Family Day

Today is a day that has important meaning to our family. We have three absolutely amazing children, and my husband and I are very blessed to be so in love. No, of course life isn't perfect, but everyone in this family knows they are loved!!!

JR is an amazing 12 year old. He is very responsible, most of the time, and is a good big brother to his brother and sister. He loves all things related to art, and of course loves video games and TV. He enjoys playing baseball, but sports is not his favorite thing overall. He struggles at school, but works hard. EVERYONE tells me how sweet and helpful he is, and it's very true. He has just about the gentlest nature of anyone I've ever known.

JC is my spunky girl. She is definitely a mothering type, which her younger brother doesn't always appreciate. We've always said though, that she's going to be our nurse! She's also talked about wanting to be a teacher as well. She is very stubborn (like her mom), but (unlike her mom) can also be very, very quiet. I'm finding that she prefers friends that are boys, but finds a great deal of comfort and companionship in her best friend Belle. They completely bring out the best in each other. She enjoys watching sports, but doesn't necessarily have any of her own athletic talents.

HT is our amusing youngest. His sense of humor is often hilarious, although his ability to reason and use logic, while many times a good thing, can drive me crazy! He's very good at reading, and absolutely loves EVERYTHING related to dogs, cars, and John Deere. He doesn't know a stranger and is pretty sure everyone he meets can't wait to be his best friend. He's the typical baby of the family, and he's pretty sure that if he waits long enough to do something, someone else will take care of it for him, and he'll find a way to make that happen. He also has the most contagious laugh of any child I've ever heard.

My husband is an amazing husband and father, who allows me to be me, and I'm so grateful that we compliment each other so well. I'm so blessed to be a part of this amazing family!

What we've been up to

Life is moving along here. I really can't believe that January is almost over! We had a very busy week, but that's really nothing new. My wonderful husband has started taking another class in order to (eventually) have his principal's license. He's gone every Monday evening through April into early May. JR has rejoined karate and JC is also going. She loves it, and I think it's going to be very good for her. They go for two hours, two nights a week. HT is still playing basketball and yesterday he played some pretty decent defense. He also had his scout pack meeting this past week where he received his derby car and he'll be working on that before too long. I had a meeting this past week as well because I've agreed to be the treasurer for a mentorship program that a friend of mine is trying to get started through the schools, and I got to work three days this week. So, yeah, you might say that we are a little busy, but I've also come to realize that is just the way life is with three kids!

Last evening my husband and I attended a gala to benefit the arts community in my hometown. I had always wanted to attend a gala, but usually the price was prohibitive. However, this one was very reasonable, and my sister wanted us to go with her. In addition, the outgoing President of the organization is one of my mother's best friends, and I just thought it was a perfect opportunity. Mom even agreed to watch the kids so that we didn't have to pay for a sitter. We had a very nice evening, and the best part for me was running into the mother of an old friend from high school with whom I'd lost contact. It was so much fun to hear what he and his wife (and their three kids) are doing these days, and nice to see many other people I hadn't seen in a while as well.

This week pretty much brings more of the same of our life with three kids, and I wouldn't want it any other way!!!!

They've won a lifelong customer!

I have to mention, and give a plug to, this phenomenal customer service I just received. I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but the flannel sheets my husband and I have had on our bed for years seem to have shrunk. In spite of the fact that we used to have two nice sets, neither set fits anymore, and this time of year (and the fact that we keep our house set at 65 degrees in winter) makes me want flannel sheets. I had some cash back built up on our Discover card, and cashed in enough to receive $75.00 in L.L.Bean gift cards. Combined with the $2.10 I had left on a previous gift card, it was exactly what I needed to cover the $77.00 price for the flannel sheets. And to top it off, L.L.Bean charges no shipping! Unfortunately, when I scratched off the cover of the PIN number for one of the gift cards, the PIN number scratched off as well. I was not at all pleased, because without these gift cards, the flannel sheets were not in the budget this month. I called customer service, and a very pleasant individual was happy to assist me. Not only that, but when she realized a minute or so after we hung up that she had lost some information from her computer, she immediately called back and apologized when asking for the information again. Without a doubt, I will be a lifelong customer of L.L.Bean. I've always been absolutely thrilled with their merchandise, and I couldn't be happier with their customer service. It's nice to know that somebody out there still cares about their customers!!!!!

