Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Surgery and Christmastime





Here's poor little Neptune before surgery. Poor kid had no idea what was coming to him! He got up and went to the hospital with me and was in a great mood. The nurses just totally fell in love with him. The weather was awful, but we made it and were even there a little early. It was nice having the first surgery of the day 'cuz everyone was on time for the most part. It was very quick and uneventful. The dr came to talk to us afterwards. The poor kids nasal passages were more than half blocked by adenoid tissue. He's going to be able to breathe so much better. I can't imagine dealing with asthma and that on top of it!



After surgery he was obviously not feeling as wonderful. In fact he's had a much much harder time getting over this than Mercury did. And that amazes me. I thought Neptune would be the tougher of the two. The dr finally today agreed to call in a narcotic for the poor kid. We've been alternating Tylenol/Motrin every three hours and that only does the trick for two out of those three hours. And nighttime...is a nightmare. He's up every two hours screaming his fool little head off. We'll probably only use the prescription stuff at night, and I sure hope it helps.

When we got home from the hospital I set him down so I could go to the bathroom. Well he decided he was
gonna get up and walk. Poor kid
was still so doped up he fell into a
dresser and bruised his head. The cut under is eye is something his brother helped him out with the day before. Nice, huh? Anyway, I was so looking forward to a nap with Neptune before Mercury got home from daycare. No such luck. Neptune waited until Mercury was home, then passed out on the living room floor. Thanks kid. How come I always get screwed?

As for Christmastime? I learned an important lesson this year. No matter how strange a present is that ends up on my kids list to Santa, I must listen. Mercury had put a telescope on his list to Santa. I kinda blew it off. Till yesterday. 'Santa' sent him a video email and mentioned that he was sure Mercury would get that special present he had asked for. When I asked Mercury what that present was I was informed it was the telescope. What 4-yr old asks for a telescope? I asked Mercury what would happen if he didn't get it from Santa. He looked at me with all seriousness and said, "I would cry".

Well guess what kid? Santa didn't get you a telescope! So I've had this huge internal battle all night. Do I hunt down a telescope on Dec. 23rd or let my 4-yr old be disappointed on Christmas. Am I spoiling him if I get one? I wrestled with this all night. And I was up basically all night 'cuz Neptune was screaming his head off. So this morning I start searching the Internet and calling around to stores. 'Cuz if I'm gonna do this I'm not getting a 4-yr old some $70-300.00 telescope. That's for darn sure. Well my SIL suggests calling Dicks Sporting Goods. I now owe my life not only to her, but to that store as well. This morning...that's right this morning they clearenced a bunch of telescopes down to $20.00. So I called Jupiter and he ran right over there. The thing comes in a case with a stand and a microscope. Mercury is going to be sooo excited come Christmas. Now I'm sure it's not some extremely powerful telescope, but it will be more than enough for a 4-yr old.

So what did I learn this year? PAY ATTENTION! lol

Thursday, December 18, 2008

This Time Tomarrow

My house will be adenoid free! Both kids will have had their adenoids removed. The hospital finally called and Neptune is to be there at 6:45 am. He is the first surgery of the day. I don't like getting up early, but I'm glad I wont have to deal with a hungry kid for hours and hours.

The crappy part? We're supposta get a huge winter storm tonight. I'm hoping it's like the last one we got. I hate driving in the winter and I have to drive in the morning. Our last one was only like 8 inches. I can handle snow. It's the ice I'm terrified of. I've been watching the weather 3x's a day for almost a week watching this storm play out. That's how much I hate ice! And as of last night it looks like the ice will stay south of us. So this huge storm they're predicting is hopefully only gonna end up being 7in by morning then another 7 by bed time. And if you were born and raised in Michigan as I was, you know that's nothing to worry about. So I'm hoping they are right about this and we just get the snow and no ice.

Wish us luck and see you on the other side of surgery!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Let's Think Outside Ourselves, People

It's Christmas. Look around. See that person that needs help. The elderly widow across the street that needs her driveway shoveled. The single mom with a small child. The lonely college student that can't make it home for Christmas. See what you can do for someone else today.

My girlfriend confided in me this morning. She told me that in her 20 years of raising her children (she has a 20 yr old daughter and a 4 yr old son) that NO ONE has ever offered to take either child out to buy her a Christmas present. Not that she wants or needs a Christmas present. But children should be able to do that for their mother. Don't you think? So this year, let's not just assume that someone else is doing it. Let's do it ourselves. K?

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Surgery? Again?

I knew it was coming. I did. I'm just surprised at how fast.

Back story. Neptune was born a month early. He had blood sugar problems in the hospital and we had to give him glycerin water quite a few times. He had breathing problems while in the hospital and was monitored very closely. He had to stay longer 'cuz here in this part of the world, he was considered premature. I had a wonderful OB (well I had a midwife, but she could not do my delivery 'cuz Neptune was premature) that wouldn't release me from the hospital until Neptune was released. And for that I am eternally grateful. At three days old Neptune had his tongue snipped. He was born tongue tied. At one week old he had his first ear infection. From then on he had 'on average' one ear infection a month. He was tested at 11 mo old. He was almost totally deaf from the infections and fluid in his ears. They put tubes in three weeks before his first birthday. Five days later he started walking. Two weeks or so after his tubes were put in he had another ear infection. Since then (January of '08) he has had 5-6 ear infections. With tubes. He just had another one about 12 days ago. I took him back to the ENT today and they are going to take his adenoids out. Mercury had his adenoids out last November ('07). He had chronic adenoid infections. He was on an antibiotic every other month or so in the winter since birth. In the past year since his surgery, he's been on one antibiotic. It's been amazing! So yes, I am a little bummed my baby has to go through another surgery, but I am so very hopeful that this one will correct the ear infections. I feel so bad for that poor kid. His ears have been infected almost as much as they have not been infected during his almost two years of life. He's very sensitive about people touching his ears. I really pray this fixes things for him.

