Weekend Update

What a week! I have come to the conclusion that my life is just crazy...plain and simple. But I have also realized that I have to take control. For my sake and especially for the girls' sake.

We had a nice weekend though. I got a long nap yesterday which was heaven. Then we went to the mall, just so Kaelyn could ride the Merry-Go-Round. Then over to Mom and Dad's for a swim and a picnic.

Kevin headed back to work this morning. We havn't gotten an official date for the opening of the new center but we're hoping for the end of August or beginning of September. I am more than ready.

Not much more to report but I will end with a picture Kevin took of me and the girls that I liked.

Worst Week Ever

Guess who's having the worst week ever...yep, that's right, it's me!

Trying to do a good deed, I did an overnight Monday night for a friend with a toothache. Now doing an overnight when I was single, wasn't a big deal. As a mother of two, much bigger deal. I have to pack clothes for all of us, blankets, pillows, baby travel bed, toys, books, you name it...I hualed it in that night. And while hauling, I forgot to lock up my car.

The next morning, I was getting ready for work when one of my employees asked me where my car was. With a smile, I told her it was outside, thinking she was playing a joke on me. She wasn't. My car had been STOLEN! If you know me, you know I practically live out of my car and it is full of stuff. Valuable stuff like a Camcorder, a DVD player, a bag of DVD's and toys for Kaelyn, carseats, my purse and most importantly my planner. The car was recovered a few hours later, with all of the above missing from it.

I do have a lot to be thankful for. They left my dirver's license, debit card, my IRS refund check that I had JUST received that day. But I have to admit I am pretty lost without my planner.

They also drove the tire completely off my front passenger wheel. The officer had warned me that the car had been wrecked so I was expecting the worst. It was better than I was expecting, but still unbelievable. The tire is in shreds! They must have hit something and just kept on going, for a long time. People are crazy.

The worst part is that I can't get a new wheel for the car until Friday and we were to leave on vacation this morning. So here I sit, not on vacation. No car, no carseats, and a $500 deductible. My camcorder was receovered with the "suspect" later that night, so another think to be thankful for. I am thankful, but I'd be a lot more so, if I were on my way starting my vacation right about now.

The Fair's Over

Well, the fair is over. Four days is a long time! We don't usually go all four nights but this time we did. Add in the reunion, and I was running on empty by the time we went last night. It has been so hot...the heat just drains me. I have to have lost at least ten pounds, just by sweating this past few days.

Kaelyn had a good time at the fair. The swings were her favorite but she also liked the cars. She really, really likes the cotton candy!

I have a bunch of pictures to share, but still one more day of the reunion so had better get around. Kevin left to go back to St. Louis this morning.

Swings

I have literally met myself coming and going this week. I was home Sunday night and then went to work Monday morning. I ran home to let Bailey out after work on Monday and went back to work at 7 pm until 7 am. I did the same thing on Tuesday. I was so tired this morning. But my work week is done now. I have to run to town in the morning for a quick meeting and then I am off for the rest of the weekend. We are having our family reunion this weekend. I am off next Thursday and Friday too, going to Oklahoma for Kevin's family reunion.

We went to the big Prairie Home fair tonight. Kaelyn was very excited. She rode the dragons, the cars twice, the swings twice, the big slide and the Sizzler one time. She got scared on the Sizzler though and cried. When she was going on the swings, I was helping her on. The Carny Man said, "go ahead and ride, Mom". I told him that it had been a really long time but I hopped on. It was so much fun! Although I was a little nervous, I don't know how Kaelyn wasn't scared. But, she was laughing and saying how much fun it was. Kevin will have a fit when he finds out I let her go on it.

They are going in the Pet Parade tomorrow night. Kate is going in the baby contest in the morning. I will be at my meeting but Mom said they could take her up. The joys of a small town...I love it!

