Why hello there!?!?

Where have the last many, many months gone? Well, lets see. I guess I have neglected to post anything out there in the big wide world web, and quite frankly have been pretty quiet IRL with things because I feel so sick of trying to update people to all the drama in my life.

The biggest thing I've been quiet about to most people is that I've been separated for about 8 months now. Since Oct of 09. So life as a single mom is just too busy to keep up with everybody or everything. And the random MAYHEM just never seems to end. But alas, I am still here and kickin'. And overall we are all doing quite well!! Hope everyone's summers are filled with lots of fun and sunshine!!!

Where to begin....?

Well, its likely that most people who read my blog (the one or two of you) already know about Mike, but just in case you don't I will fill you in. Shortly after my last post it was determined that Mike's cancer was too far gone for the stem cell transplant and they planned to send him home on hospice Friday March 6th. God had other plans however, and he suddenly passed away on Thursday the 5th. My sisters and I tried to get down to Ohio to see him, but did not make it in time, but were still very thankful we went. The funeral was the following weekend (just this past weekend) so the next week was spent making funeral arrangements and spending hours on sorting, scanning, printing, and arranging pictures for the many picture boards we did. It was actually quite therapeutic and actually left me feeling good to spend that time with my family. We were able to laugh & cry (and drink wine) together. I think Mike was up there smiling down on us. I was at my parents house everyday that week and then the "visitation" was on Friday and funeral on Saturday. Thankfully DH was able to take time off work. His boss was fantastic and overly gracious about everything which was very nice. Those 8 days went by in a blur and I barely saw my kids. Its just good to be back on a regular schedule this week.

I have however been thinking about all my time on the computer and the time that I am not with my kids. I have 3 boards that I post on regularly (Birth boards and a local parenting board), Facebook and my blog (two blogs technically). I cannot shake the overwhelming fear that someday I will loose one of my own children early to some catastrophe (or cancer). I think of all the time now when I tell them "just a minute" so I can read one more blog, or check facebook one more time or reply to one more post. I spend A LOT of time on the computer each day when I should be cherishing my own kids. SO....just when I felt like I was maybe getting in a blogging grove a month ago, I might fall out of it. I'm not sure. I just know I want to walk away from the computer more to read more books and play more games with my kids. Cause quite frankly I just don't know how long God will leave them here.

Rollercoasting...

Thats how I feel my week to week life is anyway. I just wish everyone in my family would understand that. And I fear that I am just not as able to swing my rhythms back and forth like I could 6 years ago when I started this crazy weekend work schedule. And to think that for a long time I was working full time (three 12hr shifts), and now its just two. But I'm likening my weekends to a trip to Cedar Point.

On Fridays I get all packed up- my stuff and the kids and take off to the amusement park. I drive all over Timbuktu to get there and then check in, drop the kids off at the childrens area (aka: babysitters) and hit the big rides (aka: ICU) for my self and my "family" (aka: co-workers). I spend ALL day on my feet, sweating, barely taking a break to pee, eating lots of junk food to keep myself going since I barely slept the night before and I'm surrounded by the sights and smells of tasty food (aka: the stupid chocolate, cookies, pizza, etc... that often grace our unit curtousy of co-workers and pt's families). I get nauseous, but I keep on trucking, trudging along for the thrill. My adrenaline constantly surging and then dropping, leaving me even more drained. My legs are achy and like rubber at the end of the day, but I still have to make it back to the hotel where I wait for my hubby to finally take responsibility for the kidlets so I can catch a few hours of sleep-like 5hrs tops. Then I wake up to deal with hyper, overtired kiddos who are eager to go have more fun too. So we set out for day #2 at the park. Luckily I don't have to deal with them while I'm at the amusement park (aka: work). So the cycle starts over and I repeat everything for a second day, only to come back home and maybe get only 2-4 hours of sleep before I'm expected to be up and ready for family activities on day three. Perhaps even a big family reunion or two where I have to seem happy and cheerful and deal with my children with grace and careful attention. I drink lots of caffeine to keep myself awake and going. I therefore cannot fall asleep that night even though my exciting vacation weekend is over. I spend the next next several days trying to unpack, do laundry and get back on schedule. I don't really see hubby cause he works and sleeps opposite my schedule so no one is there to help me. By about Thursday I'm almost finally on track. Whew.

