Date this "wonderfully are you serious?" entry 11/27/08! Every year for the past 4 years I have had thanksgiving at our home! We used to go to my moms and eat, but thought it might be easier being we have two ovens and a larger kitchen to cook at our house! My mom cooks the candy sweet potatoes at her house and brings them. She also bakes the pies! Every thing else I do at our house in the kitchen. This year including children there was twelve to cook for. We make 5 bunches of broccoli, 10lbs of potatoes, two different types of stuffing and two turkeys.
During the cooking of all my broccoli in two large pots and my potatoes in another large pot, I decided to tackle the gravy! I make a homemade gravy so you have to stand continually stirring it at the stove top. We have an over the range microwave and while I was stirring and broccoli an potatoes boiling I look up to see the craziest thing ever! My microwave melted! I say are you kidding me really loud and then calmly point it out to Big Gary! He looks at it and is just in awe of such a site. There is a fan that kicks on to keep things cool so such things don't happen! However, the person that invented that mechanism probably never planned for a Castor-Trgovac Thanksgiving! We opened the door and had to basically catch this tar substance so it wouldn't drip into the food. I tell you my friends nothing around here is easy! We always have an adventure! Needless to say all our leftovers had to be heated in the oven old school style!
Thanks to my mom and Black Friday sales at Lowe's we now have a new microwave! Anyone up for some popcorn?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
This one's for you Grandpa! MISS YOU!
This entry should be dated 11/14/08. My life is super busy lately so I am just now typing this out for all of you! On November 14, 2008 Lil Gary, Cara and I set out for a trip to Marc's! Similar type store to what Pharmor used to be but with a great closeout section. I needed groceries and such as usual! Truthfully this day seems to be a blur thanks to the holidays and I just can't remember what exactly we went for! I don't know if it was a big shopping day or just need milk and bread day! Sorry! Back to the story! As we pull in I am sure Cara is hungry so I decide I will nurse her first before strapping on my baby carrier. While she is nursing I see an elderly gentleman walking towards my car from the front. I decided to shield myself a little more and not flash the man as he walks along. I notice he is wearing those extremely large sunglasses that the older generations tend to do! Cara continues to nurse for a good ten minutes, I strap on the baby carrier fasten Cara in to it and then get Gary out of his car seat. As I am finishing getting Gary I see the elderly man again still walking around.
It is rather cool outside and when the wind blows it is cold. I realize the man must me be lost looking for his car! I remember back to just before my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and how sweet of a man he was. He wasn't even my "biological" grandfather but he loved all of us like we were. It was the beginning of his disease and he was driving to his sister's house and got lost because he forgot the way. For some reason the man in the Marc's parking lot reminded me of him so much. I approached the man and asked him if he was looking for his car and he said yes. I then asked him what kind and color hoping he knew. HE DID! I set off with my children to find this man's car for him! Gary was holding my hand and Cara nestled in her carrier on my front side. We walked a few minutes and could not find the silver Toyota Avalon. We stumbled upon a few Corolla's but NO Avalon! I eventually grabbed a shopping cart to put Gary in and then push him around to look.
After what seems to be a good half an hour and a million trips around the parking lot we find the car! We then go get the man and show him and he is relieved. The entire time Gary was really helping too! He really understood we HAD to help this man! I asked him if he would be OK and he said yes! I would have driven him home if he had needed! The man was a retired Chemistry professor from Youngstown State University! Even though we were cold and tired I am glad we kept looking and never gave up! I hope my Grandpa was watching and thinking how proud he was we were there for that man! I hope the man made it home safely and I hope he is getting proper medical treatment to postpone the ill effects of Alzheimer's! Although, long term memories won't happen for my children just yet, I am thankful I had the opportunity to show my son what it means to help someone!
It is rather cool outside and when the wind blows it is cold. I realize the man must me be lost looking for his car! I remember back to just before my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and how sweet of a man he was. He wasn't even my "biological" grandfather but he loved all of us like we were. It was the beginning of his disease and he was driving to his sister's house and got lost because he forgot the way. For some reason the man in the Marc's parking lot reminded me of him so much. I approached the man and asked him if he was looking for his car and he said yes. I then asked him what kind and color hoping he knew. HE DID! I set off with my children to find this man's car for him! Gary was holding my hand and Cara nestled in her carrier on my front side. We walked a few minutes and could not find the silver Toyota Avalon. We stumbled upon a few Corolla's but NO Avalon! I eventually grabbed a shopping cart to put Gary in and then push him around to look.
