Catching Up

Seems like all the time I am trying to play catch up. I really want to stay on top of things, but I guess having to work, keep a house in order, myself sane(which is hard) and take care of 2 children, that doesn't happen but in a blue moon. I'll say my laundry is all caught up, and that's a great feeling.

A few weeks back the kids and I went to see The Wizard of Oz production from the GHS Jr.High kids. The children enjoyed it. We got there very early because we got hit with a terrible snow storm, but we left in plenty of time to allow us to go slow and not hurry ourselves into an accident.

The children are changing so fast. Owen can read a little, knows his abc's, 1-100, count by 5's, knows his coins, we've finally accomplished our address, telephone number and a few other small things. It's amazing how much he has changed since he started kindergarten. I remember just about bursting into tears when his 4-5 yr old Preschool teacher showed me his writing at the beginning of his 2nd year of preschool, in the middle and at the end. What a difference it truly makes!!!! He is eager to learn, and loves his school work. I cannot wait until he can read to me. Owen is already looking forward to 1st grade and he eagerly wants to start boy scouts in the fall. We're taking a break from soccer this year and hopefully we'll be content with boy scouts next school year.
Lydia can count 1-12, knows her colors, her name, all our names, and we're working on counting higher and recognizing more abc's. She loves to color, draw, play with her baby dolls, mommy them and help me in the kitchen. She enjoys going to her preschool dance class once a week. This past week we were able to bring her costume home. What a doll!! Sorry can't post any pictures until after the recital (May 19). Lydia thinks she has a few lose teeth, because Owen has 2 loose bottom teeth.
We went ot Hermitage last week for a few errands and decided to go shopping for material for our tooth fairy pillows. I took a tooth clip art from Microsoft Word and will cut it out on fabric and begin my handy work, hopefully sooner rather than later. (so that's what the tooth pic is below). We also popped in to see Aunt Billie and Uncle Chuck for a few moments after we made our way through Kraynak's Easter Bunny lane. Owen laughed at the Seasame Street characters playing around at the gym. lol.

Lydia had her first year of preschool pictures a few weeks ago. I cannot wait to see them. She usually takes great pictures. She has dance pictures here in a month. I cannot wait!! So we will begin practicing on her hair soon so it's not a complete disaster!!!! :(

here she is ready for school pics.

April 9 is Cocoa's adoption anniversary. I cannot believe it's been a year. The kids enjoy her so much and she's grown quite friendly.

April 18 is Molly's 3rd birthday. I'd really like to get another dachshund. Small dogs are so easy to care for. She's been a great dog. Great with the kids. Listens well to us.
Here's Owen and molly playing outside while waiting for the bus one morning this past week.

For some reason last week and this week have been very very hard on me. Unsure what is up. But I definitely have been quite emotional. So twice this week I found myself watching my babies sleep. It makes me sad to stop for a few moments, realize just how precious they are, how blessed we are to have such healthy, beautiful fun children! I always cry while Im watching them sleep because I get to reminiscing and realize how they';ve grown. It's not sad, but it's not happy. It's a weird feeling. Life goes to fast, but yet goes too slow.

California

Finally a free moment to blog to let you know how our trip went to Anaheim, California......
I had a cold so the flight from Pittsburgh to Chicago wasn't too well. And we were on a very small plane!!!

It was odd traveling without the children, but being sick made it nice. Didn't have extra stuff to think about. The kids had a blast while we were gone. Owen was very tired from all the commotion. I think finally this weekend we're getting back to normal.

Once we arrived in Anaheim we stayed at a Choice Hotel (we get a Farm Bureau discount) and ate dinner at Spoons. Spoons was a nice mexican type resturant. Very good meal! We were stuffed. I fell asleep this night at 730pm Cali time, but 1030pm PA time. This is when I realized this time change was going to be a little bit of a challenge. It doesn't seem like 3 hrs can make a difference, but it did. I was wide AWAKE at 330a.m.  We had a nice breakfast at the hotel before catching a taxi to The Marriott where our group was staying.

