Another Day of All Days

My day started out with a pap smear.  Yes, I really did just type that.  Apparently this blog has become my best friend because I am too tired to actually speak to anyone after bedtime.

While in line waiting to check in at the doctor's office I got a call from our daycare mom.  (I stayed home with both big kids yesterday as they were laid out for a good portion of the day.)  I spoke to crying Christian who genuinely wasn't feeling good and is afraid of throwing up at school.  #arentweall

I told her I was at the doctor's and he needed to get on the bus and I'd check on him when he got to school.

I was already nervous about my appointment because we needed to discuss my recurring problem with my pelvis since Brecken's birth.  Ultimately, I have several appointments set up to hopefully deal with this problem.

Coming into school eleven minutes before the students and having a substitute yesterday is pretty much a nightmare.  Sure enough C is crying at school.  I hugged him and said he needs to get through the day.  I sat down to eat my breakfast at lunchtime only to be told by a para that Christian "has been a mess all morning."  I headed down to the room.  I let him eat lunch in my room trying to get his mind off of it.  He barely had three bites.  He laid his head down on the table instead of going to recess.  If you know Christian you must be thinking, "Man!  He must be sick!!"  I was helping students and I glanced over to him and actually wondered if was sleeping.  I forced him to go to music and gym.  Our awesome gym teacher even sent me videos of him throwing the frisbee.  Made my day!

Thank goodness it was my day for the one hour prep.  During that time I called two moms, emailed a dad and got a voicemail from ECFE about Brecken's speech.  I took a breath and called back.  We have a home visit scheduled for Friday morning at 8am.

Another day late to school….but besides that I am sooo nervous to find out if he does qualify for services.  After all the years of referring kids to speech myself.  It might end up being our family in speech.  All I want is for him to get the help he needs…if he needs it.

After school we swung by the high school soccer game.  One large grassy field (next to the actual soccer field of course) and three small children to run run run.  We finally got home and then I realized the kids had major homework.  We tackled it all.  We got our reading in.  Everybody is sleeping and hopefully I will be too soon….

A First of All Firsts

Wow, today was a day of all days.

A first day, at that.

It started last night.  Both big kids up twice.  My belly hurts.  My head hurts.  I called First Day Jitters and hugged and kissed and sent them back to bed.  Of all days, our damn dog started howling at 5:45am.  I ran out to the living room to let him out.

V woke saying her belly still hurt.

We took our annual chalkboard pictures.

C told our daycare mom he didn't want breakfast because he didn't feel good.  Again, First Day Jitters.

I was at school a bit early with a fabulous coffee.  Little things started going wrong.  I greeted my new little friends who were, by no means, nervous on this first day.  Chatty chatty aggressive boys.  Couldn't believe my eyes.

I walked by Christian in the hall and he waved and said, "Mom! Mom!  It's me!  It's going great!  It's actually fun!!"  Warmed my heart:-)

Each day we have prep time while the students are at specialist.  One day it's only 30 min and the next day it's 60 min.  Today I had only 30 min.  I was organizing papers in the nurse's office because I didn't have time to get all the way back to my room and then back down to the office in such a short time.

When I got back to my room I had about 12 minutes before I had to leave to pick up my class.
In walks Victoria bawling.  My belly hurts!!  She climbs on my lap and I kiss her little forehead and pull my lips off because she was burning up.  (Guess it was not First Day Jitters!)  We headed down to the nurse's office and sure enough, 101 degrees.  She had to leave school. She was borderline hysterical and literally hyperventilating and I had to leave her.  Mother in Law to the rescue, grandma Jeanne was on the way.  I had no choice but to get my class.

My day finished off with chatty chatty chatty children that I actually had to yell at two boys who were actually being dangerous.  Tomorrow is going to be so different.  So different.

Finally all the buses arrived and children were on their way home and Christian and I were high tailing it out of school.  Christian told me, "Today was the best first day God ever created!!"  He was so excited to read his homework to me.

We ran into daycare only to find they weren't there.  Transportation messed up and put the bus stop at the wrong corner.  So our poor daycare mom has to load up all the toddlers/babies and walk down the street to wait for the bus.  I scooped up Brecken and raced to the minivan running the middle of the street and she yelled, "Don't forget his blankie!  It's on the counter!"  Back to her house.  Christian Big Brother Extraordinaire ran in got Ning Ning and B's shoes and was back out in under 30 seconds.

We raced over to get V who looked a million times better.  We raced home.  I started making Breakfast for Dinner - family fave - while B climbed on the kitchen chairs and onto the table so I actually let him play with eggshells to keep him busy (and keep him without head trauma).  The big kids were pulling out papers and papers from school.  There was shit everywhere.  B broke my necklace and my charms went flying all over the floor.