The ENT wanted to wait until his next ear infection and then schedule the surgery. But as we talked, he realized what a help it had been to Mercury to have this surgery and with Neptune's past, it was bound to happen at some time. So he let me just go ahead and schedule it. He had wanted to give me time to get used to the idea of my 'baby' needing to go under the knife again. But once he realized I knew it was coming and was as o.k. with it as I was going to be, there was no need to put it off. So next Friday (the 19th) is the big day.

And us, well Mercury started us off in October of '07 with the first of our family's surgeries. Since that one, this next surgery will put us at...6 surgeryies in just over a years time! But I'm glad to get this one in before my outpatient co-pay goes up next month!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The Terrible Two's

I have a toddler for sale. Heck, you can have him for free!

I did survive the terrible two's once already. I'm sure I did 'cuz I'm still here and so is Mercury. I'm afraid I'm not going to fare so well this time around though.

Neptune has hit them full force. And he doesn't turn two until next month! It hardly seems fair I have to deal with this now. He went from super lovable, good natured baby to tyrant over night. I had no warning. I kept waiting for it to wear off. And it's not. Which leaves me with only one conclusion. We are in the deep, dark, stinking hole of the terrible twos. Hey, at least I appreciate Mercury much more now. His temper tantrums seem like a fly buzzing around my head compared to the hammer bashing my toe every 3 1/2 minutes of the day, that Neptune's feel like.
He hits, with a fist. Not an open hand. Where did he learn that? He pulls my hair. He bites any exposed flesh he can find. And there have been a few times when I have turned my back on him he's ran up and bit a butt cheek (love that he's tall enough to grab that part of me and bite). Now if that isn't lovely in public! Remind me, just how long does it take for them to grow outta this phase? 'Cuz I don't think I can make it much longer.

Please, send alcohol and chocolate. For me. Not the kid. Thanks.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

What Makes You YOU?

What Makes Me ME?

1. I am not very patient

2. I like to know what' going on. I'm a planner

3. My husband is not. We fight about it constantly.

4. When I find a pair of pant I like, I will wear them until the last piece of thread falls off them.

5. My children are my life

6. My children drive me absolutely batty

7. I LOVE homemade hot cocoa. It's the best stuff on earth.

8. I am a baby when my throat hurts.

9. I require a nap almost every day. It may be only 20 min. But I need it.

10. I would walk through fire for my family and my friends. You mess with them, you mess with me.

11. My favorite season is Christmas.

12. I like being outdoors much more now than I ever did as a kid.

13. I can lose myself in a book and am sad when it's over. It's like my best friend just left.

14. I love animals. Especially horses. But I've never owned a horse.

15. Italian food is the best. Pasta is my comfort food.

16. I love to cry at movies/books/ t.v. commercials

17. Coffee is a drug to me. And I am addicted.

18. I hate being cooped up in the house for too long

19. I'm a very social loner. lol

20. I love my make-up

Monday, December 8, 2008

Bye-Bye Menopause

For the time being at least. Not that I didn't love the hot flashes and sleepless nights. But I'm ready to get back to my life. A life that still excludes Aunt Flo for the time being though! Woohoo. How great is that? No hot flashes and no Aunt Flo.

Yep I saw the dr again today. I'm done with Lupron. Been on it for six months. Can't do any more. So I'm coming outta my lovely state of medically induced menopause. But the dr still doesn't want me to have a period for another six months. So I get to take continuous birth control for six months. Woohoo! He did give me the option of removing all my womanly parts. But at 28, I'm not ready for that. Yes, Jupiter is fixed and we are not having any more kids. But still...I'm not ready for there to be no chance what so ever. So for now we do birth control. After my six months is up, I have to go back to letting Aunt Flo visit me three to four times a year. Oh the horror! lol

Friday, December 5, 2008

Grasping

Why is it that Christmastime doesn't seem nearly as magical now as it did when we were kids? I'm very excited for Christmas morning, but I'm more excited about the days leading up to Christmas. I want my boys to learn about what I feel Christmas is really about. I want them learn to enjoy the season, the shopping and giving to others, and I want them to feel peace. Do you think that's too much for a 4-yr old and a 1-yr old to grasp? Probably. 'Cuz I feel like I'm grasping at straws here. Mercury and I curl up on the couch with hot cocoa almost every night and watch a Christmas special on t.v. I love the time with just him. This is my favorite time of year. I just hope I can teach them to love it for the same reasons I do.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Have You Ever

(Bold the things you've actually done.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

stolen from http://leeandjordan.blogspot.com/ Check them out. They're pretty cool. Hope she doesn't mind!