At the Marriott we were able to check in very early (11am) and spoke with the Concierge to find out what were our options. So we walked quite a bit this day. A few miles across a few streets and into Downtown Disney. It was nice. We went to the gates of the parks, just to see what the costs were. Then walked across another few streets to Garden Walk and ate a nice relaxing lunch at Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co. Then while playing on our smartphones we discovered there was a The Cheesecake Factory acround the corner. So we went there, got dessert to go and headed back to the hotel to rest before our next venture. All the spouses and everyone in our group had a nice short dinner Sunday evening. After changing we decided to have a quite drink in the hotel's bar (wow $$$$$).

Monday I was able to eat breakfast and lunch with Troy. While he was in meetings I sat in the lobby and watched people, played on my phone and read. In the afternoon I put my swim suit on and laid in the sun for an hour. It was nice to relax!!!!

The evening the Pennsylvania group was taken to dinner from our head person to McCormick and Schmick's. mmmmm it was tasty. I had (this was out of my comfort zone) salmon and a delicious large crab cake!!!! Also with iced tea, caseser salad and a flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. I've since googled to see where there are other restuarnt locations....Pittsburgh area has 3, I blieve. I know where I want to go next year for my birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Troy's dessert. Dark chocolate bag filled with blood orange mousse with berries.

Tuesday we ate breakfast together and while Troy was in a meeting I packed! We were ready to go very early and arrived at the airport in plenty of time. From Santa Ana we flew to Dallas Fort Worth. What a nice large airport! It was a quick free time. We got soft pretzels and by the time we made it to our next gate, the flight was boarding.

All the streets were lined with palm trees. The city was very very clean!

Once we arrived home to Pittsburgh, got in the car, paid for parking....it started to pour down rain!!! We made it in good time. Finally at 3a.m. we slipped into bed!

What a nice relaxing trip alone where I didn't really have to share my husband. But like all trips/vacations it's nice to go away but always nice to come home!!!

The Sickie's again!

Well we've done it again, we're all sick! It just doesn't seem like we can get a break. We did great for 3 weeks after Christmas, then bam we're sick again. Owen started with a runny nose, coughing and sneezing...he seems to be much better. Lydia came down with it Friday night, Saturday ish...she has napped every day since then. That's really not like her. Then Troy and I started on Sunday/Monday. Last night Lydia sat straight up in bed SCREAMING her lungs out! She demanded her earring be taken out because she thought that was hurting her ear. I knew what was going on , but in the middle of the night there is nothing you can do other than Tylenol for an ear infection.
I put Owen on the bus, set my alarm since I hadn't slept more than 3-4 hrs of sleep, got up and called the doctor's office when I knew they were in. I also had to call off work. Daddy had stuff scheduled at the farm today, I couldn't bear to leave Lydia and I felt like crap. So the verdict reveals that Lydia has an ear infection in each ear and a sinus infection. Poor thing. No wonder she's so sensitive.
We had to wait awhile for the prescription, good old computer faxing, I'll carry my scripts from now on to the pharmacy. It took them 1/2 hr to get the script and 45 minutes to fill it. I just wanted to come home, but I am really trying not to over react or be upset at the things I cannot change. So Lydia and I went for a few groceries to make Wedding Soup, bread, lunch out and the post office....then we had to wait for 10 more minutes for the script.
Once home, I was able to cat nap, but for some reason she was wound up. Then at 530 pm she CRASHED! And has been out and probably will be out the rest of the night.
Im trying to get prepared for our trip. It doesn't make it easy when we are all sick. :(
The kids are super excited!

ok.rewind to a few things we missed......

