Yes I'm still living and my fingers are still in working form...its just so damn busy around here that I don't find the quiet time to sit and reflect (our blog). Things come and go so fast its hard to keep up!
Dylan and Riley just wrapped up their spring hockey league last week, and so we are now enjoying a practice free week before T-Ball starts next Tuesday and then on top of that summer hockey starts the week after. That means 2-3 nights a week will be spent chasing them over the next 2 months. Both are pretty excited to play T-Ball and since grandma bought them some baseball pants they think they are hot stuff. They've been practicing in the yard and can run the bases at lightning speed. Hitting off a tee is pretty simple, but I get the giggles when I think ahead to what'll happen next week when it comes time for them to play an orchestrated game with 10 other 4-6 yr olds. I'll be sure to have the camera rolling.
Brady...what can I say- other than this kid is on the go. Walking at just a few weeks after his 1st birthday and hasn't slowed down since. He always wants to be where the action is or doing what everyone is doing and if you don't let him~ he lets you have it. Its hard to accept I've been dealt a child much like myself ...curious and INDEPENDENT!! Thankfully for the most part his charm and humor trump the rebel inside and I love him to pieces.
Brady is starting to say a few basic words like Mom, Dad, Done and a few others that we can at least understand ("Gawk" = Book, "Ha" = Hi, "S" = Yes). He is really good at mimicking sounds, especially animal sounds, and shows great interest in other simple words (ball, hat, milk)- trying to sound them out. In the meantime he uses baby signs for MILK, EAT, PLEASE, MORE, THANK YOU, and DONE to clue us in. In addition he's entertaining us all by experimenting with the many different tones, volumes, and sound effects he can make.
May 26, 2009
April 29, 2009
I've got eyes behind my head
Just the other day I was passing through the hallway and caught a glimpse of the boys horsing around in the living room- jumping on the furniture, and without skipping a beat or pausing in my step from the kitchen I yelled out "Stop jumping on the Furniture". There was silence, and then I hear Dylan say to Riley "How'd she even see us, she's in the kitchen." Because I have eyes in the back of my head...
Its neat to see the amazement and wonder that Motherhood magic creates.
In recent weeks, I've noticed a significant shift in Dylan and Riley's mannerisms, composure, coordination, and comprehension. All of a sudden they've grown up and filled the shoes of "Big Boy" status. Its hard to explain... its just something that you all of a sudden see in your kids that wasn't there before.
I've always hated tossing out the common phrases like "where does the time go" or "they grow up so fast" because it just sounds like something you're supposed to say as a parent. And even though I'm still hesitant to tag myself to those bandwagon phrases, I will admit I'm actually feeling them.
Its neat to see the amazement and wonder that Motherhood magic creates.
In recent weeks, I've noticed a significant shift in Dylan and Riley's mannerisms, composure, coordination, and comprehension. All of a sudden they've grown up and filled the shoes of "Big Boy" status. Its hard to explain... its just something that you all of a sudden see in your kids that wasn't there before.
I've always hated tossing out the common phrases like "where does the time go" or "they grow up so fast" because it just sounds like something you're supposed to say as a parent. And even though I'm still hesitant to tag myself to those bandwagon phrases, I will admit I'm actually feeling them.
April 14, 2009
Kindergarten Round-up
So we took the boys to Kindergarten Round-Up today, to tour the school and get some feedback from the school and K teachers about whether or not to start the boys in school this fall. I debated taking them as we are leaning more toward the side of waiting until next year, but wanted to get some feedback from the school and teaches on this decision.
The school district sets Sept 1st as the cut-off, so to start Kindergarten this year kids need to be 5 by then. Well The boys turn 5 just fourteen days before that cut-off. Which easily makes them the very youngest in that class of kids. Its common for summer b-day kids to wait a year before starting school, which means some will be 6 when entering school and many will turn 6 the first couple months of school.
Now I understand every child is different and have no doubt that my brilliant ;-) duo could handle Kindergarten this year… they've been in structured daycare centers (full-time) with pre-school curriculum since birth, possess the necessary social skills and demonstrated their ability both by observation and testing. However, many elementary teachers have commented that the curriculum and expectations get significantly challenging at the 3rd grade level, and that even children who did well in the younger grades struggle as their brains are developmentally not ready for the concepts being taught. This can set a path for dis-interest in learning and a years of struggling in school. No parent wants this for their kids.
In addition, by waiting a year they would be at the same level or even at a slight athletic advantage with developmental coordination and experience under their belt. Whereas starting them in K this year would mean they are a year behind in development and exposure compared to their peers. The only athletic downfall to this (as Brad points out) is Junior hockey is based on age and they could miss out on a year of legibility in juniors after grad. Big whoop I say… They'll be playing D1 college hockey right out of High School anyway!
As you can see most signs point to waiting till next year… I can find many more pros to waiting than I can to jumping the gun. So we'll suck it up and foot another $15K (for real) to keep them in daycare this year. (Ouch that hurts when you put it in one lump sum- that doesn't include Brady either)
The school district sets Sept 1st as the cut-off, so to start Kindergarten this year kids need to be 5 by then. Well The boys turn 5 just fourteen days before that cut-off. Which easily makes them the very youngest in that class of kids. Its common for summer b-day kids to wait a year before starting school, which means some will be 6 when entering school and many will turn 6 the first couple months of school.
