I haven't posted in what seems like eternity. I apologize, but whenever I sat down to write a post I would start and then, get side tracked or feel the whatever was coming out wasn't, well, good. My life has been, interesting in 2013 to say the least. I will stick with just the new year for this post. There may be some gory details and personal stuff, if you are squeamish- you have been warned, there is lots of lady parts talk.
January 1, get sick with the horrible, nasty, no good flu that is going around and filling hospitals and killing children. Horrendous. I didn't eat for 12 days. Literally, lived on water and no food. I lost 9 pounds, so there is my silver lining, I always said I was a stomach flu away from my goal weight. Hehehehe oh did I mention that I had found out that I was pregnant with baby #3? No, oh, well hold on to your seat, this is where the fun begins.
Saturday, January 5: Still have the horrendous flu with the fever and the chills and the puking except now I have started spotting. I tell R I need to be seen & we head to emergency. They diagnose me with influenza B and an upper respiratory infection and threatened miscarriage. My blood work comes back with a hcG count of 290ish, which is crazy low for as far along as I knew I was. (Thank you iPhone period tracking app, I knew my predicted ovulation date and when we conceived.) I am sent on my way with reassurance that dark brown spotting is rather common and to get my levels checked again in 48 hours. I leave with a Zofran in my system and a broken fever.
Monday, January 7: Bright red blood. Not the thing you want to see. It wasn't a tiny amount either. Back to th ER I go. During my blood draw I tell the tech that I am about to hit the floor, my blood pressure is unreadable for the first 4 times they check. When they are finally able to get a reading I have the outstanding blood pressure of 68/39. I am put on an IV immediately. The hospital is full to The brim and they end up sticking me in a consultation room until they can find a spot for me. Good news, I get to have another pelvic exam! My hcG level has tripled, this is good news, my levels are around 968. The ER dr. Looks at my after my pelvic exam and tells me I am bleeding actively from my uterus and I am miscarrying. I am also told to get myself to the lab in 48 hours and have my levels tested again. My levels were not high enough to see anything on an ultrasound so we were basically playing a waiting game.
Wednesday, January 9: blood draw at the lab- get results in the morning.
Thursday, January 10: bad news, my levels dropped to 940 something, which says I am losing the baby. Blood draw ordered in 48 and 96 hours to track my levels.
Friday, January 11: another blood draw, won't know anything until tomorrow
Saturday, January 12: Call the hospital per my instructions and have an OBGYN resident paged to read my results and tell me. My numbers have jumped up to 1700ish. Now, we have confusion. Dipping numbers say no baby, but then they jumped up but didn't double. Told to have my blood draw as scheduled and follow up with the doctor on Monday.
Sunday, January 13: blood draw, again. My poor arms are a rainbow of yellows, blacks, purples and blues. I look like an IV drug user.
Monday, January 14: numbers jumped again but they aren't doubling like they are supposed to, something is wrong but we don't know what. I have stopped bleeding randomly after a full week, so that seems encouraging. An ultrasound appointment is set up for the afternoon as my levels are high
enough to see something. I know nothing, the ultrasound tech is silent during the process and informs me to call my dr for the results. The transvaginal ultrasound isn't comfortable and that worries me, I have had them before and I wasn't in pain. The news from the doctor is that the pregnancy was not detected in my uterus, I was to come into the office for my scheduled appointment th next day and we would figure out what the next step was. I was told the best case scenario was the MTX shot which is basically chemo, and it would take care of the pregnancy. I was told to go in for more blood work so we could have baseline levels ready for my appointment.
Tuesday, January 15: please note this has been going on for 10 very long days. I go in for my blood work first thing in the morning, my appointment was scheduled for 2pm. I head to my appointment and am sent back right away. I was told my liver enzymes were elevated so I wasn't a candidate for the shot like we had hoped. My hcG dropped since Sunday so we had a couple options, we were going to do another ultrasound and see what we could see and if I wasn't in any pain we could be conservative about treatment as my body seemed to be taking care of it. My body had other plans. My ultrasound was incredibly painful and the doctor plainly told me I needed to go over to pre-op as he was concerned about a tubal rupture. I quickly figured out plans for the girls, and headed to pre op and was checked in just after 4pm. I was told they suspected the pregnancy to be in my left tube, but they weren't entirely sure. I was having a laproscopic surgery so they would know more once the scope went in. It was explained to me that less than 50% of the time are they able to save the whole tube, so there was a decent chance I would lose a portion or my whole tube. Unfortunately, now e waiting game started. I was prepped and ready to go and was transported to the OR waiting area at 6pm, where I sat until just after 10pm. Surgery was scheduled to last 30-40 minutes. I was in for an hour and 15. It wasnt my left tube, it was my right tube, ,y left ovary had a sizable benign cyst on it that was likely causing me some pain that was removed as well. 1 hour and 20 minutes in recovery ( where the first thing I remember is asking for underwear.) I then spent the next 3 hours getting my laundry list of requirements checked off to go home. 4:30am and I was in my own bed. 3 small incisions later ( one on the left about an inch long, one in my belly button about a 1/2 inch and one on the right about 1 cm), a belly full of gas from surgery, and pain I was safe and healthy.
I am not even a full week post op yet but I feel ok. Not great, but ok. I am still super sore and can't do basically anything, but I am alive. Emotionally, I don't think I have processed what has happened yet, I don't know that I will for awhile, my main priority is getting healthy and recovering. Being helpless is not my forte.
Next update will be soon, promise. I don't have anything else to do.
I apologize about any weird formatting or spelling errors, I am typing on my iPad for the first time to post to blogger, I have a feeling there are a couple things that will be funky.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Saturday, April 28, 2012
I made it.
This past week was one that I wasn't particularly looking forward to. It was a week filled with book fair, mileage club and grant team review with the United Way. I had scheduled myself around 32 hours of volunteer time. I am just happy to report that I made it through the week and I didn't lose my mind in the process.
As my first year as book fair co-chair, I was kind of unsure about what I actually got myself into. We had set our goal higher than we had in the past and we hoping to be able to attain it. Well, we kicked that book fair's ass!! $500 over our new and improved higher goal! Being able to tell the teachers that they had more money per student than they expected was AMAZING!