This past weekend we got a snow storm, but that didn't keep us in. Saturday we had a birthday party for a friend of ours, it was nice to sit and chat with other mom's while the kids played. The evening we all went to Hermitage for a few errands, including ordering my laundry sink for the basement. We had to order it, but I am so excited. While we were there we looked over the carpet section. I really want to replace the carpet in our living room. (It's the only carpet in our house that's permanent). If were in this house in years to come we've talked about carpeting our bedroom. But time will tell and Troy's got talks of other plans for the housing arrangements, so like I say...time will tell.

Sunday we celebrated with Troy's family his 35th Birthday, which is tomorrow February 16.

Tuesday for Valentine's Day we stayed home and had Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, everyone loves it in our family. Owen and Lydia had a great day celebrating with their classes at school. They took rice krispie treats that I added burgundy dye to and used a heart shape cookie cutter to cut out. I think they were a hit.

I think that wraps up our past week.

Happy 1st Birthday, Cocoa!!!

Thursday, February 9, 2012 was Cocoa's First Birthday! I didn't remember til after I got home from work and was getting Lydia ready for dance class.

So I took a picture of the birthday girl on my lap. Including a few photos that I like of her that we have taken. She truly is a good bunny. The kids really have grown to like her and that she isn't like a dog. It was a little rocky at first, but she's part of our family now. Well has been since April 9, 2011.

Always something

Seems like there is always something that is nagging at me.....
This thing with Owen's teeth is really getting to me emotionally. I am trying so hard to be a good mom, and I know some say....just relax, but when I do....things happen....like cavities. Owen goes in 2 weeks for his first part of his dental work. Fillings under nitrous oxide. And the lady informed me it'll take 2-4 visits to complete everything because they aren't all in the same area and children can only receive so much N.O. at one time. okay. I feel confident because he's a pediatric dentist and was very pleased with him the last time we had to see him. We are preparing Owen for that, which will be shy of a week from when we return from our trip. I hope he does well. It's always a mom's thing to worry about the kiddos though.

While we are on the teeth subject.....Owen has a lose tooth, has for a few months now. But darn it I wish it would just fall out. But then I am not prepared. See we just ordered a book from the school book order on the tooth fairy and I need to get someone to help me make a tooth fairy pillow. I know why all these extras. Because he's a child and I want to keep my kids kids until I absolutely can't. Just like our house is decorated for Valentine's Day, it will be for st.Patrick's day and the leprechaun will come, just like the elf came, it's fun silly stuff that makes having kids so much fun.

Lydia had speech today and LOVES Miss.Betsy. They did a heart craft and worked on saying F sounds. FUH for FUN and stuff like that. She has been able to wear dresses the last few days because of this heat wave weather we're having. What a mild winter compared to last year. Wish we had planned on doing more this winter. Lydia said a classmates name today for the first time, I made her repeat it....SIERRA! YAY! We have a friend. We got to school this morning. I was helping her get settled, she pulled away from me and said "bye mom, I'm going to play with Sierra". AWWWW My heart melted 1/because she made a friend 2/she said her name (she doesn't really communicate that she knows those things to us) and 3/ that she pulled away from me. tear tear!

Troy went to the eye doctor today for an exam. Which it's been 2 years, and the one eye changed a little. I know he would like LASIK surgery some day, and I hope that we can do that for him. He's had glasses since he was in 2nd grade I think he said. I could be wrong. I've had mine since I was 20. So 10 years and Ive had enough of them already. I went last March for the first time in 3 years and they hadn't changed, so I bought contacts and saved my 'glasses card' til the end of this month when I am ordering a new pair.

Troy and I got to go to dinner for our anniversary on Saturday night. Was so nice to get away, alone, uninterrupted meal. We had to wait 30 minutes, but neither of us cared. We went to Hickory Grille. I'm a coupon'r so you all know. If you sign up for Springfield's newsletter, they'll send you an anniversary printable email for a free appetizer AND when it's your birthday they do the same...but it's dessert! So we ate for $25.00! yahoo. salad, bread, appetizer, 2 meals, Troy had a beer, me water and both of us got dessert. Now I call that being SMART!