Now I understand every child is different and have no doubt that my brilliant ;-) duo could handle Kindergarten this year… they've been in structured daycare centers (full-time) with pre-school curriculum since birth, possess the necessary social skills and demonstrated their ability both by observation and testing. However, many elementary teachers have commented that the curriculum and expectations get significantly challenging at the 3rd grade level, and that even children who did well in the younger grades struggle as their brains are developmentally not ready for the concepts being taught. This can set a path for dis-interest in learning and a years of struggling in school. No parent wants this for their kids.
In addition, by waiting a year they would be at the same level or even at a slight athletic advantage with developmental coordination and experience under their belt. Whereas starting them in K this year would mean they are a year behind in development and exposure compared to their peers. The only athletic downfall to this (as Brad points out) is Junior hockey is based on age and they could miss out on a year of legibility in juniors after grad. Big whoop I say… They'll be playing D1 college hockey right out of High School anyway!
As you can see most signs point to waiting till next year… I can find many more pros to waiting than I can to jumping the gun. So we'll suck it up and foot another $15K (for real) to keep them in daycare this year. (Ouch that hurts when you put it in one lump sum- that doesn't include Brady either)
March 18, 2009
Dodged a Bullet
Waking up to terrible cold symptoms this morning, Brad moans that he's not going into work, and I need to take the kids to school, because he's in the hurt bag. Like a typical man, he wants extra attention and the good ol wifey to feel sorry for him when he's sick. So I give my empathy, encourage him to take some medicine, drink plenty of fluids and rest the day away as I head off to work. Around 11:00 I get a call on my cell phone from his office manager who's worried that she hasn't seen nor head from Brad. So I explain he's home sick, but its not like him to at least call in or ignore her calls (maybe mine, but..). Here he was sleeping so soundly he just didn't hear the phone. I took my lunch break to head home, check on him, and drive him into the urgent care clinic. Now that he was dizzy, weak, and had an extremely sore throat it was justifiable (in his mind) to see a doctor. In addition I told him to mention all fleeting chest pains and numbness in his hands/arms, since he was there and get it taken care of right. Well he was diagnosed with strep throat, but with his other cluster of symptoms they wheeled him off to the Emergency Room for a cardiac work-up. Whoa!
One minute he was in for cold symptoms, next minute he is sitting in the ER all hooked up, poked, and examined. It happened so fast it was kind of scary…especially because he looked so terrible because of the strep and cold stuff that was going on. Not to the mention seeing the attentive, lightening speed the ER moves when patients come in with cardiac complaints. After a couple long hours in the ER all the blood work, x-rays, and a normal EKG he was sent home to have a comprehensive stress test a week later. Since then they've ruled everything out and we are left with good news, of a healthy heart, but no real answer as to what could be causing this numbness and occasional pain. At first we tossed around the idea of it being stressed induced… but really the past month has been the LEAST stressful (in every fashion) compared to all the others this past year. So for now he ignores it… and I get on him for making un-healthy choices! Lose the chips buddy!!
One minute he was in for cold symptoms, next minute he is sitting in the ER all hooked up, poked, and examined. It happened so fast it was kind of scary…especially because he looked so terrible because of the strep and cold stuff that was going on. Not to the mention seeing the attentive, lightening speed the ER moves when patients come in with cardiac complaints. After a couple long hours in the ER all the blood work, x-rays, and a normal EKG he was sent home to have a comprehensive stress test a week later. Since then they've ruled everything out and we are left with good news, of a healthy heart, but no real answer as to what could be causing this numbness and occasional pain. At first we tossed around the idea of it being stressed induced… but really the past month has been the LEAST stressful (in every fashion) compared to all the others this past year. So for now he ignores it… and I get on him for making un-healthy choices! Lose the chips buddy!!
March 14, 2009
St. Pattys Day 2009
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
To celebrate St. Patrick's day my Fargo home girls and I head out West to Jamestown, ND for the 31st Annual "Running O' the Green". It’s a pub crawl that begins around 2:00pm at the Frontier Fort Bar (up at the big Buffalo) and ends where ever and whenever you cross the finish line. (Thankfully the finish line is next to our hotel) That’s wondering from one end of town to the other making a stop for a drink at 9 different bars along the way. I was first introduced to this craziness back in 2001 when we lived in Jamestown, and have since brought along others to join in the fun, making this my 5th "run". Now don't be fooled… I'm not running this thing, and very few do. Although it is a test of your endurance…you must try to pace yourself if you want to be standing at the end of the day.
In recent years my totally cool auntie Denice has invited all us over to her house for Brunch with her gang… and few shooters to get the party started ;-) She has quiet the spread and much needed nourishment to start off the day. Not to mention my uncle Al who puts up with all us loud ladies in his house, and then drives us to the starting line. We have a blast at brunch… what a great way to start the festivities.
Everyone gets into the spirit and most people group together dressing in themes or matching outfits. This year our group took a spin back to 1984 and went as Flash dancers… "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!" Crimped hair, neon colors, oversized sweatshirt cut off the shoulder, leg warmers, bangle bracelets, fanny paks, jean skirts and fingerless gloves. As you can see we were one hot group of girls out to have some fun. No kids, No husbands, No Curfew!!
The race starts off with 1500 people heading down a Huge snowy hill… here is where you hope that those before you made good tracks otherwise you may end up taking the quick way down... on your ass. (We all made it on foot this year!) The jaunt to Bar #2 is the furthest distance, so we had to make a pit stop at the Tractor & Fleet Supply store for a bathroom break, but after that we were good to go and made it through 9 pit stops in only 4.5 hours… I think? You kind of lose track of time after a while. 10:00pm feels like 4:00am. Thanks to a great band we made it until 1:30am this year!! Whoo Hoo!
