Morning routines

Richard is settling into his new job, and I'm settling into our new morning routine. Richard now needs to leave the house by 7:15am at the latest, at his other job we had more flexibility. Before if we had a late night or got woken up too many times he'd just get a later start. Now, not so much.

Richard gets up when the alarm goes off and takes his shower. I get up when he's in the shower and get ready for the day. Since I go the gym first thing in the morning I just shower after. I then go out and make his lunch for the day. He comes out and has breakfast. I start a load of laundry or just deal with the dogs. When he is ready to leave I then take the dogs for a short walk.

The last few days the boys have been sleeping in until 7:40/8:00 which was such a nice treat to me because it gave me time to myself. That is when I made the new background and topper for my blog and posted yesterday's post. Today Blake woke up at 6:30am, which was nice that he got to see Richard, but means no quiet time for me. (as he sits at the kitchen table playing Operation... yep no quiet)

The biggest challenge is the fact that I've yet to get a solid night sleep. I swear they are in a conspiracy again. They keep changing which one gets up in the middle of the night, Blake, Colby, Abby and Dixie are insisting that I don't need 8 hours of sleep. Me I beg to differ. Oh well a mother's job is never done.

Well, I'm off to make breakfast for Blake, mop the kitchen floor then wake up Colby. Might as well be productive before 8am.

Momma said there'd be days like this

Ever have one of those days, ummm weeks? That seems to be what life has been like here since we returned home from Thanksgiving. Richard had to work the Saturday after Thanksgiving (we got home on Friday). Sunday we tried to cram in all the things we usually do on the weekend oh and get the house decked for the holidays. The boys and I did put up a lot of the decorations on Saturday and the outside still isn't finished, but hey we are getting there.

Richard is in a super busy time with his job. Saturday he worked over 12 hours. Monday he had a doctors appointment and then worked from 11am until about 9pm. Tuesday... ummm Tuesday he didn't come home... he left work at 1:30am on Wednesday. He was back to work Wednesday morning and didn't get home until 11:30pm. Today... well he went to work for about 8:30, worked until 3:30 came home to have dinner with the boys (and I) then back to work around 6pm and might get home by 11pm tonight. Then still has to work a full day tomorrow.

This is tough on all of us. Richard is tired, working hard and not sleeping enough. He is frustrated with things at work, but he is also frustrated that there have been many days that other than talking to the boys on the phone he has had little to no contact with his sons.

Colby is being very grumpy. Little things are setting him off. He is crying over little things that he would normally not care about. Blake is having a hard time listening and following directions. He is pushing Colby's buttons and doing a lot of things that he knows drives Colby crazy. He even got in trouble at school because he wasn't listening to the teachers.

Me, well... I'm trying to hold it all together and keep everyone afloat. I have to step back at times and remind myself that a lot of this is just situational. That we haven't been able to get back into a normal routine. That we went from one situation where we are out of routine and schedule to being home with an upside-down family life. Then on top of that there is all the holiday excitement. There is just so much going on, but these are all reasons but never an excuse. Oh well... we get to buckle down and find a better understanding of how to reinforce the need for following directions, listening and being respectful. Lots of hugs, laughter and the understanding that this too shall pass... just in time for Daddy to leave for 10 days. Yep the joy continues.

Hmmm might be time to get out the mixing bowl and bake with my guys. That always makes me happy!

Mommy... Daddy... you're here!

Is there any better feeling than the greeting of your child? Ok maybe the meeting of both your children (o:

This weekend, after Blake's soccer game, the boys went on a sleep over. If you remember a few weeks ago, Colby got to go for a sleep over at my parents house. At that time, we told Blake that he would get to go soon for his over night. That came on Saturday. My parents took the boys to their house instead of watching them there while Richard and I went to the UCF football game, don't ask how the game went. This worked out well since we didn't get home until almost midnight.

Then this morning we took advantage and slept in a bit before going on a bike ride. We meet up with some of Richard's co-workers and hit the trail. I fell twice, talk about a huge blow to the ego. Oh well. I have very little evidence left of crashing into a tree and then down an incline... oops!

We then headed out to pick up the boys. They had a great time. My nephew came to visit my parents too which made it even more special. The three boys went to the pool, played games and had a blast. They were spoiled with their favorites for dinner and ice cream cake for desert. They were so tired at bedtime between playing soccer, going swimming and just running around having fun that they slept from 6:30pm until 8:15am.

When we got there as soon as we were getting out of the car the boys were yelling at us from the window. They were soooo happy to see us. Blake was pretty much glued to my side the whole time. We didn't stay long as they kept asking "can we go home now?" They couldn't stop thanking my parents, which made me happy too.

I'm so glad they had fun, but it made me happy to see that they were excited to head home too.

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Tomorrow's goals:
-- go to the Y
-- go to the grocery store
-- bake cookies (Blake asked to do this)
-- play outside with the boys
-- work on BJ's list
-- make quesadillas for dinner

Help in the kitchen

I've talked before about the fact that both my boys love to help me bake, which works since I love to bake. Today we baked gooey butter cookies, which I got off the sidebar of Facebook, and will be reviewing on Tuesday.