Dinner prep

My wonderful husband is making dinner this evening. All three kids decided to "help" (and actually, there is a lot to be done when making tacos), and I am enjoying the sounds and conversations (and of course the smells!) that are coming from two rooms away. I'll be honest, as the chaos (organized chaos) is occurring in the kitchen, I'm calmly sitting at my computer and just relaxing. That is until, my husband walks in.

Hubby: Would you suggest having one can of refried beans or two?

me: Definitely two. I've really been craving refried beans lately.

Hubby: Unfortunately, we only have one can.

me: Then why did you even ask if we should have two?

Hubby: I have no idea.
He then turns and walks back into the kitchen.

All right then.

Might be a storm coming!

Supposedly, there is a winter storm coming. Yeah, whatever. This winter has made me rather cynical about winter weather. There was supposed to be snow yesterday, and well, we got a dusting last evening. Now, I do acknowledge that where my parents live, just 30 miles north, they received about two inches. Here though, nothing. We haven't even managed to have a fog delay this year! Anyway, they are calling for not exactly snow this evening, but a freezing rain/wintry mix. Timing is perfect (unless of course, one hopes for a snow day!) to pretty much just stay in tonight and not go anywhere. That is precisely my plan. And what shall we be doing? CLEANING. That's right folks, the children have become quite lazy and complacent in their bedrooms, and we are going to take care of that starting this afternoon when they get home from school. I say starting, because I have a feeling this could take all weekend. No problem, we've pretty much got all weekend with few interruptions. I know the kids are not looking forward to it, and frankly, neither am I. Must be done though, and leaving them to accomplish it on their own CLEARLY doesn't work. HT in particular is a huge challenge. He is going to someday be on that TV show Hoarders...he does not see the reason for trash cans. After all, he never throws anything away! Because of this, I went up and did some prep work while they are still at school. I guarantee he'll never miss the trash that I managed to clear out of his room. Ah, this shall be such a joy this weekend!

Braces OFF!

I'm sorry it took me three days to write about it, but on Monday, JR's braces finally came off! We knew as of our last appointment in December that this would be the end, and to say that he was excited is an understatement. He was literally counting down the days, and telling everyone he would see that Monday was the big day. We also had JC, HT, and my husband scheduled for dental cleanings and exams that afternoon. Because it is all in the same office and it's a half hour drive, I was thrilled by the gas we would be saving. However, by the end of the afternoon my patience had long since expired. We were there OVER THREE AND A HALF HOURS. No one should have to spend that much time in a small dental office waiting room. The kids did well for the most part though, and I must say, JR's teeth look really great. We treated the kids to Friendly's Ice Cream for dinner and dessert, and it was a great way to celebrate his braces coming off!

Pop! goes the Christmas present

I had asked for a "real" popcorn maker for Christmas. I'll be honest, I'm pretty much addicted to popcorn. I have it as a snack probably five evenings a week. It's definitely my biggest vice, but I figure as far as vices go, it could be much worse (nice justification, right)! And I didn't just want an air popper...I already have one of those. I wanted something that really made the popcorn taste good. I know that I don't need all the calories of movie theater popcorn, but I wanted something that tasted better than air popping. However, after spending a couple of hundred dollars to do the final repairs on our chimney (the never ending project)* I decided that a popcorn machine was too much to ask for Christmas, and I rescinded my request. My wonderful husband found a good deal on a table/counter top model, and I LOVE IT! The popcorn tastes AWESOME! I even like it better than the microwave popcorn, and as a bonus it's cheaper and healthier. Love it! The kids have even commented on how they love the smell in the house after I pop the popcorn. Kudos to my hubby!!!!