Well enough rattling...one More thing to share. Tonight I actually captured this picture, Owen's getting to where he doesnt' want me to take his picture. But this is something about 6 months ago he started helping me do. Was grate the cheese for me. Well I already had the cheese done for the tacos tonight. So I had him do the cheese for tomorrow nights dinner....Chicken Mozzarella.

i'll post something special tomorrow.....

Hair...Teeth....lost child.....

I know it's been a while since I've last posted, sorry. Was wanting to do that a few days ago.
The kids went and got haircuts the beginning of this week. They look ADORABLE! I always love a fresh good haircut.

Last week I started a new journey....dieting! GASP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I tried Weight Watchers a couple of times and never could stick more than 3 weeks with it. But I am making myself do this, because I need to for me, for my kids, for my husband, for my health. So at Week #1 weigh in I was down......3 pounds. YAY And I even had pizza, ice cream, etc. See dieting isn't so bad. Just have to really want it and be willing to sacrifice some things. So every morning after I put Owen on the bus I sit and eat my oatmeal. This is what is staring at me....................

I keep telling her I am sure her food would be better, but she always watches me. It's so funny!

Yesterday I lost Owen in a walmart, a small misunderstanding, but we were ok. But oh man did I panic. The cashier had gotten her manager and were getting ready to start lock down mode. =(  Once we left there we raced to the dentist for Owen to get his teeth cleaned, for more feather ruffling news. I'm just going to say that Owen needs to see the pediatric dentist again, it won't affect his permanent teeth that haven't came in yet and we'll be ok. Just very disappointed!!! Now we are on a strict routine of brushing more often, fluoride,etc.

The countdown starts for our trip. I'm so excited. (our house is going to have a house sitter!) yay! I am getting nervous. I think it's a number of reasons I am nervous. But I am sure I will do just fine and enjoy myself.

February seems to be getting more and more populated with birthday's and anniversary's...... This month I have 5 co worker's birthdays, Our friends celebrated their 10th anniversary yesterday, we'll celebrate 8 yrs Tuesday, Troy's cousin's anniversary is tomorrow. LOTS. Then Birthdays for our close friends and family....one today, one Monday, uncle Jack is Wednesday, Aunt Joan and Troy share a birthday and Aunt Mary's is the 22. AND Owen has a friend too. AMAZING. Then you throw Valentine's Day in there, a few other odds and ends and a month filled with LOVE!!! <3

Speech and Such....

Lydia did well with her first speech therapy lesson. I unfortunately did not get to meet Ms. Betsy, missed her by 5 minutes. Maybe next time. Lydia has to work on her F sounds. She skips them. So we try to bite are lip as we say Fish or Frog. So it seems to be working. She did a fun snowman activity with her.

Lydia came down with a cold the night of her birthday party and then Owen missed school today because of it. Hopefully these kids get better. I'd like to keep them in a bubble. So because Owen missed today, we didn't get his report card. Guess we will hope it comes home with him tomorrow. That stuff is exciting to me. I love when he brings things home for me to read, same with Lydia.

They both went to the pediatrician on Monday for the 4 year and 6 year check ups. Both gained and grew like they should. Lydia grew 3 1/2 " and gained 6 lbs. Owen grew 3" and gained 8lbs. They both passed their hearing and vision screenings YAY! Next visit is for flu vaccinations in the fall and then next January we go for 5 and 7 year visits. Never thought I would say I had children these kid's ages. AMAZING how fast it goes. Owen had a dental exam at school Tuesday, and just has a tooth that supposedly needs looked at. Guess it's a good thing we have an appointment for a routine cleaning next week. The paper did not indicate which tooth, which I think it should have. odd!!!

Lydia got to try on her dance costume last week, I can't remember if I mentioned that. We're not to share pictures yet, because the costumes not complete and it will give away the excitement. But I forgot to mention that we did NOT have to pay for her costume, tights or hair accessory because we raised enough money in candy bar sales!! And we actually have a nice size credit. I'm so excited!!!!