Monday, November 24, 2008

It was MY day

Do you hear me? MINE! I called it (childish I know, but I don't care at this point). I was sick...am sick. Horrid stomach issues. Well, I've been spared from the diarrhea thank God. But for two days straight I've felt like I wanted to ralph the entire contents of my stomach and then some. And I still mustered enough energy to take my children to Crazy Bounce on Saturday (you know one of those bounce house places with the massively huge slides). BTW, do not try going down those slides when your stomach is in knots. They are not your friend. So I called Jupiter who was out of town on business and said I was spending Sunday in bed. That was that. So he gets home around 4am Sunday morning. Neptune wakes at 7ish. Who gets up with him? ME. Who takes care of the kids all day? ME. Who does the laundry, dishes and feeds the kids? ME. Who does bath time? ME. What did Jupiter do? He layed on the couch. Oh he did get up and finally do half a sink of dishes and he did make some rice for the two of us. But that was it. When do I get to be sick? I never get to lay around all day when the kids are home. No matter how sick I am...or what surgery I just had or what child I just gave birth to. What is it gonna take for me to get a day where I have to do nothing?!?

Friday, November 21, 2008

They Should Warn You

Who is 'They' exactly? I'm not sure. But someone should warn you. Those baby dolls they give out in health class that cry, they just don't cut it. 'They' need to make a doll that will run away from you and hide while you're shopping at Walmart. And make the doll able to hide so well that you have to get employees to help you find your child and call a Code Adam. Then laugh and think it's funny that they ran away once you have them back and are crying and trying to teach them a lesson.



'They' need to make a doll that will (when you think you're finally cool and have got the kids under control 'cuz the oldest one is now on a leash in Walmart) grab a bottle of dish soap while your back is turned and down it like a bottle then scream, gag and foam at the mouth. This causing all the other shoppers to stare at you like you've committed some heinous crime while you quickly pay for your groceries and high tail it outta there only to sit in the parking lot on the phone with poison control.



Then...'They' need to make a doll that will poop through its diaper and clothes not only when you're on your way out the door to school (see yesterday) but also (repeatedly) at three in the morning so you have to change p.j's and bedding and do a load of laundry in the middle of the night.



Then you need to go to work the next day smelling of said poop even though you've scrubbed and showered many times.



After all this, if you can handle it, you may be ready to try parenthood.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Poop

Literally.

I have never seen so much poop or seen it spread over an entire human being, like the way I saw today.

Neptune must have some kinda stomach bug. Cuz that was the most poop ever. Up his back out his pants through two shirts and up his belly. And of course just as I'm getting ready to walk us all out the door to get Mercury to school. And on a day we're getting blasted with lake effect snow so I need to give myself extra time to get to the school. Love Lake Michigan in the summer when we can be at the beach. In the winter? Not so much. Seriously in all my years of babysitting and raising two kids I've seen some blow outs. But this made them all look like small potatoes. Ick. I may never eat again after seeing that. All I can say was atleast we weren't in the car when it happened. Ohh it would have been bad trying to clean that outta a car seat. Here's hoping for a much less poopy day the rest of today.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Ahhh winter. How I've missed you. NOT!

Neptune outside yesterday. It's the first time he's really gotten to ever play in the snow. He wasn't walking yet last winter and the mean mom I am, I wouldn't let him go crawl around in it.



Mercury in one of his rare (especially lately) moments of cooperation.



The only thing I do like about winter is the comfort food. I LOVE winter food. So here is what we are having this week.
Monday - leftover beef pot pie (home made of course)
Tues - hamburger helper with dinner rolls and veggies
Wed - leftover chocolate chip waffles and bacon
Thurs - (here's where it gets good) Four-Hour Stew
Fri - leftovers
Sat - chili made with sausage and venison
Sun - tacos

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Bad Bad Bacon

OMG that's all I can come up with that could have caused such a nasty reaction. I was fine all day yesterday. FINE! Finally before bed I decided to warm up three pieces of leftover bacon. About five minutes after eating it my tummy starting feeling a little...strange. Then Neptune woke up an hour later. I was in the middle of changing his diaper and had to tell Jupiter to take over as I bolted to the bathroom and proceeded to empty my guts into the toilet. Good thing I scrubbed it while the kids were bathing last night. I hate staring into a dirty toilet. And yes, I was thinking that the whole time I was ridding myself of the bacon. Then of course Neptune does not want to go back to bed. But I played the sick card, slept on the couch and made Jupiter take care of him. I horrible, huh? I did end up with Mercury sleeping on the couch with me at some point during the night. Then this morning, I'm fine. I'm glad it didn't last longer than that. But how strange. Needless to say I will be throwing all that leftover bacon away when I get home today. And then..Jupiter as the nerve to ask me if I'm pregnant. Uhhh he had the Big V months ago and I'm in medically induced menopause. So no, I'm not pregnant. Then he says, "I'd appreciate it if you and the guys you sleep with would use a condom. I've already got two, I'm not raising another one." Are all men like this? Ugh. Like just 'cuz I barf I gotta be knocked up. Men sure are special creatures. That's for sure.

Monday, November 10, 2008

It's Monday

And we have snow. The first snow of the season that's stayed on the ground. We had snow just over a week ago that melted as it hit the ground. But it is actually white on the ground now. I guess Christmas is coming if I'm ready or not, huh?

We had an alright weekend. Mercury was a bit of a brat yesterday. O.k. he was a huge brat. He pushed Neptune down their grandparents staircase and Neptune has a big gash on his forehead. Why is it I always have to take him to daycare on Monday looking like I beat the tar outta him over the weekend? Ugh.

Go check out this website. A blogger I recently found and happen to adore has opened her own store. So do me a favor and go check this out. You'll be glad you did!
http://www.lilyjdesigns.com/

Thursday, November 6, 2008

God Knew

This is the best thing I've hear and it came from my father yesterday. I'm just gonna leave you with this thought for the day.

