Mondays. The beginning of the work/school week. Today held another new beginning for our family, as my husband began a new job. The kids also began their Spring Break.
I. Am. Tired.
I've been spoiled, because Mark has been home for the last couple of weeks while he waited to begin the new job. So, I've had help every morning, getting the kids up, ready, and out the door. Then today came along. Boom! I had to remember how to get everyone up and ready to go; somehow, I did it, and even managed to be on time for work. Score one for mom!
After work, I picked up the kids, took Al to his weekly occupational therapy appointment, fed the kids, did some more work, and now I'm finally ready to wind it down and go to sleep.
Mondays are tough. Today was even tougher. But, I'm thankful for this new chapter for our family, and I'm proud of Mark for leaving a company with which he was very familiar to seek a better opportunity for us.
Bring it, Tuesday.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Basketball
Basketball is a fun sport to watch. It seems like many of us become experts in college basketball every year, right around St Patrick's Day. March Madness prompts us to determine the outcome of the tournament, whether we know anything about any of the teams or not.
Mark and I are no different. We filled out brackets this year, in a pool with our small group from church. Mark follows sports more closely than I do, but due to a great run of luck, my bracket is beating his. I, of course, am loving this; sometimes, you can't help but gloat, right? I made some pretty crazy picks, but after today's games, three of the four teams that I placed in the Final Four are actually there. Not bad for someone who pays little attention to sports!
The kids are getting into the games, too, which has been fun. It's rare for us to find programming that we can all enjoy together, so the tournament has been great. They like to reenact the games in the living room, which is sometimes obnoxious, but chaos in this house is pretty common so we're used to tuning it out.
Next Saturday's games will be entertaining, too. We'll definitely be watching! Here's hoping my bracket is still in good shape next week.
Mark and I are no different. We filled out brackets this year, in a pool with our small group from church. Mark follows sports more closely than I do, but due to a great run of luck, my bracket is beating his. I, of course, am loving this; sometimes, you can't help but gloat, right? I made some pretty crazy picks, but after today's games, three of the four teams that I placed in the Final Four are actually there. Not bad for someone who pays little attention to sports!
The kids are getting into the games, too, which has been fun. It's rare for us to find programming that we can all enjoy together, so the tournament has been great. They like to reenact the games in the living room, which is sometimes obnoxious, but chaos in this house is pretty common so we're used to tuning it out.
Next Saturday's games will be entertaining, too. We'll definitely be watching! Here's hoping my bracket is still in good shape next week.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Saturday Reblog: The Anticipation of Spring
Being the weekend, I've decided to share a post that was written in Winter 2013:
Done. Absolutely, totally over winter. Do you hear me, Mother Nature? Enough already.
And it hasn't even been that bad this year. Definitely more snow than last year, but I don't think it has been so bad, temperature-wise. I'm still done, though.
I'm tired of the extra ten minutes it takes for the kids to put their coats on, then take them off again when we get into the car. I'm also tired of the extra ten minutes it takes for the kids to put their coats on AGAIN when we reach our destination. Seriously, who has time for that?
Don't get me wrong; I'm also not a huge fan of summer. I don't like the heat, the humidity, the sun, the sweating. I'm very fair, and I burn after about seven minutes in the sun...even when wearing my SPF 50+. Ridiculous. My theory that I am descended from vampires makes a lot more sense after you spend a summer day with me.
But spring...lovely spring. Blue skies, chirping birds (winter days seem so quiet!), flowers sprouting up from the ground. It's like a redo on the year, a few months in. Let's face it, New Year resolutions are probably long forgotten by now, but with the arrival of spring also comes a renewal of motivation that helps jump start whatever goals you were working on. (Note to self: dig running shoes out of closet...)
Spring is the time to get back outside, to enjoy the fresh air that we avoid in the winter for fear of freezing to death while breathing it in. It's also a time to clean up; after all the snow melts, you can see all the crap that escapes your recycling bins on windy days, only to get buried in snow or blown down the street by icy winds. New plans for landscaping are made, barbeques are planned, and drinks are poured on patios (even though sometimes you sit, shivering, under blankets because spring in Ohio is still kind of chilly...but it's SPRING, damn it, and we are not sitting inside!).
Of course, as I sit and write this, I'm already thinking how ironic it is that in just a few months I'll probably be posting "The Anticipation of Fall" because I'll already be over summer. Don't judge; it's tiring to chase three kids around the neighborhood with spray cans of sunscreen.
But until then, I will indeed look forward to leaving the house with everyone in light jackets that can easily be worn in a five-point-harness car seat. Right now, that sounds quite heavenly, as I see that there is more snow in our forecast...
Done. Absolutely, totally over winter. Do you hear me, Mother Nature? Enough already.
And it hasn't even been that bad this year. Definitely more snow than last year, but I don't think it has been so bad, temperature-wise. I'm still done, though.