We're Home

Our mini-vacation was so nice. It felt strange to get in the car and head out of town without kids in the backseat though. However, I quickly got used to it! It was a five hour drive to Des Moines. Kevin drove the entire way and I had my head in a book the whole time.

We checked into the Holiday Inn Express, right across from Drake University. This was our first time seeing the university where we are working on our Master's Degrees. We were very impressed with the college.

We went to dinner at the Drake Diner, enjoyed a drink and a good meal. It was very relaxing and much needed after the week I had. After that, we went back to our hotel room. Kevin watched a movie while I finished my book.

We had class this morning. It seemed silly to drive ten hours for a half day of class. But class was interesting and attendance makes 50% of this class so we really didn't have a choice. We only have one class this summer, which has been very nice.

Back home this evening, and very happy to see the girls. I'm not sure they missed us as much as we missed them though! Thanks Grandma and Papa for the help!

Road Trip

I think this may have been the longest week of my life. No kiddin' Really, the longest week. I got home at 11 pm last night after another twelve hour day, just emotion ally and physically drained. I cried on the way home, just relieved that the week was over. Not that the situation is over, but at least I get a two day reprieve from it.

And what a reprieve it will be! Kevin and I are headed out today on a little road trip sans the kids. We are going to sunny, fun-filled Des Moines, Iowa! Yay!

Mom and Dad are going to keep the girls while we make a flying trip (five hours one way) to Des Moines for four hours of class on Sunday. I have yet to spend a night away from Kate since her birth. She'll be fine, she'll be fine. Keep telling myself that, she'll be fine.

Happy 5th of July!

I came home from work tonight to a very clean house! Kevin is so great that way. He was really proud of himself, and didn't want me to sit down until I had taken a look around and saw all that he had done.

The girls and I stayed at mom's last night as I had to work until 10:30 pm. We didn't get to see any fireworks but did enjoy two barbecues. I got the girl's pictures taken in their matching "Lil' Sparkler" shirts. I'll post them when I get them back in a few weeks. They came out pretty cute despite Kate refusing to smile until the guy would walk away. Then she would break out in her huge grim, dimples showing!

Getting Closer

Kevin emailed to let me know that they are now training interpreters for the Columbia location. Yay! I can't wait to have him permanently home again!

I took the girls to Walmart yesterday and had their pictures taken for July 4th. They looked so cute. I won't get them back until July 26.

I had to do the overnight at work last night and it looks like I'll be working again tonight as somebody called in. Oh well, more money.

The Little Housewrecker

Sundays are hard days. Kevin leaves early in the morning and I am on my own for the day. It makes for a very long day. Here are a few of todays highlights:

Kaelyn unwound an entire roll of toilet paper on the bathroom floor. The reason? She wanted the cardboard tubing to use as a look out for pirates!

Continuing with the pirate theme, Kaelyn put an entire sheet of pirate stickers on the TV screen.

Later she scribbled all over the same screen with a blue crayon. I also found a glob of red Play-doh stuck to it.

She used Pledge on an area of the kitchen floor. I have came very close to busting my butt on the slick spot several times today.

And last but certainly not least, she poured blue Kool-aid into the toilet and then demanded candy in reward for her going pee.

Sure, she looks sweet...

Relaxation...finally!

The older I get, the more I crave simplicity in my life. I used to be all about the drama, but not so much anymore. I try to avoid arguments, rather than provoking them. Today was mostly a simple day. Kaelyn and I took a leisurely stroll, hand in hand, up to the post office and got the mail. We then walked over to my parents new house and watered the flowers. It felt good, walking with Kaelyn, around the little town that holds my heart.

We worked on cleaning the house. I deep-cleaned our bedroom and the living room. I even found cleaning relaxing, if you can believe that.

Later, we drove into town and took a swim at mom's and then soaked in the hot tub. And now, the girls are in bed, and I am getting ready to relax on the couch with a margarita. It really doesn't get any better than this!