Of course we have many jokes, stories and do not tells from our St. Patty's Day runs, and this year was no different... Other than it meant even more me! Since moving away I've been missing them and just don't have the opportunity to get together with the girls as much as I'd like to (need to). Thanks for a great time ladies...
March 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Brady!
On March 13th my little wild child turned one ! Given that title, its only fitting that I through him a wild "Jungle Party" for his big birthday. So we invited our USA family over to my parents for dinner (on his actual birthday) and as you can see he had lots of messy fun. Grandma's Lasagna was his favorite, but he was not to sure about cake at first. He wasn't fond of the whipped icing's texture, and kind of gagged on it, so freaked out a bit. But then when I helped him find the cake part, he was all over it
Since there are a bunch of little cousins running around these days we broke out a game of good ol' "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" for the kids. They had a good time laughing at the big kid (30 yr old cousin Jay) taking his turn. Brady certainly enjoyed the company of all his cousins, Aunts and Uncle's. And fortunately he's not a shy kid so warmed right up to them even though we don't get the opportunity to see them all that often.
So what is this little one year old up to? He's still cautiously walking along furniture and dares to take only a few steps without support. Back and forth from the chair - couch - coffee table is a fun little adventure. We just watch and hold our breath hoping that he'll stay on foot and not crash into the edge of the table too hard. Slowly but surely he's letting go and taking a few steps out into the openness of the living room…pauses…looks around… and says ah heck with it I'm faster crawling.
A few of his "tricks" include; clapping, signing milk & more, da da da da (just for the fun of it) and Mum Mumm Mum Mumm (when he needs something)~ gee he's already got this figured out. He likes to give kisses… if you say "give me kiss" and then pucker up, he opens wide and puts his mouth over yours. Some pretty wet kisses~ so hopefully he cleans that up before he goes after the ladies. He can answer a phone pretty good, "Ha" is how he answers, but he picks up the phone, holds it to his ear and even does the head tilt. The cutest one though is when you ask him "what does a lizard say" he pops his tongue in and out, in and out.
Some Favorites: Bathtime, carbs of all kinds, turning the pages of a book before you are ready, shaking and banging things, laughing with his big brothers, fishing around in the toilet bowl, chewing on shoes, riding his car, playing with the garbage can, opening kitchen cupboards, and standing up to the the big windows ~ just checking things out.
Some Dislikes: Being told No-No, having the bathroom door closed when someone is in there, being at ground level when the action is at counter height, and peas. No kidding… I'll sneak some peas in with a bite of corn or mashed potatoes and he spits out just the peas!
Since there are a bunch of little cousins running around these days we broke out a game of good ol' "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" for the kids. They had a good time laughing at the big kid (30 yr old cousin Jay) taking his turn. Brady certainly enjoyed the company of all his cousins, Aunts and Uncle's. And fortunately he's not a shy kid so warmed right up to them even though we don't get the opportunity to see them all that often.
So what is this little one year old up to? He's still cautiously walking along furniture and dares to take only a few steps without support. Back and forth from the chair - couch - coffee table is a fun little adventure. We just watch and hold our breath hoping that he'll stay on foot and not crash into the edge of the table too hard. Slowly but surely he's letting go and taking a few steps out into the openness of the living room…pauses…looks around… and says ah heck with it I'm faster crawling.
A few of his "tricks" include; clapping, signing milk & more, da da da da (just for the fun of it) and Mum Mumm Mum Mumm (when he needs something)~ gee he's already got this figured out. He likes to give kisses… if you say "give me kiss" and then pucker up, he opens wide and puts his mouth over yours. Some pretty wet kisses~ so hopefully he cleans that up before he goes after the ladies. He can answer a phone pretty good, "Ha" is how he answers, but he picks up the phone, holds it to his ear and even does the head tilt. The cutest one though is when you ask him "what does a lizard say" he pops his tongue in and out, in and out.
Some Favorites: Bathtime, carbs of all kinds, turning the pages of a book before you are ready, shaking and banging things, laughing with his big brothers, fishing around in the toilet bowl, chewing on shoes, riding his car, playing with the garbage can, opening kitchen cupboards, and standing up to the the big windows ~ just checking things out.
Some Dislikes: Being told No-No, having the bathroom door closed when someone is in there, being at ground level when the action is at counter height, and peas. No kidding… I'll sneak some peas in with a bite of corn or mashed potatoes and he spits out just the peas!
March 12, 2009
Fitting in, yet again.
My first 2 weeks of work at the new job come to conclusion tomorrow. I'm feeling much better about this job change, as the staff are friendly and despite their longevity with the system, they still have fun and are open to change (me). The core crew of staff is only 6 deep and they all have 12+ yrs in the program or with SMDC health system. Being the newbie was a bit intimidating, but I'm always up for something new.
Its been almost 2 years since I facilitated groups, so I've been busy putting together a bunch of patient ed groups this past week. Really hoping I'd trigger some of my memory from those groups I once did or wanted to do. I'll be leading 8+ groups a week so I need a bit of an inventory. A little anxiety management, assertiveness, rational thinking, and self-esteem should be a good start. I'm not the hugest fan of facilitating groups, but they've got a more laid back philosophy and flexible nature that should give me some room to use my creativity and interest to its fullest. There's always room for growth and change.
Of course there are pitfalls to being the new man on board, and that happens to be my office~ or should I call it a closet. Unfortunately, the good views are earned by time put in. But hey… at least I have my own office, and don't have to share with anyone. I've had a good run of office mates and cubicle sharing over my SW career. Nothing pisses me more, than not being able to have a private conversation… Good bye to all those nosy colleagues listening and/or butting in, as if they were part of your conversation. I've got a door that can be shut.
