them up the weekend after Thanksgiving, at it is usually freezing. We won't actually be turning them on until after Thanksgiving.
Jenny glad to see that you will be able to sub this afternoon.
I second the apologies from Vonnie. I find it difficult to make comments on the postings. But, please know that when prayers are asked for I am praying for your concerns. I know last year when I was posting on a regular basis I felt a real sense of really "knowing" my cyber friends. I have been out of the loop for a while. But, am getting back with the program.
PODA
bank
phone calls
round robin first floor
2 loads of laundry
Order Christmas gifts
Vonnie, I have not gone to the bathroom without an audience since getting cats. The other parts of motherhood do not apply to me though.
It turns out I do not have strep! Hooray! I was so thrilled. I am terrified of antibiotics because they can cause a recurrence of c-diff infections if you have had one before. Well, anyway....Dodged that bullet. (Though the flooding that kept me in Houston was, I think, caused by the same tornado as Vonnie's.)
It's almost 10 and I have treated myself to watching the 2nd half of Martha Stewart Living and going to TNH before doing anything else. Now down to business--PODA:
-shower and dress
-clean catboxes
-eat breakfast
-send some letters I wrote yesterday
-put dinner in the crockpot
-make an appointment for a barium swallow test (saw the GI yesterday too, and he ordered it)
-wash the dishes that wouldn't fit in the dw last night
-vacuum
-laundry
-finish making, and put up, TG decorations
-go to post office
-get a new candle lighter
-check my old laptop for old school papers to submit to grad school
-put new sheets on the bed
-take out trash
-work on "novel"
-work on Flybaby holiday plan
-make the rest of dinner
Lunch is also supposed to fit in there somewhere....
Mike, did I know you kept llamas? Can't remember. I saw an incredibly lifelike llama sculpture done by an art teacher and her class on Family Fun.com, I believe it was. Amazing! I was looking up llamas 'cause DD and I had read a story about a Peruvian boy who kept them. Do you use their "wool" or whatever it's called?
Vonnie, I'm so glad you are a mommy. It warms my heart to think of the whole process you've gone through to become a mother. (I finally started shutting my audience out recently.)
Our friends stayed overnight after all, so we said good-bye this morning as I was leaving for the dr. appt. It went fine, although there may be a thyroid issue so I had to give some blood to the lab. The midwife is so nice! I always enjoy visits with her. She gave Emma an engraved baby spoon as a gift.
DH picked up the Two Towers so I watched a bit of that last night before collapsing. Great movie!
No ta da's to speak of, but I hope to correct that soon.
DD has really put me through my paces today. I am feeling bad from this cold/sinus thing and she is feeling better now! So, she's been hot and heavy back on the "testing" me again. You know: climbing up to the desk where I'm working, beating on the keyboard, etc. I tell her "no", she sticks her lip out at me defiantly and tells ME no. She throws something, I tell her no, she tells me NO and throws something else. I've tried verbal scolding, time out, a quiet "talk", NOTHING works. She has a very defiant attitude. I guess it is a defense mechanism from the years at the orphanage. Some days I don't think I'll ever get through to her.
So, I am sleep-deprived (she is still not sleeping enough, nor letting me), sick and becoming a little depressed. Maybe it's a form of post-partum depression, a little delayed. Doesn't help that DH has been working at the retail shop he is partner in and never helps me out at home. I have DD 24/7 except for the 12 hours a week I'm at work. Oh, and the 3 1/2 blessed hours she's at Mom's Morning Out. I know others have it much worse than me; I am just not handling it well at times. DH has to go to a show tomorrow afternoon, but I think I'm going to tell him he needs to get up by 9 and let me go out alone and just have some quiet time until he has to go at 12. If I don't get some "away" time soon, he's going to have to keep DD while I'm at the funny farm!
OK, enough complaining already, Vonnie. What I've actually managed to accomplish today:
* Stripped our bed and remade (of course it was out of necessity at 5 a.m. b/c DD took her pull-up off in our bed and wet the bed!)
* Laundry - did 3 loads, beginning to end
* Worked at paid employment 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
* Went to Target to get wrapping paper for Operation Christmas Child
* Made plan of finger foods to take to church social Sunday night
Not a huge list, but it's probably a miracle I got this much done given my day.
I hope you all had a better one & have a GREAT weekend, as I plan to do.
OK, I have calmed myself down now from my previous tirade. I did a little research on post international adoption issues and found some information that was helpful. DD may have oppositional defiant disorder. It seems it is very common in children who were previously in a very controlled, rigid environment (such as the orphanage she was in her entire life until July). If this is indeed what she is exhibiting, I believe it is rather mild right now, and sporadic. The main treatment is spending time with her, giving positive reinforcement for good behaviors. I will be the first to admit that I tend to be a very task-oriented person. I like to make a list and check it all off & then have fun if there is time. I've got to change my priorities and stop living by a checklist. I need to live by that poem I asked about and Jennye was so nice to post for me:
Cleaning and Scrubbing can wait til tomorrow,
for babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.
Anyway, sorry for the previous rant. Just didn't want you all to think I was losing my mind (well, no more than any "new" mother loses it!).
Vonnie I figure you have at least four more years of bathroom company,,,,,nothing happens untill you have to go potty. Also don't plan on a full phone call as this will be the only time your adolesent will deem it necessary to talk to you.
Becky I love Martha but she is only on at 1:30 am at my house,,,that is a bit late and I know I could tape it but I have the vcr in my bedroom and it would make too much noise,,,,I do have two more vcr s but they are hooked up to the sattelite and the guy made it so I can't figure out how to tape ,,I usually am a wiz at that stuff,, will have to try again
-showered and dressed
-cleaned catboxes
-ate breakfast
-sent letters
-put dinner in the crockpot
-made an appointment for a barium swallow test
-dishes
-laundry
-finished TG decorations
-went to post office
-got a new candle lighter
-checked my old laptop for old school papers to submit to grad school (unsuccessfully, oh well)
-put new sheets on the bed
-took out trash
-made the rest of dinner
slug:
-vacuum
-work on "novel"
-work on Flybaby holiday plan
Vonnie, I'm glad you are feeling a little better about DD.
My first thought was, at least she's learned enough English to know that you are telling her to do something she doesn't feel like doing!
Sounds like the two of you are going through a difficult time I think the combination of a defiant child, sleep deprivation, being sick, and parenting alone is enough to do anyone in. Cut yourself some slack and shorten your list, maybe. What fun things does she like to do with you? Those positive bonding times should really help.
I'm off to get my flu shot, make Christmas ornmanents with Tiger Cubs, and go see "Oliver" the musical. There may or may not be some flying in there!
Good morning, ladies (and gentleman)--
I must be getting old, because I thought I had a busy week. You young moms put me to shame!
I so wanted to just drive away by myself for a couple of days. I hoped to drive up to Vegas and goof off with Bronwyn for a day. Alas, I was informed I needed to be at a lunch meeting that day (which lasted until 6:30, by the way).
My sister is back in town. So we spent yesterday filling out probate papers and began the process of filing them. I would so like to just let my big sis take care of it all, but since she lives out of town, I have to be the one to do the paperwork. (Although she filled it out and told me where to sign -- fine by me!)
I ordered a washer/dryer combo to be delivered today. Good thing I decluttered the laundry/storage room last week.
Hope everyone has a good weekend. Vonnie, you just hang in there! You have challenges that most moms don't have to cope with. My prayers are with you.
Vonnie, much of what you're going through is common to all mothers. I have a defiant 3yo, so I feel for you. The others are more passive; they just pretend not to hear me. And my 2yo, ironically, is the sweetest & most compliant of all. But the 3yo...whew! I've been trying to do some of the parenting with love & logic principles, but it takes a long time to change one's habits. I think you are right on track with increasing together time...read somewhere recently that "love to a child is spelled t-i-m-e." It's good to be reminded of that. I'm bad about being focused on my tasks, too. I hate it when things fall apart & are disorderly!
Lois, I'm sure some of what you are dealing with lately is emotionally draining. Glad sis is helping you some. Awright on the new washer/dryer!!
I have absolutely no ta da's to report, but it's for a good reason; we had another couple over for Darrel's curry last night. We had totally forgotten about it, though! Good thing they called us ahead of time. We watched a bit of the Two Towers documentary, but I had to go nurse Emma to sleep and accidentally fell asleep before they left. The house is still awful, with boxes & all, but I don't mind having over people we know well & who I know don't care.