Then Friday comes and we leave for Cedar Point again and it all starts over. This repeats 48 out of 52 weeks a year......

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas!!!

Well, it would be a bit more "merry" if I didn't have a sore throat, wasn't hacking up phlegm, and could actually yell at my kids to pick their toys talk above a whisper. Oh well. At least we are warm and have been snuggled in our jammies ALL day. Unfortunately the hubby had to work his normal 3-midnight schedule both yesterday and today. He was here to open gifts with the kids and make us brunch though, so that was good. Last night I braved a few family parties on my own with the kids. It started out with me getting totally wedged in the snow banks and deep snow at the end of our driveway. As I shoveled the wet, heavy snow, ready to pass out from lack of oxygen I was NOT saying Merry Christmas....OR I guess I was, but I was adding a few colorful words in the middle there. Don't worry the kids didn't hear. It was a bit of a late night but the kids at least slept till about 8:00am. Whew! The kids had lots o' fun opening and playing with their gifts all day. The house is a disaster, but who cares right? I need to go scrounge up something for dinner. Not exactly the fancy Christmas dinner most are having I'm sure. It will likely be some sort of chicken and pasta...something quick. Maybe even chicken nuggets and mac n' cheese. I have to get the pics off my camera, and then I'll have lots more to post, but the kidlets are hungry. Hope today has been warm and happy for all of you!! Happy Holidays!!!

Coniferous Erecti1e Dy$function...

This is a condition in which the coniferous has trouble staying "up", and suffers a loss of function. This disease/dysfunction may cause others around it to exhibit symptoms such as involuntary fits of laughter, swearing, and sweating. It has also been know to cause rashes of the arms and hands. Although the tree is not erect, it may still emit a clear sticky substance that may stain or cause irritation to others around it. With proper planning and attention, this condition can usually be avoided, however it is sometimes more prevalent when coexisting with cats and small children, and sometimes dumb men.







Whew, all done! And actually I added more garland and overall was happier with how it looked after the second "decorating" party with the kids. We pretty much had to start over. *rolls eyes*. Lets hope the stupid thing doesn't fall again!!!


Stay tuned for lots o' random tree and ornament pics and pics of the kidlets...I think I'll post them on my Photoblog.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree....

So last night (Sunday) was the only afternoon/night of the week that DH would be home at the same time to take the kids out to get a tree. We did the whole fake vs. real debate again. For a few years we borrowed a gorgeous fake one from a good friend that took out of state contract jobs and wasn't using it. It was so full and real looking we were spoiled. Our kids want to know why Uncle Josh took "our" tree. Heehee...I had to rub this in to him. Last year we got a real one from a little corner lot set-up and it was cheap, but seriously, totally dead. Sooo....this year we went to a Tree Farm and cut our own down. I should say John did. I mostly stood around with the kids freezing, telling him to hurry up before the placed closed and we all froze to death. I learned that it took 12 YEARS to grow my tree. Hokey petes....I didn't realize it took that long. I guess other types take a little less time, like 6-7 years. But I will stop balking at forking out $40 for a good tree now. It smells wonderful too! And my dear hubby had a stoke of genious for getting the tree in the house...made possible by our new windows that actually open. Our picture window now can actually slide open. I was tickled to get the tree in without a trail of needles all the way though the house. So here are some pics of the tree picking and home bringing process.







Again you can see I did a lot of hard work to help with the tree....

John bought these obnoxiously huge LED lights (he didn't realize how big they were) for the tree. They look a little oversized, but they give a cool light show so its not all bad. We did more decorating today and I will have to take pics of the final product soon after we add tinsel and the angel.

Oh and a bonus pic of the "Sculptures" KJ drew/made for me a couple of weeks ago while I was at work and DH was in charge:



And finally I leave you with the only pic I've taken in the last three months where both kid are actually looking at the camera (and getting along).

Good day, sunshine....

Ah...finally two days in a row with sunshine!! It was beautiful today and perfect in the mid 70's.