Secondly there is the mental health left overs… In the health care system it is always a cat fight over space. Priority tends to fall in favor of the money makers (cardiology, oncology, clinics) leaving depts like mental health with the scraps. This means our intensive outpatient program is cleverly tucked away in a satellite building across the street from the other main buildings (all others happen to be conveniently connected by skywalk). Its loaned from the foundation, so of course they don't want to put any money into the aesthetics of the place. After all, we should just be grateful we have our own private space right. Sure there are positives with being segregated, but don't forget about us over here.
These severely depressed patients should be welcomed into a space that provides a sense of fresh ambition, healing, life and color. Not mis matched worn out, left over furniture, halls that flood when it thaws, treacherous intersection to cross at lunch and small group rooms. Funny thing is this was supposed to be a temporary arrangement (Gee flashbacks to MeritCare), but its going on 4 yrs now. Hopefully we'll be moving up to the top level this summer, which will provide a much better space and some views of Lake Superior. My fingers are crossed and if I'm lucky I may even get an office with a window :-)
Its been almost 2 years since I facilitated groups, so I've been busy putting together a bunch of patient ed groups this past week. Really hoping I'd trigger some of my memory from those groups I once did or wanted to do. I'll be leading 8+ groups a week so I need a bit of an inventory. A little anxiety management, assertiveness, rational thinking, and self-esteem should be a good start. I'm not the hugest fan of facilitating groups, but they've got a more laid back philosophy and flexible nature that should give me some room to use my creativity and interest to its fullest. There's always room for growth and change.
Of course there are pitfalls to being the new man on board, and that happens to be my office~ or should I call it a closet. Unfortunately, the good views are earned by time put in. But hey… at least I have my own office, and don't have to share with anyone. I've had a good run of office mates and cubicle sharing over my SW career. Nothing pisses me more, than not being able to have a private conversation… Good bye to all those nosy colleagues listening and/or butting in, as if they were part of your conversation. I've got a door that can be shut.
Secondly there is the mental health left overs… In the health care system it is always a cat fight over space. Priority tends to fall in favor of the money makers (cardiology, oncology, clinics) leaving depts like mental health with the scraps. This means our intensive outpatient program is cleverly tucked away in a satellite building across the street from the other main buildings (all others happen to be conveniently connected by skywalk). Its loaned from the foundation, so of course they don't want to put any money into the aesthetics of the place. After all, we should just be grateful we have our own private space right. Sure there are positives with being segregated, but don't forget about us over here.
These severely depressed patients should be welcomed into a space that provides a sense of fresh ambition, healing, life and color. Not mis matched worn out, left over furniture, halls that flood when it thaws, treacherous intersection to cross at lunch and small group rooms. Funny thing is this was supposed to be a temporary arrangement (Gee flashbacks to MeritCare), but its going on 4 yrs now. Hopefully we'll be moving up to the top level this summer, which will provide a much better space and some views of Lake Superior. My fingers are crossed and if I'm lucky I may even get an office with a window :-)
March 09, 2009
Giggles galore
With 3 boys the sillyness never ends at our house. I caught this particular giggle session during the big boys bath time. All it took to get Brady going was for Dylan to bang a toy against the side of the tub. Like usual, Brady always has to be where the action is, and so he pushes his way right to the tub's edge to play too. The problem is, he dips his arm in the tub, and since Dylan and Riley aren't very careful with the splashes, so he gets soaked.
Sorry I couldn't get the video to rotate, so you'll have to tilt your head.
Sorry I couldn't get the video to rotate, so you'll have to tilt your head.
March 05, 2009
The bumpy road to being one...
Brady boy continues to explore his world and with it has come some "growing pains"...
Although those few steps from couch to coffee table are becoming more and more comfortable and happening hands free, the feet still aren't keeping up. So he's got himself a couple bruises on the cheek and chin from these attempts. Despite the falls, he's got pretty good balance and stands alone for a good chunk of time. He'll grab a toy, get to his feet and then stand there shaking his toy like a hot shot. I'm guessing in 2 weeks this fella will be off like a race horse. (Oh boy!)
In just one week Brady turns the big Numero Uno, so we've been busy getting rid of some of those "baby" things to truly give him big boy status. All this past week he's been bottle free~ well minus a fit that earned him a bottle at school when he saw all his other friends getting one. But otherwise he's taking his cup of milk great! And yes its milk... he's loving the cow's milk, and I'm loving passing over the formula aisle. Win - Win for us all.
From a young age we've learned that Brady likes to let you know what he wants. Although lacking the vocabulary to tell us, he certainly makes up for it by excersing his vocalization abilities. He's so good he's got Dylan and Riley (on their own free will) singing goofy songs or offering up their toys to the kid when he complains. And NEVER at the age of one would I have given Dylan and Riley Cheetos for snack... but when this guy sees what we've got and what he doesn't he carries on until he gets some too. He's got us all wrapped around his finger...when he screams we aim to please. (I think we've gotta stops this monster, before we're real sorry.)
Although those few steps from couch to coffee table are becoming more and more comfortable and happening hands free, the feet still aren't keeping up. So he's got himself a couple bruises on the cheek and chin from these attempts. Despite the falls, he's got pretty good balance and stands alone for a good chunk of time. He'll grab a toy, get to his feet and then stand there shaking his toy like a hot shot. I'm guessing in 2 weeks this fella will be off like a race horse. (Oh boy!)