After what seems to be a good half an hour and a million trips around the parking lot we find the car! We then go get the man and show him and he is relieved. The entire time Gary was really helping too! He really understood we HAD to help this man! I asked him if he would be OK and he said yes! I would have driven him home if he had needed! The man was a retired Chemistry professor from Youngstown State University! Even though we were cold and tired I am glad we kept looking and never gave up! I hope my Grandpa was watching and thinking how proud he was we were there for that man! I hope the man made it home safely and I hope he is getting proper medical treatment to postpone the ill effects of Alzheimer's! Although, long term memories won't happen for my children just yet, I am thankful I had the opportunity to show my son what it means to help someone!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
How about being thankful you HAVE A BABY!
This post is in no way going to be a funny story about my life as a mommy. In fact this blog is going to be me bitching about the nerve of some women and how they feel owed something for giving birth!
If you know anything about me, you would know how much I am a believer that giving birth is a natural meant to happen process. I don't believe drugs are needed immediately and one should really try to attempt it naturally! I did two attempts one for 34.5 hours drug free and then 50.5 hours drug free. At some point one needs to sleep so I took the epidural! I also am a firm believer that too many doctors do too many C-section deliveries when it truly was not warranted. In my case we have found that my pelvis is not shaped properly to allow for passage of a baby. If not for C-sections both my children in older days and third world countries today would die during birth. There isn't a day that goes by I don't think about this. I desperately wanted the joy of pushing my baby out and "giving birth" to them, but I more so wanted happy healthy living babies! I got the best part of it all my children! Here comes the thing that really annoys me about some women which Hollywood started and has now trickled to everyone! "PUSH PRESENTS!"
Are you freaking serious? You think you are owed by your husband some gift for giving birth to your children. How about the wonderful gift of conception,the wonderful gift of carrying a baby to term, the gift of giving birth to a live healthy baby! I am not saying I don't throw the "I gave birth to him" card out there, however, expecting my Big Daddy to come home with a Diamond Tennis Bracelet for it is ridiculous! I could go on and on about this but I will stop! Ladies just put your priorities in perspective your gift is your baby! Far too many women they leave the hospital empty handed! Some because the baby was still born, or like a dear friend her baby came too early and had to stay in the hospital! Be happy your baby is HOME, ALIVE!
If you know anything about me, you would know how much I am a believer that giving birth is a natural meant to happen process. I don't believe drugs are needed immediately and one should really try to attempt it naturally! I did two attempts one for 34.5 hours drug free and then 50.5 hours drug free. At some point one needs to sleep so I took the epidural! I also am a firm believer that too many doctors do too many C-section deliveries when it truly was not warranted. In my case we have found that my pelvis is not shaped properly to allow for passage of a baby. If not for C-sections both my children in older days and third world countries today would die during birth. There isn't a day that goes by I don't think about this. I desperately wanted the joy of pushing my baby out and "giving birth" to them, but I more so wanted happy healthy living babies! I got the best part of it all my children! Here comes the thing that really annoys me about some women which Hollywood started and has now trickled to everyone! "PUSH PRESENTS!"
Are you freaking serious? You think you are owed by your husband some gift for giving birth to your children. How about the wonderful gift of conception,the wonderful gift of carrying a baby to term, the gift of giving birth to a live healthy baby! I am not saying I don't throw the "I gave birth to him" card out there, however, expecting my Big Daddy to come home with a Diamond Tennis Bracelet for it is ridiculous! I could go on and on about this but I will stop! Ladies just put your priorities in perspective your gift is your baby! Far too many women they leave the hospital empty handed! Some because the baby was still born, or like a dear friend her baby came too early and had to stay in the hospital! Be happy your baby is HOME, ALIVE!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Top Ten Things.....
I used to hear my parents say, that I swore I WOULD NEVER say to my own children, but have some how come to say anyways!
1. "You have to eat that if you want muscles so we can go _____________ (fill the blank with any kind of activity)."
2. "If you don't stop crying I will give you a reason/something to cry about! "Yes, I know how awful is this one!
3." You have until the count of 5 and then _______________(fill in the blank with just about anything)." He may get a time out, he may go to bed.....The list of possibilities is endless.
4. "Go ask your Dad!" This one is really bad I used to hate when I would ask my parents for something and they would continually send me back and forth between them!
5. "We aren't cry babies we don't cry! It didn't hurt that bad now stop crying!" If he is seriously in pain I will console him but really crying over every little bump is ridiculous.