Way behind on everything. I have laundry backed up because it's muddy and has to be scrubbed. I hate doing that and it takes time I don't have right now. I have got to pay those doggone bills today. I just haven't had an unbroken length of time to sort it all out (have to sort through a pile of papers first). Emma's been wakeful lately and won't sit for me. I think her little tummy backs up & gives her discomfort.
I am wearing my flying shoes today! So that's one ta da. It really does snap my brain to attention.
Vonnie, I hope dd gives you a bit of a break this weekend. For what it's worth, NO is a word they all learn a bit too early and use too often.
Lois, sorry you didn't get to spend your weekend with Bronwyn.
Susannah, have you done those bills YET! LOL!
Subbing was great! There are 15 3rd graders in our school. I had a time trying to TEACH HOW you multiply numbers. LOL! I knew how, just took me a few minutes to get it on their level. But it was loads of fun! Ended up eating dinner at inlaws, and the girls stayed the night, as usual on Fridays.
Need to do some picking up and laundry here today. Supposed to be pretty nice, high of 74 but windy. Tomorrow, low is to be 14 and high 35 and windy (windy here is 25-35 MPH sustained, with gusts 50-60 MPH). I may ditch church.
Well, last night was the coldest since I've been keeping track (about four years now). Down to 1 degree below zero, it's only about 1 degree above right now. Doing the outside chores this morning was not pleasant.
Tada's from yesterday:
- Washed diapers and 2 other loads of laundry, folded lots of laundry
- Took the boy out to play in the snow (it wasn't nearly as cold yesterday)
- Worked on some software
- Took delivery of 4 1/2 tons of hay
- Reviewed another chapter back from the editors
- Washed dishes
- Cooked dinner
- Hauled in lots of firewood
- Cleaned another catbox
- Ground more flour (time to make bread again)
Today's PODA: Childcare and cleaning in the office. DW was up late (well, so was I, but she needs more sleep than I do) and DD1 is already up; I expect DS3 within the hour. Around noon DW is taking off for an afternoon and evening out with the gals. So overall I've have both kids to take care of for most of the day. I'm not planning any work; there are bookshelves in the office that are overdue for reorganization, a lot of clutter up here to pick up, filing to do, and that's probably as much as the kids will allow.
Vonnie, I think the only solution for the novelty of the computer is to get DD3 her own computer. Of course I understand that a lot of parents don't have our attitude on this. Having each kid with their own keyboard does at least cut down on the amount of extra keystrokes that get entered on mine. Anyhow, hang in there...DS3 can be infuriating at times, but he's loveable the rest of the time. I'm finding that the big challenge is just to keep from losing my temper; things get worse when I scream and holler, so I try to stay calm even when my blood is boiling out of my ears.
Jenny, we don't have a problem with the dishwasher - no dishwasher - but DD1's latest trick is to take off her clothes every chance she gets. With the house being chilly for winter, this is a real problem. Actually she's been doing the striptease thing for a while...her LATEST trick is to try to hide the pants and socks so we can't put them back on her. I am contemplating using some duct tape when getting her dressed.
Susan, if we have some nice weather I might take a shot at getting some lights up last year. (Not today!) Last year the project was aborted when the big extension ladder fell on top of DS-then-2. A big scare for everyone, though he was just a bit bruised. No one but us will see them, but DW misses the lights. Or maybe we'll just string them around the living room again.
Susannah, yup, we have two llamas. Not sure whether I'm keeping them or they're keeping me. I don't shear them or anything, though there's plenty of wool; no time to do anything with it, and they're not tame enough to get haltered anyhow. But they are silly animals that are somehow soothing to watch, and they chase away some of the coyotes.
DD1 wants more breakfast (I swear this child eats more than her brother) and probably needs a diaper change, so off I go.
Vonnie have you listened to any Love and Logic????
They have tapes you can get from you library, easy to listen to for busy mommies while cleaning house or you can buy the tapes, cd from them directly www.loveandlogic.com. Cheeper then therapy LOL just kidding not that I think that is coming just a funny I like to say to myself...
I’ve known them to help parents and teachers with children of all levels of difficultness... from the most disruptive to the mild realitvly well behaves just needs a little help..... It is the tapes/cd that I learned and got the most out of .... the speaker Jim Fay is sooo funny like Bill Cosby to listen to, while teaching some some easy, some complex techniques for helping kids learn, in a loving way, the consequences to their behaviors.... without (key word here) the parent getting upset.
The best tape to start with is Helicopter, Drill Sergeant and Consultant.... those are three types of parenting... I strive, not 100% good at it, to be a Consultant! Tho sometimes I have to admit I am a Helicopter sometimes and a Drill Sergeant toooo often to wanna admit. But I’m also a Consultant often enough to see the benefit in my children's happiness and behavior... thus ultimately my happiness.
Hope everyone is having a nice weekend. The weather was amazing here today and is supposed to be nice tommorrow also. It is my weekend off and is actually nice for once
I've been feeling better the past few days. Down to evening sickness instead of all day. I know it will all be worth it but is hard since the bathroom is quite a run from my pharmacy at work. Actually made a few mad dashes and made it this week. Mike, small meals seem to be working. And Big Macs. LOL.. I have no trouble eating that's for sure. Trying hard to get in the fruits and veggies, but have broken down for fast food a couple of times. Lots of water has helped too. Oh and your dedication page was so sweet.
Andrea, I wet the Mr clean eraser and used it in my tub. It didn't scratch at all. Happy Birthday to your DD a little late.
Susannah, thank goodness ds is ok. Must have been very scary for you. Glad everything is ok.
Vonnie, I just wanted to say to be easy with yourself. This too shall pass. I have no experience whatsoever yet at being a Mom, but you sure sound like a great Mom and I bet in the next two years I will be asking for your advice.
Jenny, so glad you got to sub. Sounds like it went well.
Hi to everyone else.
Hardly any flying today, too much socializing during the week at night so I am trying to rest today.
Tada:
~washed kitchen and bathroom floors
~vaccuumed whole house
~raked front yard with DH and cleaned out bushes in backyard
~have a pork tenderloin in oven and should have a nice dinner
slug:
go to JCpenney and order MIL curtains she picked out for Christmas
go get blood test done before next appt 12/10. HAve to do this on my next day off Wed.
Have a great night everyone. Love Jackie
That's my life at the moment. I have a massive, nasty cold. It started Wednesday and today I am pretty much on my butt. Yuck. I hate colds. They last too long. So anyway, no flying for me, just trying to get through the day. Thank goodness I have a short (2-day)workweek coming up so I can get caught up.
TADA
got recertified for CPR and first aid yesterday
PODA
pay bills
get groceries
sit around and feel miserable, try not take it out on anyone else.
Ok, I just got done cleaning all science projects out of the fridge, including some potato salad from early September I didn't know was even there! YUCK! Very empty in there, I need food! LOL! Seriously, I don't know what on earth to fix for meals this week!
Also finished the 40 log cabin blocks for a quilt and put them all together. I still need some blocks for the 4 corners and 3 borders, but I don't have enough fabric for those. I got the center done, and that is what I wanted to accomplish. All my fabric stash is 1/2 a yard or less of various fabric, not large quantities. I'm trying to use up this stash before I'm buy anything else.
Today, I want to work on placemats for Thanksgiving. Pottery Barn Kids had the CUTEST ones of a turkey with pockets in the feathers for the silverware. Trying to copy those, thought it would be cute for for our table for the kids.
What a slug I was last night. I had a great day, but last night after dinner my son and I rented a couple movies since DH was out of town on business. We watched DS's movie first and then I put him to bed. Instead of shining my sink I left the dinner dishes and watched my movie.... at 12:30am when my movie ended I was exausted so I just went to sleep. I was deffinately FROWNING this morning when I saw my kitchen. WHAT A MESS! Not to mention that I am SOOOOOOO tired!!!!
PODA:
shine the sink
finish wrapping and mail gifts to family
work on Master Bedroom
clean out car
return movies
I could use that kick in the pants today. I am NOT motivated!!!!!!
Comments
Good morning everyone!
HI all!