Life is chugging along here for us, although I've been in a bit of a rut it seems. I think I've just been over tired and perhaps a bit stressed about various things. We are still adjusting to E's school schedule and the fact that I have no real free days or time to run errands or get anything done. Its driving me nuts. If I do head out while she is in school, it means KJ is sacrificing nap time because DH leaves for work during this time as well. This 'two parents working opposite days of the week, on opposite schedules' thing is kind of taking its toll. Majorly. But...its what it is and there's nothing that can be done about it right now. I just need to buckle down and get more organized and manage time a lot better, but those are not strong points for me. I keep drifting back here to the computer like it will magically give me the formula to wave my magic wand and have clean folded laundry, clean floors, and homemade dinner appear before my eyes. But its not working. Evidently I need to get off my ass to make those things happen...can you believe it...dang.

I also think I need to start taking my daily vitamins again, I've been slacking off and I think thats part of my problem. Do you all take vitamins regularly? I wish I could say that I got everything in my wonderful diet, but em...yeah, no...I don't.

On another topic, I'm sure by now you all have seen the hilarious, to go down in the history books, SNL skit depicting Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. That was great! Loved it.

I also recently came across this funny clip that gave me the giggles:

Back from a little vacation....

So we made it a long weekend (DH got Monday off) and we left Saturday morning for Detroit to see a Tigers game!! It takes a couple of hours+ to get there so I had booked a hotel to make it an official vacation and have some fun with the kidlets too. I originally was going to just stay at the hotel with KJ during the game and E would have some daddy/daughter time, but we decided to brave it and all go, busy toddler included. It was a bit chaotic especially since it rained for the first few innings and there was NOT any cover over us except the lil' umbrella we did bring along just in case. The event involved a LOT of walking especially for me, since I was of course the designated child-chaser and entertainment provider. Next time remind me to get seats in the section at least NEAR the big carousel not several decks (like 10 flights of stairs) above it and a mile away on the opposite side of the stadium. Oh...yeah, and I should mention I had Kaedon on my back in a carrier the whole time because there was no way to traverse the stadium seating with a stroller and no way I would trust him walking. Did I post that I totally lost him at the local gardens a few weeks ago. One kid goes one way, the second goes the other way....one mom...two kids... = BAD scenario!! OIY!

So yeah...several miles of walking with an extra 30+ lbs on my back, in 80 degree 100% humidity. Overall, yes the vacation went well, but it was at this point I think I mentally lost it for the rest of the weekend. I was feeling very bitter about DH sitting in his seat watching the game. He who was whining about how his knee hurt from all the walking and how bad the little soft cooler strap was digging into his shoulder. I started inwardly brewing about how I had done all the laundry and packing before hand, made all the arrangements etc, etc... OH, yes, and I had just started my lovely "curse" of the month too, so that kinda sucked and added to the slightly homicidal mental state. Much like the little clip my friend Teachermom posted here. Heehee...

So Sunday was also our anniversary (9 years)!! I feel so bad that I was so rottenly grumpy and lousy feeling. We had originally planned to take the kids to the zoo or a museum or someplace neat in that area, but seriously, they were IN LOVE with the hotel pool and it worked out well to just hang out there for the day (which also allowed me to nap, woohoo!!). Later in the afternoon DH's sister and BIL came to hang out and watch the kids while we went shopping and then out for dinner at an awesome place called Joe's Crab Shack. DH had been dying to go there for ages and we were actually within a reasonable driving distance from one. I finally relaxed a bit!! THAT was nice!! We also got confirmation that DH had his full shift off on Monday so we knew we would have some extra play-time with the kids then. Not that we are anywhere near as much fun as the aunt and uncle who played 1:1, non-stop with them for 5+ hours, but you know...a least moderately fun. ;)

So despite the fact that I had severe gut rot Monday morning, (I think a combo of the seafood, fatigue, and previous fast food ventures) we got going pretty early for our standards and checked out of the hotel by 10:30ish. We took the kids to the hands-on children's museum in Ann Arbor. I would highly recommend it to anyone in the area. It was really neat with tons of interactive stuff for the kids (and parents) to do. We made it home in time to take Elise to soccer practice and it was a treat that DH got to go since he would normally be working.

So, thats my life the past few days in a nutshell....probably not all that interesting, but hey!!

Speaking of crazy mayhem, did you notice my new blog title?