Keep in mind this was said yesterday

God did not 'wake-up' this morning and say, "wow I didn't see this one coming"

Nothing is a suprise to Him.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

I am tired, I am crabby...

I WANT TO SLEEP!

What has happened? Is there a full moon coming up that I'm not aware of? Neptune has decided sleep is for the birds. Therefore, mommy doesn't sleep either. Seriously could someone pass me some tooth picks to prop my eyelids open with? ARGH! Not a good feeling when you have to deal with numbers and other peoples problems all day long every day. Just shoot me now.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Halloween

My boys. One batman, one 'groupie'. For some reason Mercury thought Neptune needed to be a bat too.




BAT-DOG Nananananana BAT-DOG

vicious looking isn't he?




My boys with their great grandparents. We do one picture like this every year. Hopefully we get to add many more.








Yea I'm kinda late. So sue me.







And since I'm in that kinda mood, here's some more pictures. Not of Halloween, but they are still scary...






Yummy. Who doesn't love a spaghetti dinner?

Now, if you haven't already...please go vote.

Friday, October 31, 2008

You're Gonna Miss This







http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG9XfJxMY8A

I woke up with this stuck in my head today. I'm having a really hard time with Jupiter lately. I just don't understand him. Maybe it's a man thing. I've basically had to club him, and drug him to get him to agree to help me take the boys Trick or Treating tonight. Mercury is in this horrible phase where he just takes off at any given moment and Neptune will not hold my hand. So no way can I take both boys myself this year. And Jupiter has not gone ONCE. He's fighting me the whole way. And I just don't understand. He hardly spends any time with the boys. Yes they can be annoying. They don't listen, they fight, they break things, they talk back, but they are kids. I don't understand how he can not miss these things he's not doing with them. Maybe it's because I'm female, I don't know. But as trying as the boys can be and as much as they annoy me to no end some days, I can not imagine missing out on their lives. This in my mind is the best part of my life. This is what I've always wanted to do. How can he not enjoy it? I don't get it. But I know one thing. I'm gonna miss it. I already miss they babyness. I miss it I miss it I MISS IT! But I will not miss out on these things that are so important to my kids. I will be there for them and at least I will have the memories.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

No More Briefs

So Mercury was potty trained at a fairly reasonable age I think. He was totally potty trained (day and night) about a month and a half before his third birthday. I think that's pretty good. Especially for a boy, and because I think Neptune will go to college in diapers. Anyway, he graduated on to 'big boy undies' or briefs with cartoon characters all over them. We had Scooby-Doo (those were the favs), Cars, Bob The Builder, Thomas, dinosaurs, trucks...you name it. The kid had more undies than I knew what to do with. Then all the sudden one day...the love affair with 'big boy undies' was over. He refused to wear them (he is now 4 btw). All his 'big boy undies' had become, "For babies mom!". Um last time I checked diapers were for babies.

OMG I'm sitting here reeling! First of all when did he get such an opinion and since when did he decide what undergarments are appropriate and what are not? He now must have and will only wear boxer-briefs. We tried boxers, he got them stuck in his zipper or they were all bunched up and hanging out the top of his jeans. But boxer-briefs fit the bill here. Do you know how expensive it is to go out and replace perfectly good undies? And they don't carry very many boxer-briefs with characters in his size. Ugh.

But my 4-yr old is now perfectly dressed in his boxer-briefs and his little hiney is very happy.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Shampooing

Wow that looks funny. Is that even a word? Shampooing...hmmm

Well for my Tuesday accomplishment..that's what I want to accomplish. This week I would like to shampoo my carpets. They need a good deep down clean. Neptune has become a master of throwing food on the floor then mashing it in before I'm able to clean it up. I really do long for the days when we had a dog. She would eat that stuff up like it was going outta style when Mercury went through this phase.

I have no idea how Neptune is able to keep growing considering how much of his food he's throwing on the floor or trying to feed to the cats these days. And let me tell you, cats do not clean the floor like a dog would. Have I mentioned I miss my dog?

Monday, October 20, 2008

Nothing

That's what I feel like I accomplished this weekend. Although I *think* I really did a lot. Well, the fact I had no time to myself suggests I did a lot. But I did find time to knock back a few glasses of wine. My wonderful husband brought me home a huge bottle of Lambrusco. Ah yes, he does really know the way to my heart! lol.

I managed to make it into church at the ungodly (no pun intended) of 9 am on a Saturday to paint and redecorate my class room with a few other women. I team teach the 2yr old through 4 yr old class on Sunday morning. So that was an accomplishment. I also skipped a good portion of my Saturday nap to play board games with Mercury while Neptune napped. That helped alleviate some of my mommy guilt. I think it's the Christmas Cantata practice on Sunday afternoons that's making me feel like I've had no time during the weekend. Oh well. It's only until Christmas. Which is too far away, and yet not far enough away all at the same time!

Tonight Mercury and I are going to Veggie Tales Live. He's much less excited than he should be for what those darn tickets cost me. Today the little dear told me he wanted to stay home with his Neptune, Grandma and Grandpa (who are coming to watch Neptune while we are gone). And that I should go by myself. Well, gee thanks kid.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Menu plan menu plan menu plan

Well to be quite honest I've run outta money and food. So the next few days are gonna be a throw together whatever the heck I can!



Friday - chicken helper (I *think* I have some of this...)