I think I am catching the kids cold. Yesterday I just didn't feel well. Today I have a scratchy throat, sore ears and sneezing/runny nose. :(  I started taking a vitamin, so hoping to stay on that and maybe it'll help me steer clear of some of the winter germies.

today I was gone from home for 12 hrs , I don't necessarily like that. But I did some errands after work and then went to a meeting, for myself!

Tomorrow is my "friday" hahaha......But Friday is filled with meal delivery to a friend, errands, Owen needs to buy a birthday gift for a party Saturday. So I'm trying to figure out our Friday.

Lydia's Birthday Party

Because Lydia's birthday is December 30th, we always celebrate with my family after the fact. It gives us a reason to get together in January and allows all the chaos to calm down before more comes.

Last night we celebrated Lydia's 4th Birthday in our basement. I am very thankful for such a full, clean basement. If it weren't for water issues and it being chillier, Id contemplate making a family room down there because I feel like we're outgrowing our house. There are 3 rooms in the back of the house (bedrooms and bathroom) and in the front of the house the living room and kitchen, which really are a great size.

Here are a few pics from last night. Lydia had a great time as did all the other children. I think the adults had a good time playing games too.

After everyone left, we started getting ready for bed and I noticed Lydia's voice sounding funny. She cried through the night, barked/coughed and is sneezing and is sick today :( We did so well. If you know us, we (the kids) had colds 2 in September, once in October and November, then I was plagued with the flu bug the week before Christmas, then Lydia got it into the New Year. So it felt as if we were sick all the time. So I recalled to a few people "YAY We haven't been sick since Jan.3" Yeah well I totally jinxed myself. DISAPPOINTING!!!

She is so go to school tomorrow, start speech therapy and the kids have their yearly check ups. We don't have time for sickness. I just hope that if the rest of us are going to get it that we get it and get on with it so we aren't sick for our trip in February. I know I'm asking for alot.

Today has been filled with cleaning up after the party, laundry, dishes, sweeping, getting ready for a new week, packing away 2011 paperwork/bills,etc. I guess that's why we didn't really have any plans for today. I like a lazy Sunday.

Troy and his parents are working very hard getting ready for the inspectors who are supposed to be coming this week sometime. I pray it all goes well.

We are very thankful for our family and friends who joined us last night. Thankful for being well for a few weeks. Thankful for a warm house and this day to be able to stay home and get prepared for the week ahead of us.

Id ask for a silent prayer I'm starting something new this week, and am going to need lots of prayers specifically for strength to stay on task and stay focused. I will update you on this in about a week and a half.

And more snow....

I'm curious to know how much more snow we got last night. I like the snow don't get me wrong. It's just if I have to travel somewhere in it, be there at a certain time and am running behind. That's when the snow is an issue for me.

Of course I go back to work and it starts snowing like every other day!!!!

It wasn't too bad getting to work. No major oopppsys.

Wednesday I left a few minutes early, made it on time, but the roads were rough and slick from the freeze overnight. Thursday it took me 40 minutes to get to work, 50 to get back home, 40 to get to Greenville for dance class and another 40 to get back home. My math may be a little wrong, but i thought I had calculated 180 minutes of driving on Thursday. Geez. And I'm not even a taxi driver to get paid for that.
Thursday I worked, then Lydia had dance. It wasn't too bad driving home from work to get Lydia. Then we got about 3/4 the way to Greenville and the snow really started coming down. Believe it or not, there was only one little girl missing from Lydia's dance class. WOW!!!

Lydia got to try on her costume for her dance recital. (Mark your calendar's for Sat May 19). We are super excited. She loves dance and enjoys being around other little girls instead of little boys, which is pretty much the census of our friends. Lydia looked very very cute. I cannot wait to see the final product (remaining part of costume, hair,makeup,etc). EXCITING> And we raised enough money selling candy bars we didn't have to pay a CENT for her costume, tights, hair accessory,etc. YAY US!!!! I cannot reveal her costume, as it's a secret and we want you to be completely surprised for the recital.  Lydia was a bit miffed we weren't allowed to bring it home, but then again she doesn't understand.