What a day you had Jenny! Thank goodness for that neighbor! Yes, the extra day to prep for guests helped, especially since yesterday was booked solid. The kids and I went to "Honk" - a musical based on the Ugly Duckling. It was very cute - there were 4 kids ducks and about 30 kid "froglets" in the show.
This upcoming week is probably one of my busiest yet - I'm finding that the older my kids get, the busier we get as a family! So every day I will need to be super organized to get through all this. Thank God I'm only working PT.
TADA so far:
Curves
dw emptied
showered
nails done
laundry in dryer
cleaned in playroom for 15 minutes
PODA left to do:
Zone (mini blind cleaning)
prep dinner
paid work 1 hour
post office
bank
Aldi
a few things I need to do online
DD4 to dance at 3:40
finish laundry
Is that it? I'll check in later!
Andrea
Mini blind cleaning?
I forgot to ask - what is everyone's favorite way to clean aluminum mini blinds? I'm going to tacklet that today - it's only 3 windows, but they are digusting. ONe set is in our guest room, which will be used tonite - I can't have guest with fingerprints on the mini blinds!
mini-blinds
I found the best way is to clean with windex and a paper towel one by one. I tried taking them off, going outside and get them with the hose, but with our hard water, I got major spots.
Back is still in major pain this morning. But the day must go on!
PODA:
*bills
*dh's farm newspapers culled out
*vacuum and dust (I did bathrooms and mopping last Friday, I think they are ok til next week)
*column
*Longaberger order
Was called to sub today, but had to turn it down. No one to watch Chance. I hate to ask MIL to do it alone (that is, without dd4 or dd6 there to help entertain him). I just feel that she has raised her kids and that grandkids are for fun when you want them, Grammie isn't a babysitter so mommy can make a little dough or get a break, Grammie is there for fun. Does anyone else feel that way?
Well, I got some toast in me, I'm going to take a couple advil and see if I can manage to get something done today without making things worse. DH is supposed to be back late tonight!
Lunchtime
That's a bummer that you can't find anyone to watch him Jenny! Are there any home daycares in your area that take drop-ins? Thanks for the cleaning suggestion.
Well, I'm taking a break to eat lunch, I've gotten a lot done, but more to do. We are off to do errands now that DD's friend is gone. First I want to tackle those mini-blinds though.
Don't know why another Flybaby thread posted - maybe Lynn can remove it.
Andrea
home daycare
No, not unless I want to drive 26 miles to town, then back here to the school, back to pick him up. Besides, that would take care of at least half the 40 bucks I made subbing, after paying for the childcare, fuel, taxes took out of the sub money... No one I know watches kids in their home. I thought of doing that, but I don't want to be tied down all day. I don't mind taking my kids out on errands and helping DH, but I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it with other parents kids. I sure wouldn't want anyone else taking my kids to town on an errand or to feed cows. LOL! My schedule is just too unpredictable.
I've done my weekly blessing, whoohoo!, cleaned some spots on the carpet (where did those come from?), cleaned the kitchen, did my column. Time for lunch. Took some medicine for my back, but it still hurts to do much of anything, even walk. Hope it goes away soon, I cannot afford a dr. visit! Hopefully, Chance will take a nap soon so I can go to the mailbox without carrying him all the way out there. would I like some cheese with that WHINE! LOL!!
whining
We'll let you whine Jenny! YOu're right, the cost would eat up your paycheck. I don't think I could handle home daycare either. A friend of mine does it around the corner and actually goes out on errands with the kids - she'll have anywhere from 3 to 5 or 6. It is difficult, but it allows her to stay home with her own kids instead of going out to work.
We are off to DD4's dance after I put the chicken in the oven and set the table. This day is unreal. I did get my work done and cleaned the mini blinds with a swiffer cloth, only took 10 or 15 minutes. OUr guests should be here between 3 and 4.
Amdrea
Wow, Andrea!
I'm holding my breath for you this week. I can't stand having weeks like that. You do sound like you are well prepared, though.
Jenny, I hope the ibuprofen worked! You don't need to have a bad back with Chance to heft. Does DH give massages? I kinda feel the same way about grandma not having to sit all the time. My mother jumps in & offers, so sometimes I don't even tell her when I have appointments or meetings. Right now with DH out of regular work it's been a little easier to run out when I need to.
We had a nice party yesterday for J.D. Mom brought everything, bless her, including b-day cake and my salad fixings. We brought in the train table last and all the kids like to play with it, whether for good or ill (much fighting over it today!). He also got a battery-operated engine to run on the track, much coveted by everyone as well.
I never made it to church, because I chose a dress to wear & then discovered was out of hose. Went looking for pants to wear, and couldn't find anything that fit or matched. It was too late by the time I came up with something, so I just reorganized my clothes instead. Ta da! Flung maternity clothes and more. Too bad about church, because I missed the surprise announcement in the service that my DF is unexpectedly pregnant with her seventh!
Today I have: straightened up a little, done a couple of small laundry loads, cleaned up last night's party mess, unloaded DW & reloaded, set up a more elaborate RR track for kids on the new table, flung some more papers & files, and put DH's fishing stuff out in garage. And fed & diapered kids, of course. And fetched straying helium balloons.
We're starting back with DD7's therapy this week, so I'll be running three days. Bleah. Tomorrow is P.E. and the kids get to go swimming! I'd like to visit my grandmother too; haven't seen her in weeks. Wednesday is the therapy (bleah). Friday (I think, or maybe Thursday?) I have a doctor's appointment. Oh, I'd better call my new play group friend if it's Thursday.
Tonight, *must* pay bills. Sure hope Emma cooperates. She wouldn't go to sleep until 2 this morning! I fed her & rocked her & fed her more (she threw up the entire contents of her stomach at one point) and finally used the swing to get her to sleep. I immediately fell sound asleep and didn't even go back for her until she woke & cried at 6 a.m.! I'll be dragging by the kids' bedtime tonight.
We're a Neilsen family this week, so I've also been keeping a tv log. That reminds me, the kids are watching Bob the Builder. Gotta write it down.
Later!
Susannah
Blech
I am wiped out today! Between the crazt weekend schedule, which is usually my time to unwind, and DD up since 2am, I am quite irritable today.
TADA
Dinner made
Wednesday's chicken breasts marinated
Last load of laundry done
PODA
Sit and vegitate, maybe read the paper
Read to DD3
Early to bed so I can get an attitude adjustment.
Does anyone have advice for little girl hair? DD3 has very fine hair that has never been cut because I have had bangs all my life, and would feel naked without them, and I don't want to do that to her. However, sometimes she will not let me touch her hair and shrieks as if I am pulling it out by the rotts when I am combing it gently with a wide-toothed comb! Then she looks like such a rag-a-muffin I'm embarassed. I don't want to cut it short either. It's just below her shoulders, and very fine. Any suggestions from all you wise mommies of girls?
-Jo
Flybaby Christmas Cards
Hi all
Just me, flapping on by again, with a reminder to email me with your snail mail if you want to be part of the Christmas Card Exchange this year. So far, I have Andrea, Becky, Susannah, Jul, Vonnie, Bronwyn and Jamie Lea.
Anyone else? I will be emailing all the addresses out to all the participants in a week or so.
H xx
Little Girl Hair
I've got a girl with a tender scalp...my 7yo. She usually combs her own hair now (not always up to my standards, but I try to hold my tongue) but when I do it (like after a bath), I use spray-in detangler. It doesn't help with the complaining all that much, but it does get the tangles out more easily. I finally had her hair cut to chin length (no bangs). It's wavy, so it still gets tangled, but at least it's less to comb. It was very long for a while and when I look back at pictures, I realize it looks much better kept now. I'm not a "hair-fixin'" kind of mommy, just not my thing, so it works better for us not to have to do barrettes or braids.
Wow, up since 2? Was DD not feeling well?
I haven't paid bills, nor have I cleaned up the nasty kitchen. Need to get to work, it's almost midnight. Baby won't sit for me, though. Oh well. BTW, She rolled over from back to belly a few minutes ago!
Love,
Susannah
Still here...
...just in heavy lurk mode. Deadlines are nasty to me this week, and the morning sickness has been nasty to Dana. The combination has me really strapped for time. Flying the last week or so has consisted of about a 3-hour block in the evening:
- Do dishes and simultaneously cook dinner
- Wash diapers
- Feed kids, eat dinner
- Bathe kids
- Feed cats & dogs
- Clean catbox
- Haul firewood & make a fire
Other than that it's mostly been eating, sleeping, and trying to make sure kids are fed. We're keeping it together, but we'll both be much gladder when the first trimester is over.