Saturday - uhhh a roast? or something I can throw in the crockpot



Sunday - pork chops and potatoes



Monday - Mercury and I are going to "VeggieTales Live" so...something on the road.



Tuesday - something with kielbasa



Wednesday - speghettios? (healthy, huh?)



Thursday - I CAN GO BUY SOME FOOD! Stir-fry beef and cabbage with crab rangoons and fried rice



Now after seeing how poor I am, would you rather see some more pictures?




Neptune on a hill. Exciting huh?

I like to pretend I can take good pictures. So humor me

Obviously the boys were playing in the woods


This is Mercury this morning on the way to daycare. I just can't get over how he can look so 'old' sometimes. Please ignore the trash in the back of the van.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Back To The Land Of The Living

I.AM.BACK!



I had pnemonia last week. Came outta nowhere and hit me like a ton of bricks. I've never had pnemonia, and I hope to never have it again.



I'm not quite sure how my kids survived except their wonderful daycare kept them late a few days and then brought them home. I think I would die without that woman!



Then Tuesday Mercury had his pumpkin patch field trip with the preschool. That was fun. So I'm trying furiously to catch up here at work. I was out a week, back for a day, gone a day, and now I am back. Ugh. Talk about a mess. But here are a few pics from the week/end for you to check out until I can get my head outta my butt and back on this planet.

This is Mercury and Neptune after decorating for Halloween.

This is the first time I let Neptune have cotton candy. He wasn't sure he liked it at first. Then...he became a huge sticky mess!

Here is the first day I was starting to feel better. I took the kids out and Mercury was having fun with some batting practice.

And this is Mercury and I at the pumpkin patch on Tuesday. Notice how we have the same stupid smile?

Friday, October 3, 2008

Vote

Now I'm not overly political so this is the only political post you will see from me. And I will post my regular stuff again next week. But I saw this and thought it was very important. Please, check it out.

http://open.salon.com/content.php?cid=14473

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Thursday Three

1. I really am not a fan of cold weather. I LOVE autumn, but I don't like how fast it's gotten cold.

2. Christmas presents get really expensive the older your kids get.

3. I really really like hot chocolate. Especially if it's homemade.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Kid-Friendly Food

Oh yes my friend. This is something I will be doing on a semi-regular basis. Like when I actually find something my kids will eat! lol. And that I have! I found it last night. Now I made some changes to it, but I will post the original recipe for you in case you don't like my changes. But my kids loved this. Even Neptune gobbled it up and that kid does not like meat.

Crescent Sloppy Joes
The original recipe is by Pillsbury
http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=15515

Here is my version:

Brown 1lb ground beef and drain grease. Mix in one can of Manwich (the only kind of sloppy joe I will eat). Separate your crescents into four rectangles. Place a generous amount of sloppy joe mixture in the center of each. Throw some grated sharp cheddar on top. Fold over and seal. Cut a slit in the top to vent. Bake at 375 for 11-18 min. (or in my over for 10min 30sec). Enjoy!

They are awesome!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

To Yell Less

That is what I hope to accomplish this week. I just let poor Mercury have it this morning. Both he and Neptune were hanging on my legs as I was trying to get through the baby gate and down the stairs. And they were of course making us late for school. I managed to seriously stub my toe and half fall down the stairs. I turned around and let them have it. Poor Mercury went and hid under the table. Now why he feels the need to do this, I have no idea. Yes, I yelled and was probabally a little scary since I was also crying and grabbing my throbbing toe. But hiding under the table? He sure does know the way to make a mother feel horrible. Yelling is my downfall. I yell. I don't want to yell. I just don't know how to stop. Someone, help me here. The only way my kids seem to hear me is if I'm yelling. And I don't want to do that anymore!



Anyway, now on to the pictures. We did make our pizza last night. And I discovered take out is by far better than home made. Atleast in my opinion.



But this was easy enough both kids got in on the action and had fun doing it.







and finally, Neptune's favorite...the dessert pizza...







Don't you just wanna eat him up?

Monday, September 29, 2008

well I had an interesting weekend...NOT!

Friday I did not get to do the post I wanted to. I was in the process of 'burning down' my computer at work. But today, I have a lovely new monitor. Well, new to me at least. It's much bigger, so that's a plus.

My weekend review? Well, I left my memory card at work, so there are no pictures. I did make it to Angel Food distribution on Saturday, and I think we finally came up for a plan for someone to watch my kids. So that is wonderful.

Jupiter and I got in a fight last night and if I never talk to him again, that will be fine with me.

And since I did not post my meal plan on Friday, I will give it to you now.

Monday - pizza night (fruit pizza for dessert) *This will be my meal that Mercury helps with if he's feeling up to it. He has a doctors appointment today. There will be pics if he helps.

Tuesday - crescent sloppy joes

Wednesday - leftovers

Thursday - ham steaks and creamed corn

Friday - bacon and hot dog macaroni

Saturday - breakfast

Sunday - fish sticks & pasta

I know I have you all drooling. Our list is so exciting, huh? Ahh the life of trying to get a preschooler and a toddler to eat. Maybe...MAYBE someday I'll eat good food again.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Thursday Three


1. Today is my brothers b-day. He is 25. He needs a woman. A steady woman.
2. I really don't like tacos all that much. So why am I making them for dinner tonight?
3. I procrastinate. I have something I really need to do. And I've been putting it off for over a week. I really need to get it done.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

A Woman on a Mission

That is what I am. I've had it. I can not take anymore. I've decided not to fight it, because I will not win. So I'm going to go with it. I'm going to make it my new mission.