Friday I worked and knew Grammie was off work. So I asked Lydia if she wanted to go to Grandma's for the day or to Grammie's alone (No Owen and No Savanna). She was soooooooooooo excited! So Grammie and Lydia got to spend the day together. She had a great time.

Owen has been staying home w/Daddy while we go to dance. Daddy's home, so they may as well stay home get dinner, homework, and bedtime routine started til we get home. Thursday's certainly are different in our house.

So we're starting to get ready for Lydia's birthday party today, and I had this crazy notion in my head to make the cakes myself. Well last night after working 3 days, all that driving, the kids in the grocery store "mom, mom, mom, mommy, mom, mooooom, can i get this, ohh i like that". I caved and bought the kids cupcakes, and 2 other smaller cakes.....I was too stressed and knew I couldn't get 2 cakes nicely made today and get ready....I know laziness.....I wanna say it's being smart so I don't get too stressed out! right?

Alright well Id better start getting motivated to get this house in order and us ready. Will post pictures tonight or tomorrow of the party.

Got behind a few days....it might take a while for this one. sorry

Owen received a paper from school telling us about the Lakeview School District kids collecting Penny's. So Owen decided to take on the challenge. It was for Coach's Vs. Cancer. The Lakeview Ball Team is raising funds for American Cancer Society. He was able to collect 2 full peanut butter jars with the help from Aunt Joanne, Mommy & Daddy, Aunt Mary, Aunt Joan, Mickey (from SRHS) and Grammie. He was so excited to take these to school on Friday that he forgot it was 'Show And Tell' Day. We didn't realize our mistake until Monday. Guess it was more important to raise money for Cancer Research. He had a blast. Luckily it was yucky out and daddy was able to take Owen and his load of pennies to school that day.

Then Lydia came home with a note as well last week asking for help from the preschool children's families to collect "groceries for the kids play kitchen". So all these packages are empty, cleaned and at Lydia's daycare now for the children to play with in their pretend grocery store and kitchen. What a cute and clever idea. We enjoyed gathering these items all weekend long.

Friday January 13 brought us some cold, windy, nasty weather....It didn't keep my two inside. It was 16 degrees as we waited for Owen to get off the school bus. Lydia and I were outside a total of half an hour. Owen was mad he was out only 15 minutes. But it was very windy. Our cheeks were very red when we came in. Owen had decided the night  before what our dinner would be.....his favorite....grilled cheese and tomato soup. So that was nice to warm us back up.

Tomorrow I return to work after being off for 11 days. Each day I tried to make sure I did something....and I did succeed. Grocery shopping, paying bills, ran errands, laundry, dishes, prepared a cooked meal each day, ran Lydia to preschool, Owen was treated to rides to school and a surprise pick up a few times, a doctor's appointment, packing away my Christmas decorations properly, extra cleaning, playing and laughing with the kids, baking, planning a birthday party, a trip to Anaheim,CA (I'm going on a business trip w/Troy), rearranged some stuff, organized drawers, cleaned out.....the list goes on and still continues. But one thing that I am so thankful for....ITS OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!  ha haha. I realized this in the last 4 weeks I do not think with our lifestyle/Troy's work that I could work full time, nor could I stay home full time. I am very thankful for the per diem job that I do that. God has blessed me with it. I wasn't looking and it appeared, it's worked out for almost 3 yrs (March 16) and I love the flexibility, my co workers and what I do.

We've been also trying to get Lydia (who appears to still have her umbilical cord attached to me only at bedtime) into her own bed. She did so well when Joanne got her her bed, but over the summer when I was working more, it was just easier to put her in  my bed and get to sleep. She's a very strong willed child, so it may take a while. Your wondering what about Troy? Well most of you know his schedule, but for those who don't....he milks the late milking, which is almost like a midnight shift. So he either sleeps on 1 of the 2 couches or Lydia's nice comfortable new bed.