Anyhow, I just wanted to drop in and point y'all at a scan I took of the dedication page of the latest book I've had published (Amazon managed to list my co-author's name and not mine, but hopefully they'll get that cleaned up soon).
With any luck I can get back to posting regularly next week...maybe...
wow!
How cool is that Mike! Thanks!
Jo, I keep bangs on my kids. They don't have real thick hair, either, I think bangs make it look fuller. Both are below their shoulders, dd6 has some waves, dd4 has some bigger loose ringlets, but not kinky ones. DD6 has a tender head. I try to brush it before baths, then I use Suave Kids Shampoo with detangler, AND Suave kids conditioner. They smell great, Watermelon and Grapes, respectively. I found the spray in detangler didn't work very well, but maybe that's the Walmart brand rather than Johnson's & Johnson's. I always put their hair up in a small ponytail (sides up, back down).
DH is home! The bathroom is a mess, some things never change. He did comment on how nice the house looked before he messed it up. sigh, it was nice while it lasted. We went to town to get some groceries, fixed the truck out in the field. Need to do laundry, espeically dh's stuff. He's catching up on all the Dallas episodes I had to tape for him. LOL!
ya'll have a great day!
Hello Ladies and Mike :)
Popping in for a quick Hi! I have been kind of busy throwing everything out!! I didn't think this nesting thing started until the end but for some reason I just want all the clutter gone and all the hanging over my head projects done. Between watching a Baby Story and Clean Sweep I want to get my house in order. Did you guys ever watch Clean Sweep? They are brutal in cleaning out these peoples stuff. It has actually helped me in tossing LOTS. I told DH to nail his stuff down before he left for work today.
Maybe I should get back to work before we have an empty house.
Andrea, I wanted to say thanks for the suggestion of the Mr Clean eraser. That thing is amazing. I nbought a 4 pack today at Target and used a whole one just to clean the shower but it is sparkling now. And they are cheap too. Glad your party went well and I hope your week isn't too crazy.
Jamielea, Hope your bruise is better and your Monday went better than the last two.
Jenny, hope your back is feeling better. Maybe a hot bath would help if you can sneak away for a bit??
Mike, I hope Dana is feeling better. How many weeks is she? I am 9 weeks on Thursday and the morning sickness has kicked in big time. I may switch to Premesis Rx prenatal vitamin, it has vit b6 which helps ms. It doesn't have as much vitamins as my other but for the first trimester may help some. Im sure she has had a million suggestions but ginger capsules help me when I am really bad and also cola syrup. Just don't overdo it, only on the really bad days. And saltines in the middle of the night help for the early run to the bathroom. Hope this helps a little
Hi everyone else
Heres the flying:
TADA:
~2 loads laundry washed dried put away
~went through all my dissaray of photos and was able to get into some order. This is a huge Tada for me
~scrubbed bathtub and shower with Mr clean eraser. It is beautiful!
~ate healthy all day. drank lots of water. Didnt do any yoga or walking but I was tired!!
~meeting good friends to tell them our news tonight at 10pm. Lately I cant stay awake past 9pm- maybe rest before we go
Have a great night everyone. Love, Jackie
Flap.......flap
Just checking in to keep myself honest.
No TADA
Well, OK, I did make dinner
Oh! and I walked 2.75 miles this morning
PODA
Bathe DD
Bed
DD is wakeful for no aparent reason. Teeth maybe? More likely dreams. She has woken up because she thinks the cat is on her bed, but the cat is not even in the house. Then she needs me to cuddle her and then she kicks the stuffing out of me, talks in her sleep, and cries if I try to sneak out. Two nights in a row now. Remember how I said I was irritable? Now I'm really cranky.
Thanks for the hair tips, I actually got her hair up & out of the eyes this morning!
Night all,
-Jo
Good evening!
Hi all!
Awwww Mike, that is sweet! How nice of you - you are an important part of our group you know.
Glad DH got home OK Jenny, though I'm not glad about your bathroom. I didn't realize he loved Dallas so much.
Jackie, aren't those things great?! I wore mine out and have GOT to get more! I really think it will motivate me to tackle some of those icky jobs because you don't need water or cleaners, just the eraser - think baseboards, walls, closet doors, icky kitchen table and chairs. I guess the "eraser" just kind of absorbs the dirt, it really is magic. It didn't scratch your tub? Pretty sad when I get so excited about a cleaning product, huh? Is Clean Sweep on TLC?
Jo, that is a bummer! Hopefully she will sleep better soon!
Well, made it through another BUSY day - I worked, then off to PT conference for DS6 - I have to brag, his report card was just about perfect! The teachers had wonderful things to say about his academics, especially math, his behavior, social skills, etc. He is almost reading now. We are really proud of him.
So ... onward to the next day - it is an at home day and DD4's real birthday - she and I are going out for a birthday breakfast and a small gift in the morning - then our family party tomorrow night.
Sleep well everyone -
Andrea
I'm back
Hi all! The musicology conference went well and I didn't get sicker from it, except I think I caught strep from my seven-year-old cousin. I'll check back with y'all later!
Wonderful Wednesday
Hello all. Sorry I haven't written in a while. As expected, things are just a little unpredictable in a household with a 3 year old.
Yesterday was a really bad day here weather-wise. We had a small tornado rip a path through the heart of the city. The worst area was the largest & biggest intersection, at the lunch hour. What was even spookier was that I had just gone through it 5 minutes before it happened. I left a little early to go pickup DD from Mom's Morning Out so we could hopefully avoid the rain. If I had left at my normal time, I would have been right in the middle of it. Billboards were blown down on cars, power lines draped across cars trapping people in them and debris was everywhere. If you are interested in seeing photos, a link to our local paper is:
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=TL&Dato=2003111...
Anyway, I don't work on Wednesdays so I am hoping to get some things done today. But, we're getting off to a slow start. I haven't showered or dressed yet & it's already 8 a.m. But, we'll get things going soon.
You all have a good day.
Vonnie
Good Morning Everyone!!
Wow, weird Vonnie! Hope you get a lot done today!
Glad your conference went well Becky, but strep? Yuk, I hate that.
Well, today my DD is 5! Can't believe it! We are going out for our breakfast in a few minutes and then grocery shopping. I'm trying to slow down somewhat today so I can spend more time with her, after all she only turns 5 once, right?! I do have a PODA going though. I've already exercised, showered, emptied dw, and have 2 loads of laundry going. Tonite we will celebrate at dinner and open her gifts, then off to DD6's pack meeting.
Have a great day all!
Andrea
Good Morning
Quick post as I'm about to leave to take DC16 to school. DS5 is sleeping in with Daddy today, DH has an dentist appointment this morning. DS17 leaves VERY early for school and NJROTC practice.
TADA (from yesterday)
2 loads laundry done to finish
spiffied LR, FR, and kitchen
BBR
PODA
homeschool
work on Master bedroom (at least kelly's missions)
Soccer practice for DS5
We'll see what else the day brings, see you guys later.
Jamie Lea
Does Anyone Know This Poem?
Does anyone have the little poem that is something along the lines of there's time for cleaning house later, the children are young now.
I have looked everywhere & can't find it.
Thanks.
Vonnie
Happy birthday to andrea's ba
Happy birthday to andrea's baby!
Jackie, what's a hot bath? Hadn't had one of those since before Chance was born.
I was too depressed then because my butt barely fit in the tub. Guess I'm scared to get back in it. LOL!
Vonnie, tornados give me nightmares. I'm facinated by them, have recurring dreams about them about once a week, but scared to death of them! Glad we don't have many out here.
Cleaning and Scrubbing can wait til tomorrow,
for babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep
Is that the one you wanted?
Back is a bit better. It just took some time I guess.
Today is errand day. Even though I went to town yesterday with DH. Today is storytime and MIL needs me to pick up some stuff for the girls' flowergirl dresses (elastic, thread, zippers). Reg. bank, farm bank. And while I'm in Clovis, might stop by our brand new LOWES!! I heard an ad on the radio, I guess it's open!
Ya'll have a great day!