Mercury has started declaring all things I make, "YUCK". And will not eat them. In fact sometime I should try to get a picture of his face while he's throwing his whole little "what are you making me eat, woman? POISON?" tantrum.

So my new mission instead of fighting him is to give in. But let me make myself clear. I refuse to make two meals. One for me and one for my kids. It will not happen. Once they quit with baby food, they eat what I eat. So can I make something that not only will they eat, but I can enjoy and keep it somewhat healthy? We'll find out. I'm going to dedicate one post a week to something we're trying that I deem kid-friendly. In fact it's gonna be so kid-friendly I'm gonna make Mercury help me cook it. Yep, this is my new mission in life. There are all sorts of food blogs out there. But we need one with kid food. So here it is. Friday I will try my first kid-friendly meal, so you're not gonna get a play by play until Monday. But that's o.k.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

The Daily Grind

Neptune went to the dr today. Just asthma again. Back to five days of Prednisone, Albuterol every four hours and Pulmicort. I knew this time would come. I really did. But I was hoping I was wrong.

I hope Mercury had a better day at school today. He didn't seem to do well last week. I don't know what happened. He loved school last year, and did great in his programs over the summer. Oh well. Maybe he just needs time to adjust?

I'm trying to think of things I can do to make this more interesting. I need to get back to my photos. I think I'll add some meal planning on one day and maybe Thursday Threes or something like that. Or maybe I'll just lose my mind. That may be easier! I'll do my meal planning on Friday as I do my grocery shopping on Saturday. I'm no cook. That's for darn sure and Jupiter will attest to that! But I'm trying. I probably try to hard. See, I'm having a hot flash just thinking about it. I am also no house keeper. I used to be. My roommates would make fun of me because I was forever cleaning. But then...I had kids. It seems pointless now.

So here's what I'll do
Monday - weekend review

Tuesday - what I hope to accomplish this week

Thursday - Threes (something I find interesting or you may not know about me

Friday - meal planning

yea o.k. we'll see how this goes. LOL

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Changes


Yes today was the first day of preschool. Mercury did go last year, but he was at a new school this year. I can not believe how grown up he looks in this picture. It's really making me sad wondering where my baby went!
He was so grown up. All ready for me to leave. I'm glad he's not a crier when it comes to that. But as I left, I wanted to cry. He was just a baby yesterday. I swear. And now look at him.
I am also thinking of getting my daycare license. I know, ME? Watch other peoples children? No I have not lost my mind. But we really need some extra income that is obviously not going to come from my husband. And I refuse to lose more time with my kids. So I figured I can do my day job, then watch kids at night. We'll see how this all pans out.

Friday, September 12, 2008

IKE

Why is it that I am fascinated with natural disaster? I can't get enough of the reporters covering IKE. But the one thing I can't stand? Those people that refuse to evacuate when a mandatory evacuation has been issued. There was one man on the news that actually said he wasn't leaving 'cuz he didn't want to deal with the traffic. WHAT? Now when he dies or is homeless for months, who's fault is it going to be? Not his, I'm sure.

But for the rest of you sane people in Galveston who have evacuated, my prayers are with you. My prayers are with those of you that haven't evacuated also, but I don't think that was the smartest move you could have made.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

September 11

I know, who posts twice in one day? Well, I do. I felt this was too important to go along in my humm drumm of daily life.

I don't even really know what to say, but I want anyone who lost someone on September 11 to know

WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN!

And we never will.

My prayers are still with all your families. May God bless you.

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

I hope, I seriously hope that whoever is reading this, your kids have never had and will never get this virus. Mercury had it back when he was two and I forgot how horrible it is. It is so hard as a mom to watch your child want to eat, take a bite of food and scream in pain. Then refuse to try again. Yes, this is what Neptune has. But he also had another complication from the virus that most kids don't get. He is 'bleeding under his skin'. So I can not even give him Motrin 'cuz it'll make the bleeding worse. Don't get me wrong, we can use Tylenol. I'm just a huge Motrin fan when kids are this sick.

Anyway if you are unfortunate enough to have to deal with this here are my tips. I'm an expert you know, I've now dealt with this twice. Yea, whatever Venus. Think what you like.

1. POPSICLES. Spend a mini-fortune on Popsicles and give them to the child on demand. And don't go for the sugar free. Really if they're not eating, let the kids have some sugar.

2. YOGURT. Both of my kids tolerated this well while sick. We've been doing some pudding, but for some reason, the yogurt is going over better.

3. AMERICAN CHEESE. Seriously. I learned this one last night by accident. Neptune snagged some out of Mercury's lunchable. It's soft enough he can handle it. And he can't even handle a banana right now. So that's saying something. Plus it's got some substance to it so at least I feel like he's eating a little something.

4. BENADRYL. Now I do feel a little nag of mommy guilt over this one. But omg I can not handle being up every time Neptune rolls over in bed (the pressure on his mouth from his pillow wakes him). So yes, I drugged him with some Benadryl last night and I got 5 glorious hours of sleep.

And you can take or leave this last one

5. RAIN COAT. The drooling that these kids do while they have this is insane. Please be prepared for the drooling!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Here we go again!

Why does it seem the only time I get back here is when Neptune is sick? Oh wait...Neptune is always sick. So yes, we are back off to the doctor again today. I swear I should just send my money straight to the bank to pay for his boat or whatever it is that he has. At least this doctor seems to be a good guy.