Colby helped me mix up the dough. He helped follow the directions step by step. He helped measure the 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla. This recipe wasn't measurement heavy, but a lot of the ones I make are typically. There is so much for children to learn in the kitchen. Think about it... they follow directions, go step by step, hear fractions, addition (2 cups of flour and 1 more cup equals 3 cups of flour), they hear temperatures which gives them numbers in the 100s, they hear time and so much more. Never mind all the science that takes place too.

Both boys helped prepare the cookies to be baked. When they both help they have to share a space, take turns, listen and follow directions. This time Blake started helping me and rolled the cookies in the powdered sugar and then put them on the pan. When Colby joined us, they took turns doing both jobs. They also counted all the cookies we made and helped me divide them among the 3 cookie sheets. You don't have to be a teacher to teach math skills... you just have to get them involved.

Tonight the boys also helped make dinner. We were having meatball subs. Colby helped make the mix and then Blake joined us. They saw the process, but they also so how it could be altered. I want them to see the difference between cooking and baking. Baking is a precise process and cooking is not. You can take a recipe for cooking and use it as a guide and go from there. We used a box mix to start the meatballs which I used turkey to make and then added: garlic, grated onion, and seasonings. They got the opportunity to shake in the spices and grate the onion on the microplane.

I hope you take time to get your kiddos involved in the kitchen. Think of how much you are giving them... math, science, reading... oh and the ability to cook is always a good thing to have in your back pocket later in life (o:

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Today's goals:
-- go to the gym with the boys... maybe try the ab and stretch classes? [check... but I went to yoga instead since Richard and I did Ab Ripper X last night]
-- make cookies with the boys [check]
-- strip the bed and wash the sheets [check]
-- clean the master bath (other two got cleaned over the weekend) [check]
-- make meatball subs for dinner [check]
-- post wordless Wednesday pictures [check... did you miss them? look here]
-- get outside to play [check got out for almost 2 hours today]

Tomorrow's goals:

-- go to the Y and try the step class

-- vacuum the whole house

-- pick Blake up from school

-- make sandwiches for lunch

-- go to soccer practice

-- remember to pack other toys to keep Colby entertained at soccer

A Day to Smile At (o:

I wasn't sure what kind of day today was going to be when I woke up, or was woken up. Blake woke up and was very upset because he had an accident on his way to our bedroom in the morning, or actually on the way back to his room. He must have peed during the night too as his pull-up was very full and he leaked. Usually when Blake has a rough start to the morning it means a long day for everyone.

But, not so much today. He seemed to turn his mood around quickly and was laughing and watching tv waiting for everyone else to wake up. Richard went for a bike ride with some co-workers in the morning and the boys and I played Wii, baked bread, and just hung out. Colby was tired so he went down for an early nap.

After Richard got home and cleaned up, I actually went and laid down to read and have a much needed nap. I was woken up by Colby's smiling face. The boys decided to bring the Monster Trucks and trains in and hang out with Mommy in bed for a bit.

We then went outside so Daddy could finally finish up the facing on the deck. The boys love watching and helping Daddy work with the tools. After we went outside and played in the grass. Richard and I tossed a frisbee around, the intention was to help Blake learn to throw it since he wants to, but he ended up playing with Colby instead. The boys ran races, jumped in mud puddles, threw the frisbee a few times and just had fun playing outside.

After cleaning up again, we had dinner... a rare treat for us to all eat together. Then we all played Wii together. The boys had fun getting a chance to play this with Daddy too.

I love days like this. We were relaxed. We had fun together. We laughed. We smiled. We were the family we want to be, when life doesn't get in the way. My fingers are crossed that Richard won't have to travel again anytime soon as this last trip really effected the boys. They both had a harder time with this travel even though it was shorter. I know Richard is ready to stay put for a while too.

I hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable weekend too.

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Tomorrow's goals:
-- get up and do Ab Ripper X
-- go to the Y to do cardio (remember to bring my brace)
-- get the living room vacuumed before speech
-- bake cookies for Daddy to take to his fantasy football draft on Tuesday night (this will be my TT recipe too... so be watching)
-- clean bathrooms (not sure this will get done, but I'll try)

Did I do anything today?

Ok yes, I know I did things today, but when I look at my to do list... well I didn't do so well. The boys and I went to the playground this morning and played longer than I had planned. It was actually nice out and there was a father there with his three sons (my guess is ages 6, 4, and 3). The boys had a great time playing together. His middle son had been stung by a wasp just before we got there, I was shocked they stayed after that, but he seemed to be ok. He took a liking to me and kept trying to get me to go sit down with him at the picnic tables, ummm yeah that's not happening.

Then we headed to Publix and the boys did pretty good shopping. I totally forgot my list at home, but did a pretty good job remembering what I needed to get, and of course bought extra stuff. Does anyone else find they do that? I make a list and get the stuff on the list and more. I do pick up stuff on their buy one get one sales that we use on a regular basis (this week I picked up cereal and chips). I only buy things that we would normally buy another time. I figure what's the difference if it is sitting on their shelf or in my pantry?