Its a bit of a longish story, but evidently one of the words in my old blog title was similar to a trademarked word. A trademark that is held by another blogger in fact. I won't even go into how I feel about it because most of you already know from me venting in a few other places. So in the interest of harmony and blogging blissfulness I've had to wrack my brain for a new blog title. I'm not terribly smitten by my current title, but it will do for now. However, I couldn't help but notice that seriously less than 12 hours after changing it to Mother of Mayhem, we had huge storms, knocked out power, knocked out phone lines, huge tree uprooted, and potentially rotting, fermenting food in our fridge and huge chest freezer. Not to mention the small things like my kids playing in a huge mud puddle right after I'd tidied them up to head here to MIL's. I was on the cell phone and scurrying to get things packed up in the van and wasn't noticing what they were doing. Yeah....COVERED in mud and splatters, head to toe. Gotta love it....

So anyway if you notice that my blog title changes again....perhaps to something like "Mom of Millions (of dollars)" for a while (and I'll play the lottery during that time span) to see if that comes true as well, don't be surprised!

I've got no power!!!

To my house that is!! Since Wed. afternoon when big ol' 60 mph winds and hail producing storms rolled through, we've been living like Laura and Mary Ingalls. Well, ok....not quite, since we still have indoor plumbing and running water. But thats along the lines of what I was telling Elise who was all whiny whiny that she was bored only an hour into the situation . Suddenly NONE of her toys were of interest. Oh Heavens, the TORTURE!!! No TV or Webkinz for a day (or two or three). We had to talk about what Laura and Mary Ingalls and the Amish would do all day, ha!!

I'm somewhat proud, yet embarrassed to admit that the situation actually proved to be very conducive to productivity for me. I had absolutely NO excuse to put off hand washing the big dirty pots that had been on stove for a day or more and I folded two HUGE loads of laundry after the kids went to bed that I'd been procrastinating for a long time. Then I continued on by candle light to clean out the kids playroom a bit. I'm still not done there, but it literally looked like a tornado had gone through that room before I started. It helped that I was sipping a frozen Strawberry Daiquiri mix that I "rescued" from the freezer. Of all things I couldn't let that go to waste!!

So today we realized that the phone lines are also screwed up, so we have no home phone at all. AND a HUMONGOUS tree that borders the neighbors completely uprooted and fell into their backyard. Thank goodness it didn't hit any structures. Its literally right on the property boarder, so I don't know who's responsibility its going to be to take care of it. They have not appeared to be home or at least outside to see it, so "shrug" I'm not sure what the deal will be with that. We may offer to have DH and whoever we can round up to cut it all apart for them. Or at least some of it.... The trunks (it branched out two ways, so almost like two whole trees) would make great fire wood, so thats at least a plus (for somebody). Crazy, crazy I tell you. It never seems to be dull or without some drama at our house.

I need to figure things out....

Well, lets be serious there are TONS of things I need to figure out in life...but really right now, I'm mostly concerned with my work schedule and DH's work schedule and life in general. I could go into lots of detail telling you about how we had to re-apply for our current positions just because we will be moving into a new building in Febuary-ish 2009, but I'll do my best to be brief. Based on those interviews we will all find out our assigned location/dept. and shift within that new building. I know I'll stay in ICU, but I won't know any other details for sure until the August some time.

In the mean time DH was just told they may switch his schedule to have him work weekends and get Tues & Wed. off (So work Thurs-Mon I guess). If this happens I will probably need to give up my weekend option spot (the one thats been giving me a headache anyway) for sure. Having Elise in VBS this week and spending more time with the people from church really makes me want to give up my weekend thing anyway so we can actually start going to church regularly again. Its been forever since we did. And now Elise is just at that age where she really needs and wants to be a part of things like that. It has been SO neat to watch her come home singing the songs and telling me about stories in the Bible that they read and just generally being really excited about Jesus and the Bible. Its wonderful. I don't want that to end for her. I truly question my job and wonder if I'm "supposed to" give up this weekend thing now anyway. Financially, I don't know HOW it would work. I would need to work 3 shifts a week to make what I do now. Or see if there was anyway to cut back enough to make it on much less. I just don't know. I need to some hard thinking, praying and crunching numbers. I'm SO not a decision maker though...I totally procrastinate that too and put off making big decisions. So when I say we will see...it might be a long wait. ;)

My crazy fun weekend....