The kids at school have been rocking mileage club. (*For those of you that are unsure what exactly mileage club is... we set up a course that is 1/4 mile long. Every lap that is run is tracked by a hole punch in a card. Once a child reaches 5 miles, they receive a small plastic foot or toe token. There are special prizes along the way- certificates on their lockers, water bottles, special toe tokens and pencils.) Our kids are KILLING it!! Not only do we have 300 of the 325 kids signed up, but our average miles per student is over 5 miles higher than the program average. I am honestly so proud to be a part of this program and love being able to watch our kids being healthy.
Grant team was really cool. I was able to sit down and watch the entire grant process deliberation and awarding. I was asked again to join the community investment committee which is yet another huge honor. :)
I finally feel like I am finding my place in this community.
As my first year as book fair co-chair, I was kind of unsure about what I actually got myself into. We had set our goal higher than we had in the past and we hoping to be able to attain it. Well, we kicked that book fair's ass!! $500 over our new and improved higher goal! Being able to tell the teachers that they had more money per student than they expected was AMAZING!
The kids at school have been rocking mileage club. (*For those of you that are unsure what exactly mileage club is... we set up a course that is 1/4 mile long. Every lap that is run is tracked by a hole punch in a card. Once a child reaches 5 miles, they receive a small plastic foot or toe token. There are special prizes along the way- certificates on their lockers, water bottles, special toe tokens and pencils.) Our kids are KILLING it!! Not only do we have 300 of the 325 kids signed up, but our average miles per student is over 5 miles higher than the program average. I am honestly so proud to be a part of this program and love being able to watch our kids being healthy.
Grant team was really cool. I was able to sit down and watch the entire grant process deliberation and awarding. I was asked again to join the community investment committee which is yet another huge honor. :)
I finally feel like I am finding my place in this community.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A Muppet themed party
In 48 short hours, Arabel will officially be 4 years old. (How in the heck did that happen by the way?? I never approved this growing up stuff she has been pulling lately.) We had a gathering with family yesterday. I don't typically go all crazy with themed decorations and everything, honestly it seems like kind of a waste unless we are having a ton of kids that would appreciate that type of thing. Adults just don't get all excited about paper cut outs of characters the way kids do. Well, Arabel declared last week that she loves the Muppets (love is an understatement, we watch a Muppet movie at least once a day.) She wanted a Muppet party. The problem?? THERE IS NO MUPPET ANYTHING to buy in the stores. Seriously, NOTHING. It was up to this mom to try and create something out of nothing. Here is what I did. (I apologize for the lack of pictures, the party was a blur I only managed to get 4 pictures of the whole thing.... sucky mom.)
I bought a (Kermit) green plastic tablecloth. I prefer using plastic as it is super easy to clean up and after having 20 people in my house, I am all about ease. The standard size that they sell was a little long for my table, so I chopped one of the ends off and used it to cover up the area of my counter I used for food. I made little signs to put in front of the food with our Muppet themed food names... The Swedish Chef's Meatballs (swedish meatballs in the crockpot), Miss Piggy's Pink Lemonade Spritzer (pink lemonade and Sprite), It's Not Easy Being Green salad (simple green salad with dressing on the side), Fozzie's Funny Bean Dip (7 layer bean dip), Pigs in Space in blankets (mini pigs in blankets made with cocktail weenies), and Rainbow Connection cupcakes (rainbow cupcakes with cool whip and sprinkles). I bought pink and orange cocktail napkins (think Scooter orange and Miss Piggy pink.) I decorated with a couple animal print bandana's I happened to have around the house. ("Animal print"... get it?) We also played the Muppet movie and Muppets Take Manhattan while people were here. It wasn't overkill on the theme but lots of people commented on how cute it turned out.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Here I am
I have been mentally composing this blog for what seems like forever. Really, it has been a couple days. I apologize in advance for being overly vague.
It is time for a change. I am looking for a job, but not necessarily because I want one. I think that it is high time that I head back to work though. I am not looking forward to it, but I am. I know that makes no sense and I can't help it. Going back to work will mean a couple of great things... a job means money, time away (let's be serious, we all need at least a little time away) and money. As you can see money is a driving factor for me. I am getting older and I hate that I have nothing to fall back on. I want a little something for a rainy day, a vacation, a car, a new pair of shoes and just because I am sure being rich is way cooler than what I am doing right now.
The winds of change are a comin'. I can't say for sure what they may bring, but there are some serious possibilities. I do know that there is likely to be lots of tears, tons of swearing and hopefully some good thrown in there too. I will survive and be better on the other side, no matter how hard it seems to be while I am weathering the storm.
It is time for a change. I am looking for a job, but not necessarily because I want one. I think that it is high time that I head back to work though. I am not looking forward to it, but I am. I know that makes no sense and I can't help it. Going back to work will mean a couple of great things... a job means money, time away (let's be serious, we all need at least a little time away) and money. As you can see money is a driving factor for me. I am getting older and I hate that I have nothing to fall back on. I want a little something for a rainy day, a vacation, a car, a new pair of shoes and just because I am sure being rich is way cooler than what I am doing right now.
The winds of change are a comin'. I can't say for sure what they may bring, but there are some serious possibilities. I do know that there is likely to be lots of tears, tons of swearing and hopefully some good thrown in there too. I will survive and be better on the other side, no matter how hard it seems to be while I am weathering the storm.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Learning to say no
I happened upon this little nugget the other night when I was postponing my bedtime and playing on pinterest.
Here is what I have on my plate right now: Mileage club co-coordinator, Book Fair co-coordinator, Box Tops for Education contest coordinator, helping with science night, VP for PTA next year- which includes throwing the first 2 events of the year... first day of school parent breakfast AND the ice cream social open house (all in the first month of school), active PTA mom, parent chaperone for field trips or anything needed in the classroom, United Way volunteer, mom of 2, wifey and friend. So.. yeah. I think this might be the limit where I have to start turning down things. Remind me of this the next time I start talking about taking on another project.