Oh, and Kate did take a tumble from the swing! Poor baby!

Six Month Old Baby

Here is a picture of Kate at six months old. She is starting to sit forward when she is sitting in the swing. I am afraid she will fall out of it! I guess it will soon be time to retire it.

She is a darling little baby.

Water Park

Oh my heavens! This here DSL stuff is just amazin'! Kevin got'r all hooked up fer me tonight and I am just happy as a clam.

I'm also a little tired, if you couldn't tell from the silliness (okay, stupidness (is that a word? Too tired to look it up)) of the previous few sentences. I do feel a little silly to be so excited about finally having DSL at home when the rest of the world has had it forever. What can I say? We live in Podunk and it just got here!

Kaelyn is in the tub and singing a song about "my dreams will come true"...what kind of dreams do a three-year-old have? Whatever they are, I certainly do hope that they come true, little girl of mine.

I went to Big Surf Water Parktoday with work. My team has planned this trip every year for the past six years (I think). It was a very nice day, hot but a nice breeze to cool it down. Kevin and the girls drove down and met me. We let Kaelyn play for a few hours before heading home. She had a good time.

Another Week

How has almost another week gone by? I have been working some really long hours this month. I am exhausted by the time I get home and get the girls to bed. We are getting DSL tomorrow though so my slow dial-up days will be long gone. I am excited to have a faster connection.

The girls are asleep and their Daddy is playing a computer game. He loves these "Total War" games where he can strategically take over the world. Wahahaha!

We went over to Jeff City this evening and did a little shopping. Went to Old Navy and bought the girls cute July 4th shirts. I want to get their pictures taken together. I am way behind on pictures. I need to get Kate's six-months** and Kaelyn's three-years done. I also want to get their pictures in the little poodle outfits that I bought for them before Kate was born. I need to become a photographer.

**I can't believe that my baby is already six months old! It doesn't seem possible. She is such a sweet baby and definitely has us wrapped around her finger.

It's Saturday!

It's a day of rest. That's funny. Saturday's are just like every other day for me...non-stop activity. I haven't even had a chance to blog all week. I worked several long days this week but managed to get quite a bit done. Next week is going to be crazy busy too. Actually July is going to be that way all month. We have big activities going three weekends in a row. We have class in Des Moines one weekend, and then my family reunion here and then to Oklahoma for Kevin's family reunion. Whew!

It's been a pretty good week. I was thrilled to see all my favorites back up for another season of Big Brother. I have already voted for Kaysar, Howie and Janie. I love Big Brother.

I talked to my sister today about my biz idea. I really need her on board with me. I was happy with the conversation. I keep telling her that I can make us lots of money. I think Kevin is getting a little frustrated and nervous with my constant talk about quitting my job and taking this risk. We shall see.

And I just have to say that today I am very thankful for my family. There are some doozies out there.

Cookies

I made some low-carb no bake cookies tonight to celebrate one week on Atkins. They didn't set up very well so I stuck them in the freezer. Something tastes a little funny about them but they are okay. I certainly couldn't see myself eating more than one at a sitting, which is a good thing. I have lost around 7 pounds this week...yay me!

Much better than the cookies was the crustless bacon, brocolli and cheese quiche that I made for dinner. Yummy!

Kevin is home tomorrow. This week has gone very fast. He is going to pick the girls up from the sitter for me so I can work late and get a few things done at the office. This month has been so hectic with many days spend away from the office that I am behind on some stuff.

Kaelyn knocked Kate out of the baby swing somehow. I was getting dressed for work when I heard a thump and Kate started to scream. Kaelyn yelled, "Mama come here!" Kate was laying on the floor beneath the swing, still screaming. I picked her up and she calmed right down. She wasn't hurt at all. Kaelyn seems to be getting more rough with her as Kate is getting older.

Off to bed.