The three of us spent a lot of time just playing together, just having fun. Ok, so I didn't clean the bathrooms or mop the floors (I should do that now, but I don't feel like it), but we did play upstairs in the loft, draw pictures that we hung up for Richard's return, throw the football around and so much more. To me that is so much more important. My house is lived in. It is comfortable. It is far from perfect and that's fine with me. Don't get me wrong it is clean, I would never qualify for Clean House as I could NEVER live in clutter, but it isn't perfect. There are toys out, the penisula is covered again, you will find dust on the furniture and baseboards. But, you will never hear me tell my sons they can't do something because it is too dirty. You will never hear me tell people they can't do something because it is messy. People feel comfortable to be themselves in our house... isn't that what makes a house a home?

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Today's goals:

--groceries (check)
--wash towels again since the boys keep spilling water everywhere so I have a huge pile of kitchen towels on the laundry room floor (ok this I did... they are still in the dryer, but they are clean and dry... that counts for something.... right?
--gym? not holding my breath on this. may have to give my knee a few more days... boo hiss! (yeah... I decided that isn't happening until Monday, but my knee is feeling a bit better ... knock on wood)
--get outside with the boys (big check!)
--mop the kitchen floor (ummm... nope)
--clean the bathrooms  (ummm... nope)

Tomorrow's goals:
--bring Blake to school in the morning and remember to replenish his change of clothes
--pick Richard up from the airport!!!
--bring Richard home so he can get his truck and go to work... booo!
--go get my first mammogram (think of me around 4pm)
--relax with my husband

(almost)Wordless Wednesday

On Monday morning we welcomed our newest family member. Brady Drew (my nephew) was born at only 35 weeks, but is doing well. The boys had a great time going in and seeing him Monday afternoon.

Tribute to Nana

My mother's mother passed away this weekend. I made these pages to use at her wake. I thought I'd post them on my blog as a tribute to her. May she rest in peace.

My brother and his wife


My nephew

Saturday fun

Richard went to work Saturday morning so the boys and I headed out back to play!

After nap time we headed out to my parents to spend time with the family and celebrate my brother's birthday (the boys with my Nana, my grandfather and my dad)

packing...UGH!

Ok I found one thing that REALLY gets harder once you have kids... packing. Ok so this isn't the first time we've gone away, but I think it the first time I've posted about this. When you are single, or even just married... packing is simple. You pick out what clothes you need, shoes, health and beauty products pack them neatly into a carrying device and you are good to go... no??

Not so easy when you have kiddos. I created a list of what to pack:
both boys:
clothes, sneakers, sandals, water shoes, sunscreen, meds, cups, silverware, bathing suits, bath stuff, books, cars, swim diapers, hats, monitor, gate, wipes, pillows, snacks, plates & bowls, carriage
Blake:
swim vest, blanket, pull-ups, sunglasses
Colby:
float, diapers, booster seat, pack n play, extra sheet, pacifiers, bath towel, yogurts, shakes, apple sauce
Abby: (yes we are taking the dog too)
food, bed, leash, dishes, treats
Richard and I:
clothes, bathing suits, water shoes, HBA, meds, camera, cell phones, chargers, my pillow, books, sunglasses, hats

This is for a trip to my in-laws this weekend... the challenge is once you get everything it doesn't matter how long the trip it you still need everything. Oh well it's good practice for our vacation in October

Then there is the whole pack a snack for the car, and things to entertain the boys for the 3.5 hr drive... we are hoping they will nap

family photo

My mom took this picture at her house the other day... I figured I hadn't shared a new family picture in a while so....

Weekend update!

Here we are at Monday again lets see how was the weekend?? Not long enough!

Friday Richard came home early and we went to the grocery store. The boys went out on the bike for a bit too which they all love!

Saturday was family busy day. We took Blake to get his hair cut.. ok you already knew that but still, went to a farmers market, the boys went for a ride, Richard actually had time to get some work done on a project of his own and we went to church. Yes, we made the buffalo chicken chili and it was good... I will admit though that it was not an exact copy of Rachael Ray's recipe... hey she does say her recipes are methods and you don't have to follow them exactly! It was a nice change of pace from our usual chili... it was actually not as hot as I normally make chili, but it had a kick.

Sunday Richard went to work and then for a bike ride. So the boys and I had our typical day... well except Colby and I started the day at 5:30am and he was down for his morning nap at 8am and slept until 10:30... and yes this totally messed up afternoon naps! Richard got home around 1:30pm and let me have some escape time. Colby hung out with Richard and I in our bedroom and actually fell asleep on our bed where I was reading. After dinner I took the boys out in the bike trailer while I rollerbladed... this was a workout let me tell you!

We are testing something out with Blake's room to see if it will help with naptime issues... I'll fill you in on the details later. Don't want to jinx it... as that seems to be the norm for me and sleep issues!!

Hope you had a fun filled busy weekend with you family too!