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.
February 22, 2009
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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