6. "Because I said so!"
7. "If you don't ________(fill in blank with activity) Santa won't bring you any toys for Christmas!"
8. "Don't make me get up!"
9. "If you don't start picking up your toys, I am going to throw them away!"
10. "Because I am your mom and that's why!"
1. "You have to eat that if you want muscles so we can go _____________ (fill the blank with any kind of activity)."
2. "If you don't stop crying I will give you a reason/something to cry about! "Yes, I know how awful is this one!
3." You have until the count of 5 and then _______________(fill in the blank with just about anything)." He may get a time out, he may go to bed.....The list of possibilities is endless.
4. "Go ask your Dad!" This one is really bad I used to hate when I would ask my parents for something and they would continually send me back and forth between them!
5. "We aren't cry babies we don't cry! It didn't hurt that bad now stop crying!" If he is seriously in pain I will console him but really crying over every little bump is ridiculous.
6. "Because I said so!"
7. "If you don't ________(fill in blank with activity) Santa won't bring you any toys for Christmas!"
8. "Don't make me get up!"
9. "If you don't start picking up your toys, I am going to throw them away!"
10. "Because I am your mom and that's why!"
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Where did that blond hair come from?
I don't know maybe the mailman? This by far is one of the worst questions I hear quite often. My son has what I consider a dirty blond hair color. I had even blonder hair when I was his age! Obviously it came from me, but it is so insulting when people ask where it comes from. I want to say sometimes well, you know the mailman is really his daddy! However, I usually bite my tongue but a funny thing happened a few weeks ago that would surely make everyone wonder.
I was in the Kitchen letting the dog out our back door and just as I opened the door the mailman was getting out of his van and shutting the door. Lil Gary was standing far enough in the kitchen so he couldn't see who was slamming a door shut. He became so excited by it that he came running the length of the kitchen yelling Daddy's Home Daddy's Home! It was in fact not his dad but the mailman. I immediately thought of people who ask me about his hair and then the neighbors hearing him yell this and how funny it probably seemed. I even think the mailman heard him and I was just laughing too hard to care. What adds to the funny of this is that our dog Bitsy Bleu is totally in love with the mailman as well. He brings her treats and comes to see her when she is outside! If she is inside she will basically whine at the door for him as he walks up our mail! Our cute little family! I love it! I of course had to tell Big Daddy about it and now we have this joke all the time about the mailman being Gary's daddy! My Big Daddy knows he is his 100%
I was in the Kitchen letting the dog out our back door and just as I opened the door the mailman was getting out of his van and shutting the door. Lil Gary was standing far enough in the kitchen so he couldn't see who was slamming a door shut. He became so excited by it that he came running the length of the kitchen yelling Daddy's Home Daddy's Home! It was in fact not his dad but the mailman. I immediately thought of people who ask me about his hair and then the neighbors hearing him yell this and how funny it probably seemed. I even think the mailman heard him and I was just laughing too hard to care. What adds to the funny of this is that our dog Bitsy Bleu is totally in love with the mailman as well. He brings her treats and comes to see her when she is outside! If she is inside she will basically whine at the door for him as he walks up our mail! Our cute little family! I love it! I of course had to tell Big Daddy about it and now we have this joke all the time about the mailman being Gary's daddy! My Big Daddy knows he is his 100%
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways....
Well, I love my children with all my heart. Words can't describe the love I hold for them or lengths I would go for their happiness. This post, however, is not about my love for them but the love of others for them! One person in particular honestly and truly is crazy about my children and has never even met them! This person is a Lady by the name of Nicole Jones*.
Nicole works sporadically with my dad when he does free lance graphics and such for sports broadcasts. I have never personally met Nicole only have I read about her travels, and listened to my dad talk about her! She is way too considerate of my family! Before Lil Gary was even born she was wishing us well, and excited for my dad and us to be experiencing such a wonderful gift of a baby. After Lil Gary was born she sent a gift in the mail for him which consisted of a miniature "Stanley cup" and a Columbus Blue Jacket's onsie for him to wear. I put the "Stanley cup" up on a shelf for safe keeping and he finally fit his onsie when he was about 8 months old! It was so adorable. I thought that was the sweetest thing ever, to not even know Gary or I and to send us a gift for our baby!