We have having a horrible time with Mercury right now. He is terrified of the dark and of ware wolves of all things. He wont even go to the bathroom unless I go and turn the light on for him first. At the first hint of the sun setting he starts flipping out 'cuz it's getting dark. I was not prepared for this part of mommyhood!

Other than that, things have been going well. Jupiter took on a new account and is doing really well at work. So that is very exciting!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Been Awhile

I've got to get better at this. I really do. Anyway, Neptune been sick twice in the last month. Go figure, huh? Not ear infections this time though. Amazing isn't it? Just high fevers and sore throats. Poor kid.

Menopause is going...o.k. for menopause I guess. I am officially off ALL my meds! Can you believe it? They were starting to upset my stomach too much and I said screw it all. I'm working very hard at staying level headed. The only thing that sucks is the hot flashes. I'm not sure I can take another three months of that! Argh. I hate hot flashes.

I got Neptune signed up for Early On and they are coming out to evaluate him on Thursday. I feel he's behind in his speech. Everyone tells me not to worry about it, but hey, if I can get my kid some kind of help so he doesn't fall behind, why wouldn't I? Plus they are going to evaluate his temper. Have I mentioned this kids temper before? We'll save that for a whole different day.

Mercury's birthday was o.k. He had a good time and that's all that matters. He got lots of cool stuff for once. No really really huge flops, so that's good.

That's about all that's going on with us lately. I will try to keep this updated much better. Right now I'm doing research on Geographical Tongue or Benign Migratory Glossitis. Neptune was diagnosed with that a month ago. So I'm learning all I can about that right now.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Does it ever end?

Well I finally got my shot today. Talk about pain! That's almost as bad as a tetanus shot! Yikes. I wonder how long it will take for the side effects to kick in?

My babysitter called this morning. One of her sons has a very bad staph infection. I've been on the phone with the dr and googling everything. I sure hope my kids don't get it. That's just one more thing I dont need! And talk about scary. The poor kid is probably gonna have to have his foot sliced open 'cuz it's so swollen from the infection. I can't even imagine.

I am taking Neptune to a chiropractor today. I can't wait to see if he thinks he can help with at least the ear infections. I'm not sure I really buy it. But hey, a lot of people swear by it, so it's worth a shot, right?

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Menopause

O.k. first off this salad I'm eating...NASTY!

Alright, got that off my chest.

So the dr's office called and the insurance company finally has everything straight. I go in on Monday and get my shot. I'm officially starting menopause. Ugh. As if I don't have enough to deal with lately.

Seriously...throwing this salad away. Ick.

Neptune is on ear infection #13 right now. He also had an asthma flare this past weekend. As much as it sucks I learned two important things. Yes, I do understand his asthma now and got him in before it was bad (YAY) and no way are we ever taking him off Pulmicort. Well, maybe someday. But not anytime soon. He didn't need his rescue inhaler once while on the Pulmicort. A week after coming off of it, he's back on Prednisone twice a day and Albuterol every four hours. Not fun. But hey, at least I learned two valuable things.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Endometriosis

Well, I have a diagnosis. Now to find out what it means. I know what endometriosis is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endometriosis. But what does it mean for me exactly? I've been driving myself crazy trying to google this and read that. I guess I'll just have to wait until Friday when I see the dr again to know for sure. But you can bet I will be blogging about this whole journey.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Revelation

Well I feel like a totally new person due to the new meds I'm on, I believe. I'm supposta be on 400mg, but I've stopped at 200. I don't feel I need anymore and I don't want to try to go on more and end up in a medicine fog. That's what I believe I was in while on Lamictal. The withdrawal from that med was not nearly as bad as I had expected. The withdrawal when coming off of Zoloft was much worse for me. However I really did not like what I saw in myself while I was off the meds. But I'm so glad I can 'control' myself with only 200 mg of the Tegretol. I don't dread my kids anymore. In fact, I look forward to them. I'm trying very hard to not yell at them anymore, and I'm doing quite well with it. I also do not spank anymore. This may not sound like it's all that wonderful, but I'm very proud of myself for the progress I've made in such a short amount of time. Our house is CLEAN! This is an amazing feat. I no longer feel overwhelmed by the day to day. I just really feel like a whole new person and I love it. I was especially nervous this weekend. Mercury came down with the flu. He's never had the flu before and I was seriously dreading being stuck in the house with them all weekend. Especially since Jupiter is working horrible hours lately. But you know what? We did just fine being stuck in the house together. We actually had...are you ready for this? FUN! Here are some pictures of our 'fun'

Here is Mercury 'cooking' his soup. It's about all he ate all weekend.

We had a garage sale which I ended up ditching the whole thing on my SIL since Mercury was sick. Anyway, I brought the infant tub out to sell and you'd think the kids had found the coolest new toy in the world.

Yep, Neptune's asthma is flaring up again. Ugh. But the lady that takes care of Neptune during the day gave us this cool mask for him. He gets more medicine in and I no longer have to sit right there with him and hold him.

And the best part...the sleeping part. This is actually this morning. Neptune's slept with me the past two nights. He always does when he can't breathe. And Mercury crawled in bed with us about 10 minutes before my alarm went off.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Bored

I figured I'm come screw around on here today. I've really got nothing intellegent to say. But some would argue I never have anything intellegent to say. So what's the difference, right?