LONG day

Today was a looonnngggg day! Okay, I admit, the days that Kevin is gone are all very long. I have to do everything..get the kids up, get them ready, take them to the sitters, work, pick them up, feed them, get them ready for bed. I'm really not complaining.

I had to go to St. Louis today for work. That was five funfilled hours in the car. That added to my very long day.

But it was a good day. I stayed up late last night reading The Runaway Jury. I had never read it or seen the movie. It was good. I like John Grisham, I had forgotten how good he was. But I really needed to be asleep long before 2:30 am!

I finally got all the flowers planted in the planters for the porch. Kaelyn wanted to help but I didn't want her to get dirty. She watered them for me instead.

We're having an issue with our neighbor but too tired now to write about it. Maybe tomorrow!

Happy Daddy's Day

I have a lot to celebrate today. I think my Dad is pretty special. We have always been close and I am definitely a "daddy's little girl" and always will be. We have a lot in common and have similar interests (like a love for anything Elvis). My Dad is a good man. He is hardworking but always takes time out for fun. He is also very kind and has a wonderful sense of humor. I remember as a little girl, watching him drive the boat on Bluestem Lake, and thinking of him as my hero. He still is.

I also have to celebrate my husband, who is a wonderful father to Kaelyn and Kate. Kevin is a very hands-on Dad. He changes diapers, plays with playdoh and gives horsey rides. He is truly my partner in this thing called parenthood.

Boring life?

Kevin made a comment today that our lives were boring. I replied that I didn't have time to be bored. I think our life is anything but...

I was thrilled to have Kevin home from St. Louis. He came to the office and we went to Ruby Tuesday's for lunch. We laughed and laughed at stupid stuff, and had a great time. He then went on home to mow the lawn. I worked awhile longer then picked up the kids. I was watching a friend's son, Tyler tonight, so had all three kids in the car with me. Kaelyn was exhausted from not sleeping much the night before.

We walked over to Mom and Dad's and Kevin helped hand their new screen door. It was a beautiful evening. Kaelyn and Tyler ran around, played, got dirty and had a great time. Kate sat in her stroller, content to watch all of the activity around her.

We came home, and the kids played some more on the swingset. Kaelyn never fails to thank us "thanks mom and dad for buying us this swingset" every time she plays on it. It is so cute. I watered the flowers and let the kids run through the hose. Had a late dinner, put on jammies and relaxed on the couches, watching Shrek 2. Everyone is fast asleep now, except me.

Boring? Maybe, but I was too busy enjoying every minute to be bored. As I have gotten older, I crave simplicity in my life. It's the little things that mean so much and I cherish every minute with my family. Watching fireflies at dusk and sitting on the front porch swing with my husband. Thank you God for these blessings.

More Worn Out

I don't want this blog to be all about how tired I am but, man, am I worn out! It's been a really long week and it's only Wednesday. At least it's Wednesday night. I am getting the girls ready and heading back into work to do the overnight. Kevin will be home early tomorrow...thankfully! Kaelyn is in the tub and Kate is fussing so have to cut this short.

I started a new "diet" today. More details to come but I did pretty good today. One day down, forever to go!

Worn Out

I am so tired. I have spent the past two days painting at work. A handful of us pretty much painted an entire house, upstairs and down. I am headed for a hot bath and then to bed.

Last night,Kaelyn said the funniest thing. I was on the computer and I heard water noises from the living room. This kid loves playing with water. She was pouring water from a cup Kevin had left sitting out, into her watering can. Of course, she poured it all over my coffee table, making a huge mess. I ran in there, and exclaimed, "Kaelyn, you know Mommy hates messes!" She looked at me and said, "I do not like messes either too, Mama". Either too...that is just too cute. But then I think most everything that she does is too cute. That's my girl!

Kevin is still in St. Louis. He has sounded tired the past two nights when he called. Of course, I have been extremely tired as well. He'll be home on Thursday. I miss having him around, but it shouldn't be too much longer.

Off for that bath now.