Then last Friday came! Nicole spent an entire month in China, exploring a bit and working the 2008 Summer Olympics! Yes, her life is way more exciting than mine! Well, she purchased some stuffed Chinese character type dolls that had different meanings. She sent two of them to my Dad's house for the kids! One for Gary one for Cara! I don't have them in front of me right now but I will post pics and the meanings soon! I decided to show Lil Gary them and explained to him that we were putting them away to be kept forever. I explained to him they could be worth "BIG MONIES" one day! Now tell me how lovely of a person is she! She went to a foreign country and thought about my children and getting them a present or "Prize" as Gary calls it! What a wonderful Gal! I can not thank her enough for thinking of them, especially when she doesn't HAVE TO! It's weird though in China I know they have this red string theory that says everyone is born and connected to everyone that will have an impact on their lives with a red strand! I hope to follow the strand to actually meet Nicole one day!
Nicole if you are reading this, THANK YOU SINCERELY! I really am touched by you! Gary asks me for those dolls every day and I have to tell him no! I am saving them! THANK YOU AGAIN! There will be something arriving for you at your house soon!
*Names have been changed to protect the innocent! Too many psychos out there!
Nicole works sporadically with my dad when he does free lance graphics and such for sports broadcasts. I have never personally met Nicole only have I read about her travels, and listened to my dad talk about her! She is way too considerate of my family! Before Lil Gary was even born she was wishing us well, and excited for my dad and us to be experiencing such a wonderful gift of a baby. After Lil Gary was born she sent a gift in the mail for him which consisted of a miniature "Stanley cup" and a Columbus Blue Jacket's onsie for him to wear. I put the "Stanley cup" up on a shelf for safe keeping and he finally fit his onsie when he was about 8 months old! It was so adorable. I thought that was the sweetest thing ever, to not even know Gary or I and to send us a gift for our baby!
Then last Friday came! Nicole spent an entire month in China, exploring a bit and working the 2008 Summer Olympics! Yes, her life is way more exciting than mine! Well, she purchased some stuffed Chinese character type dolls that had different meanings. She sent two of them to my Dad's house for the kids! One for Gary one for Cara! I don't have them in front of me right now but I will post pics and the meanings soon! I decided to show Lil Gary them and explained to him that we were putting them away to be kept forever. I explained to him they could be worth "BIG MONIES" one day! Now tell me how lovely of a person is she! She went to a foreign country and thought about my children and getting them a present or "Prize" as Gary calls it! What a wonderful Gal! I can not thank her enough for thinking of them, especially when she doesn't HAVE TO! It's weird though in China I know they have this red string theory that says everyone is born and connected to everyone that will have an impact on their lives with a red strand! I hope to follow the strand to actually meet Nicole one day!
Nicole if you are reading this, THANK YOU SINCERELY! I really am touched by you! Gary asks me for those dolls every day and I have to tell him no! I am saving them! THANK YOU AGAIN! There will be something arriving for you at your house soon!
*Names have been changed to protect the innocent! Too many psychos out there!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
What do you get when you add a rainy day, a Ford f150 truck and a rubbermaid tote?
A wonderfully funny story to blog about, which also involved Daddy! Friday was a ridiculously rainy day here in North Eastern Ohio! Just because it is raining though I can't just stop my day! I absolutely needed to get some grocery shopping done and needed to get a few more supplies for my projects I am currently doing! Sure there will be a blog on that soon.
Little Gary has been very obsessed with the very expensive Thomas the Train wooden table! The thing regularly retails for 169.99! JUST THE TABLE NO TRAIN WITH IT! Well, we have a few different tracks of Thomas the train and I vowed to keep an eye out for a table in the classifieds or the second hand type stores around here. So after the craft store Friday I ventured to Once Upon a Child, (a franchise second hand type store). I had been there in May and scored a great bouncer for Cara and they had a train table then which they were selling for 65.00! I thought what the heck maybe I will find something and if not, no biggie. We walk in and right in the middle of the store a shining light coming down on it was a train table! This table was in absolutely great condition for being used and Gary knew what it was without the trains even on it! I found the price tag and was so totally shocked and excited! 35.00 yes 35.00! I don't think it is an actual Thomas the train table but it sure passes for it! The Trains work on it and all! I asked Lil Gary if he wanted to get it and he said, "YES!" So I asked the lady if I purchased it would they be willing to hold it till I was able to return with my Hubby and truck to take it home! With an absolutely, the table was ours! She placed a paper saying SOLD on it and I was thrilled for my boy! So I convince him through tears and kicks we need to leave and go get Dada so we can come in the truck (Mack as he calls it) and bring the table home.