So I don't know how much I've complained here lately about my current position at work. Up till recently I was pretty happy with my "work part-time, but get paid full-time" weekend gig. They are now however, subtly trying to do away with us "weekend option" people and therefore our once guaranteed hours are no longer guaranteed at all. Oh no! So Friday I was called off, but managed to pick up an open slot in ER. I actually REALLY liked it. I've only been down there a few times and only for 4 hours at a time. But I think I could actually dig a new gig down there if the right spot opened up. Unfortunately they won't hire me into a weekend spot until I have MORE experience in ER. So we'll see....maybe I just need to get some!

Saturday, only 5 ICU patients meant, no work for me again. This was a "babysitter" weekend, so DH was home and the kids were at the sitters. He's been getting a free Saturday night to himself twice a month with this set up. Usually it works out to be a combo of guy time for him and get my "to-do list" done type thing. Sometimes I get mad at the fact I'm paying a sitter when he is home, but if it keeps us happy and keeps our marriage going in the right direction its worth it.

Soo.....we had a DATE NIGHT Saturday!!! Yeah, I really can't afford to be called off work too much, but we were desperately in need of some ALONE adult time. We went to dinner, watched a movie and flirted and generally just had a good time. It was SO nice. I felt so much more refreshed and alive after getting some *me* time....and sleeping in till almost NOON without any kids in bed with me!!! WOOHOO!!!

Our lazy morning came a crash ending when we heard a motorcycle whiz right by the bedroom window and then the snapping of branches along the tree line that borders the neighbors lawn. I thought I was dreaming for a second. I jumped up and squinted out the window (sans my glasses) and couldn't quite tell if that was a rear reflector I saw sticking out of the tree branches and bushes or not. After grabbing my glasses and noticing a swarm of various neighbors heading from all different directions into my yard, I realized the bike and person must still be IN there! I frantically threw on a sweatshirt and jeans over my lingerie and ran out there. How embarrassing to be an ICU nurse and not promptly respond to an emergency in my own yard, you know. It was a young guy, probably early 20's with a HUGE, heavy, shiny new motorcycle. I'm guessing a new purchase to combat gas prices. He was amazingly ok...at least seemed to be. He got up once a crowd had gathered and wouldn't admit to any injuries other than a bruised ego. He evidently only lives up the road so another guy helped him WALK the bike back. Yikes!! I haven't seen him or the bike since but I hope not too...at least not the bike. I kinda felt bad for the kid. I am just SOOOO thankful my kids were not even home, let alone in the yard. Can you imagine!

This week Elise is in VBS at a church right down the road. Today was her first day and I was really surprised at how huge and big it all was. TONS of kids. I was a little nervous to leave her, but then spotted three other kids who were just in her preschool class, so I felt a little better about it. She of course loved it! The biggest challenge will be getting there on time. It starts at 9am and I.am.not.a.morning.person!!!!

Whats been up in our household....

Lets see....We've fairly recently been to the circus, done lots o' shopping, lots o' dancing, and today (well yesterday now) went to the local botanical gardens to see the butterfly exibit.

The circus was fun, but let me reccomend NOT taking a 2 year old who's entering the terrible two's over his (semi) normal naptime, thinking he'll be fine. He gets in this crazy, mischevious, naughty mood when he's trying to keep himself awake, so that consisted of wanting to be IN the circus rings and trying to run down the stands (we were up high) and screaming bloody murder when I'd try to catch him. He was mostly enthralled with the "petting" zoo they had there. But everyday since then, he's been asking to go to the circus again.

I scored some good deals at a Meijers thats moving to a new building. I bought some new running shoes (for work though) at 40% off. I got bike helmets for both the kids, and I splurged and bought a battery recharger that will charge the AA batteries for my camera in 15, yes FIFTEEN MINUTES!! Thats exciting to me I tell ya. Oh and I bought new toothbrushes for the kids that were marked way down, but they rang up wrong. I checked the recipt on my way to the van and noticed so I went back in and got the difference PLUS about $6 in some "wrong charge award". I love getting paid to shop!!

I really LOVE the Butterfly exhibit and so do the kids. KJ ran around like a mad man yelling I "catch it" and jumping up and down cause he could barely contain his excitement. Elise, now entering that academic stage was most interested in the chrysalides (cocoons).

So thats us in a nutshell the past week or so. I hope the pictures help make up for my lack of posting. :)

Here's a lil' video too:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v213/Istra/Spring%202008/?action=view&current=03-19-08031.flv

I'm a better mom on Prozac and Wine....