Don't Panic
I think that might be my main PODA for today; both kids are already up (and fighting
) and I'm feeling a wee bit stressed at the moment.
Let's see, what else do I need to do today:
- Write more code
- Grocery shopping
- Feed shopping
- Bank deposit
- Dishes, diapers, dinner
- Haul ashes and cat litter to dump
- Clean catbox
- Get unanswered e-mail to 10 or less
Jackie, Dana's at 10 weeks and still pretty queasy most days. Saltines help. On bad days, meclazine helps. Also she's found that small, infrequent meals, and drinking water mostly between meals instead of with the meals, help her keep food down. Who knows, maybe some of that will help for you.
No tornadoes here Vonnia (yay), but we're supposed to have 65MPH wind gusts this morning with rain, and then snow tomorrow. Very odd weather for these parts. Glad it missed you, anyhow.
OK, time to try to get some writing done before we run out to the big city
Thank You, Jennye
I have looked high & low for that poem, asked people, had other people looking! Thank you so much!!!!!
Vonnie
Checking in
HI guys!
Breakfast with DD was nice - we went to Denny's (her choice). It was actually almost 10:00 by the time we ate, so it was more like brunch.
My PODA is done except for paid work, which I'm doing now, can you tell? Also have to make dinner - DD5 (hard to say that) has requested pasta with pesto, garlic bread, and "lettuce" for me, DH, and DS, she won't eat salad. She's already a carb lover, scary. Think I'll also do some chicken or fish.
Did the fighting settle down Mike? My kids fight every day of their lives and it drives me nutty! That is one of the few things that drives me to yelling.
Jenny, who's getting married? I forgot.
OK, gotta get to work.
Andrea
Mike! Thanks!
I had the same reaction as Andrea, I said, "Awwww!" It warmed me right through.
Hope Dana gets through it okay. As long as everybody stays out of the hospital... BTW, I think I tell myself "Don't Panic" on at least a weekly basis. Douglas Adams?
Andrea, your kids fight too? We've been cooped up so long together that the quarrelling about drives me mad some days. It's so nice to be getting out a bit once again. Happy, happy birthday to DD5! Not a baby anymore (sniff!).
Becky, so sorry about the strep! Look for an e-mail from me.
Vonnie, I would be *freaked out* to miss a tornado by that much. We had a warning at about four a.m. this morning but I was sleeping and you can't hear any sirens out here anyhow. I was okay learning about it after the fact. If awake, though, really really scared (I'm with Jenny). I have tornado dreams too. In the last one, DH was sucked right out of a window before my eyes. Ever notice how it's hard to scream in dreams?
Had to really not panic yesterday. Took the kids to swimming at P.E. and DS3 didn't want to wear the life jacket I brought. I took it off, not because of the fuss but because it wasn't fitting properly for some reason, and he went straight down the steps and under the water. Luckily, a wonderful lady jumped in and got him (and got soaked for her trouble, of course!), because I was holding Emma. Mortifying! And scary. We found a life jacket to fit him and he had fun after that. Turns out his rescuer has a 7yo and 5yo, lives right in town, owns riding mules, and wants to get our kids together! So we made some friends at least.
I always feel totally incompetent when something like that happens.
But we survived.
No homegroup tonight after all, so I'm going to Wal-mart. Gotta long list saved up. DD7's jeans and my hose, for just two items! As for the rest of my PODA, DD5 just made muddy footprints all over the LR carpet and all the way into my bedroom to the computer. AAAAARGH! Fetch the steam cleaner...again. I also MUST PAY BILLS! (Yelling at myself, there.)
TA DA's:
*Washing poopy pants
*DS3 actually went in the potty for some of it, though! Yay!
*Two other loads washed & dried
*Vacuumed LR
*Supper is leftover homemade turkey pot pie (a frozen meal-gift)
*Went to DD7's therapy today (pool week! she had fun) and picked up immunization records afterward
Tomorrow is our little play group, and then an appt. at the health dept. (hence, immuni. records).
Better go make hay while babe sleeps!
Love,
Susannah
I Attract Tornadoes
Well, evidently I attract tornadoes. I am making notes to write my life story (at my Mother's request) and had just made some notes on how strange it was that I had been DIRECTLY involved in two tornadoes in my life. I figure that even here in the deep south, most people would only be able to say they had been in none or just one. In 1990, I was living in a house that was covered with pine trees when three tornadoes went over it, luckily none touching down. Then, about 3 years ago a tornado came down right at my office and a hackberry tree was thrown into the second story roof. Major damage on that one.
Anyway, I had made my notes & had those thoughts on Monday evening and then Tuesday, we had another tornado that I just narrowly missed being involved in, yet again!
OK, so now none of you will want to ever come visit me, huh?....
Vonnie
Mules
Susannah, I hope your kids get to know and want to ride the mules! They can be fun!!
Vonnie, I have that poem hanging in Chance's room. When you asked, I just grabbed it and copied for you.
Andrea, it's DH's first cousin's son. There aren't any age appropriate ring bearers, so they are having 4 flower girls instead, from age 7 to 1 year (the baby is the groom's niece, she will actually be a year old the day after the wedding).
Chance got his first haircut today. He's growing up! He's very cute though, looks like a little Marine! LOL!! I've been running like a mad woman all day, taking a break now, and will start up again in just a sec. Ya'll have a great evening!
Good Afternoon
Susannah, so glad that your DS3 is ok, that is scary. DS5 done just about the same thing in the back yard a couple years ago. The first thing he said when I pulled him out... "Mama, little boys can't sink?"
scared me to death but I told him that he was proof that "little boys CAN sink" 
Mike, that was Such a neat thing for you to do, makes me want to go out and buy the book! BTW, you were my inspiration *reminder* today when I cleaned the litter box.
Jackie, hope your feeling better soon with the Morning sickness.
Andrea, glad to hear DD5 had a nice birthday breakfast with Mom, hope the party is a great success, is this the "Spirit" party?
Becky, hope your feeling better also!
And glad to hear Jenny's back is better.
There, a personal post to everyone! It's been a while sense I was able to do that, there's a TADA
Here's a couple more
Cleaned the litter box
cleaned under the bed in Master bedroom
vacuumed upstairs
homeschooled
dusted Master bedroom
one load laundry done to finish
spent 15 min. de-cluttering in the classroom
Still have soccer practice, uh in 15 minutes, better get going. See you guys tomorrow.
Jamie Lea
Whoo-hoo! Sleep!
I guess there were no dreams last night, or maybe she was just as exhausted as I was, because she slept all the way through, so I feel so much better today. She had a pretty amusing temper tantrum today because her black ballet shoes didn't match her pink leotard, tights, & skirt. It was all I could do to keep a straight face.
TADA
Up at 5 to exercize 3 miles
Dishes
Floors
Bathrooms
2 loads laundry
PODA
Bathe DD3
Read to her
Catch up on the papers
Work on report cards
Early to bed, I need another good night to catch up
A friend brought her newborn in to school today, and she just is so tiny and smells so good! I had forgotten, and I still think of DD as a baby, but geez, my ovaries were aching!
I think the whole country has had bizarre weather lately. Mike, I think we get exactly your weather about 3 days later. Right now we have wind gusts in excess of 60mph. They said heavy rain for today, but it didn't happen. Temps are in the 60s! Sure doesn't feel like winter in the Far North...
Have a great night and a productive Thursday everyone.
-Jo
Good Morning
Once again I’ve been too busy to post. But, the good news is that I did finish the kitchen curtains. This week DD(17) is in the play the Greater Tuna. I fixed dinner for the cast and crew (25-30) Mon, T and W. We had rigatoni, salad, French bread and mini carrot cakes on Mon, Chicken Enchiladas with Spanish rice, apples with caramel dip and choc. chip cookies on Tues and last night was BBQ Chicken and Twice Baked Potatoes carrots and celery with ranch dressing and brownies. The kids just love the home cooking. I’ve done this for the past 3 years with the fall play and the spring musical. But, this is DD’s senior year (boo hoo) so I won’t be back next year.
Last week I taught a class on menu planning with the mom’s group at my church. I’m must say it was convicting to get me back to meal planning. What a difference it makes. I also had 5 ladies over to demonstrate investment cooking. In 3 hours we prepared 3 meals of spaghetti sauce and chili, 2 meals of meatloaf and taco meat. If anyone would like the recipes and shopping lists I’d be happy to e-mail offline.