We go grocery shopping faster than ever and head home in the pouring rain! Get home put groceries away and feed Cara and load up in Mack to head to get the table! Our house is not huge at all and toys clutter our living room on a daily basis. Big Daddy and I decided some toys would get put away in a tote to be rotated back out later and the rest could go up stairs with the exception of a Diego Dino head toy and the Train table still in the living room. One problem with this idea! We don't have a tote! We make a stop at Lowe's and buy a 50 gallon tote. As we are leaving Lowe's it has begun to seriously pour rain, so we put the kids in the truck as fast as can be I load the tote in the work gear loaded bed of the truck and shake and budge it to see if it is in securely. Big Daddy agrees it is secure and off we go to head up 224 for the train table. All is seeming fine as we approach the Shops at Boardman Park.
We are cruising along and get to the light right in front of Wendy's and Big Daddy yells, "F***, we lost the tote!" At this point I am still talking and I say huh what are you talking about as I look in my rear view mirror and see our 50 gallon tote banging as it rolled down the slight slope in the rain. It was one of those moments where time seemed to crawl and I remember myself saying, "Oh NO!" I then asked Big Daddy, "we are going back for it right?" He looks at me with this look of DUHHHHH and says, "Yeah, as soon as I can turn around!" We get turned around and we find our tote in the middle of 5 lane 224 and we pull next to it and Big Daddy jumps out to grab it! He throws it in the back and then we escape to behind Quiznos where we actually put it in the Cab of the truck! There we are two car seats, two adults and a 50 gallon tote smashed in an F150 off to retrieve our train table! All this craziness has been worth it! Lil Gary is in love with his train table!
Little Gary has been very obsessed with the very expensive Thomas the Train wooden table! The thing regularly retails for 169.99! JUST THE TABLE NO TRAIN WITH IT! Well, we have a few different tracks of Thomas the train and I vowed to keep an eye out for a table in the classifieds or the second hand type stores around here. So after the craft store Friday I ventured to Once Upon a Child, (a franchise second hand type store). I had been there in May and scored a great bouncer for Cara and they had a train table then which they were selling for 65.00! I thought what the heck maybe I will find something and if not, no biggie. We walk in and right in the middle of the store a shining light coming down on it was a train table! This table was in absolutely great condition for being used and Gary knew what it was without the trains even on it! I found the price tag and was so totally shocked and excited! 35.00 yes 35.00! I don't think it is an actual Thomas the train table but it sure passes for it! The Trains work on it and all! I asked Lil Gary if he wanted to get it and he said, "YES!" So I asked the lady if I purchased it would they be willing to hold it till I was able to return with my Hubby and truck to take it home! With an absolutely, the table was ours! She placed a paper saying SOLD on it and I was thrilled for my boy! So I convince him through tears and kicks we need to leave and go get Dada so we can come in the truck (Mack as he calls it) and bring the table home.
We go grocery shopping faster than ever and head home in the pouring rain! Get home put groceries away and feed Cara and load up in Mack to head to get the table! Our house is not huge at all and toys clutter our living room on a daily basis. Big Daddy and I decided some toys would get put away in a tote to be rotated back out later and the rest could go up stairs with the exception of a Diego Dino head toy and the Train table still in the living room. One problem with this idea! We don't have a tote! We make a stop at Lowe's and buy a 50 gallon tote. As we are leaving Lowe's it has begun to seriously pour rain, so we put the kids in the truck as fast as can be I load the tote in the work gear loaded bed of the truck and shake and budge it to see if it is in securely. Big Daddy agrees it is secure and off we go to head up 224 for the train table. All is seeming fine as we approach the Shops at Boardman Park.
We are cruising along and get to the light right in front of Wendy's and Big Daddy yells, "F***, we lost the tote!" At this point I am still talking and I say huh what are you talking about as I look in my rear view mirror and see our 50 gallon tote banging as it rolled down the slight slope in the rain. It was one of those moments where time seemed to crawl and I remember myself saying, "Oh NO!" I then asked Big Daddy, "we are going back for it right?" He looks at me with this look of DUHHHHH and says, "Yeah, as soon as I can turn around!" We get turned around and we find our tote in the middle of 5 lane 224 and we pull next to it and Big Daddy jumps out to grab it! He throws it in the back and then we escape to behind Quiznos where we actually put it in the Cab of the truck! There we are two car seats, two adults and a 50 gallon tote smashed in an F150 off to retrieve our train table! All this craziness has been worth it! Lil Gary is in love with his train table!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
I love coupons!!!!!