Do I really need to elaborate on that statement? I think it speaks for itself right!? I woke up all chipper feeling refreshed and ready to start a *NEW* week. You know...one that would be much better than last, on so many levels. I want(ed) to accomplish things today and this week. Then kids happened. You know....like they opened their whiney 2 year old and stubborn back talking 5 year old mouths, I changed multiple nasty poppy diapers, a poopy "accident" from Miss E and the day went downhill from there. I guess I was not as "chipper" as I originally thought myself to be in the morning. Sooo....finally I got through dinner just now....and let me tell you, I love wine...Oh, how I love wine!! (Can you tell I just had am having some now). Last weekend I was in a conversation with a patients family memeber and he had recently returned to the hospital after going out to dinner with family. He was saying how he had had a drink or two and it was really nice to relax (since he'd been at his extremely ill wife's bedside for many days) and he teased me that since I had gone to a Baptist college (he thoroughly interviewed me on day #1) that I probably didn't drink. I laughed heartily and was like....."Um....I have CHILDREN, do I need to say more". Seriously, I rarely DO drink and when I do its not often or much.

TOMORROW is KJ's Birthday!! He turns TWO!!! We had a small family gathering last night at my dad and step-mom's house. We decided that we should have had later spring or summer babies so their birthdays wouldn't ever coincide with snow and ice storms and bad weather. Last night was ok....it was actually thundering and lightning which was kinda cool. Tomorrow we are supposed to visit Grammy (my MIL) and meet up with my sister and nephews so I'm hoping the snow forcasted holds off till later in the evening.

I was tagged...

Last Thursday by Christine, but since I'm still recovering after a few days of blowing chucks and liquids out both ends of my being (discriptive eh, sorry...I am a nurse), I'm just now getting around to catching up on the oh so many things I have to blog about (mostly inspired by Christine).

So here goes (although I might cheat):
6 Things About Me

First, the rules:
(1) Link to the person that tagged you.
(2) Post the rules on your blog.
(3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
(4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
(5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website

1. I am a habitual bone cracker (ewww, I know)
2. I have a not so secret addiction to Little Debbie snacks (naughty)
3. I fairly recently purchased my very first ehm...adult toy...(hey trying to make this interesting)
4. My shower curtain has mold on it and I desperately need to change it
5. I'm VERY disorganized and have tons of clutter (which we'll be dealing with Veery soon, you'll see)
6. I can't sleep without socks on, except if its REALLY hot in the house, but I'm almost always freezing cold, especially in the winter.

So who to tag...seriously I don't know, so this is where I may cheat!!! I'm kinda fresh to this blogging thing. So Teachermom your up, and Tara at Never a Dull Moment, and Shawn how bout you too! :)

Milestones and memories...

This was the first Easter that Miss E really heard about the Biblical Easter story in depth and its generated some cute discussions between the two of us. First she kept calling it "Great Friday" which was sweet. And then there were some conversations like this one:

E: Can I go to heaven mom?

Me: Yep, but hopefully not for a long, long time, like when your really old, and once you have Jesus in your heart.

E: Once you are in heaven, if you forgot something, you can come back to get it right?

Me: NO...once you are in heaven you can never come back. That's why we miss the people who have died so much... because they can never come back.

E: But what if you really need something?

Me: You just ask God, he will have EVERYTHING you need.

E: Well, what if I need to go potty, I don't know where his potty is!?

Me: You can just ask him and he'll tell you (laughing)

And then there were a number of other questions about "God's potty", LOL!! Oh and of course mention that she can't wait to get to heaven to see her cat Snicklefritz. She cracks me up.
_____________________________________________

The NOT GOOD milestone of the day/week/month:

Today my little man managed to totally knock his tooth out. The gate at the top of our basement stairs gave in this morning and KJ fell, just onto the landing, but flat on his face. I picked him up to find blood pouring out of his mouth. He literally knocked one of his bottom front teeth out. I'm so sad and ill to my stomach about it. There is nothing that they can do, unfortunately, just wait for his permanent teeth. I should just be thanking Jesus he didn't tumble around the corner and down the rest of the stairs and get hurt worse, but its hard not to be sad.

I know he'll still be my perfectly cute little man, but he has the most adorable little smile and goofy faces he makes already and I just know I'll be panged with guilt for a long time now, every time I see his toothy-less-one-tooth smile. At 13 months E was only getting her 2nd or 3rd tooth and at the same age Mr. KJ's already knocking his out. *sigh*

Poop and stuff...