In just one week Brady turns the big Numero Uno, so we've been busy getting rid of some of those "baby" things to truly give him big boy status. All this past week he's been bottle free~ well minus a fit that earned him a bottle at school when he saw all his other friends getting one. But otherwise he's taking his cup of milk great! And yes its milk... he's loving the cow's milk, and I'm loving passing over the formula aisle. Win - Win for us all.
From a young age we've learned that Brady likes to let you know what he wants. Although lacking the vocabulary to tell us, he certainly makes up for it by excersing his vocalization abilities. He's so good he's got Dylan and Riley (on their own free will) singing goofy songs or offering up their toys to the kid when he complains. And NEVER at the age of one would I have given Dylan and Riley Cheetos for snack... but when this guy sees what we've got and what he doesn't he carries on until he gets some too. He's got us all wrapped around his finger...when he screams we aim to please. (I think we've gotta stops this monster, before we're real sorry.)
March 01, 2009
Rooooarrrrrr
The closer and closer we get to Birthday numero uno~ we've noticed Brady becomming more and more fun. His latest thing is to Roar like a Lion... now keep in mind this isn't a full chested loud roar, but a soft little "RAH" sound. So cute though, as he lifts an arm to mimic the action of a paw clawing at you. It started with a lion mask that Dylan and Riley were playing with one day, and now any time he sees this mask he lets out a "RAHHH". I'm hoping to catch a video of this little Lion, so be sure to check back to this post, in the coming week.
February 25, 2009
What's that odor?
On our way home from school today, we were having ourselves a little chat in the van about the day's events. I asked the usual, did you have fun, what did you do, what did you have for lunch, etc. The in return they asked the same questions of me... Usually my day is pretty boring in their eyes but today I got to tell them that I couldn't eat my cereal at work this morning because it tasted like PAINT! Hmmmmm was the look on their face, as they wondered how that was so... I explained that because Daddy was painting the countertop with strong paint, the box of cereal in the cupboard must have absorbed the odor from the paint. "What's odor?" K~ took me a minute to try and make this comprehendable for them, but I knew it was a success, when Dylan said, "Like when I (Dylan) poop in the toliet and its still stinky the next time I go in." BINGO!!
February 22, 2009
Get me some Bug B' Gone... PLEASE!!
In a matter of 7 days this nasty GI virus has managed to pass through every one of us...Literally... Vomiting, and/or dieareahah. Brady's messy diapers finally ended on day 7...so I thought! Just after I got him all washed up and into his jammies tonight he had another explosive one that sent him back to the tub!! Geez!
Thankfully grandma was here when I was sick, otherwise Brad might have lost his freakin mind with the kids and the mess of living around a half painted kitchen. The kids weren't hit as bad as Brad and I but 2 boys were still sent home from daycare during the week with the trots, so we were again juggling work and kids ALL week. Thankfully Brad seems to be coming around a bit more this evening... so I'm hoping we can have a normal start to the week. I've never had to deal with so much shit in my entire life... For example on Tuesday morning I had just put my shoes on to head out the door when Brad called me into Brady's room... "You gotta help me... I can't do this one on my own." As Brad unzipped Brady's pjs he unveiled poo from armpits down to his toes. I carefully held him at arm's length as we trekked across the hall into the tub. At 7:20am he was having a tubby and loving every minute as he smiled at me with his toothy grin. Scrubbed up and out the door I went...daddy to finish the rest. Oh but wait... I was reminded of this disaster 5 hrs later. After my new employee health screening at SMDC I stopped in the hospital cafe for a bite to eat. I took my seat and as I crossed my legs at the lunch table, I caught a glance of something on my shoe. Assuming it was winter slush-salt-dirt or whatever, I didn't think twice before swiping my napkin across it... but it wasn't coming off, so I wiped harder. Then realized it was POOP!! Nasty, stuck-on, POOP!! I suppose when I was carrying him butt naked from his room to the tub, a blob of poop fell off onto my shoe. Thankfully it looked like mustard, but still how embarrassing!
On the way out that day a co-worker was venting about her tough day, so to give her a little pick-me-up I shared my story... she was laughing so hard it brought tears to her eyes.
Thankfully grandma was here when I was sick, otherwise Brad might have lost his freakin mind with the kids and the mess of living around a half painted kitchen. The kids weren't hit as bad as Brad and I but 2 boys were still sent home from daycare during the week with the trots, so we were again juggling work and kids ALL week. Thankfully Brad seems to be coming around a bit more this evening... so I'm hoping we can have a normal start to the week. I've never had to deal with so much shit in my entire life... For example on Tuesday morning I had just put my shoes on to head out the door when Brad called me into Brady's room... "You gotta help me... I can't do this one on my own." As Brad unzipped Brady's pjs he unveiled poo from armpits down to his toes. I carefully held him at arm's length as we trekked across the hall into the tub. At 7:20am he was having a tubby and loving every minute as he smiled at me with his toothy grin. Scrubbed up and out the door I went...daddy to finish the rest. Oh but wait... I was reminded of this disaster 5 hrs later. After my new employee health screening at SMDC I stopped in the hospital cafe for a bite to eat. I took my seat and as I crossed my legs at the lunch table, I caught a glance of something on my shoe. Assuming it was winter slush-salt-dirt or whatever, I didn't think twice before swiping my napkin across it... but it wasn't coming off, so I wiped harder. Then realized it was POOP!! Nasty, stuck-on, POOP!! I suppose when I was carrying him butt naked from his room to the tub, a blob of poop fell off onto my shoe. Thankfully it looked like mustard, but still how embarrassing!
On the way out that day a co-worker was venting about her tough day, so to give her a little pick-me-up I shared my story... she was laughing so hard it brought tears to her eyes.