Finally dinner was served.

Only to have Brecken break out in hives so bad on his face (particularly around his eyes) so bad I texted his daycare mom a picture and asked what he ate today and see if anything was different today.

Benadryl given.  Fingers crossed.

OMG.  Fingers crossed day two goes a hell of a lot better tomorrow…..

The Beginning of the End

It is coming to an end.

Do I feel sad?  No.  Do I wish it could go on longer?  Yes.  Now, there is a lump in my throat.
So..I guess….yes, I am sad.

Every end of summer is like this.  Except not exactly.  I put a lot of thought into what I wanted and expected out of this summer.

Just about everything important and more has been successfully completed.

Tonight marks the end of my last full week off.

**I wrote this on Sunday night.  I didn't finish it.  But I want to cross it off my list.

Finally Finished

I graduated with my Master's the day I found out I was pregnant with Christian.  Since then I've only taken one three credit class.  Some friends banned together and we all signed up together.  I took two three credit classes this summer.  I completed one while on our road trip.  It was such a relief.  That meant I had one entire class to finish in just a month.  That actually doesn't seem that bad when I type it out.  However, even though I've had a ton of fun this summer, taking care of three kids is a TON of work.  I really feel like they deserve my time and energy and I've given it all to them.  I did not go to Chuck E. Cheese this morning because it was what I wanted to do, believe me.  But am I glad we went?  Absolutely.  

Tomorrow I have to work all day as well as the following day.  Not bad yet, but soon I will be back full time and have even less energy than I have now at the end of the day.  I have been carrying around my Classroom Management that Works book with me around the house lately.  Reading here and there.  It was not an easy read and I must admit I didn't enjoy it much.  I've been sick of feeling the pressure and decided this morning that today I was going to get as much done as I possibly could.  I spent the full two hours at nap doing nothing but tap tap tapping away.  I did everything I possibly could with as much knowledge as I had.  Brecken woke up and life took back over.  After dinner I put Brecken down at his regularly scheduled bedtime - 5:30 and the big kids were in bed at 6:30.  Christian fell immediately asleep and V read for a bit.  I was reading and typing by 6:40.  I worked all night long and sure enough, I FINISHED!!!!!

What a relief!  After all the complaining all summer.  Thinking about it all the time.  It was constantly looming over me.  It's done.  Hip hip hooray!  I can breathe easier now.  I am exhausted….hoping for a good night's sleep before I have to drop Brecken off in the morning!!

#iamaprocrastinator

Shows We Both Love

Mark and I love watching TV together.  And we REALLY love when we both actually enjoy what we're watching.  I've thought many many times to do a What We're Watching Now post and it's never been done.  Until tonight!!

Eleven years ago tonight, Mark proposed to me.  And I said yes!  So it's about time we co-write a blog together.  If this turns out ok, he may be my side kick.   At least at editing this as we think of more things to add.

In the past shows we've loved together have been Season One of American Idol- we danced together to Kelly Clarkson in our apartment living room!,  NYPD Blue, ER, Friends -living in Therese's basement,
NipTuck, Private Practice, The Dirt,


Breaking Bad - We both concede that this the BEST SHOW EVER!!!!!!!  We took it upon recommendation to watch it.  I put the dvd in and Mark said, "What is this about?"  I said, "I have no idea, but Molly and Odelis both said we'd love it."  In the first four minutes Mark looked at me and said, "Wow, huh?"  I agreed.  I should have done a complete blog about this show in itself because seriously, OMG, WOWEE ZOWEE, BEST SHOW EVER, from the first to last episode (except
The Fly Episode).  Fantastically entertaining.  CANNOT WAIT FOR CALL SAUL to come out.  I could enter the picture Mark took of me on the deck wearing my Pollos Hermanos t-shirt.  But I will spare us all.

Big Brother - Current and past.  I've been watching it since season one - in my brother's bedroom before going out to Thunderbirds on Thursdays - but Mark and I have been obsessed with each and every season since we've been together the last 13 years.  Lovelovelove this show.  It is currently on and I can't wait until Sunday.

