Where did the time go? November 17, 2007

Has it really been almost a week since I last posted? Itty Bitty has has the sniffles and it’s been a busy week at Bug’s school. Next week will be busy, too. Short school week but lots of activities – modified schedule on Monday; Thanksgiving Feast with the kindergarten and fourth graders on Tuesday; mini-concert and prayer service, then early dismissal on Wednesday. That’s just Bug’s schedule. Then we have company coming for the holiday so I cleaning to do not only in the house, but need to double check the camper since some people are staying out there. Then there’s the cooking to start doing for Thanksgiving itself, not to mention making sure everyone has a nice outfit to wear for Itty Bitty’s christening on Saturday. Then, of course, there’s making time to do some freelance work, too.

I thought giving thanks each day for something would be easy. It’s not. The truth of the matter is I’m very thankful overall. I know even on my worst days that things really aren’t that bad. I’m fortunate enough to be able to stay home and care for my children, work with my husband, and do freelance work from home. We’re all in relatively good health. Our parents and my siblings are in good health. This time last year we were dealing with my dad’s cancer and treatment; the year before my father-in-laws. This year – knock on wood – every thing seem to be going well. We have a rough over our heads; food on the table every week. There are no debt collectors calling at all hours. My husband’s business is going well; and that’s a double blessing going into the holiday season not to mention the winter. I may be stressed out and not in a good mood all the time, but deep down I know things could be much worse. I’m very thankful for my life right now!

Where did the time go? November 17, 2007

Has it really been almost a week since I last posted? Itty Bitty has has the sniffles and it’s been a busy week at Bug’s school. Next week will be busy, too. Short school week but lots of activities – modified schedule on Monday; Thanksgiving Feast with the kindergarten and fourth graders on Tuesday; mini-concert and prayer service, then early dismissal on Wednesday. That’s just Bug’s schedule. Then we have company coming for the holiday so I cleaning to do not only in the house, but need to double check the camper since some people are staying out there. Then there’s the cooking to start doing for Thanksgiving itself, not to mention making sure everyone has a nice outfit to wear for Itty Bitty’s christening on Saturday. Then, of course, there’s making time to do some freelance work, too.

I thought giving thanks each day for something would be easy. It’s not. The truth of the matter is I’m very thankful overall. I know even on my worst days that things really aren’t that bad. I’m fortunate enough to be able to stay home and care for my children, work with my husband, and do freelance work from home. We’re all in relatively good health. Our parents and my siblings are in good health. This time last year we were dealing with my dad’s cancer and treatment; the year before my father-in-laws. This year – knock on wood – every thing seem to be going well. We have a rough over our heads; food on the table every week. There are no debt collectors calling at all hours. My husband’s business is going well; and that’s a double blessing going into the holiday season not to mention the winter. I may be stressed out and not in a good mood all the time, but deep down I know things could be much worse. I’m very thankful for my life right now!

The Man in My Life November 11, 2007

I don’t talk about him much but I do have a husband. He works very hard – he has his own business. So we – Itty Bitty (our 2 month old baby girl) and Bug (our 5 1/2 year old son) – don’t really get to see him much. I guess that’s the sacrifice so that I can stay home with Itty Bitty and volunteer at Bug’s school. The Hubby and I have had trouble re-connecting since the Little Bitty joined the family. It feels like neither one of us has had time to breath since she was born. He’s been working so much both on client projects and on our own construction project. I’ve been trying to keep some semblance of order in the house, taking care of the kiddos and coordinating various school and social events. Unfortunately, that doesn’t allow for much one on one time. And right now date nights are hard because Itty Bitty is still nursing round the clock every 3 hours or so. And although she’ll take a bottle if push came to shove, that still doesn’t do much for me. I mean come on- how come they can make a diaper that lasts overnight but they can’t make a nursing pad that can last an extra hour or two? Any way I digress. Even though we really need a date night, I decided to take some advice posted on other blog I read and the blogger happens to be an on-line buddy, and I got Hubby something he really likes – an appointment for a massage. Now you may think – yeah that’s really a guy thing! But when you work your body as hard as Hubby does doing construction it’s really therapeautic to have a professional massage. (Besides I’ve found that when I make the appointment for him, he comes home relaxed, not as stressed, and then suggests that I go the following weekend.)