February 08, 2009
Moving Day
Last Saturday was MOVING DAY... The long awaited day had finally arrived. A crew of 11 Denfield High school hockey players, and 2 trucks from "Johnson Brothers Furniture" (Thanks Larry and Connie) was our moving crew. Coach Smalley had those machines working an extremely efficient operation. From start to finish it took only 4 hours to move everything from the townhouse and storage to the new house... One of those hrs was spent throwing back 10 pizzas, few bags of chips, case of Mt Dew and a HUGE pan of Brownies. Those boys did a great job and we were so grateful for their help. They are a great group of kids, and we hope the little bit of dry land training we were able to provide them with will pay off in play-offs later this month ;-)
Even thing just came together like clock work. Our moms unpacked feverishly as I directed traffic. Dylan and Riley had a blast opening box after box of their toys in the toy room... they hadn't seen most of these toys in 9 months! So it was better than Christmas morning for them. Brady boy missed all the excitement as he was passed out in his play pen in the Master bath room for the whole 4 HOURS!! He's had a cold, and so this was a GREAT nap for him and us.
All and all it was a great quick move, and now the unpacking continues...
Even thing just came together like clock work. Our moms unpacked feverishly as I directed traffic. Dylan and Riley had a blast opening box after box of their toys in the toy room... they hadn't seen most of these toys in 9 months! So it was better than Christmas morning for them. Brady boy missed all the excitement as he was passed out in his play pen in the Master bath room for the whole 4 HOURS!! He's had a cold, and so this was a GREAT nap for him and us.
All and all it was a great quick move, and now the unpacking continues...
February 06, 2009
Paint Baby Paint
The time is finally here... We've signed the papers, got the keys and its time to make our house "Our Home". After closing on the house Tuesday morning, we swung in and scoped it out. The owners before took great pride in the home and left it very clean, but they didn't have the best taste in style. So I had big plans to get the whole upstairs painted before we moved in. Everyone doubted me along the way, but after busting my ass for 4 straight days it paid off. Even though I put in about 12 hours a day, I didn't do it all on my own... God NO! Brad's parents are down visiting and have been working to death all week too. And although Brad was held up at work, he still did his share in the evenings. I think that we've gone through 15 gallons of paint and primer this week? That's first priming every wall and then painting 2 coats of color on over 1300 square feet of house.
Dylan and Riley's room was a little girls room before with bright purple walls. So that was a MUST, to make it live able for them. I did 2 walls dark gray, 2 walls light gray, and then put a big Hockey guy shadow (decal) up on one wall. Obviously they will have a cool hockey room when all is said and done. We've got lots of other hockey paraphernalia to put up, including hockey stick curtains and jersey's but that'll come once we get unpacked.
Brady's room was the MONSTER of a room. The smallest of our bedrooms, and it took the most work. It started with blue wallpaper half way up the wall, topped with a chair rail that wrapped around the room. Then a stripe of Choo-Choo train boarder at the ceiling. Sounds cute, but it wasn't it... It was dated! So we pulled off the chair rail... that was freakin' GLUED to the wall, and pulled the drywall paper right off all the way around the room. And because they didn't size (prepare the wall) before papering, the wall paper came off in 1 inch strips. What a bitch!! It took 2 days to get all the wall paper and glue backing off the wall. We used every technique imaginable to get this crap off the wall. Finally it came off. Ron then had to go around and repair the ripped up wall from the chair rail, with plaster mud, then sand it, and spray texture, before we could prime. Once we got the wall ready for paint, I did 3 walls a light baby blue, and the 4th wall a dark navy blue. Further down the road when I've got some time, I'm going to paint a border of Bright Green and Orange circles on the dark wall. Hard to describe and visualize, so I'll post pictures when I get to it.
The rest of the upstairs got lightened up (from country blue) to a light beige... white as Brad would say. I have to admit I was going for a nice open airy look, and was too cautious with the color. So yes it is light, just a shade too light, but there's no way in hell I'm climbing a ladder to re-paint these 15 ft walls for at least the next year. I'm hoping it'll come together once we get all our stuff in. This beige went into our bedroom, for now, as I didn't want to live with the green that was in there, and I haven't found a new bedspread that I love yet to pull together a room.
The master bath also got a tinting of the light beige/tan whatever it is... but then half the walls are a mocha brown. I also did this brown on a few accent walls in the living room/hallway area.
The kitchen is scoped out to be a 2 toned green, but we are planning to tackle that after we get moved in.
Really I've just set the foundation for what's to come with new furniture, art, and fabrics. I just wish I could do it all at once, and get it just perfect. But I know Perfection takes time ;-)
Dylan and Riley's room was a little girls room before with bright purple walls. So that was a MUST, to make it live able for them. I did 2 walls dark gray, 2 walls light gray, and then put a big Hockey guy shadow (decal) up on one wall. Obviously they will have a cool hockey room when all is said and done. We've got lots of other hockey paraphernalia to put up, including hockey stick curtains and jersey's but that'll come once we get unpacked.
Brady's room was the MONSTER of a room. The smallest of our bedrooms, and it took the most work. It started with blue wallpaper half way up the wall, topped with a chair rail that wrapped around the room. Then a stripe of Choo-Choo train boarder at the ceiling. Sounds cute, but it wasn't it... It was dated! So we pulled off the chair rail... that was freakin' GLUED to the wall, and pulled the drywall paper right off all the way around the room. And because they didn't size (prepare the wall) before papering, the wall paper came off in 1 inch strips. What a bitch!! It took 2 days to get all the wall paper and glue backing off the wall. We used every technique imaginable to get this crap off the wall. Finally it came off. Ron then had to go around and repair the ripped up wall from the chair rail, with plaster mud, then sand it, and spray texture, before we could prime. Once we got the wall ready for paint, I did 3 walls a light baby blue, and the 4th wall a dark navy blue. Further down the road when I've got some time, I'm going to paint a border of Bright Green and Orange circles on the dark wall. Hard to describe and visualize, so I'll post pictures when I get to it.