Below Deck - Season two just began.  And it's better than ever.  OMG how much fun would it be to CHARTER?!  We both love Ben the Chef.  Love everything that goes right and wrong each week and I'm appalled at how hard these people have to clean. Pretty sure I'd die.
Shark Tank - I joined Groovebook the night it was on the show.  9 months later it is the greatest grossing company ever on the show.  Totally awesome.  And you just wait.  Mark has a lot of great ideas.  He will be on there.  Whether it's his baby carrier strap or table to mounted pump holder.  He had a ton of amazing ideas!
Shameless -  Seriously!!  Guilty pleasure.  Off the charts craziness and we love every second.  Completely opposite of PC - extra fun for a Sunday night.
Desperate Housewives - We both loved this show on Sundays nights.  I was just about as sad to see this end as I was the original Melrose Place.  I kept the last episode on our DVR for at least a year. *Our My super old DVR saves are a whole other post.  Believe me!
Real Housewives - all seasons - all locations - Mark says, "I don't love 'em.  But I watch 'em.  I know everything about all of them.  Ask me a question about the Guidices.  Remember, I was the one who knew how to pronounce their name before they new."  Yep, direct quote.
Tardy for the Party - We both love Kim and Kroy.
Justified - Currently not in season but we both love it.  I brought actual Netflix DVD's on the flight to Mexico and watched on the plane pregnant with Brecken.  I was soooo obsessed.  Last season coming 2015.
Orange is the New Black - Love love but still in the first season.  It's a bit much too much at a time.  (For Mark - not me;)
Melrose Place (round II) - we both loved it.  Especially me.  Reminded us of Mosquito Blue.  Short lived but certainly loved.
Wahlburgers - So funny!  We both look forward to Wednesday nights and it's actually up for an Emmy. When I found out I texted my friends and said, "Apparently they are handing them out like candy now."
Blue Bloods - Donnie Wahlburg!!!  So glad Mark loves this show too!!  Tom Sylleck is fantastic!  Love this show!
Mistresses - Mark loves Alyssa Milano since childhood, and so did I.  I wanted my name to be Samantha for about ten years.  I won't say we love this show.  But we're getting into it.  But we do enjoy it together.
The Lottery - We were both crazy about this show.  Unfortunately, it was canceled before it had a chance.


Kardashians - This is me only.  Mark says he never wants to be associated with them.  Does he watch it.  Yes.  But don't tell him I said so.

Shows We Want to Watch:
Sapranos
Dexter
Entrouage

Rumor has it New Kids have a reality shows coming up this fall.  Pretty sure our DVR will be fill after that.  Remember, I did record each and every NKOTB cartoon on VHS.  And saved them.  Yep. Crazy but true.

Let is know if you have any other shows you think we'd love.

Read to Me Please

For a little boy who takes a lot of motivating to get him to read…..

Reading to his little brother is the most authentic motivation one could ever get.

Absolutely warms my heart.

On the Road Home - South Dakota

We headed out of Golden before 8am and only had to drive five hours.
Yes, only 5.  After you drive 15, 5 ain't no thang!

We stayed at our usual Hilton Inn, in the Presidential Suite which is a vacation in itself!
After a whirlwind week in CO preceding a super busy 48 hours in Rapid City a little R&R is required!
The kids clean and watching a movie - we totally let them watch Vacation.
I couldn't say no, since Mark said yes and my dad always used to refer to WI Dells as Wally World.
They loved it….and promised to forget the inappropriate parts;-)

And Mark and I relaxed and watched some Big Brother.

Morning came quick and we had breakfast at the hotel and headed to Old MacDonald's Farm.

We haven't been there in a few years and knew it would be a hit.

The baby goats were a bit aggressive so we didn't stay long.

We let V stay with the baby chicks as long as she wanted.

She would come out and go back in to let them eat out of her hand.

There was a pig race.

Bacon won.

That doesn't happen very often.

There were goats everywhere and C was in heaven!

And so was this little dude.

In. Heaven!

We called her the Bird Whisperer!

She had huge turkeys eating out of her hand!

Brecken's first pony ride EVER!!!!!

C actually said, "I wish I lived in there."

What he really meant by that I have no idea.

But, at the time it was funny.

Less than two minutes later he said, "That's the mean one," and pointed.  

I said, "No it's not."

Then it head butted me in the thigh so hard I almost fell back.

He and I were outta there so fast.

When we were safely on the other side I said, 

"Do you still want to live there?"

"Not with that one!"

We headed to Keystone.

There we went to the fossil shop we talk about all year.

She had a really hard time making her choices.

I'm pretty sure Mark just ended up buying her everything she wanted.

Look at that smile…

don't you agree?

He wanted a half set of antlers.

I guess if he can't catch a deer this may be as close as he gets.

Every year we see a snake in these rocks.

I told C to go and catch it.

And then it didn't move and he actually could so I told him to RUN!

He's a good listener.

We came upon Storybook Island last year.