Owe 2 days of giving thanks – my new garage (thanks Hubby), with winter coming this is a blessing; garage door openers – a frivolous feature but very much appreciated especially since the garage has nine foot doors on it!

The Man in My Life November 11, 2007

I don’t talk about him much but I do have a husband. He works very hard – he has his own business. So we – Itty Bitty (our 2 month old baby girl) and Bug (our 5 1/2 year old son) – don’t really get to see him much. I guess that’s the sacrifice so that I can stay home with Itty Bitty and volunteer at Bug’s school. The Hubby and I have had trouble re-connecting since the Little Bitty joined the family. It feels like neither one of us has had time to breath since she was born. He’s been working so much both on client projects and on our own construction project. I’ve been trying to keep some semblance of order in the house, taking care of the kiddos and coordinating various school and social events. Unfortunately, that doesn’t allow for much one on one time. And right now date nights are hard because Itty Bitty is still nursing round the clock every 3 hours or so. And although she’ll take a bottle if push came to shove, that still doesn’t do much for me. I mean come on- how come they can make a diaper that lasts overnight but they can’t make a nursing pad that can last an extra hour or two? Any way I digress. Even though we really need a date night, I decided to take some advice posted on other blog I read and the blogger happens to be an on-line buddy, and I got Hubby something he really likes – an appointment for a massage. Now you may think – yeah that’s really a guy thing! But when you work your body as hard as Hubby does doing construction it’s really therapeautic to have a professional massage. (Besides I’ve found that when I make the appointment for him, he comes home relaxed, not as stressed, and then suggests that I go the following weekend.)

Owe 2 days of giving thanks – my new garage (thanks Hubby), with winter coming this is a blessing; garage door openers – a frivolous feature but very much appreciated especially since the garage has nine foot doors on it!

My Baby Sister November 9, 2007

Today I’m thankful for my sister, Claudia. She called me today – just to say “Hi” – she does that alot. And I probably don’t tell her often enough that I do enjoy that someone calls me just to say “Hi” and not complain about something or tell me about a problem. There’s something you have to know about me and Claudia – we’re 15 years apart. When she was born, I was a freshman in high school. Now she’s preparing to graduate from college! Our conversations are usually long, sometimes about nothing at all and sometimes about everything. We share a lot of the same views about life, love and family. And even though we’re 15 years apart (please don’t do the math), she has a lot of good insights and offers a fresh perspective on things. She reminds me a lot of what I was like at her age. I’m proud of her and thankful to have her as my “baby” sister.

My Baby Sister November 8, 2007

Today I’m thankful for my sister, Claudia. She called me today – just to say “Hi” – she does that alot. And I probably don’t tell her often enough that I do enjoy that someone calls me just to say “Hi” and not complain about something or tell me about a problem. There’s something you have to know about me and Claudia – we’re 15 years apart. When she was born, I was a freshman in high school. Now she’s preparing to graduate from college! Our conversations are usually long, sometimes about nothing at all and sometimes about everything. We share a lot of the same views about life, love and family. And even though we’re 15 years apart (please don’t do the math), she has a lot of good insights and offers a fresh perspective on things. She reminds me a lot of what I was like at her age. I’m proud of her and thankful to have her as my “baby” sister.