Owen is enjoying school. He seems to want to talk more in the evenings about it when he comes home. But it's like I'm only allotted so many questions. So I read somewhere to not ask....it's like him hawwing around the question. Seems to work. He's fallen in love with the movie Mr.Popper's Penguins. He's going to be sad, but it goes back tomorrow evening and I am not renting anymore for a while.

Well I guess that's enough rambling for now. Thursday is Lydia's dance night, and this week she gets to try on her costume....I'll try to get a pic if we're allowed. She just LOVES dance.

Oh I almost forgot about an update on speech therapy....Lydia starts receiving treatments on Monday and also next week Owen gets his 2nd report card. Im so excited.

p.s. Susan V. If you read this...my blog needs a serious facelift/makeover/design. please help!

The snow is on it's way....

The kids are excited that snow is in the forecast!!! I on the other hand, well I guess as long as it gets it out of it's crazy system by next Wednesday, when I return to work.

Yesterday went so fast. Thank goodness!!!! I got my 5 stitches out and did fine. The pathology report is not back yet. Which is normal. I go back to work next next week with no restrictions. YAY!!!!

Lydia's appointment went well. It was very thorough and to the point. We were told she would start receiving services within the next 14 days. We got our call already this morning before 830a.m. to let us know that she would start her speech therapy the week of the 23rd. We're excited! But it finally hit home last night once everyone was in bed. That Lydia's being "labeled". It's a hard thing for a mother to hear, but also know that I am not ashamed. She is how she is. And we are at least responsible parents by getting her the help she needs. The therapist will come to see her 2 hours a month, I wish there were more time allotted for her for her speech therapy. But this is how it goes. She played very well while Troy, the social worker, the speech therapist, another helper and I went through what seemed like oodles of paper work.

While in Sharpsville Troy took Lydia and I by Dean Dairy, which I had never seen before. Pretty neat!!! And came the scenic route back to Transfer to drop off my return to work slip. Lydia loves going into where I work. But is strange because she doesnt' want to talk when she gets in there. The ladies are so excited to see her because I talk about my kids to them. I have such a great relationship with a few of them.

Then home to get Owen from his friend Megan's house. We had to make a few phone calls and explain our situation in depth to the school district in order for Owen to get off the bus with Megan. (Troy's parents were out of town and we had no one else to get Owen off the bus, and this meeting was so important that I did not want to have to reschedule-for fear it'd be another month before we'd get in). So our nice neighbor(well down the road a ways) and I have made friends. Owen and Megan were in the same preschool class for 2 yrs and Owen just loves playing with her. Megan's mom, Susan, and I did not grow up in the Sandy Lake Area, so it's been so nice getting to know her. And they are a sweet sweet family! I went to get Owen and Lydia decided to make herself at home and play....for 1 1/2 hrs!!!! (sorry Susan we were there so long). Finally, we were ready to go and decided to exit through the garage...which housed Megan's dad's four wheeler and the 2 baby kittens. Here are a few pictures.....

We are working on talking daddy into bringing this kitty home. It's so laid back, adorable, litter trained and we've never had a cat. Owen LOVES cats. Weird, but he loves them.

Just a stage or the full moon?

After quite a night or should I say weekend and day with Lydia's little outbursts.....I sat down last night and realized we had a full moon upon us. Ahh huh! Let's hope the full moon was to blame to her uncooperativeness, mean, outbursting attitude yesterday.

It looks so nice outside today, but it's so chilly. I know we haven't experienced winter yet, but I am ready for Spring. Get the kids outdoors, run the energy out of them so they crash in the evenings.