Mercury started his summer sports program last night. He played soccer last fall and loved it. Last night, not so much. They were in the gym. Why? It's beyond me. It was over 70 degrees out and gorgeous, but they had the kids in the gym. Mercury decided not to leave my side. He claims he doesn't like playing soccer inside. Whatever. Neptune? He also doesn't like Mercury playing soccer inside because he can't get off my lap without being in the way. So he decided to scream half the time. And lucky me, it echos so well in the gym! Teaches them to stick those poor kids inside! lol. Other than that, I got the feeling my kids were abducted by aliens yesterday. They were GOOD for me. They were horrid at daycare, but hey, as long as they're good for me, I don't care! It was a very refreshing change. I'm really hoping the trend keeps up today.

I really wish I had some cute pics to share, but I really don't think that anyone wants to see Mercury sitting in a chair at soccer, so I'll spare you. Instead I think I'm gonna screw around and add things here to this site. I haven't gotten around to that yet. So maybe I'll amuse myself that way.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

A Little Insanity?


What made us think that two adults could handle two three year olds and a one year old, at the childrens museum? They KNEW they had us out numbered. I think they plotted the whole way there. It was a blast though. I was exhausted by the time we left. And we (the adults) were ready to leave way before the kids. Go figure.


Neptune could have splashed in the bubble table all day. Infact he tried


This is what happened when I tried to get him interested in something else


Here's one of Mercury


Maybe I should share one of Neptune having fun?


Now the question is, what wonderful thing can I think up for us to do, to torture myself with next weekend?

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

I Really Think I'm Tired

So Jupiter got a vasectomy on Friday. He keeps bugging me to do it. I'M TIRED! But he wants to know if it still works. Do all men think like this? Oh well, doesn't change the fact I'm tired.

I started my new meds yesterday. I'm now on Tegretol (sp?). It's gonna take me four weeks to get to the dosage I'm supposta be at. They are supposta be sedating. Hmmm, for some reason I think Jupiter will be getting even less than he is now. Since I'm going to be even more tired!

The weekend was beautiful. We (meaning I) got out the sandbox and basketball hoop for the boys. Sometime this week I'll post some pictures. Man those two kids love being outside. I could not believe how dirty they can get though. I mean, yea they are boys. But I think this is going to be a very dirty year for Mercury.

I went to the dr yesterday. They are scheduling my laproscopic surgery. Part of me hopes they find endometriosis so that I can 'fix' this pain. The other part of me...doesn't want to deal with yet another issue. Isn't it sad when you think of surgery and the dr says you're gonna be in pain, all you think is, "YES I can sleep!".

Thursday, April 3, 2008

The Crazy Sets In

I'm not sure if this will even make sense.

I'm borderline (if that really exists) Bipolar. I'm on meds for it obviously. I started the meds just about a year ago, soon after Neptune was born. Well, Monday my body decided it didn't like the meds anymore. I got the dreaded "Lamictal Rash". Normally this happens when starting the meds or adjusting the dosage. But apparently I just have to be odd. Luckily my mother realized what it was when I called her and we got ahold of my dr and stopped the meds immediately. Here it is Thursday and I'm still covered in an itchy rash and the withdrawal is starting. I'm an emotional basket case. Luckily I have people around who will help me with my kids. I will have Neptune tonight. But Mercury, he will be with my parents. That one is so full of fire, I can not handle him when I'm like this. For some reason Neptune has a very calming effect on me though. I knew that there was such a thing as a "Lamictal Rash" and that it was or could be serious. But I had no idea how awful and nasty it would be. I thought I was in the clear. I have been doing a lot of reading the past few days. I think so far I've gotten off pretty easy with this withdrawal stuff. I'm not sure how long it lasts, but at least I'm not physically sick like some people get. Just a horrid headache. So lets hope the next time I get around to writing here I have less spots than I do now!

Monday, March 31, 2008

The begining

First there was Big Daddy, Jupiter. We will refer to my Dearest Husband as Jupiter. Then he met Venus (yes that would be me) and we had a beautiful little boy. We will call him Mercury because he is definitely my "morning star".


Then a few years later came my last (and I do sadly mean last) little monkey. We will call him Neptune for his beautiful blue eyes.



I don't know if anyone will ever actually read this, but I find it very therapeutic to write my thoughts out. Plus it keeps me from nagging and complaining and yelling at Jupiter too often. So I'm sure he appreciates my efforts also.

Jupiter is 31 as of January this year

Me, I am forever 23. But in August I will be 28

Mercury will be 4 in July

And Neptune turned one in January.

Some things you should know about my little planets. Mercury is fire. That boy has more energy than any one person should. But he's so compassionate. I wouldn't change him for the world. Neptune, he's my cuddle bug. He's got such a laid back demeanor about him. Everyone loves him to pieces. But, do not make him mad! The temper on that child is amazing! Neptune has been very sick. He was a few weeks early and apparently (according to his new Ped, the old one was an idiot) I should have been given steroids for his lungs. So I'm not sure if any of it is connected, but we start with the test tomorrow. We have to get to the bottom of his illnesses. He is 14 mo old. He'd had 8-9 ear infections and had tubes put in before he was even one. The ear infections continue as do his breathing problems. It breaks my heart. He's such a wonderful child, he should not have these problems. Luckily we have the most amazing daycare in the world. She understands his problems and takes him as sick as he gets. Which is unbelievably sick at times. I'm so amazed and glad we have her. As the main bread winner of the family, I'd have lost any normal job by now with the time I'd be taking off with him.

So that's some background on our little family. I can't wait to see how this journey turns out.

Labels

Powered By Blogger