Seriously ask my husband I absolutely go crazy when we get them! I however, swear by them too I use them for diapers, baby wipes, lotion, deodorant, etc...Anything we use that I get a coupon for is saved filed and used! WELL last Friday was a great day for me! It started Thursday night after I got home from a 10 hour shift at work. I already knew I needed to run to K-mart Friday morning for a few things and pick up Cara's pictures from Olan Mills! As I was laying in bed trying to get some rest the news came on. During one segment the female anchor gives you money saving tips and her tip that night was the from Friday 9/5-Sunday 9/7 K-mart would be doubling coupons up to $2.00 I was so excited I slapped Big Daddy and made him wake up so I could tell him about it! Friday morning we ventured to K-mart to get things we needed. I ended up having coupons for 2.00 off a bottle of baby lotion or wash with the purchase of a 64ct tub or larger of Huggies baby wipes. So I got the huge box of wipes and a lotion with that coupon and did this twice! The lotions were 3.79 each so I got those for free after they doubled the coupon I also then had a 1.00 off on wipes so got 2.00 off the one box of wipes i had to buy to get my free lotion, then the second box of wipes I had a coupon for .75 off so I got 1.50 off those. I had two more coupons then for 1.00 off a body wash so I got two of those with two dollars off each. I also had a 2.00 coupon for a package of Pullups so saved 4.00 there. Had a 5.00 coupon for my shoes I need for work. I had a few other I know don't remember specifics, however, when all was said and done I saved 23.50 I put 25.50 in my gas tank that day so I only spent 2 dollars on gas! How awesome is that! I was so proud of myself! I had to tell my mom, Big Daddy, and NOW EVERYONE ELSE!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
I've been Tagged by Megan!
Three Joys!
1. When we get to sleep in, in the morning and both of our children have come into bed with us and snuggled up!
2. Hearing both of my babies' first cries when they were born, and watching their daddy's face light up because he was finally a Daddy!
3. Breastfeeding my daughter. What a beautiful, precious, lovely gift and bond we have. I only wish I had known it more with my son!
Three Fears!
1. Dying too young and leaving my children without their mommy.
2. The inevitable day when my own mom passes away. She is my best friend and I don't know what I would do without her. She's out of town for 3 days right now and I am just at a lost knowing I can't see her!
3. Spiders, I was thinking of some more serious fears but really spiders and all bugs in general just creep me out!
Three Current Goals!
1. Find, apply, and be accepted to a nursing program, so I can finish that part of my education.
2. Lose at least 15lbs before my friend Mandy's wedding! I need to seriously focus!
3. Have Gary completely night time potty trained and out of pull ups at night before Christmas!
Three Current Obsessions!
1. Big Gary, although it isn't just current. He is always my obsession, but when you work opposite schedules and never have even a single whole day just together you get really obsessed. I miss him on a daily basis!
2. E-bay shopping for great deals on kids play clothes.
3. Taking pictures of my kiddos together!
Three Random Facts About Me!
1. Deep inside me is a Skinny girl dying to get out but I can usually shut her up with ice cream! Lol I love this! It is so true. I lost a lot of weight after Lil Gary was born looked, and felt great. I had a miscarriage got depressed and gained it all back. No matter how hard I try lately I can not seem to stay focused for more than a week to get back on track to really losing all the weight I want to lose!
2. When I was a little girl I think 7 maybe 8 a man tried to kidnap me and get me in his car when I was walking home from my Aunt's flower shop! I scared the idiot away with my attitude! This is no lie!
3. My grandma Joan died when I was 6 years old, but I still miss her terribly. I cry whenever I talk about her still. I cried after Lil Gary was born because I wanted her to be here to meet him, and after Cara. She would only be 70 something now! She died way too young, and I miss her every day!
I only have three people I could tag on here and since Meg Tagged me she was already tagged and since she tagged Jenn and Me, I am going to TAG NICOLE!!!!!!! Although, she is super busy since she got back from the Olympics in China I hope she does this!
1. When we get to sleep in, in the morning and both of our children have come into bed with us and snuggled up!
2. Hearing both of my babies' first cries when they were born, and watching their daddy's face light up because he was finally a Daddy!
3. Breastfeeding my daughter. What a beautiful, precious, lovely gift and bond we have. I only wish I had known it more with my son!
Three Fears!
1. Dying too young and leaving my children without their mommy.
2. The inevitable day when my own mom passes away. She is my best friend and I don't know what I would do without her. She's out of town for 3 days right now and I am just at a lost knowing I can't see her!