I'm tired of the extra ten minutes it takes for the kids to put their coats on, then take them off again when we get into the car. I'm also tired of the extra ten minutes it takes for the kids to put their coats on AGAIN when we reach our destination. Seriously, who has time for that?
Don't get me wrong; I'm also not a huge fan of summer. I don't like the heat, the humidity, the sun, the sweating. I'm very fair, and I burn after about seven minutes in the sun...even when wearing my SPF 50+. Ridiculous. My theory that I am descended from vampires makes a lot more sense after you spend a summer day with me.
But spring...lovely spring. Blue skies, chirping birds (winter days seem so quiet!), flowers sprouting up from the ground. It's like a redo on the year, a few months in. Let's face it, New Year resolutions are probably long forgotten by now, but with the arrival of spring also comes a renewal of motivation that helps jump start whatever goals you were working on. (Note to self: dig running shoes out of closet...)
Spring is the time to get back outside, to enjoy the fresh air that we avoid in the winter for fear of freezing to death while breathing it in. It's also a time to clean up; after all the snow melts, you can see all the crap that escapes your recycling bins on windy days, only to get buried in snow or blown down the street by icy winds. New plans for landscaping are made, barbeques are planned, and drinks are poured on patios (even though sometimes you sit, shivering, under blankets because spring in Ohio is still kind of chilly...but it's SPRING, damn it, and we are not sitting inside!).
Of course, as I sit and write this, I'm already thinking how ironic it is that in just a few months I'll probably be posting "The Anticipation of Fall" because I'll already be over summer. Don't judge; it's tiring to chase three kids around the neighborhood with spray cans of sunscreen.
But until then, I will indeed look forward to leaving the house with everyone in light jackets that can easily be worn in a five-point-harness car seat. Right now, that sounds quite heavenly, as I see that there is more snow in our forecast...
Friday, March 28, 2014
Heels
We have many different shoe options. Shoes can make an outfit, right? For some reason, today I thought that wearing heels would be a good idea. Tonight, my sore feet have other opinions.
It was finally above freezing today, and I was wearing pants that are a little long, so I pulled out a cute pair of open-toe heels. They made my pants look nicer, and I was able to show off a pedicure that I got weeks ago but have kept hidden under layers of socks (spring in Ohio is just lovely). I made it about 12 minutes before I wishing I would have worn flats.
Who convinced women that heels were necessary pieces of our wardrobes? Why did we listen? We willingly cram our feet into shoes that are very uncomfortable. Why? Fashion. That's why. Sometimes, fashion is more important than being nice to our feet.
Someday, someone will invent a comfortable pair of heels. I'm waiting, not-so-patiently, for that day to arrive. If someone could get on that right away, that'd be super.
It was finally above freezing today, and I was wearing pants that are a little long, so I pulled out a cute pair of open-toe heels. They made my pants look nicer, and I was able to show off a pedicure that I got weeks ago but have kept hidden under layers of socks (spring in Ohio is just lovely). I made it about 12 minutes before I wishing I would have worn flats.
Who convinced women that heels were necessary pieces of our wardrobes? Why did we listen? We willingly cram our feet into shoes that are very uncomfortable. Why? Fashion. That's why. Sometimes, fashion is more important than being nice to our feet.
Someday, someone will invent a comfortable pair of heels. I'm waiting, not-so-patiently, for that day to arrive. If someone could get on that right away, that'd be super.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Funny
I try to keep a nice house, meaning tidy and decorated, but let's face it: it's nearly impossible when you have children under the age of 10.
Just this evening, I was complaining at the dinner table because someone smeared spaghetti sauce all over one of the new placemats. My husband suggested that maybe we just shouldn't have placemats.
My left eyebrow shot up; it really does have a mind of its own at this point.
"I have the placemats to cover up all the marker and ink and scratches on this table!", I oh-so-helpfully explained to Mark. Then, my tirade continued with "These things wouldn't happen if I didn't live in a house full of flying monkeys!"
Mark, not missing a beat, responded with "Well, let's just remember who was in charge of all the flying monkeys."
Touché, dear. If he and the kids are the flying monkeys, I suppose that does make me the Wicked Witch.
I bet she had clean placemats, though.
Just this evening, I was complaining at the dinner table because someone smeared spaghetti sauce all over one of the new placemats. My husband suggested that maybe we just shouldn't have placemats.
My left eyebrow shot up; it really does have a mind of its own at this point.
"I have the placemats to cover up all the marker and ink and scratches on this table!", I oh-so-helpfully explained to Mark. Then, my tirade continued with "These things wouldn't happen if I didn't live in a house full of flying monkeys!"
Mark, not missing a beat, responded with "Well, let's just remember who was in charge of all the flying monkeys."
Touché, dear. If he and the kids are the flying monkeys, I suppose that does make me the Wicked Witch.
I bet she had clean placemats, though.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Diva?
I may be nearing diva status. Not the typical diva, one who performs and is celebrated for her vocal talents. Rather, something a little different: a Mom Diva. A Miva? A Dimo? I don't know. The name really isn't that important.