Today I have a sewing class at the extension office. We are making back pack purses (like the Vera Bradley ones). On Monday the class was for a reversible tote. I was only able to cut out the pattern (too much cooking to do). Actually, today I am finishing the purse I started last year. I did manage to sew a wallet, duffle purse and overnite tote bag last year for Christmas gifts.
TADA
Morning routines completed
Laundry started
Dishwasher unloaded and reloaded with breakfast dishes
PODA
Round robin first floor
Sewing class
Run errands (post office, library and bank)
Phone calls (insurance, Purdue visit RSVP for DD and bank)
Tonight DS12 will be testing for green belt in Tae Kwon Do and DD’s play opens. So it will be another full day.
Take Care
Susan
P.S. Honey, sent private message to be added to Christmas list. Let me know if you received. It was great fun getting cards from around the world last year.
Hi, Flypals!
We had our little play group today. I think my friend is starving for adult interaction.
I have so been there. I told her about what a great support this forum is for me. And if it weren't for the play group we had several years ago, I would have gone stark raving mad.
We had a surprise drop-in visit from two good friends of DH's today, who are just passing through. We had earlier thought they might stay overnight, but DH has lots of landscaping lined up. But they decided to stop through anyway!
Haven't seen them in so long, it was a pleasant surprise. They and DH have gone to get a bite to eat.
Of course, the house wasn't company ready, even though I'd cleaned up for play group this morning. Amazing how fast it goes to pot. Not only that, but 2yo had a blowout diaper within minutes of their arrival. Tub bath, steam cleaning carpet, the whole works.
All my ta da's have already been set back, so I can't take pleasure in posting them. I did get us to our health dept. appt. today. I also did my midnight shopping last night. Got socks & undies for girls, finally. Stayed up waaay too late (later than I want to admit) watching movies & unloading groceries. So that's why I'm feeling down today. Only myself to blame!
Still on my PODA before I can crash: Pay bills and steam clean muddy footprints. I am very unlikely to get to these! I also have a 9:30 a.m. doctor's appt. tomorrow and the distinct feeling that DH will not want to watch the kids for me (he has a grading job to do, but he can set his own hours and often gets a later start). There's no way I'll make it if I have to bring the kids.
Better go get the mac&cheese ready. Gourmet cooking tonight!
Love,
Susannah
Apres Dinner Break
...before I get back to the code.
A few tada's for today:
- Fed critters
- Helped get kids off to pre-school
- Watered greenhouse
- Refilled horse trough
- Hauled hay to llamas
- Did dishes
- Made dinner (sweet & sour pork, rice, potato soup)
- Washed diapers (still need to do another load of laundry tonight)
- Cleaned catbox
- Wrote a bunch of code
- Reviewed a book proposal
- Answered lots of e-mail (more to do tonight!)
- Reviewed edits to a book chapter
So, the usual, bizzy bizzy....
Andrea, fighting settles down, it flares up, it settles down, it flares up. I'm sure you know the cycle. DS3 seems to be going through an emotional tough spot about now, and DD1 is developing a sense of "mine" that involves trying to swipe things from her brother's desk any time he's not looking. We cope.
Susannah, yup, Douglas Adams. Words to live by. Dana seems to be mostly doing better the last few days, but still having ups and downs. And she does NOT appreciate limiting her salt intake when she's pregnant. Gets tricky to cook sometimes. But she's motivated by thoughts of healthy, natural, quick labor down the road a piece.
And I'm jealous of the mules. One of these days, when I have time to actually attend properly to the animals, I want a mule of my own.
Jamie Lea, no need to buy the book. I don't get royalties on that particular deal.
Jo, if you're gonna get our weather in three days, it's time to batten down the hatches. Snowing heavily here right at the moment. Pretty treacherous too; I ended up on my butt when I was out getting more firewood. No real damage, but I need to remember how to walk in the winter again.
OK, time to go put more wood on the fire, swap laundry, and then get back to e-mail. See y'all later.
Welcome to Motherhood!
Well, I have my first real cold since adopting DD. Gone are the days of hibernating on the sofa when I don't feel well! DD doesn't understand/doesn't care if I don't feel like doing my normal things for her! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE motherhood! I guess I just never thought about the things I took for granted before adopting DD: taking a shower either alone or without a little person banging on the door the entire time; using the bathroom without an audience; etc. etc.
It's Friday so I work 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shouldn't be too terribly bad, I hope. Things are pretty quiet on Fridays, usually. My PODA:
* Work at paid job
* Laundry (of course!)
* Try to rest and get over this stinkin' cold!
Hope you all have a great day & see you later!
Vonnie
Hi!
Hi all!
Using the bathroom without an audience - that one got me chuckling Vonnie! It is so true, isn't it? Feel better soon!
Wow, you were productive yesterday Mike. Douglas Adams, huh?
Scary moment in the pool Susannah, wow!
Well, it is a home day for me thank goodness, but I"ve got quite the PODA. DD6 has only half a day of school, so that will change things a bit. Tomorrow 4 Tiger Cubs will be here making Christmas ornaments then we are going to see "Oliver" at our local school, should be fun.
Have a great day everyone!
Andrea
The Things We Take for Granted!
Yes, Andrea, I am quickly learning how much I took for granted before DD! It's wonderful, but it is an adjustment!
I should say here that I apologize to everyone on these forums for my posts. I hardly ever post a personal comment to anyone. It's not because I don't care; I read everyone's posts and am very interested. But, I think sometimes I have ADD and I can't remember everything when I go to post unless I make notes as I am reading. And, of course, that's near to impossible with DD3 at my elbows while I am on the computer. Maybe one day the novelty of the computer will wear off! Ha, Ha!
Vonnie
Don't worry about it!
Vonnie, I'm the same way! I'm always thinking of everyone, even if I don't comment on everything.
Susannah, that is scary with the pool, Jamie Lea too!! Yikes!
Busy day today. Have to go to the school at 11 for dd6's "Author Luncheon". Pizza and the stories the kids have been writing. MIL is coming too, then she is taking Chance and dd4 home and I will get to sub this afternoon for the 3rd grade. Whoohoo!
I did get tons of paperwork done yesterday: bills, Longaberger order (which also took care of some of my Christmas shopping). Other planning stuff for gifts. And chasing Chance. His latest trick, to turn the knob on the dishwasher on and off, on and off. Oh, and climbing on the kitchen table. Why is my son so much harder to keep up with than the girls?
I guess I should get busy. Oh, did anyone see ER last night! Shocker wasn't it? I had to laugh about how that certain dr. met his untimely end. I'm awful, aren't I!!??
Yea Friday
I sure am glad it's Friday. I think we will actually get to sleep in tomorrow. We plan on putting up the Christmas decorations outside this weekend. It is going to be in the high 60's. Normally we put them up the weekend after Thanksgiving, at it is usually freezing. We won't actually be turning them on until after Thanksgiving.
Jenny glad to see that you will be able to sub this afternoon.
I second the apologies from Vonnie. I find it difficult to make comments on the postings. But, please know that when prayers are asked for I am praying for your concerns. I know last year when I was posting on a regular basis I felt a real sense of really "knowing" my cyber friends. I have been out of the loop for a while. But, am getting back with the program.
PODA
bank
phone calls
round robin first floor
2 loads of laundry
Order Christmas gifts
Have a great day,
Susan
Good afternoon
HI Susan! We haven't forgotten you! Have fun decorating -
Jenny, hope subbing goes well. Who died on ER? Haven't had a chance to watch this season yet.
Well, I'm doing a quick lunch clean-up and then off to Wal-Mart we go. I hope to lay down for a nap later, I am dragging!
Andrea
have fun Jenny
Have a great time subbing Jenny!
Vonnie, I have not gone to the bathroom without an audience since getting cats. The other parts of motherhood do not apply to me though.
It turns out I do not have strep! Hooray! I was so thrilled. I am terrified of antibiotics because they can cause a recurrence of c-diff infections if you have had one before. Well, anyway....Dodged that bullet. (Though the flooding that kept me in Houston was, I think, caused by the same tornado as Vonnie's.)