I need wine.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Back to the grind
School is back in session. I survived having to get up early, but just barely. The holidays are over and so are my excuses for not being in better shape. That means: it is grind time. I have this friend who goes to the gym 4 times a week plus does a yoga workout... it makes me feel like I am a shlub. In effort to make myself a super hot mama once again, I will be attempting to complete the 30 day shred. Every day for the next month, I will be shredding. 30 minutes, I can handle that. I mean if Rob can lock himself in his office for hours at a time working, I can probably sneak in a 30 minute workout. I already know that Jillian is the devil, my body is going to hurt.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
I survived 2011
I have pretty much sucked on keeping the blog updated lately. I am calling it my holiday hiatus. Well, hiatus is over and here I am.
2011 was a decent year. No major complaints. I have a home, a family that is healthy and we are pretty damn happy. I am hoping 2012 will be even better to us. :)
Christmas seemed like it snuck up on me and then came and went as quickly as possible. I feel like it has been a whirlwind 2 weeks of vacation. I could honestly use another few days before I have to get Em up and around in the morning.
We crammed 4 christmas celebrations in 3 days. It was a flurry of wrapping paper, bows, gifts, family, food, and drinks but I wouldn't ask for anything more. I know that everyone is just dying to know what we got...
Emma & Arabel:
bunk beds
room makeover
3D horse and unicorn that you color yourself
Easy bake Oven cookie and cakes kit
DQ blizzard maker
Emma:
iPod shuffle
LalaLoopsy doll (if you haven't seen these... get on it, they are freaking adorable!!)
VTech InnoTab
InnoTab games
clothes
iTunes gift card
Toys R Us gift card
coloring stuff galore- activity books, markers, crayons, paint
color your own messenger bag
friendship bracelet kit
make your own beaded necklace kit
Arabel:
Littlest Pet Shop treehouse
Littlest Pet Shop walkables
More littlest Pet Shop stuff (she is obsessed)
LalaLoopsy doll
clothes
VTech MobiGo
MobiGo games
Toys R Us gift card
Kimm & Rob:
framed picture of Rob and his brothers & sister
framed picture of the 2 of us
gift cards to Applebee's and BW3
Visa Gift cards
Rob:
Arcardia Brewing Co. variety pack
slippers
new pens
electric pencil sharpener
Kimm:
laundry baskets
KEURIG!!!!!
Keurig k-cups
Ugg type boots
coupon book (all sorts of awesome stuff in there for local businesses)
variety pack of beer
MSU pullover
*I am sure that I am forgetting a ton of stuff. I will be back to update and add more links. I am running on battery power and laying in my comfy bed now. I feel like I need some more motivation for that. HA!
Resolutions:
I don't know that I really love the idea of resolutions. Last year, I didn't have a set resolution but I knew that I wanted to be healthier. Well, I quit smoking in August so I feel like that was a huge step in the right direction. I don't drink as much as I did before (not that it was a ton to begin with) and in general I feel like I did alright at being healthier.
This year, I would love to save money and continue being healthier. Who knows, maybe I will even start running or something. (HA!!!! Who am I kidding... I HATE running.) I am ready to move to the next level in my relationship with Rob... seriously, 2012 HAS to be my year right?? I am ready to have another baby and be on our way to the next phase that awaits.
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and I wish a prosperous new year to all.
2011 was a decent year. No major complaints. I have a home, a family that is healthy and we are pretty damn happy. I am hoping 2012 will be even better to us. :)
Christmas seemed like it snuck up on me and then came and went as quickly as possible. I feel like it has been a whirlwind 2 weeks of vacation. I could honestly use another few days before I have to get Em up and around in the morning.
We crammed 4 christmas celebrations in 3 days. It was a flurry of wrapping paper, bows, gifts, family, food, and drinks but I wouldn't ask for anything more. I know that everyone is just dying to know what we got...
Emma & Arabel:
bunk beds
room makeover
3D horse and unicorn that you color yourself
Easy bake Oven cookie and cakes kit
DQ blizzard maker
Emma:
iPod shuffle
LalaLoopsy doll (if you haven't seen these... get on it, they are freaking adorable!!)
VTech InnoTab
InnoTab games
clothes
iTunes gift card
Toys R Us gift card
coloring stuff galore- activity books, markers, crayons, paint
color your own messenger bag
friendship bracelet kit
make your own beaded necklace kit
Arabel:
Littlest Pet Shop treehouse
Littlest Pet Shop walkables
More littlest Pet Shop stuff (she is obsessed)
LalaLoopsy doll
clothes
VTech MobiGo
MobiGo games
Toys R Us gift card
Kimm & Rob:
framed picture of Rob and his brothers & sister
framed picture of the 2 of us
gift cards to Applebee's and BW3
Visa Gift cards
Rob:
Arcardia Brewing Co. variety pack
slippers
new pens
electric pencil sharpener
Kimm:
laundry baskets
KEURIG!!!!!
Keurig k-cups
Ugg type boots
coupon book (all sorts of awesome stuff in there for local businesses)
variety pack of beer
MSU pullover
*I am sure that I am forgetting a ton of stuff. I will be back to update and add more links. I am running on battery power and laying in my comfy bed now. I feel like I need some more motivation for that. HA!
Resolutions:
I don't know that I really love the idea of resolutions. Last year, I didn't have a set resolution but I knew that I wanted to be healthier. Well, I quit smoking in August so I feel like that was a huge step in the right direction. I don't drink as much as I did before (not that it was a ton to begin with) and in general I feel like I did alright at being healthier.
This year, I would love to save money and continue being healthier. Who knows, maybe I will even start running or something. (HA!!!! Who am I kidding... I HATE running.) I am ready to move to the next level in my relationship with Rob... seriously, 2012 HAS to be my year right?? I am ready to have another baby and be on our way to the next phase that awaits.
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and I wish a prosperous new year to all.
Friday, December 2, 2011
goings on
So here is what has been going on with me.
I am going to the first B1G Ten Championship football game on Saturday, oh and Michigan State is playing. That alone is amazing... but, I will be sitting in a suite on the 50 yard line. I will be screaming my lungs out in the comfort of a suite. (HUGE thank you to my wonderful mother in law for that! She is the one who got us the tickets and hotel!) Early Saturday morning we are meeting my in laws and driving down to Indy. The hotel that we are staying at is a surprise(!) but we were told we should get there a little early to enjoy it. *SQUEEEE* We have dinner reservations and we were told to put on our party pants. :) I am so excited it could scream!!!