*Upon re-reading before posting it has occurred to me that technically this isn't the final repair. When the chimney was put upright this summer back against the house, some settling occurred that caused cracks in the plaster walls in our living room that need to be repaired. Like I said, it's the never ending project! My dad advised us to wait until we were sure everything was done settling to have it fixed so that we only had to do it once. So, THAT will be the final repair of the never ending project!

Sometimes it feels like a lose-lose situation

As I mentioned in my last post, my sister and I don't always get along. According to her (and yes, she's told me this) I was an overbearing and nosy older sister. My sister has some serious privacy issues, and that is one reason I find it odd that she moved back to our hometown after law school. I remember when she was choosing her undergraduate school, she informed both my parents and I that she would let us know when she had made her decision and we were not to ask until she decided to tell us. I'll be honest, it's been 18 years, but it still bugs me a little bit that my parents didn't take that opportunity to point out that they were helping to pay for college and that her attitude was rude and unnecessary. When she bought the house she currently lives in, I didn't find out until my dad mentioned that a glider would look really good on her front porch, and I pointed out that she didn't have a front porch. My father replied, "Oh, I guess you don't know she bought a new house." Nope, hadn't heard. I had heard plenty though, when my parents made the mistake of inviting me to join them as they went along with her to open houses. She was not at all pleased to see me and made it clear, along with mentioning I was not to express any opinions.

This all pales in comparison though, to my wedding day. I am so grateful I had the foresight NOT to make her my maid of honor, but felt obligated to have her in the wedding. She took every opportunity to let me know that my wedding was a huge inconvenience to her, even though a) my parents paid for her gown, and b) I actually wanted to be married in May, but because of her grad school finals I didn't...leaving my only options because of other family issues to be early February or wait another year. She did not attend any showers, and because she was four hours away I understood. She also did absolutely nothing to help in any way with anything else related to the wedding. The morning of the wedding my maid of honor and I were at my parents' house and I mentioned that we would be going to the church at about 1:30, and my sister was aghast. Okay, actually furious is more the word. She could not believe that we needed to be there that early, and then yelled at me because she didn't even know what time the wedding was taking place. I calmly informed her that I had put it in writing by sending an invitation and I really didn't know what more she expected from me. She then informed me that she would be getting ready at home and she would get there when she got there. I asked her to please try to be there by 2:30 so that we could have our family pictures taken ahead of time. Mom assured me that ought to be workable, but my sister refused to make any assurances. Keep in mind this is all occurring before 1:00 and my parents lived four blocks from the church, so it ought to be plenty of time. When we arrived at the reception, she made her displeasure well known that I was requiring her to sit at the head table. She informed me that these were not her friends and she wanted to be down with the rest of the family. To this day, my maid of honor tells me how amazed she was that on one of the most important days of my life, my sister couldn't stop to think of anyone but herself, and she tells me that she was even more amazed that I never got angry or raised my voice or showed any signs of being upset. I vividly remember feeling that there was no way that I was going to allow my sister to upset me on my wedding day. Was she jealous that I was the center of attention? It could certainly be possible, but I think most people expect the bride to be the center of attention on her wedding day. I hope most people would think that I was by no means bridezilla when it came to my wedding...I think for the most part I was pretty laid back considering everything.