There's been so many times that I wanted to get here and blog the past week or so but just never quite made it. Instead I aimlessly wander through other people blogs and the many online forums I try to frequent. I've also been a bit down. Things are not so glorious on the homefront and I'm not sure what will happen with all that, but thats another story. I have a job interview Tuesday for a job with better hours, hopefully close to the same pay, but totally different environment than what I'm in...its at an urgent care center. I just don't know if I can go from high acuity ICU/CCU environment to sniffly noses, fevers and strep throat type stuff and feel satisfied with it. And how do you weigh out physical/schedule benefits over the emotional/mental job satisfaction benefits. I just don't know. I don't know if I'll get offered the job anyway since I don't have any urgent care experience. I think an ER job would be right up my alley...but I'm not so sure about this one.

I wasn't going to harp on this more cause I know I've already vented to many people but its just eating at me that my step-dad just returned from Hawaii where he was getting engaged to his girlfriend and basically spending my mom's life insurance money that was given to me and my sisters. Before my mom died she expressed that she wanted him to have larger portion of the $$ so he could more adequately take care of my very handicapped step-sister. (I don't think they had custody of her when my mom named her beneficiaries). Soooo.....we are all a close knit family and caring, giving people so we basically gave him all of it with the understanding it would be used to pay off medical and funeral bills and then be to help cover expenses caring for her at home vs. a living center. We didn't anticipate that he would jump on Yahoo personals a few weeks after she was gone and start dating a mear month after her death, about the same time we all wrote him huge checks for the life insurance $$. I'm filled with such warmth and joy (sarcasm) knowing I helped pay for their several trips this past summer and now their engagement and vacation in Hawaii. I don't think angry begins to describe my emotion. I'm inwardly combusting. At least they didn't come back already married (unless they are keeping it a secret).

The poop issue is finally resolved for the moment as Miss Sassy just pooped about an 18 inch log thats been petrifying in her bowels for the past week. I've spent the last week (yes a week of constipation) keeping her mostly in pull-up because it just kept leaking little bits and we ruined several pairs of underwear. The past few days were spent largely in the bathroom cleaning poop from everywhere (the floor, carpet, toilet seat, bathtub) over, and over again, and coaching her to poo. *sigh* We fight about going to the bathroom and I find myself yelling at her over these bathroom issues because it gets so frustrating and tiring for all involved. I DO NOT want to do this again. The 1-2 apples/day, fiber shakes, oatmeal a few times a week, and extra water don't seem to be helping. Any other ideas? She's become picky about things, especially anything strong tasting...if it tastes funny, there's no getting it into her. I'm seriously considering asking for a stool softener but I don't know if you can have them this young (4). I'm just sure her bowels get huge and dilated and I'm worried over time with this issue it will have more negative effects (physical and emotional).

Superfluous Slippers....

SO 10 parties and 6 pairs of slippers later..... And my Christmas is FINALLY OVER!! If I could make one recommendation to those of you with large extended families that buy you Christmas gifts.....do NOT include "slippers" on a list that goes out to all those groups of family members. I dunno....maybe your family isn't as slipper prone as mine. But I received a grand total of SIX PAIRS of slippers. And only one of them are the slip on style that I like. Two of them have intact tags and I think I might be able to return them. The rest I am stuck with. I do like some of them, but really? I will never put slippers on my list again....at least not for the next 6 years. I did get some really awesome gifts this year if you don't mind me bragging about them? Like you could protest and stop me...heehee.

My MIL got me/us TWO memberships to awesome places to take the kids. One family+guest to the local zoo and one to some local gardens that both indoor and outdoor exhibits and some really cool events throughout the year. I'm so geeked about these. It makes me feel guilty for the gripping I do about MIL (both in my head and out loud at times). I also received a sewing machine from my Dad and step-mom that I'm excited to learn to use. I got a new velour sweatsuit/outfit and lots of other neat odds and ends too. We always get spoiled. The kids made out great too with lots of good stuff. Surprisingly many people bought them more educational type stuff and things I'd requested. I totally need to stock some of their stuff away though and pull it out throughout the year and/or rotate it though.