Rob is contemplating a career change. I should say that an opportunity has kind of presented itself, and Rob is very familiar with the industry it is in. More than likely his IT stuff will go on the back burner a bit to go back into the mortgage industry. Rob used to own his own mortgage company, obviously when the housing market when in the crapper... he decided to go back to his IT roots.
All I know right now, is that I am excited and happy. :) Happy December everyone.
P.S. I also got an email that I am now part of the She Speaks Blogger society. :)
I am going to the first B1G Ten Championship football game on Saturday, oh and Michigan State is playing. That alone is amazing... but, I will be sitting in a suite on the 50 yard line. I will be screaming my lungs out in the comfort of a suite. (HUGE thank you to my wonderful mother in law for that! She is the one who got us the tickets and hotel!) Early Saturday morning we are meeting my in laws and driving down to Indy. The hotel that we are staying at is a surprise(!) but we were told we should get there a little early to enjoy it. *SQUEEEE* We have dinner reservations and we were told to put on our party pants. :) I am so excited it could scream!!!
Rob is contemplating a career change. I should say that an opportunity has kind of presented itself, and Rob is very familiar with the industry it is in. More than likely his IT stuff will go on the back burner a bit to go back into the mortgage industry. Rob used to own his own mortgage company, obviously when the housing market when in the crapper... he decided to go back to his IT roots.
All I know right now, is that I am excited and happy. :) Happy December everyone.
P.S. I also got an email that I am now part of the She Speaks Blogger society. :)
Monday, November 14, 2011
30 days of thankful
I am sure we have all seen the November trend of posting something you are thankful for everyday. Well, I am going to go ahead and post them all right here. Some will be serious, some will be silly... they are all things worth being thankful for.
1. My parents. They always seem to take the girls when I need a break the most.
2. The internet. I am pretty sure I would go a little bit crazy without it.
3. My daughter's elementary school. I feel blessed every single day knowing what an amazing place that it is.
4. Benadryl. I don't think that I would be able to be out and about without it some days.
5. Coke (as in Coca-Cola Classic). It is my go to "drug" of choice. Nothing better than a fountain coke. :)
6. Emma. She truly is another version of me. We drive each other crazy but I wouldn't have it any other way. She makes me want to be better.
7. Arabel. She is one of the funniest children I have ever met, she never fails to make me laugh.
8. Friends. The new friends that I have made at school, and my old friends who have stood beside me for years and years. I would be a puddle of mess without you.
9. Rob. He works his butt off to support us. He supports anything that I want to do and doesn't complain too much when I make a terrible dinner or don't clean the house.
10. Vinegar. White vinegar has single handedly changed my cleaning ways. With all of my allergy issues, going chemical free was the way for us to be. It is cheap and works better than any cleaner I can buy.
11. Pinterest. Where else would I put all of the recipes, crafts, decoration ideas I find online??
12. American Eagle jeans. I was so excited to be back in a size 8 again, plus they look killer on my butt. :)
13. DVR. I get so annoyed when I watch live tv now. I am a spoiled little brat.
14. The lack of snow. Seriously, it is mid November and we don't have the dreaded white stuff on the ground. We have seen our first snow but it was gone as quick as it came.
15. GLEE. The amount of joy I get from that tv show is silly.
16. Julie Andrews. She makes the most amazing musicals that my kids love (me too!) and they aren't so annoying that I want to stab someone when I have to watch it for the 8 millionth time.
17. Sleep. I think my ideal vacation would involve a ton of sleeping. My bed is just so darn comfy!
18. Our home. We were able to find this place in record time when we needed a place. It has been perfect for us, and we couldn't be happier.
19. Food. Whether it be fresh mozzarella or a McMuffin, I am thankful that we have the nourishment that we require, and then some. Fresh baked cookies are a definite plus. :)
20. Our cats, Oscar and Zoe. They have been through the ringer over the past year and half, they are old and still kicking. Not to mention that the kids may terrorize them on occasion and they still love us.
21. The family. I covered my parents earlier, but the rest of the family deserves a shout out too. I happen to have pretty decent in laws. They dropped what they were doing to come here and be here for Emma's haircut.
22. Quitting smoking. I am thankful that I was able to quit my nasty habit and not look back. I am getting healthier by the day. :)
23. Pandora. Kidz Bop Pandora has become a staple in our house. We have nightly dance parties. It reminds me to turn off the tv and watch my kids be silly.
24. Kisses. Hugs and other forms of love that I receive from my kids all the time.
25. Norwex cloths. My mom and I stumbled upon these babies last week. They have done wonders for our terrible skin! No soap, these microfiber cloths are antibacterial and they exfoliate without being rough. Emma's poor skin is looking better than it has in awhile thanks to these.
26. Social networking sites. facebook, twitter, pinterest, tumblr I have an issue huh? They have allowed me to connect to a number of people that I don't know that I would have without it. Follow me, friend me... whatever. :)
27. TV. Phineas and Ferb is right up there. :)
28. The fact that I still got "it". I still get flirted with and whistled at. Hey, I am 30, I will take what I can get. :) Some of the guys are even pretty hot.
29. Our school parent association. I have been lucky enough to have the time and ability to be very involved this year. I am even more thankful that I have been asked to be next year's vice president, then the president the year after. I couldn't be happier to be a part of an organization that is so wonderful.
30. Victoria Secret underwear. I don't own many pairs, but holy cow... they are so comfy.
1. My parents. They always seem to take the girls when I need a break the most.
2. The internet. I am pretty sure I would go a little bit crazy without it.
3. My daughter's elementary school. I feel blessed every single day knowing what an amazing place that it is.
4. Benadryl. I don't think that I would be able to be out and about without it some days.
5. Coke (as in Coca-Cola Classic). It is my go to "drug" of choice. Nothing better than a fountain coke. :)
6. Emma. She truly is another version of me. We drive each other crazy but I wouldn't have it any other way. She makes me want to be better.