It's almost 10 and I have treated myself to watching the 2nd half of Martha Stewart Living and going to TNH before doing anything else. Now down to business--PODA:
-shower and dress
-clean catboxes
-eat breakfast
-send some letters I wrote yesterday
-put dinner in the crockpot
-make an appointment for a barium swallow test (saw the GI yesterday too, and he ordered it)
-wash the dishes that wouldn't fit in the dw last night
-vacuum
-laundry
-finish making, and put up, TG decorations
-go to post office
-get a new candle lighter
-check my old laptop for old school papers to submit to grad school
-put new sheets on the bed
-take out trash
-work on "novel"
-work on Flybaby holiday plan
-make the rest of dinner
Lunch is also supposed to fit in there somewhere....
Llamas
Mike, did I know you kept llamas? Can't remember. I saw an incredibly lifelike llama sculpture done by an art teacher and her class on Family Fun.com, I believe it was. Amazing! I was looking up llamas 'cause DD and I had read a story about a Peruvian boy who kept them. Do you use their "wool" or whatever it's called?
Vonnie, I'm so glad you are a mommy. It warms my heart to think of the whole process you've gone through to become a mother. (I finally started shutting my audience out recently.)
Our friends stayed overnight after all, so we said good-bye this morning as I was leaving for the dr. appt. It went fine, although there may be a thyroid issue so I had to give some blood to the lab. The midwife is so nice! I always enjoy visits with her. She gave Emma an engraved baby spoon as a gift.
DH picked up the Two Towers so I watched a bit of that last night before collapsing. Great movie!
No ta da's to speak of, but I hope to correct that soon.
PODA:
*Bills
*Laundry
*Steam clean
And more, so I'd better get to it.
Love,
Susannah
I'll Be Glad to See This Day Go...
DD has really put me through my paces today. I am feeling bad from this cold/sinus thing and she is feeling better now! So, she's been hot and heavy back on the "testing" me again. You know: climbing up to the desk where I'm working, beating on the keyboard, etc. I tell her "no", she sticks her lip out at me defiantly and tells ME no. She throws something, I tell her no, she tells me NO and throws something else. I've tried verbal scolding, time out, a quiet "talk", NOTHING works. She has a very defiant attitude. I guess it is a defense mechanism from the years at the orphanage. Some days I don't think I'll ever get through to her.
So, I am sleep-deprived (she is still not sleeping enough, nor letting me), sick and becoming a little depressed. Maybe it's a form of post-partum depression, a little delayed. Doesn't help that DH has been working at the retail shop he is partner in and never helps me out at home. I have DD 24/7 except for the 12 hours a week I'm at work. Oh, and the 3 1/2 blessed hours she's at Mom's Morning Out. I know others have it much worse than me; I am just not handling it well at times. DH has to go to a show tomorrow afternoon, but I think I'm going to tell him he needs to get up by 9 and let me go out alone and just have some quiet time until he has to go at 12. If I don't get some "away" time soon, he's going to have to keep DD while I'm at the funny farm!
OK, enough complaining already, Vonnie. What I've actually managed to accomplish today:
* Stripped our bed and remade (of course it was out of necessity at 5 a.m. b/c DD took her pull-up off in our bed and wet the bed!)
* Laundry - did 3 loads, beginning to end
* Worked at paid employment 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
* Went to Target to get wrapping paper for Operation Christmas Child
* Made plan of finger foods to take to church social Sunday night
Not a huge list, but it's probably a miracle I got this much done given my day.
I hope you all had a better one & have a GREAT weekend, as I plan to do.
Vonnie
Having Calmed Down...
OK, I have calmed myself down now from my previous tirade. I did a little research on post international adoption issues and found some information that was helpful. DD may have oppositional defiant disorder. It seems it is very common in children who were previously in a very controlled, rigid environment (such as the orphanage she was in her entire life until July). If this is indeed what she is exhibiting, I believe it is rather mild right now, and sporadic. The main treatment is spending time with her, giving positive reinforcement for good behaviors. I will be the first to admit that I tend to be a very task-oriented person. I like to make a list and check it all off & then have fun if there is time. I've got to change my priorities and stop living by a checklist. I need to live by that poem I asked about and Jennye was so nice to post for me:
Cleaning and Scrubbing can wait til tomorrow,
for babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.
Anyway, sorry for the previous rant. Just didn't want you all to think I was losing my mind (well, no more than any "new" mother loses it!).
Have a good evening all!
Vonnie
a few more years
Vonnie I figure you have at least four more years of bathroom company,,,,,nothing happens untill you have to go potty. Also don't plan on a full phone call as this will be the only time your adolesent will deem it necessary to talk to you.
Becky I love Martha but she is only on at 1:30 am at my house,,,that is a bit late and I know I could tape it but I have the vcr in my bedroom and it would make too much noise,,,,I do have two more vcr s but they are hooked up to the sattelite and the guy made it so I can't figure out how to tape ,,I usually am a wiz at that stuff,, will have to try again
flying??? nope not a lot anyway
ta-da
-showered and dressed
-cleaned catboxes
-ate breakfast
-sent letters
-put dinner in the crockpot
-made an appointment for a barium swallow test
-dishes
-laundry
-finished TG decorations
-went to post office
-got a new candle lighter
-checked my old laptop for old school papers to submit to grad school (unsuccessfully, oh well)
-put new sheets on the bed
-took out trash
-made the rest of dinner
slug:
-vacuum
-work on "novel"
-work on Flybaby holiday plan
Vonnie, I'm glad you are feeling a little better about DD.
My first thought was, at least she's learned enough English to know that you are telling her to do something she doesn't feel like doing!
Good vibes for Vonnie
Vonnie,
Sounds like the two of you are going through a difficult time I think the combination of a defiant child, sleep deprivation, being sick, and parenting alone is enough to do anyone in. Cut yourself some slack and shorten your list, maybe. What fun things does she like to do with you? Those positive bonding times should really help.
I'm off to get my flu shot, make Christmas ornmanents with Tiger Cubs, and go see "Oliver" the musical. There may or may not be some flying in there!
Have a fun Saturday everyone!
Andrea
Good morning
Good morning, ladies (and gentleman)--
I must be getting old, because I thought I had a busy week. You young moms put me to shame!
I so wanted to just drive away by myself for a couple of days. I hoped to drive up to Vegas and goof off with Bronwyn for a day. Alas, I was informed I needed to be at a lunch meeting that day (which lasted until 6:30, by the way).
My sister is back in town. So we spent yesterday filling out probate papers and began the process of filing them. I would so like to just let my big sis take care of it all, but since she lives out of town, I have to be the one to do the paperwork. (Although she filled it out and told me where to sign -- fine by me!)
I ordered a washer/dryer combo to be delivered today. Good thing I decluttered the laundry/storage room last week.
Hope everyone has a good weekend. Vonnie, you just hang in there! You have challenges that most moms don't have to cope with. My prayers are with you.
Motherhood!
Vonnie, much of what you're going through is common to all mothers. I have a defiant 3yo, so I feel for you. The others are more passive; they just pretend not to hear me.
And my 2yo, ironically, is the sweetest & most compliant of all. But the 3yo...whew! I've been trying to do some of the parenting with love & logic principles, but it takes a long time to change one's habits. I think you are right on track with increasing together time...read somewhere recently that "love to a child is spelled t-i-m-e." It's good to be reminded of that. I'm bad about being focused on my tasks, too. I hate it when things fall apart & are disorderly!
Lois, I'm sure some of what you are dealing with lately is emotionally draining. Glad sis is helping you some. Awright on the new washer/dryer!!
I have absolutely no ta da's to report, but it's for a good reason; we had another couple over for Darrel's curry last night. We had totally forgotten about it, though! Good thing they called us ahead of time.
We watched a bit of the Two Towers documentary, but I had to go nurse Emma to sleep and accidentally fell asleep before they left. The house is still awful, with boxes & all, but I don't mind having over people we know well & who I know don't care.
Way behind on everything. I have laundry backed up because it's muddy and has to be scrubbed.
I hate doing that and it takes time I don't have right now. I have got to pay those doggone bills today. I just haven't had an unbroken length of time to sort it all out (have to sort through a pile of papers first). Emma's been wakeful lately and won't sit for me. I think her little tummy backs up & gives her discomfort.
I am wearing my flying shoes today! So that's one ta da. It really does snap my brain to attention.
Love y'all! Happy Saturday, aka family fun day!
Good morning!
Yay, it's Saturday!! LOL!