Yesterday I discovered our almost 3 year old Beta Fish, Snowy, was floating belly up in his bowl. So I tried to hide it from the kids. I did not succeed. Owen knew as soon as he got in the house that Snowy was no longer with us. :(  He paused a moment, thought to himself and started asking questions. He appeared to digest each and every answer. I felt like I had done something wrong and was being interrogated by a detective. I had to tell him that I buried him, LIE....under the pine tree, LIE....and that it'd be okay..... grrr I wish someone would create a book of "censored white lies" to tell our children, that they'd actually believe. Well truth be told Snowy is in our septic system now. (giggle) I did not want to have "handy manny" (owen) ripping my toilet apart.

On to today.....thank goodness there is no snowy talk, and I hope their won't be any. Because we are NOT getting another fish!

Lydia seems in better spirits today. No report from the teacher today at preschool pick up. But Lydia was a little sad she lost her headband at school. I get so irritated. Every time I take her with clips, pony tail holders, barretts, etc. They seem to either be in the backpack, minus the other matching clippy or lost completely. Where on earth do they go? Its like the missing socks in the dryer story.

Tomorrow I am thankful that I will be hopefully getting my 5 stitches out, not itchy yet, just something annoying about them. I seem to be doing well. Sore, but only Tylenol at bedtime is needed. We also have Lydia's IEP meeting for her Speech Therapy needs. I am nervous, but yet excited to get the ball rolling for her to receive help. We had her screened in October and in December we had her individually tested. She tested to where she needs speech therapy services. Her vocab is good, she knows her words. Unfortunately she is mixing up the beginning and the ending of words classing her to talk as a 24 month old. So we are fortunate that the Midwestern Intermediate Unit will come to her at preschool twice a month I think it is to help her. yay!!! I'll share more details after her meeting tomorrow.

Time just slips outta my hands....

Wow has alot happened since June 1, 2011.
I don't even think I dare to catch you up to speed.
I am really going to try and blog again. It's fun. I enjoy reading other blogs. Just because I am curious what others are up to. I don't necessarily think it's being nosey, because they put it out there, but I am just a curious person. Always have been probably always will be. lol
So tonight the kids are fighting horribly. Mostly because Lydia's going through a horrid stage! Today her teacher told me "she was very uncooperative today!". I felt like such a donkey, but yet was thankful to myself that someone else got to experience this sweet little adorable MONSTER for 2 1/2 hrs too! LOL!
Owen's laying on the floor playing with his new chugging ton die cast trains that he received as a Christmas present, and GODZILLA comes and rips one of the trains away from him, sending him to tears and she starts swatting away...in his defense he smacks her right across the face (I'm sure some of you are just floored by now, and hoping CYS isn't on my door step in the morning). But she's dreadfully mean to him.
Now, 5 minutes later, they are bff's (best friends forever) because big brother needs a "guard" to go to the bathroom with him. (since fire safety and the fire drills at school, he's scared to go to the bathroom, which outside the door in the hall is the smoke detector). And here comes Lydia carrying her brother's tractor and trailer he also received for Christmas...Lord help me if they start spatting again, I may have to send them to bed at 630pm :)
I tried Chicken and Dumplings last week for dinner. Turned out very well, followed the recipe. (it's a joke, Troy always insists I don't follow them-that's why stuff doesn't turn out). The kids were asking for leftovers 3 days later!!!! Guess I will have to do that one again. Last night was pork roast, chopped up potatoes, onions, celery and baby carrots. Troy doesn't like this meal particularly. He will say "it's not one of my favorites". He doesn't usually say much. Tonight, he may ask if I followed the recipe. Beef stroganoff.....I so didn't like it. It was edible. But I cannot say I'll be recreating this entree. I made the kids and him theirs and mine had onions and mushroom, they don't like them. Please pray tomorrow is much better, I'll need something to save me. It's boneless skinless chicken breast cooked with one of those Cooking Philadelphia Cream Cheese's. I'll be serving it over rice.
Well enough rambling.....cheers to 2012 and to new recipes and to hopefully blogging more.