3. Spiders, I was thinking of some more serious fears but really spiders and all bugs in general just creep me out!
Three Current Goals!
1. Find, apply, and be accepted to a nursing program, so I can finish that part of my education.
2. Lose at least 15lbs before my friend Mandy's wedding! I need to seriously focus!
3. Have Gary completely night time potty trained and out of pull ups at night before Christmas!
Three Current Obsessions!
1. Big Gary, although it isn't just current. He is always my obsession, but when you work opposite schedules and never have even a single whole day just together you get really obsessed. I miss him on a daily basis!
2. E-bay shopping for great deals on kids play clothes.
3. Taking pictures of my kiddos together!
Three Random Facts About Me!
1. Deep inside me is a Skinny girl dying to get out but I can usually shut her up with ice cream! Lol I love this! It is so true. I lost a lot of weight after Lil Gary was born looked, and felt great. I had a miscarriage got depressed and gained it all back. No matter how hard I try lately I can not seem to stay focused for more than a week to get back on track to really losing all the weight I want to lose!
2. When I was a little girl I think 7 maybe 8 a man tried to kidnap me and get me in his car when I was walking home from my Aunt's flower shop! I scared the idiot away with my attitude! This is no lie!
3. My grandma Joan died when I was 6 years old, but I still miss her terribly. I cry whenever I talk about her still. I cried after Lil Gary was born because I wanted her to be here to meet him, and after Cara. She would only be 70 something now! She died way too young, and I miss her every day!
I only have three people I could tag on here and since Meg Tagged me she was already tagged and since she tagged Jenn and Me, I am going to TAG NICOLE!!!!!!! Although, she is super busy since she got back from the Olympics in China I hope she does this!
Monday, August 25, 2008
My house was broken into.....
By none other than myself. Friday the 22nd was Cara's two month well visit appointment at her Pediatrician's. I woke up at 6:30am which is actually sleeping in for me these days! I got a shower and got myself completely ready before Lil Gary and Cara woke up! I was so relieved to have done this because it makes the whole morning more smooth. I managed to pack all things I needed. Stuff for Gary to go to Papa's with and diapers and wipes for me and Cara to take. I Planned to leave the dog with my dad as well so I got her things in order leash and all. It manages to be all over the house on a regular basis because Gary plays with her using it! Insanity 24 hours a day around here! Lil Gary woke up peacefully which isn't always the case and listened to everything I had to say. I changed Cara and dressed her and we were ready to head out the door! I am by far impressed with myself at this point as I am 30 minutes ahead of schedule! I do need gas so we must stop for that before Papa's! As I set the infant seat in the base close the door I walk around buckle Gary in and then tell the dog to get in and as I close the door to go get in the driver side it hits me! I LEFT MY KEYS ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER! THE HOUSE IS LOCKED! Oh boy no time to panic! I grab the fisher price red blue yellow picnic table and drag it to the one kitchen window. I then proceed to lift the screen and climb the table to climb in the window! As I am doing this the window itself keeps falling as it has some mechanism to prevent such breaking in activity! So my fat self must squeeze into the window space and force it to stay open! I scratch myself and drop everything off the counter but make it in! I grab my keys and run back to my car! This was sure to be an interesting day! If the neighbors or anyone saw me they are officially convinced I have COMPLETELY LOST MY MIND! Cara weighed in at 9lbs 6 ounces! Almost a 4 lbs gain in two months! What a big girl she already is! Ahhh another adventure!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
YOU TUBE HELP?!?!?
I need to firgure out how to put a you tube video on here! Jenn HELP ME! I want everyone to see the act we saw in the Subway Saturday night in NYC!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A little mommy on our hands.....
Little Gary has started to do some of the cutest things with his toys! He does have two baby dolls we had bought him to play with. One is a Cabbage patch boy and a little baby girl hard type doll that eats and pees. I am sure people are out there that think this is setting him up to be a wimp or some thing. However, I am a firm believer in it just teaches a boy how to be a good sibling to younger babies, and eventually how to be compassionate towards their own children in life. Well, he doesn't really do anything with these two toys at all! He is all about his Buzz Light Year and Woody dolls, or his Lightening McQueen car or Mack Truck. He knows who they all are as he is obsessed with both Cars and Toy Story 1/2 movies. Well, recently he has become so "mommy like" with these toys. Not only has he had to sleep with them every night since he has had them, and I kiss them, he has now started to treat them like his babies. He has begun to swaddle Mack, Buzz, Woody, or McQueen. After he wraps them up he will like tap where he thinks their butts are (as I do with Cara') and say "It's OK Mack, Or It's OK Buzz" depending on who he has! He will then lay down with them and tell them it's OK and kiss them! At night time now he tucks them into his bed himself! How stinking precious is he? He has learned to be loving and gentle to his "Boy toys" by watching me! It melts my heart and is so adorable! I just love this little boy!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Life without 2...