In other news: Mr. KJ is cranky this week because he is cutting at least two teeth (one top, one bottom) and there are others right behind them waiting to pop too. I think he was saying his first word Saturday night at the infamous "last x-mas party". He was quite notably calling the dog at times and it was so sweet. He got licked to pieces by my S&BIL's big huge Rottweiler puppy. He seems to be a great dog and KJ had NO fear of him. We were always careful to make sure we (one of "Wyatt's" parents, and one of us) were right there any time the kids were near him (even though he's a great dog, but also still young). But KJ would plow right over to him at times and giggle at all the face lickings and stick his hands out beckoning the dog for more once he walked away. .
Elise was also smitten with the dog and both of them bonded quite well. Of course she's going to be asking for a dog everyday now I'm sure.

Whew. I'm just so glad to be done with all the holiday stuff and try to get back to a regular schedule!!

Happy New Year!!

Let me recap the past few weeks for you just by the parties and events that we were supposed to and mostly DID attend. Keep in mind that I work Friday nights third shift so for each Saturday party it meant little to NO sleep for me. I've been so sleep deprived lately this last month was a bit of a blur.

December 9- (Sat.) My dads side, "extended family", started at 11am so I worked all Friday night and never slept this day at all. Was in bed by 8:30pm.

December 16- (Sat.) My work party (we skipped this one and went shopping till 12 am with KJ tow, E saw Peter Pan at the theater and spent the night with my dad and step-mom).

December 20- Ok, no party but was out with both kids shopping and running errands (KJ strapped to me in the carrier) from 1pm to 8 pm. We ate dinner AT the mall and skipped the 10 mile line to see Santa. They played in the play area and rode the carousel instead.

December 23- (Sat.) Christmas with my moms extended family

December 24- (we had THREE places to be this day). I had to work at 7pm so we made it to my Dad and step-moms so we (my sisters included) could exchange gifts with Dad and step-mom (from 1-4pm). About 4pm DH dropped me off at home so I could take a speedy nap and he and the kids made their way to HIS dad and step-moms extended family party from about 5-8pm. While they dropped me off at home we put out the milk and cookies for Santa since I would be gone and it was likely E would fall asleep in the car on the way home from party #2 (or #3 if they made it). They never made it to #3 which was my step-moms family party (her mom and sisters).

December 25- Got home about 8:15am, quickly showered and started "traditional" Christmas morning with the kids, opening presents and stockings. I didn't stay up for breakfast, but Dh made some for the kids. I slept for a nice little while and later that night at 6pm we went to my step-dads (moms) house to exchange gifts among my sisters and my step-dad. This was a nice laid back time with my sisters. A little hard to do without my mom and a little "biting" if you will, because my step-dad included his girlfriends name on several of the name tags and let us know she picked out and wrapped most of the gifts. (Yeah, I don't know if I've told many people, but he's had a girlfriend for some time now) Grrr. Anyhow, she did earn some bonus points with some really CUTE gifts including handmade scarves and hats for the kids and a wooden horse for E that her dad handmade. She was not there however. Luckily my step-dad KNEW that would not go over well (especially with my youngest sister). Although this was technically our second Christmas without mom, it had happened so recently last year that it was all a blur and a fog of a Christmas, so this really felt more like the first Christmas without her.

December 26 & 27 - Lots of lounging and playing with new toys!! Dh's Dad and step-mom came over with more gifts for the kidlets that they didn't give them at their extended family gathering on Christmas eve.

December 28- An evening party with Dh's extended family (from his moms side) at his moms. we were there from about 5pm till um....2AM!!!! Yikes!!!

December 29 (Sat.)- Post party at Dh's moms to eat leftovers, visit with his uncle still in town, and use the hot tub since it was just too busy on the "big" party night.

Jan 6- The LAST scheduled CHRISTMAS party we have that is with Dh's siblings and Mom and step-dad. This is usually a laid back gathering as well, but we STILL have some baking, shopping and wrapping to do this week for this party since we've been busy and procrastinating. UGH!!!

Oh I am SOOO ready to be done. What is that about 10 gatherings with family?! Will it EVER end?? I was in the Christmas mood till a few days ago, but now that the new year has past, I am DONE. If I can get to it this week the tree will come down. I'm afraid it might wait till after our last party and come down next week, I guess we will see.

I'll have to discuss gifts in another post since this one is already a novel!

Happy 2007!! (Only 357 days till the next Christmas and the next round of madness)!