7. Arabel. She is one of the funniest children I have ever met, she never fails to make me laugh.
8. Friends. The new friends that I have made at school, and my old friends who have stood beside me for years and years. I would be a puddle of mess without you.
9. Rob. He works his butt off to support us. He supports anything that I want to do and doesn't complain too much when I make a terrible dinner or don't clean the house.
10. Vinegar. White vinegar has single handedly changed my cleaning ways. With all of my allergy issues, going chemical free was the way for us to be. It is cheap and works better than any cleaner I can buy.
11. Pinterest. Where else would I put all of the recipes, crafts, decoration ideas I find online??
12. American Eagle jeans. I was so excited to be back in a size 8 again, plus they look killer on my butt. :)
13. DVR. I get so annoyed when I watch live tv now. I am a spoiled little brat.
14. The lack of snow. Seriously, it is mid November and we don't have the dreaded white stuff on the ground. We have seen our first snow but it was gone as quick as it came.
15. GLEE. The amount of joy I get from that tv show is silly.
16. Julie Andrews. She makes the most amazing musicals that my kids love (me too!) and they aren't so annoying that I want to stab someone when I have to watch it for the 8 millionth time.
17. Sleep. I think my ideal vacation would involve a ton of sleeping. My bed is just so darn comfy!
18. Our home. We were able to find this place in record time when we needed a place. It has been perfect for us, and we couldn't be happier.
19. Food. Whether it be fresh mozzarella or a McMuffin, I am thankful that we have the nourishment that we require, and then some. Fresh baked cookies are a definite plus. :)
20. Our cats, Oscar and Zoe. They have been through the ringer over the past year and half, they are old and still kicking. Not to mention that the kids may terrorize them on occasion and they still love us.
21. The family. I covered my parents earlier, but the rest of the family deserves a shout out too. I happen to have pretty decent in laws. They dropped what they were doing to come here and be here for Emma's haircut.
22. Quitting smoking. I am thankful that I was able to quit my nasty habit and not look back. I am getting healthier by the day. :)
23. Pandora. Kidz Bop Pandora has become a staple in our house. We have nightly dance parties. It reminds me to turn off the tv and watch my kids be silly.
24. Kisses. Hugs and other forms of love that I receive from my kids all the time.
25. Norwex cloths. My mom and I stumbled upon these babies last week. They have done wonders for our terrible skin! No soap, these microfiber cloths are antibacterial and they exfoliate without being rough. Emma's poor skin is looking better than it has in awhile thanks to these.
26. Social networking sites. facebook, twitter, pinterest, tumblr I have an issue huh? They have allowed me to connect to a number of people that I don't know that I would have without it. Follow me, friend me... whatever. :)
27. TV. Phineas and Ferb is right up there. :)
28. The fact that I still got "it". I still get flirted with and whistled at. Hey, I am 30, I will take what I can get. :) Some of the guys are even pretty hot.
29. Our school parent association. I have been lucky enough to have the time and ability to be very involved this year. I am even more thankful that I have been asked to be next year's vice president, then the president the year after. I couldn't be happier to be a part of an organization that is so wonderful.
30. Victoria Secret underwear. I don't own many pairs, but holy cow... they are so comfy.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
proud beyond belief
Halloween came and went. Honestly, I was a little let down. Arabel wasn't 100% healthy yet and was over trick or treating within a couple of houses. Emma had fun, but it was nothing to write home about. It was very ho hum. I was slightly disappointed because I spent so much time on their outfits. Oh well, I guess that is part of the deal .
Emma cut her hair. That is the understatement of a lifetime. She cut off 16 inches of hair to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths in memory of her schoolmate. 16 inches. I had minor heart palpations while they chopped off the ponytail. I was so afraid that Em was going to be pissed when she saw short hair. She hasn't ever had short hair. I think she looks adorable, and a few years older now. (sob) My life has been made loads easier... no more 20 minutes spent washing and rinsing or 15 minutes spent detangling and combing. 2 minutes tops is what it takes now. Proud is the understatement of my life. She made a selfless decision because she knew that it would help someone else. I also found out that the random acts of kindness done in Adie's name is one of the things that is keeping her parents going on the bad days. We will continue to do random acts of kindness, if only to help her parents grieve.
I really enjoy doing things with the PTA. I volunteer for everything that I can, I just really love being involved. I was actually asked to consider being the vice president next year, which would then make me the president the year after. It is a huge honor to be asked, and I think that I am going to take it. I am excited about it to be completely honest.
Emma cut her hair. That is the understatement of a lifetime. She cut off 16 inches of hair to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths in memory of her schoolmate. 16 inches. I had minor heart palpations while they chopped off the ponytail. I was so afraid that Em was going to be pissed when she saw short hair. She hasn't ever had short hair. I think she looks adorable, and a few years older now. (sob) My life has been made loads easier... no more 20 minutes spent washing and rinsing or 15 minutes spent detangling and combing. 2 minutes tops is what it takes now. Proud is the understatement of my life. She made a selfless decision because she knew that it would help someone else. I also found out that the random acts of kindness done in Adie's name is one of the things that is keeping her parents going on the bad days. We will continue to do random acts of kindness, if only to help her parents grieve.
I really enjoy doing things with the PTA. I volunteer for everything that I can, I just really love being involved. I was actually asked to consider being the vice president next year, which would then make me the president the year after. It is a huge honor to be asked, and I think that I am going to take it. I am excited about it to be completely honest.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
alive and kickin'
I am alive. Tired, exhausted, drained, beat, pooped... you get the idea. It has been one of those type of months.
I had an allergic reaction on my face. AGAIN. (This exact thing happened last year at the same time, only it was so bad I had to go to the ER.) I was all hopped up on benadryl and pepcid. I am still undecided if my Burt's Bees face wash had anything to do with it. *I don't think so, but I am afraid to get another reaction.
I decided to take on yet another thing and made the girls their halloween costumes. They were princessy pirates. Honestly, I thought they looked adorable, though I can be pretty biased. I freaking painted stripes on shirts because I couldn't find what I wanted.
Sickness has hit our house. Em was out of school twice last week, then of course, like clockwork Arabel gets it. Arabel had a nasty high fever for what seemed like forever. She didn't feel great so she only trick or treated to about 5 houses. I haven't slept for more than 2 hours at a time in a week.