The rest of the upstairs got lightened up (from country blue) to a light beige... white as Brad would say. I have to admit I was going for a nice open airy look, and was too cautious with the color. So yes it is light, just a shade too light, but there's no way in hell I'm climbing a ladder to re-paint these 15 ft walls for at least the next year. I'm hoping it'll come together once we get all our stuff in. This beige went into our bedroom, for now, as I didn't want to live with the green that was in there, and I haven't found a new bedspread that I love yet to pull together a room.
The master bath also got a tinting of the light beige/tan whatever it is... but then half the walls are a mocha brown. I also did this brown on a few accent walls in the living room/hallway area.
The kitchen is scoped out to be a 2 toned green, but we are planning to tackle that after we get moved in.
Really I've just set the foundation for what's to come with new furniture, art, and fabrics. I just wish I could do it all at once, and get it just perfect. But I know Perfection takes time ;-)
February 04, 2009
As if...
...buying a home, and moving isn't enough to handle this week... So why not add a little more spice to the salad and take a new job too.
Just after Christmas I had the opportunity to interview with the SMDC (St.Mary's Duluth Clinic) Behavioral Health program, for a social work position in the adult partial hospital program. I had held this same position during my first year back in Fargo at MeritCare, so I knew what I was in for. However, I wasn't really looking to leave my current job at United Way, because I LOVE it so much. But after chatting with them and seeing the potential growth for the whole department I was interested. And then when they offered me the job, and threw a large salary increase at me, it was hard to say no...REALLY hard to say no. Plus down the road, being at SMDC will get me further, whereas United Way doesn't have much for any promising career advancements. Tough call to make, but I'm moving on and looking forward to working in mental health again.
In this position I will be facilitating a lot of groups, family sessions and of course care coordination. Partial Hospital is an intensive 5 day a week treatment program for people with severe depression, anxiety, and/or dual-diagnoses, with a 2-3 week length of stay. So you really get to know your patients and family, which is nice, but can also be exhausting. At this point SMDC doesn't have a program specific to addiction treatment (my interest), but could in the near future... so I've got my fingers crossed, and when that happens I'll be sure they bring my buddy Jenn in from Fargo to be the lead LAC, so we can once again work and play together everyday!!
Just after Christmas I had the opportunity to interview with the SMDC (St.Mary's Duluth Clinic) Behavioral Health program, for a social work position in the adult partial hospital program. I had held this same position during my first year back in Fargo at MeritCare, so I knew what I was in for. However, I wasn't really looking to leave my current job at United Way, because I LOVE it so much. But after chatting with them and seeing the potential growth for the whole department I was interested. And then when they offered me the job, and threw a large salary increase at me, it was hard to say no...REALLY hard to say no. Plus down the road, being at SMDC will get me further, whereas United Way doesn't have much for any promising career advancements. Tough call to make, but I'm moving on and looking forward to working in mental health again.
In this position I will be facilitating a lot of groups, family sessions and of course care coordination. Partial Hospital is an intensive 5 day a week treatment program for people with severe depression, anxiety, and/or dual-diagnoses, with a 2-3 week length of stay. So you really get to know your patients and family, which is nice, but can also be exhausting. At this point SMDC doesn't have a program specific to addiction treatment (my interest), but could in the near future... so I've got my fingers crossed, and when that happens I'll be sure they bring my buddy Jenn in from Fargo to be the lead LAC, so we can once again work and play together everyday!!
January 15, 2009
Hockey- Truly a Family Sport
A little background here... Growing up in a small town, where hockey didn't exist and the only youth sport was Pee Wee basketball, really left me clueless to the world of youth athletics. Pee Wee basketball was a simple program that grades 4-6 got to participate in on Saturday mornings over the course of 8-12 weeks. This included practices and games. The only gear you needed to have was a pair of tenny runners and shorts...oh yeah and for the girls a sports bra too ;-) Minimal commitment, but soooo much fun!
So here I am now as a Hockey Mom half way through my first season of Mite 1 Hockey (4-7 yr olds) and its just ridiculous. My kids are 4 yrs old and the commitment on their level and ours is INSANE!! They practice Tue & Thurs, with games e/o wknd. The dads flood the outdoor arenas one night a week (Monday) along with misc ice maintenance throughout the year. And the moms yearly commitment includes, 4 shifts in the concessions stand, and chaperone 2 elementary school dances (fundraiser). Not to mention all the other little fundraisers, and special events or help that is needed.
Let me give you an example of what our last 2 weeks have looked like with the hockey schedule.
Mon Jan. 5th Brad floods rink
Tues Jan 6th Boys have practice
Wed. Jan 7th Katie works concessions
Thur Jan 8th Boys have practice
Sat Jan 10th Boys have 2 games & Brad misses runs the clock
Sun Jan 11th Boys have 1 game & Katie works concessions
Mon Jan 12th Brad floods rink
Tue Jan 13th Boys have practice
Wed Jan 14th Katie takes boys for hockey pics (Brady in tow, cuz Brad is @ work)
Thur Jan 15th Boys have practice
Just a tally here for you... Our family was at the hockey club 10 out of 11 nights. Now that is ridiculous!!