Like many mothers, I'm involved in my kids' activities. I have always been supportive of them and their endeavors, but I have always promised myself that I wouldn't be that mom. I don't want to be the obnoxious Dance Mom, the pushy Stage Mom, or the loudmouthed Sports Mom. I really, really don't want to be any of those people. I just don't have the time or energy. I see the reality shows; I've witnessed acts of hard core mom-ing at my own kids' events. I want none of it. I'm sure their coaches/instructors appreciate it.
Now, when it comes to school matters, or similar issues, it's a different story. Any time I find myself in the role of the advocate, I find myself a little bit closer to the diva line. Or, at least, that is how those on the other side of the issue tend to respond, like I'm some prima donna that they have to satisfy just to shut me up. When I get what I want for my kids, what I think is in their best interest (I'm not making unreasonable demands), I feel like I'm regarded as that mom. In this case, I'm ok with it.
I've recently found myself at two different events, which didn't go the way I would have liked, and I was unhappy about it. For once, these issues weren't directly related to the school, but they were tied to the kids. I found myself all wound up, spouting things like "There needs to be a change!" and "Maybe I just won't kill myself to participate this year!" Definitely diva-worthy statements; had my hair been longer, I probably would have flipped it.
Who am I kidding, though? Of course I'll continue to participate, and I'll suggest changes that will probably be easily dismissed. That will feed the inner diva in me, I'll throw a couple more hissy fits, and that will be the end of it. Or will it? I haven't really decided yet. (Is this blog post vague enough for you? Ha!)
Fortunately for everyone, the person who will most likely get to deal with Jen the Diva is my husband. Everyone else will probably see a reserved, maybe scowling, Jen, but don't let that fool you. I could be just one more frustrating meeting away from becoming a full blown, Real Housewives worthy, diva.
Maybe, at the very least, I'll get my own tv show...
Like many mothers, I'm involved in my kids' activities. I have always been supportive of them and their endeavors, but I have always promised myself that I wouldn't be that mom. I don't want to be the obnoxious Dance Mom, the pushy Stage Mom, or the loudmouthed Sports Mom. I really, really don't want to be any of those people. I just don't have the time or energy. I see the reality shows; I've witnessed acts of hard core mom-ing at my own kids' events. I want none of it. I'm sure their coaches/instructors appreciate it.
Now, when it comes to school matters, or similar issues, it's a different story. Any time I find myself in the role of the advocate, I find myself a little bit closer to the diva line. Or, at least, that is how those on the other side of the issue tend to respond, like I'm some prima donna that they have to satisfy just to shut me up. When I get what I want for my kids, what I think is in their best interest (I'm not making unreasonable demands), I feel like I'm regarded as that mom. In this case, I'm ok with it.
I've recently found myself at two different events, which didn't go the way I would have liked, and I was unhappy about it. For once, these issues weren't directly related to the school, but they were tied to the kids. I found myself all wound up, spouting things like "There needs to be a change!" and "Maybe I just won't kill myself to participate this year!" Definitely diva-worthy statements; had my hair been longer, I probably would have flipped it.
Who am I kidding, though? Of course I'll continue to participate, and I'll suggest changes that will probably be easily dismissed. That will feed the inner diva in me, I'll throw a couple more hissy fits, and that will be the end of it. Or will it? I haven't really decided yet. (Is this blog post vague enough for you? Ha!)
Fortunately for everyone, the person who will most likely get to deal with Jen the Diva is my husband. Everyone else will probably see a reserved, maybe scowling, Jen, but don't let that fool you. I could be just one more frustrating meeting away from becoming a full blown, Real Housewives worthy, diva.
Maybe, at the very least, I'll get my own tv show...
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Ugh
Ugh. Yep, that about sums up today.
It snowed, again. The kids are refusing to do their homework, and pretty much everything else I ask them to do. I had to attend an unorganized, frustrating meeting (which, for once, had nothing to do with school). I have a crappy cough that won't go away, for which my doc prescribed a pricey nighttime cough syrup that I'm reluctant to take because I have too much to do to just slurp it down and pass out in bed for the next 10 hours.
Ugh.
So, yeah, this is all I got for today. Super.
Tomorrow is a new day, though, so I will just fumble my way through the rest of today and hope that inspiration strikes tomorrow. Until then, good night...and ugh, again.
It snowed, again. The kids are refusing to do their homework, and pretty much everything else I ask them to do. I had to attend an unorganized, frustrating meeting (which, for once, had nothing to do with school). I have a crappy cough that won't go away, for which my doc prescribed a pricey nighttime cough syrup that I'm reluctant to take because I have too much to do to just slurp it down and pass out in bed for the next 10 hours.
Ugh.
So, yeah, this is all I got for today. Super.
Tomorrow is a new day, though, so I will just fumble my way through the rest of today and hope that inspiration strikes tomorrow. Until then, good night...and ugh, again.
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