I had to address death with Emma. A little girl at her school passed away from cancer a couple weeks ago. It is definitely a subject that I am glad I haven't had to address with her beforehand. It is not fun. E is sensitive, she was upset, I was upset, it just wasn't fun. AT. ALL.
E is cutting her hair. This is serious business... so serious that she is cutting off 11 inches (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and donating it to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths (think locks of love, but free) in honor of her schoolmate. Do I have the best daughter in the entire world or what?
I had an allergic reaction on my face. AGAIN. (This exact thing happened last year at the same time, only it was so bad I had to go to the ER.) I was all hopped up on benadryl and pepcid. I am still undecided if my Burt's Bees face wash had anything to do with it. *I don't think so, but I am afraid to get another reaction.
I decided to take on yet another thing and made the girls their halloween costumes. They were princessy pirates. Honestly, I thought they looked adorable, though I can be pretty biased. I freaking painted stripes on shirts because I couldn't find what I wanted.
Sickness has hit our house. Em was out of school twice last week, then of course, like clockwork Arabel gets it. Arabel had a nasty high fever for what seemed like forever. She didn't feel great so she only trick or treated to about 5 houses. I haven't slept for more than 2 hours at a time in a week.
I had to address death with Emma. A little girl at her school passed away from cancer a couple weeks ago. It is definitely a subject that I am glad I haven't had to address with her beforehand. It is not fun. E is sensitive, she was upset, I was upset, it just wasn't fun. AT. ALL.
E is cutting her hair. This is serious business... so serious that she is cutting off 11 inches (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and donating it to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths (think locks of love, but free) in honor of her schoolmate. Do I have the best daughter in the entire world or what?
Thursday, October 6, 2011
homemade cleaning products
I wanted to update everyone on our homemade product excursion. I have finally run out of washing soda... 6 months after buying the box. I have made 6 months worth of dishwasher detergent and 12 weeks worth of laundry detergent with the one box. We are beyond happy with the quality. So happy that we are looking to see if we can buy Borax and washing soda in bulk. :) We haven't bought any all purpose cleaner in about a year. I have started making my own Febreeze and dry sheets too. I am going all sorts of green. :)
Side note: I am not sure if my product review of Burt's Bees new sensitive line will be a go or not... I woke up this morning with a face full of itchy, red hives. There is a possibility that I am allergic to it. I will be spot testing over the next week or so to see if that is what it is, or if it was a fluke. I tend to be allergic to very weird things.
Side note: I am not sure if my product review of Burt's Bees new sensitive line will be a go or not... I woke up this morning with a face full of itchy, red hives. There is a possibility that I am allergic to it. I will be spot testing over the next week or so to see if that is what it is, or if it was a fluke. I tend to be allergic to very weird things.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
first things first
Here I am, one month into school and I am still alive. I haven't strangled anyone yet and I still love what I am doing. It MUST be a miracle. :) I am finishing up all of the paperwork I needed for the Girl Scouts. I love being super involved with the PTA and all of the new relationships that I am forming through that. I am getting to be one of the cool moms. Which honestly, is pretty much the top of the totem pole when you are 30 with 2 kids and no job.
All of the activity has taken its tole on me, in the form of my body telling my face that I am apparently a 14 year old girl rather than 30. I have never been a girl that has battled with pimples. The worst bout I had was when I was in my first trimester with Arabel. My normally great skin has made me a crater face lately. It is so bad that I even took a picture to use as a before... I am trying a new line of products by Burt's Bees. I wanted to see if they really work. I promise that I will be posting an update. Yep, I will even show you all my naked, pimply face in the name of research. So you have that to look forward to. (I am going to try and do more product reviews. I have a couple lined up... let me know what you think about that.)
Have you met Pinterest yet? No? Well, meet my current internet obsession. Those are my boards... if you need an invite leave your email in the comments and I will shoot one your way. Be warned though, you will most likely be addicted. It has been known to happen on more than one occasion... just ask my friend, Kristin.
Follow me on twitter, tumblr, and pinterest.
All of the activity has taken its tole on me, in the form of my body telling my face that I am apparently a 14 year old girl rather than 30. I have never been a girl that has battled with pimples. The worst bout I had was when I was in my first trimester with Arabel. My normally great skin has made me a crater face lately. It is so bad that I even took a picture to use as a before... I am trying a new line of products by Burt's Bees. I wanted to see if they really work. I promise that I will be posting an update. Yep, I will even show you all my naked, pimply face in the name of research. So you have that to look forward to. (I am going to try and do more product reviews. I have a couple lined up... let me know what you think about that.)
Have you met Pinterest yet? No? Well, meet my current internet obsession. Those are my boards... if you need an invite leave your email in the comments and I will shoot one your way. Be warned though, you will most likely be addicted. It has been known to happen on more than one occasion... just ask my friend, Kristin.
Follow me on twitter, tumblr, and pinterest.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
so yeah.
I think I work more now than I did when I got paid.
I spent ALL day yesterday out and about. I was doing work for the United Way, then I came home made dinner (chicken wraps and green bean fries) and went off to the parent association meeting.
Today, I set up for the school open house/ice cream social. I made dinner (chicken/asparagus/bowtie pasta with vodka sauce and garlic bread) and went to said open house. I even popped in before the ice cream social started and ended up scooping ice cream for the event. 450 bowls were scooped. I will likely have multiple blisters, I had to get a bandaid in the middle of the event because I started to bleed (ice cream scooping related injury- hardcore stuff), and I will be lucky if I can lift my right arm tomorrow.
I will be at the school Halloween party, and whenever they need me in the classroom.
Did I mention that I am a daisy troop leader now? Yeah, I have no idea what I am doing, or kids that I will have. Nothing like going in totally blind. :)
Oh and... I decided to take over the school book fair. Yeah, I might be over my head a bit. Thank goodness I get to shadow this year before going out on my own next year.
I have spent 10+ hours on mailings alone this week.
I pretty much rock at volunteering.
I spent ALL day yesterday out and about. I was doing work for the United Way, then I came home made dinner (chicken wraps and green bean fries) and went off to the parent association meeting.