All the bundling up everyone needs to do because its outdoor hockey doesn't help either. Thankfully the kids seem to be enjoying and so I go along with it. I just to keep my complaining out of ear shot and mumble under my breath lugging everything and everyone out the door on hockey days. Hopefully with a little conditioning I'll get used to it... cuz I guess I'm in it for the long haul.
P.S. now you know why I am falling behind with my blog.
So here I am now as a Hockey Mom half way through my first season of Mite 1 Hockey (4-7 yr olds) and its just ridiculous. My kids are 4 yrs old and the commitment on their level and ours is INSANE!! They practice Tue & Thurs, with games e/o wknd. The dads flood the outdoor arenas one night a week (Monday) along with misc ice maintenance throughout the year. And the moms yearly commitment includes, 4 shifts in the concessions stand, and chaperone 2 elementary school dances (fundraiser). Not to mention all the other little fundraisers, and special events or help that is needed.
Let me give you an example of what our last 2 weeks have looked like with the hockey schedule.
Mon Jan. 5th Brad floods rink
Tues Jan 6th Boys have practice
Wed. Jan 7th Katie works concessions
Thur Jan 8th Boys have practice
Sat Jan 10th Boys have 2 games & Brad misses runs the clock
Sun Jan 11th Boys have 1 game & Katie works concessions
Mon Jan 12th Brad floods rink
Tue Jan 13th Boys have practice
Wed Jan 14th Katie takes boys for hockey pics (Brady in tow, cuz Brad is @ work)
Thur Jan 15th Boys have practice
Just a tally here for you... Our family was at the hockey club 10 out of 11 nights. Now that is ridiculous!!
All the bundling up everyone needs to do because its outdoor hockey doesn't help either. Thankfully the kids seem to be enjoying and so I go along with it. I just to keep my complaining out of ear shot and mumble under my breath lugging everything and everyone out the door on hockey days. Hopefully with a little conditioning I'll get used to it... cuz I guess I'm in it for the long haul.
P.S. now you know why I am falling behind with my blog.
January 12, 2009
The littlest things can make you laugh
One afternoon back in December, Brady sat in his highchair enjoying a little snack of "Kix" cereal when along comes his big brother Dylan. The little sphere's sparked and idea...Dylan decided it would be fun to blow the cereal across his little brothers highchair tray. Hop, skip and whoosh they fly across the tray. The end result... over 5 minutes of squealing, laughing fun. Although he sits off to the side, Riley cheers them on. Mommy finally grabs the camera to catch the tail end of this goofiness to share with all of you.
(Click on the arrow > under the picture above to see the video)
January 02, 2009
Another one bites the dust...
2008 has blown past us, so here we are at start of another year. Looking back over the past year, I'm certain that we set some records or something... How many BIG life changing events can you encounter in 12 months? Lets see for the us it would be...
Said goodbye to our family Dog (Bauer)
Brady (Child #3) was born
Brad took a new job in another state
We packed up a house and moved, all in 3 weeks
Sold a house in 30 days
Katie took a new job
Boys started a new daycare
Bought a new van
and the best for last we got a FANTASTIC house
... and all the stuff in between.
I think just 2 or 3 of the above would have been enough for the year, but instead we got all them all... and one right after another!
Its easy to get wrapped up in all the craziness of 2008, but I'm thankful that we all left it in one piece... Healthy and Happy. I just worry that 2009 will be a little boring compared to what we've just gone through?!
I guess as long as we are still young, why not spend 2009 diving into more new things and chasing after our healthy boys... ok maybe a little less chasing and some more quiet moment enjoying. I'm really looking forward to moving into our house, meeting new neighbors and really "SETTLING IN" to our home. Its weird how even after 7 months of living in this townhouse, it just doesn't feel like home. Renting just doesn't give you the same home cozy feeling like owning a home does... add that onto a new city, and I still feel like a transplant and not a true Duluthian.
I look forward to the kids running around the roomy house and yard- finally having tons of space to play, Brad puttsing around his new workshop-doing projects for me, and me making the house our home with a little painting and decorating- oh, yeah and then a little relaxing in my Jacuzzi tub :-) Once all that kicks in I'm certain I'll be feeling right at home.
Said goodbye to our family Dog (Bauer)
Brady (Child #3) was born
Brad took a new job in another state
We packed up a house and moved, all in 3 weeks
Sold a house in 30 days
Katie took a new job
Boys started a new daycare
Bought a new van
and the best for last we got a FANTASTIC house
... and all the stuff in between.
I think just 2 or 3 of the above would have been enough for the year, but instead we got all them all... and one right after another!
Its easy to get wrapped up in all the craziness of 2008, but I'm thankful that we all left it in one piece... Healthy and Happy. I just worry that 2009 will be a little boring compared to what we've just gone through?!
I guess as long as we are still young, why not spend 2009 diving into more new things and chasing after our healthy boys... ok maybe a little less chasing and some more quiet moment enjoying. I'm really looking forward to moving into our house, meeting new neighbors and really "SETTLING IN" to our home. Its weird how even after 7 months of living in this townhouse, it just doesn't feel like home. Renting just doesn't give you the same home cozy feeling like owning a home does... add that onto a new city, and I still feel like a transplant and not a true Duluthian.
I look forward to the kids running around the roomy house and yard- finally having tons of space to play, Brad puttsing around his new workshop-doing projects for me, and me making the house our home with a little painting and decorating- oh, yeah and then a little relaxing in my Jacuzzi tub :-) Once all that kicks in I'm certain I'll be feeling right at home.
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