Unreal!!!

It is so gorgeous.

Being an elementary teacher and mom of small children, children's books have a special place in my heart.  However, I would venture to say, this place would make anyone happy.

I printed this picture and am going to frame it in my kitchen.

What a powerful piece of writing!

I don't remember it from last year, but we'll take their picture with it each and every year from here on out!

I dread the day they don't want to go to Storybook Island!

V took this pic as we stood there completely motionless.

She took five and then said, "I got a really good one!"

That's my girl!

Last year when we were leaving and were completely in awe when we saw an advertisement for your own brick.  Most paths are laid with engraved bricks.  Mark and I were like, "YES!!"

I filled out the paperwork and waited for the notice it had been laid.  And waited and waited.

I must admit I was a bit nervous we were taken for $50.

But in early June we got the post card.

You can find your brick on the Noah's Ark path.

When we got to Storybook Island I pretty much pushed B in the stroller past everything and missed many photo opps because I couldn't wait to find our brick.

Here it is:

LOVE IT!!

It's official, we can't have any more kids…they won't fit on a brick!

B holding on to the giraffe this year...

and last year… 

from a little nursing five month old baby to a running, wildly independent toddler in 12 months.

Back to the hotel to relax. . .

We headed to Reptile Gardens right when they opened at 8am.

Again, seriously amazing.

The first couple years we went they had a 130 year old galapogas tortoise named Methusala.

We asked about her last year and the girl cried saying she passed away.

Thank goodness they have adopted 108 year old Orville.

I really really love it there.

I could take pictures all day long.

But look at Victoria.

She could move in there.

Absolute love!

She scratched his neck and photo bombed many people's pics because she didn't want to walk away!

His second mommy. 

Bear Country USA

Everybody gets a turn to drive.

I let this little monster out of his carseat as soon as we got in there.

BIG mistake.

It was a busy Saturday and it took almost 30 minutes to get to the bears.

So I wrestled with him in the front seat until he was finally able to see something that interested him.

Cute pic…

but don't let it fool you.

Lasted about 9 seconds.

Mark and I just know, if he cuddles, you immediately document it.

It doesn't happen often.

This is just about when Brecken OPENED my car door!

Yep, reached down and opened the door!

I pretty much died.

Then put him back in his carseat.

C got a bear hat, I mean it was only 94 out that day!

We immediately headed to Mount Rushmore.

Mark considered (wanted) to skip it.

But for 20 minutes and $11 I thought it was worth it to get a family picture.

What do you think?

Worth it?

It was really sunny and the lady said, "Check it."

I said, "I'm sure it's fine!  Thanks so much!"

We walked away and were almost to the parking lot when I really did check it and OMG their heads are cut off!!!!  I couldn't believe it!

Everyone was grumpy.

Tired. Exhausted. Hungry. Five Hot Messes.

I was close to tears.

Mark said, "Do you want to go back?"

I said, "No, of course not."

Five steps later, "We have to….."

We turned around and went back.

Mark said, "Now pick somebody who knows how to take a picture."

So I looked around and randomly picked another lady.

This one, older, without children.

Bam.

Just what I wanted!!!

YAY!

From there only four hours to Mitchell, SD.

The One Water Slide Wonder that made everyone happy!

Headed to the pool…in my Top 10!

This 16 month old sure lived a lot of life on the ten days!

And these two!

Love when they work like a team!

And this f&^%(*%g place.

Not only is it ridiculous it's even famous, but it was under construction!

Uhhhhhhh!

Long, but funny story.

Because, "it's what you're supposed to do!"

This is the photo of desperation!

We were at Ground Round less than 2.5 hours from home and Brecken HAD IT!

He was pissed at the world and our waitress and his food and me.

So Mark took him outside to watch us from the window.

Seems funny now...

Then he did this for a couple hours and was much happier.

The Official Humphrey road trip photo.

What a Wild Ride.

So proud we make the effort (it ain't easy) and memories each year.

Already looking forward to next year.

**Moments not to forget**

Looking for Brecken's jean shorts for 15 minutes.

I looked everywhere and then C comes around the corner.

"Christian!!!  Are your shorts tight?!"  

"What do you mean?  Were my socks hard to put on? Yes, I could barely move my legs."

"That's because you have BRECKEN'S shorts on!"

"Oh! (and laughs) I am just so excited to get to the farm I didn't notice!" 

Once again Mark and I don't know whether to laugh or cry. ;-)

Lunching at our favorite Keystone restaurant.

And I miss ordered….pure vegetarian.

Everyone offered me their meat.

I declined.  And sulked.

Another trip to remember!