Today, I set up for the school open house/ice cream social. I made dinner (chicken/asparagus/bowtie pasta with vodka sauce and garlic bread) and went to said open house. I even popped in before the ice cream social started and ended up scooping ice cream for the event. 450 bowls were scooped. I will likely have multiple blisters, I had to get a bandaid in the middle of the event because I started to bleed (ice cream scooping related injury- hardcore stuff), and I will be lucky if I can lift my right arm tomorrow.
I will be at the school Halloween party, and whenever they need me in the classroom.
Did I mention that I am a daisy troop leader now? Yeah, I have no idea what I am doing, or kids that I will have. Nothing like going in totally blind. :)
Oh and... I decided to take over the school book fair. Yeah, I might be over my head a bit. Thank goodness I get to shadow this year before going out on my own next year.
I have spent 10+ hours on mailings alone this week.
I pretty much rock at volunteering.
Monday, September 5, 2011
random thoughts for the night
I wonder who is in Russia that reads my blog. I am not sure who you are Russian friend, but hello! (This is one of the reason that I like having the little tracker on my blog.----> over there... on the right. Too bad most of the visits are from me. Ha!)
E is about to start school again. I am really excited for her to go back. I can't keep that kid busy enough. I hope she gets back into the swing of things quickly.
I was looking at her first day of school picture from last year. She has changed!! My girl had lots of baby fat last year. She has slimmed down a ton!
I took a 5+ hour nap today thanks to benadryl. Stupid allergies have been terrible. My (self diagnosed) asthma has been acting up a ton. Last night I got a whooping 2 hours of sleep. This morning I felt like I was going to die. A nap made all the difference in the world.
I am so ready for my shows to come back on. The only downside of that is Big Brother will be over. I should totally try out for Big Brother.
The kidlets are gone again. They are with R's parents getting spoiled ROTTEN. To take advantage of our kid free night, we went over to a friend's house and played board games. Cranium is so fun!! We have had the game forever, but never played it... We never have at least 4 people around when we want to play. I think we may have to start having a game night with friends. We all had such a blast. Oh, and apparently, I am super good at drawing with my eyes closed. Who knew? Paige and I dominated the game and won. We are amazingly good at it.
I can't believe that I waited so long to start making my own laundry and dishwasher detergent. Seriously, I have ZERO clue why people still buy the commercial stuff. Do yourself a favor... STOP! Make your own, it take all of maybe 2 minutes and less than $10 to get all the stuff you need. Borax, washing soda (not baking soda), lemonade Kool-Aid packets and a bar of soap. (I used Ivory soap because we have super sensitive skin. Fels-Napa is what I would use otherwise.) I have been using my homemade stuff for awhile. It is CHEAP! (I still haven't run out of Borax or washing soda.) I also started soaking half of a hand towel in fabric softener and letting it dry. I throw it in the dryer instead of dryer sheets... oh and it lasts for 40 loads. I am totally kicking ass in this whole deal. If you have questions about it.... let me know. :) We don't buy basically any cleaning products at all anymore. I have to pick up some ammonia and I can make my own windex.
E is about to start school again. I am really excited for her to go back. I can't keep that kid busy enough. I hope she gets back into the swing of things quickly.
I was looking at her first day of school picture from last year. She has changed!! My girl had lots of baby fat last year. She has slimmed down a ton!
I took a 5+ hour nap today thanks to benadryl. Stupid allergies have been terrible. My (self diagnosed) asthma has been acting up a ton. Last night I got a whooping 2 hours of sleep. This morning I felt like I was going to die. A nap made all the difference in the world.
I am so ready for my shows to come back on. The only downside of that is Big Brother will be over. I should totally try out for Big Brother.
The kidlets are gone again. They are with R's parents getting spoiled ROTTEN. To take advantage of our kid free night, we went over to a friend's house and played board games. Cranium is so fun!! We have had the game forever, but never played it... We never have at least 4 people around when we want to play. I think we may have to start having a game night with friends. We all had such a blast. Oh, and apparently, I am super good at drawing with my eyes closed. Who knew? Paige and I dominated the game and won. We are amazingly good at it.
I can't believe that I waited so long to start making my own laundry and dishwasher detergent. Seriously, I have ZERO clue why people still buy the commercial stuff. Do yourself a favor... STOP! Make your own, it take all of maybe 2 minutes and less than $10 to get all the stuff you need. Borax, washing soda (not baking soda), lemonade Kool-Aid packets and a bar of soap. (I used Ivory soap because we have super sensitive skin. Fels-Napa is what I would use otherwise.) I have been using my homemade stuff for awhile. It is CHEAP! (I still haven't run out of Borax or washing soda.) I also started soaking half of a hand towel in fabric softener and letting it dry. I throw it in the dryer instead of dryer sheets... oh and it lasts for 40 loads. I am totally kicking ass in this whole deal. If you have questions about it.... let me know. :) We don't buy basically any cleaning products at all anymore. I have to pick up some ammonia and I can make my own windex.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
I will not be bored
Rob hasn't heard anything on the job situation as of yet.
I am taking on lots already.
I am working the welcome breakfast at E's school. I really want to be more involved with our PTA, so this is step one. I will be working in her classroom as much as possible. I won't know what I will be doing or how often until after she starts next week.
I am taking on another role with the United Way. I will be attending the volunteer kick off breakfast next week for training. I will be an account volunteer. This way I will have direct contact with businesses and be involved in the campaign.
Have I mentioned that I might be a daisy troop leader this year too?
So there is that.
I am taking on lots already.
I am working the welcome breakfast at E's school. I really want to be more involved with our PTA, so this is step one. I will be working in her classroom as much as possible. I won't know what I will be doing or how often until after she starts next week.
I am taking on another role with the United Way. I will be attending the volunteer kick off breakfast next week for training. I will be an account volunteer. This way I will have direct contact with businesses and be involved in the campaign.
Have I mentioned that I might be a daisy troop leader this year too?
So there is that.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
So here is what is going on with me
As promised... I said that I had a huge blog post to write up. Here is me attempting to write it.