Why have I gone on and on about this? I'm really feeling like I'm in a tight spot. My sister continues to be absolutely rude and disrespectful to me. On many occasions my phone conversations with her have ended with me being in tears, and on more than one occasion when we've been at my parents' house I've become so upset by things that I've just left. My parents always tell me that they are sorry that it happens and that she can be so difficult, but no one ever tells her it isn't okay not to treat me that way. My husband would love to, but he knows that isn't such a good idea as an in-law. The part that bothers me the most is that she treats me this way in front of my children. She has had no qualms to tell me, in front of the kids, how much she doesn't like the way I'm handling a discipline situation. It's not like I'm pounding on them. However, if one of the kids chooses to wear nice clothes to the baseball field then they should expect that I'm not going to let them play on the playground. If something happens that I am correcting and they start to talk back to me, she gets angry when I tell them it's not okay to talk to me that way...after all, she feels that every child should be allowed to express him/herself if he/she has something to say, regardless of whether or not it's appropriate. If she has the kids and I ask for a timetable when they might be back, I get a shrug and, "When we're done." One time she had JR and was driving from Columbus up to my dad's place at the lake. We were trying to make our dinner plans, and she refused to answer any calls or texts. So, we had no idea when they would be returning or whether we needed to wait dinner or JR would have already eaten. As I've said before, I'm very, very grateful that she gives the kids the opportunities she gives them, but I worry about the message they get from her about us, specifically me. I'm pretty sure that she feels that she HAS to do these things because my husband and I can't afford to do many of them, and we are denying our children. I'm pretty sure she thinks I'm lazy because I'm a stay at home mom, and if I would just go get a job we'd be able to afford these things. The thing is, we don't want to be able to afford them. Both my husband and I WANT me to be home with the kids, and I think the kids prefer it this way too. This weekend I'd reached the point where I had decided that she could no longer take them if she was going to continue to speak to me that way. It was excruciating. The only people that were going to suffer by my decision were my children, and that isn't fair to them. My parents would also inevitably suffer as I think my sister would choose to cut myself, my husband, and my family out of her life if we made such a decision. After all, she already thinks we're pretty lousy parents. I'm not making it up, I've actually heard her tell the kids that if only I did this or that, things would be so much better. I don't want to make life awful for my parents, or have my kids suffer because of something over which they have no control. At the same time, I don't think my kids should have to be witness to the level of disrespect that she shows me. I really don't want this to be about me...she's good to the kids. I keep my mouth shut for them and the sake of my entire family. However, I don't want them to think that it is ever okay to treat anyone the way that she treats me, and frankly, I don't want them to let anyone treat them the way that she treats me, and that's what they see me doing. I'm feeling so conflicted and I've been praying for guidance, as I do with almost every decision I make involving the kids.

I know that I've really aired some dirty family laundry here, but this is my release. I just needed to get it off my chest. And if anyone has any suggestions, I'd be happy to listen. I know that I've only put my side of the story out there, but sadly, I think there are many others in my family who would concur with it all!

All home safe and sound

The kids all returned last evening, very happy and very safe. They had a wonderful trip. They had received gift cards for Christmas to the Notre Dame bookstore and enjoyed making their choices. I love that JC chose a Notre Dame headband and earrings of the leprechaun...so cute! The highlight though, was clearly the locker room tour and being able to walk out into Notre Dame Stadium. How amazing for them! They even got to touch the "Play like a champion" sign that hangs on the way out. It was an incredible experience. Unfortunately, the men's basketball team lost to UConn, but they had pizza afterwards to drown their sorrows!

I am very, very grateful to my sister for being able to give my kids these opportunities. She's often not terribly nice to me, but there is absolutely no question that she adores my kids and is really great to them!

Today I'll be worrying...and praying

Apparently my answer to "Where is the snow?" is "Right here." We are receiving a couple of inches last night and in to today. Nothing major, although bitterly cold...windchills at zero or below. Today, my sister is taking the kids for their Christmas present to South Bend, IN to spend the night and do some things at Notre Dame. While I'm not terribly worried about their travel here, I'm pretty terrified of the travel up north. However, the rest of my family assures me that my sister will not take any unnecessary risks, and I've always vowed not to let my anxiety have a negative effect on my kids. So they are heading up later today, and I'll be doing lots, and lots, and lots of praying. Feel free to join me!

It's not nearly as much fun

I FINALLY was able to spend the afternoon taking down our Christmas tree and other decorations. Because it causes me to live in chaos, I prefer to wait until I can do it all in one day as opposed to taking a little bit of time here and there. This was the first day I'd really had that opportunity. I'll be honest, I'm exhausted. I also remember, it isn't nearly as much fun to take down all of the decorations as it is to put them up! When I put them up, everyone is anxiously hovering and wanting to help. When I take them down, there is no one around! It's not fun boxing up all the fun memories for another year, but I'm so grateful for the memories!

Where is the snow?