Day Seven Giving Thanks November 8, 2007

I did mean to post yesterday really I did. But something about working all morning, then taking 2 kids out to lunch and then shopping really did me in. I did mentally give thanks even though I didn’t post it. But yesterday during our lunch/shopping adventure – my 5 year old is really making taking him any where these days an adventure! – I had the pleasure of crossing paths with some very nice people. I don’t know their names but they were the men and women who took pity on me. I’m usually the type of person who says “no problem” and “I’ve got it; I can manage”. Well, I guess right now I don’t have it all that together or just look really, really tired, but these kind souls really helped me in their own little ways. The gentleman who stopped traffic so we could cross the parking lot at McDonald’s; the women with their own kids in tow who kept an eye on my 5 year old while I went to the counter to order his lunch; the numerous customers and associates at Wal-Mart who told me where he was hiding every 5 minutes; and the associate who helped “talk him down” when he threw a fit because I wouldn’t buy him Aqua Dots. So thank you to all the anonymous people who in their own ways perform good deeds every day.

About that Aqua Dots thing. I am so glad I didn’t buy it and the associate did say something about a possible recall coming. I saw the news last night and heard about the recall. http://www.wfsb.com/family/14536526/detail.html What’s up with all these toy recalls? Isn’t there someone that overseas these toys and games that are imported into this country for our kids? I was thinking about getting that toy for him for Christmas, too. But no way now. What ever we end up getting the kids for Christmas, you’d better believe that I’m going to research and review toys like never before, especially now with an infant in the house again!

Day Seven Giving Thanks November 8, 2007

I did mean to post yesterday really I did. But something about working all morning, then taking 2 kids out to lunch and then shopping really did me in. I did mentally give thanks even though I didn’t post it. But yesterday during our lunch/shopping adventure – my 5 year old is really making taking him any where these days an adventure! – I had the pleasure of crossing paths with some very nice people. I don’t know their names but they were the men and women who took pity on me. I’m usually the type of person who says “no problem” and “I’ve got it; I can manage”. Well, I guess right now I don’t have it all that together or just look really, really tired, but these kind souls really helped me in their own little ways. The gentleman who stopped traffic so we could cross the parking lot at McDonald’s; the women with their own kids in tow who kept an eye on my 5 year old while I went to the counter to order his lunch; the numerous customers and associates at Wal-Mart who told me where he was hiding every 5 minutes; and the associate who helped “talk him down” when he threw a fit because I wouldn’t buy him Aqua Dots. So thank you to all the anonymous people who in their own ways perform good deeds every day.

About that Aqua Dots thing. I am so glad I didn’t buy it and the associate did say something about a possible recall coming. I saw the news last night and heard about the recall. http://www.wfsb.com/family/14536526/detail.html What’s up with all these toy recalls? Isn’t there someone that overseas these toys and games that are imported into this country for our kids? I was thinking about getting that toy for him for Christmas, too. But no way now. What ever we end up getting the kids for Christmas, you’d better believe that I’m going to research and review toys like never before, especially now with an infant in the house again!

Thankful for. . . November 7, 2007

I’m on the fence some days about doctors and the whole health care system. But I am thankful for the marvels of modern medicine. Both my father and my father-in-law are cancer survivors. My daughter was a preemie. We’ve had our fair share of experiences with doctors and hospitals just within the past 3 years. When I think about things that have transpired in the past – 15, 20 years ago – I’m amazed at the advances in medicine. Some of what we’ve been through these last couple of years probably would not have had such good outcomes 15, 20 years ago. Watching the tiniest of tiny babies in the NICU for a week while my daughter was there, I felt truly blessed and thankful for the doctors, nurses and technology available these days.

Thankful for. . . November 6, 2007

I’m on the fence some days about doctors and the whole health care system. But I am thankful for the marvels of modern medicine. Both my father and my father-in-law are cancer survivors. My daughter was a preemie. We’ve had our fair share of experiences with doctors and hospitals just within the past 3 years. When I think about things that have transpired in the past – 15, 20 years ago – I’m amazed at the advances in medicine. Some of what we’ve been through these last couple of years probably would not have had such good outcomes 15, 20 years ago. Watching the tiniest of tiny babies in the NICU for a week while my daughter was there, I felt truly blessed and thankful for the doctors, nurses and technology available these days.