Check out the latest blog post over that the Waldo-Horvath girls about our recent trip. As we were on out way home Rob brought up the idea of possibly looking into jobs there. He was testing the water because he knows that I kind of lose my shit at the idea of leaving my happy little bubble here at home. I don't have an automatic knee jerk reaction to the idea, so that is a major plus. We are talking about Chicago here, still the midwest, still within 4 hours of home and totally do-able. Little did I understand that since we had a pretty productive talk about the possibility that Rob was planning to put a plan in action. The next day he revamped his resume and sent it to a huge recruiter in the Chicago area. By Tuesday, he had received 7 phone calls about jobs. He had an interview with the recruiter in our area, but is primarily working with the office in the city.
Here is what we are likely looking at:
Rob will most likely be offered a contract position for a short(ish) amount of time. His longest time he is willing to go for is 3 months. He will end up staying in the city Monday thru Friday and take the train home to spend time with us on the weekend. If he gets a permanent position offer that is monetarily worth it, he will take it. The girls and I will most likely stay here until the end of the school year. (I am very against the idea of E being pulled in the middle of the school year.)
We are looking at having insurance, having a financial cushion and more responsibility.
I am looking at essentially being a single mom 5 days a week. Am I freaking out about it? Not really, oddly enough. I guess my new motto is "just keep swimming." I will most likely be a little crazy, but I WILL get through this. WE will get through this.
Hell, we don't even know what will actually happen.
Check out the latest blog post over that the Waldo-Horvath girls about our recent trip. As we were on out way home Rob brought up the idea of possibly looking into jobs there. He was testing the water because he knows that I kind of lose my shit at the idea of leaving my happy little bubble here at home. I don't have an automatic knee jerk reaction to the idea, so that is a major plus. We are talking about Chicago here, still the midwest, still within 4 hours of home and totally do-able. Little did I understand that since we had a pretty productive talk about the possibility that Rob was planning to put a plan in action. The next day he revamped his resume and sent it to a huge recruiter in the Chicago area. By Tuesday, he had received 7 phone calls about jobs. He had an interview with the recruiter in our area, but is primarily working with the office in the city.
Here is what we are likely looking at:
Rob will most likely be offered a contract position for a short(ish) amount of time. His longest time he is willing to go for is 3 months. He will end up staying in the city Monday thru Friday and take the train home to spend time with us on the weekend. If he gets a permanent position offer that is monetarily worth it, he will take it. The girls and I will most likely stay here until the end of the school year. (I am very against the idea of E being pulled in the middle of the school year.)
We are looking at having insurance, having a financial cushion and more responsibility.
I am looking at essentially being a single mom 5 days a week. Am I freaking out about it? Not really, oddly enough. I guess my new motto is "just keep swimming." I will most likely be a little crazy, but I WILL get through this. WE will get through this.
Hell, we don't even know what will actually happen.
something I just noticed.
Does anyone happen to think that
Crazy Harry from the Muppets
looks an awful like Gru from Despicable Me?
I guess I should say that Gru looks like Crazy Harry.
Crazy Harry from the Muppets
looks an awful like Gru from Despicable Me?
I guess I should say that Gru looks like Crazy Harry.
randoms
I have a huge blog post that I need to write up, but honestly I am not in the mood at the second. I am currently sitting on my couch, watching Sex & the City reruns on style, and waiting for my benadryl to kick in. You have be forewarned that this blog post may start getting funny... benadryl has a way of doing that to me.
I am watching reruns of Sex & the City, as stated like 2 sentences ago, what a fantastic show. I heard a rumor that SATC 3 or a prequel may be in the works. Hey, as long as it is better than 2, I will be happy. A prequel would be fun. Along the same line of thinking... the current episode that I am watching is the one where Viktor is being so romantic that it makes Carrie uncomfortable. You know, I am THAT girl. I am the one that if Rob were to propose with roses, candles and champagne in a chocolate box I would probably throw up. We will never be that couple that sits on the same side of the booth. If a guy wrote me a poem or tried to ballroom dance with me in the middle of the park... I would either puke or punch him. My idea of romance is holding the door for me and letting me get the surf and turf for dinner.
Shit, I totally just forgot what I was going to write here. Oy.
Look for a new look for the blog soon-ish. I am bored with the current look so there is that.
I had major intensions of making this post much longer, instead I have spent a majority of the time using spell check. I think the allergy medicine has started to take over. Nighty night for now.
I am watching reruns of Sex & the City, as stated like 2 sentences ago, what a fantastic show. I heard a rumor that SATC 3 or a prequel may be in the works. Hey, as long as it is better than 2, I will be happy. A prequel would be fun. Along the same line of thinking... the current episode that I am watching is the one where Viktor is being so romantic that it makes Carrie uncomfortable. You know, I am THAT girl. I am the one that if Rob were to propose with roses, candles and champagne in a chocolate box I would probably throw up. We will never be that couple that sits on the same side of the booth. If a guy wrote me a poem or tried to ballroom dance with me in the middle of the park... I would either puke or punch him. My idea of romance is holding the door for me and letting me get the surf and turf for dinner.
Shit, I totally just forgot what I was going to write here. Oy.
Look for a new look for the blog soon-ish. I am bored with the current look so there is that.
I had major intensions of making this post much longer, instead I have spent a majority of the time using spell check. I think the allergy medicine has started to take over. Nighty night for now.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Around town and back again
We have been all over the place lately. The family and I were in Northern Michigan for a fabulously fun wedding. The girls were the flower girls and they were probably the cutest flower girls ever. After driving back home 4 hours, I unpacked and then promptly repacked the girls. They left to go camping with my parents for 6 days. Rob and I decided to take the opportunity of having the kids gone to take a mini vacation, just the two of us. On Wednesday evening, we left. First stop was the casino for a couple hours, then to check into the hotel. After the hotel we hit up Bell's Brewery and a local place for dinner. Thursday came and we headed to the west side of the state. Lunch was had at Founder's Brewery, and it was delicious. An early dinner was spent at New Holland Brewery, after that we walked around the downtown area. Lake Michigan was next on the agenda for sunset. It was a simple couple of days, but it was exactly what we needed. Our trip reaffirmed that we really are so very in love, and are truly the best of friends. :)
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