Vonnie, I hope dd gives you a bit of a break this weekend. For what it's worth, NO is a word they all learn a bit too early and use too often.
Lois, sorry you didn't get to spend your weekend with Bronwyn.
Susannah, have you done those bills YET! LOL!
Subbing was great! There are 15 3rd graders in our school. I had a time trying to TEACH HOW you multiply numbers. LOL! I knew how, just took me a few minutes to get it on their level. But it was loads of fun! Ended up eating dinner at inlaws, and the girls stayed the night, as usual on Fridays.
Need to do some picking up and laundry here today. Supposed to be pretty nice, high of 74 but windy. Tomorrow, low is to be 14 and high 35 and windy (windy here is 25-35 MPH sustained, with gusts 50-60 MPH). I may ditch church.
Ya'll have a great weekend!
Brr.
Well, last night was the coldest since I've been keeping track (about four years now). Down to 1 degree below zero, it's only about 1 degree above right now. Doing the outside chores this morning was not pleasant.
Tada's from yesterday:
- Washed diapers and 2 other loads of laundry, folded lots of laundry
- Took the boy out to play in the snow (it wasn't nearly as cold yesterday)
- Worked on some software
- Took delivery of 4 1/2 tons of hay
- Reviewed another chapter back from the editors
- Washed dishes
- Cooked dinner
- Hauled in lots of firewood
- Cleaned another catbox
- Ground more flour (time to make bread again)
Today's PODA: Childcare and cleaning in the office. DW was up late (well, so was I, but she needs more sleep than I do) and DD1 is already up; I expect DS3 within the hour. Around noon DW is taking off for an afternoon and evening out with the gals. So overall I've have both kids to take care of for most of the day. I'm not planning any work; there are bookshelves in the office that are overdue for reorganization, a lot of clutter up here to pick up, filing to do, and that's probably as much as the kids will allow.
Vonnie, I think the only solution for the novelty of the computer is to get DD3 her own computer. Of course I understand that a lot of parents don't have our attitude on this. Having each kid with their own keyboard does at least cut down on the amount of extra keystrokes that get entered on mine. Anyhow, hang in there...DS3 can be infuriating at times, but he's loveable the rest of the time. I'm finding that the big challenge is just to keep from losing my temper; things get worse when I scream and holler, so I try to stay calm even when my blood is boiling out of my ears.
Jenny, we don't have a problem with the dishwasher - no dishwasher
- but DD1's latest trick is to take off her clothes every chance she gets. With the house being chilly for winter, this is a real problem. Actually she's been doing the striptease thing for a while...her LATEST trick is to try to hide the pants and socks so we can't put them back on her. I am contemplating using some duct tape when getting her dressed.
Susan, if we have some nice weather I might take a shot at getting some lights up last year. (Not today!) Last year the project was aborted when the big extension ladder fell on top of DS-then-2. A big scare for everyone, though he was just a bit bruised. No one but us will see them, but DW misses the lights. Or maybe we'll just string them around the living room again.
Susannah, yup, we have two llamas. Not sure whether I'm keeping them or they're keeping me. I don't shear them or anything, though there's plenty of wool; no time to do anything with it, and they're not tame enough to get haltered anyhow. But they are silly animals that are somehow soothing to watch, and they chase away some of the coyotes.
DD1 wants more breakfast (I swear this child eats more than her brother) and probably needs a diaper change, so off I go.
-Mike
De-lurking for a passion of mine....
Vonnie have you listened to any Love and Logic????
They have tapes you can get from you library, easy to listen to for busy mommies while cleaning house or you can buy the tapes, cd from them directly www.loveandlogic.com. Cheeper then therapy LOL just kidding not that I think that is coming just a funny I like to say to myself...
I’ve known them to help parents and teachers with children of all levels of difficultness... from the most disruptive to the mild realitvly well behaves just needs a little help..... It is the tapes/cd that I learned and got the most out of .... the speaker Jim Fay is sooo funny like Bill Cosby to listen to, while teaching some some easy, some complex techniques for helping kids learn, in a loving way, the consequences to their behaviors.... without (key word here) the parent getting upset.
The best tape to start with is Helicopter, Drill Sergeant and Consultant.... those are three types of parenting... I strive, not 100% good at it, to be a Consultant! Tho sometimes I have to admit I am a Helicopter sometimes and a Drill Sergeant toooo often to wanna admit. But I’m also a Consultant often enough to see the benefit in my children's happiness and behavior... thus ultimately my happiness.
when handed a basket of lemons make lemonade
Charlene
Hi Flyfriends!
Hope everyone is having a nice weekend. The weather was amazing here today and is supposed to be nice tommorrow also. It is my weekend off and is actually nice for once
I've been feeling better the past few days. Down to evening sickness instead of all day. I know it will all be worth it but is hard since the bathroom is quite a run from my pharmacy at work. Actually made a few mad dashes and made it this week. Mike, small meals seem to be working. And Big Macs. LOL.. I have no trouble eating that's for sure. Trying hard to get in the fruits and veggies, but have broken down for fast food a couple of times. Lots of water has helped too. Oh and your dedication page was so sweet.
Andrea, I wet the Mr clean eraser and used it in my tub. It didn't scratch at all. Happy Birthday to your DD a little late.
Susannah, thank goodness ds is ok. Must have been very scary for you. Glad everything is ok.
Vonnie, I just wanted to say to be easy with yourself. This too shall pass. I have no experience whatsoever yet at being a Mom, but you sure sound like a great Mom and I bet in the next two years I will be asking for your advice.
Jenny, so glad you got to sub. Sounds like it went well.
Hi to everyone else.
Hardly any flying today, too much socializing during the week at night so I am trying to rest today.
Tada:
~washed kitchen and bathroom floors
~vaccuumed whole house
~raked front yard with DH and cleaned out bushes in backyard
~have a pork tenderloin in oven and should have a nice dinner
slug:
go to JCpenney and order MIL curtains she picked out for Christmas
go get blood test done before next appt 12/10. HAve to do this on my next day off Wed.
Have a great night everyone. Love Jackie
hi all
I am tired! Must have gotten a fair amount done today because I am too tired to post a ta-da.
See ya later!
Yuck
That's my life at the moment. I have a massive, nasty cold. It started Wednesday and today I am pretty much on my butt. Yuck. I hate colds. They last too long. So anyway, no flying for me, just trying to get through the day. Thank goodness I have a short (2-day)workweek coming up so I can get caught up.
TADA
got recertified for CPR and first aid yesterday
PODA
pay bills
get groceries
sit around and feel miserable, try not take it out on anyone else.
Be healthy everyone!
-Jo
I have a TADA!
Ok, I just got done cleaning all science projects out of the fridge, including some potato salad from early September I didn't know was even there! YUCK! Very empty in there, I need food! LOL! Seriously, I don't know what on earth to fix for meals this week!
Also finished the 40 log cabin blocks for a quilt and put them all together. I still need some blocks for the 4 corners and 3 borders, but I don't have enough fabric for those. I got the center done, and that is what I wanted to accomplish. All my fabric stash is 1/2 a yard or less of various fabric, not large quantities. I'm trying to use up this stash before I'm buy anything else.
Today, I want to work on placemats for Thanksgiving. Pottery Barn Kids had the CUTEST ones of a turkey with pockets in the feathers for the silverware. Trying to copy those, thought it would be cute for for our table for the kids.
Ya'll have a great day!
Recipe
Becky, I didn't forget, just finally got around to doing it. My Sour Cream Cookies are now in the recipe box.
cookies!!!!
Ooh thank you Jenny!!!!
Ta-da: napped all day. I was feeling a little under the weather but now I feel fine, just not very accomplished.
crash and burn
What a slug I was last night. I had a great day, but last night after dinner my son and I rented a couple movies since DH was out of town on business. We watched DS's movie first and then I put him to bed. Instead of shining my sink I left the dinner dishes and watched my movie.... at 12:30am when my movie ended I was exausted so I just went to sleep. I was deffinately FROWNING this morning when I saw my kitchen. WHAT A MESS! Not to mention that I am SOOOOOOO tired!!!!
PODA:
shine the sink
finish wrapping and mail gifts to family
work on Master Bedroom
clean out car
return movies
I could use that kick in the pants today. I am NOT motivated!!!!!!
Have a great day all!
Morgan
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