In spite of my new penguin header (I love that there are three of them, just like our house!), there has been no snow here this year. We've had a dusting, and last Monday, the kids' first day back, there was even about an inch. But mostly, we've had temps in the upper 40's and into the 50's. The last two days have been beautiful spring days because there has been no rain, but I still wish we could have some snow! This time last year, we were about to have our 3rd snow day tomorrow, but nothing at all this year. My heating bill appreciates the mild temperatures, but I think everyone would enjoy a snow day!!!!!

????????

The question marks as my title are because I don't even really know what to write about, let alone what to title this post! Life is moving along pretty routinely again, although my wonderful husband still doesn't actually go back to work until Thursday. Otherwise, everything is pretty standard and normal here, and that's the way I like it!!!!

Along with the new year...

...comes our new (to us) vehicle! I had literally dreaded this experience. I knew that the smartest and most practical vehicle for us was a minivan, and I just didn't want another one. I'd had my old one for almost seven years, and had just tired of the whole thing. Yesterday I begrudgingly set out with my husband for a day of car shopping. The first place had nothing, the second place had little more than that. The third place had some good deals, but I still didn't want a minivan. We first test drove a 2008 Honda Pilot. Now I absolutely love the Pilots, but I love the current body style, not the old one. I was excited that it was in our price range, although the cargo space wasn't really what I had hoped for, I didn't love the fact that one of the children had to climb over the middle seat to get to the back, and it had more mileage than I really had hoped. But, it wasn't a minivan and I was excited about that. I told my husband at the end of the test drive that we should probably check out the minivans just because that was what we had planned to do, and just to be certain I really wanted the Pilot. The salesman brought us a 2008 Chrysler Town & Country, and I was in love!!!! I honestly did not think it was possible to get excited about another minivan, but I definitely was! I loved the fact that it was black, I loved the fact that it had more storage/cargo room than I could even dream about, and I loved the fact that it had only 31,000 miles on it! My husband managed to work out the deal and we are now the proud owners. I'm so very grateful that is all done!

New normal for a couple of weeks

We are experiencing a very strange and new "normal" around here this week and next. Although I hadn't expected to work much, so far I've worked two out of three days this week. And my wonderful husband and I thought we would have a new van purchased by now, but needless to say we haven't even been out yet. My husband has been holding down the homefront, and we are just somewhat having trouble adjusting to our "roles" for the next week or so. I do very much appreciate the fact that he is home, and that dinner is cooking by the time I walk in the door. It's a little tough that he doesn't make anything I like to eat, but beggars can't be choosers! He's even been helping out with other household chores, and life is just a little bit easier than it is normally when I have to work. I'm very grateful he's being so helpful!

Back to the routine

It was with heavy eye lids that everyone headed back to school today. It's a little weird having my husband at home, and I'm pretty sure just about the time that I get accustomed to it will be when it's time for him to go back. Everyone was in bed at a completely reasonable time last night, reverting back to bedtimes even a little earlier than normal. But, wake ups were just a little too early this morning for them, and JR in particular is a bit cranky and whiny. I had hoped and prayed for a snow storm that would give us an extra day of break, but it wasn't to be. We have a dusting of snow and nothing more. So what will I be doing with my day? I will be celebrating bowl season and enjoying the football that goes with it! I know there will probably be homework and spelling tests and reading to get done this evening, but until then I shall enjoy the games. And I'm also pretty sure everyone is going to need another early bedtime tonight!

Happy New Year!

Thanks to a touch of the stomach bug, the five of us quietly rang in the new year last night. We had some shrimp cocktail, and the kids toasted the ball dropping with orange soda. They all made it to Midnight, although HT was curled up on my lap by then. I had given my husband dvds of "The Cosby Show" for Christmas, and we watched a few episodes of that followed by a movie. In some ways, I enjoyed it more than going out. We were all comfy in our jammies, and I didn't have to worry about being out on the roads. The kids are pretty tired today, and we are going to have a VERY rough morning tomorrow I think.

I hope everyone has a very blessed 2012 full of much happiness and good health!