Last, Thursday evening we left our little house in Struthers, Ohio to venture to NYC for 3 days and 2 nights. Gary and I have been looking forward to this trip with about 90 days or so. We found out a friend of my dad's was one of the Umpires working the game in New York City. The Yankees versus Royals to be exact. My dad asked him if he could by chance swing us any tickets since Gary is a Yankees fan, and has never seen Yankee Stadium. For those who are unaware this is the last year of the original Yankees stadium which is one of the oldest ballparks. Well, Thursday we found out the tickets may not be available to us, however, we went to NYC anyway. We did eventually get bleacher seats off of stub hub and after fees and such we ended up paying 200$ for tickets that originally cost 19$ each. It's that big of a deal to get to go to a game there before the stadium is gone. I wanted to post entries the whole time we were there, but it is NYC and life gets crazy leaving no time for blogging. Here is a play by play of our trip.
Thursday Evening/Friday Morning:
I stopped to see the kids as they were going to be staying at my mom's for the next three nights!After that I went home to finish packing, pump breast milk and shower before we took off. Our Hotel check in was not until 3pm on Friday, but I wanted to arrive early enough to take Big Daddy into the city and see things as it was his first time. Also, if you have never been to NYC depending on traffic it can take hours to get over the George Washington Bridge to actually get into the city. We left at about 12:30 am Friday. I began driving while Big Daddy slept! About an hour and a half into the trip though I was tired and we exited Interstate 80 to sleep. We ended up sleeping an hour and then Big Gary began driving. At this point it was about 3am or so. I fell asleep for another couple hours and woke up to Big Daddy needing a break. We were at a rest stop in the middle of NO MAN'S LAND, Pennsylvania. We used the restroom and got back to the car where I decided I needed to pump milk AGAIN! As I was pumping in pulls a car and out gets a lady Police officer, a man officer and a female prisoner shackled and cuffed in a jumpsuit. FUN! Now I am freaking out, thinking about movies where the officers are in on the escape lol! I say to Big Daddy I am not rinsing the breast pump off till she is gone. He thinks I am nuts since she is shackled and all. We waited, they left, we washed the pump and took of again. By this time it was 3:43 on my clock making it about 3:30 am. I began driving, trying to keep up with the good time Big Daddy had made. We eventually switch again a little outside the Delaware Water Gap which is on the other side of the Pocono Mountains. At this point according to miles you about 2 hours away from NYC, and it is about 6am. We eventually get to the George Washington Bridge and over in about 5 minutes which is awesome. It is about 9:30am at this point as we had to search for a place to eat about 8am and it was an adventure. By the time we actually pull into the hotel though because we got lost or we thought we did but it was just mad traffic and we passed our hotel initially it was about 11:30am! Thank Gosh we left when we did! lol We got to check in early and we napped a few hours!
Friday Evening:
We get ready and get on the Subway to go down to Times Square. We take the "N" train and the ride is so much fun! When you've never ridden on a subway you get a little excited to do it! We walk up from the subway station underground and are immediately greeted by the greatness of Times Square. I have seen Times Square before but it was still awesome, and Big Daddy's awe struck eyes to the masses of people and tall bright flashing buildings was cool. We are hungry and the first place we see to eat is none other than Red Lobster! We decided against it and look for some where else. We ended up at the Hard Rock Cafe. Nice, fun, good food but pricey. We eat and leave and the sky is beginning to look stormy. We find two umbrellas at a vending stand and buy them. We see the huge Toys R Us and decide to check it out! Three floors and a Ferris Wheel which spans all three. TOO COOL! We just walk around and get one of those disposable cameras. (I forgot my digital) We leave there and it is pouring rain outside. We go to a few more stores and eventually decide to make our way to the Empire State Building. We hail a taxi which in pouring rain is insane! Go the few blocks and pay our 5.50 fare. We go into the building and buy tickets to go to the top observatory, which is closed due to weather. We then go to the street where it has at least stopped raining for a bit, and find our way back to the subway, and head back to the hotel. I had to pump breast milk again, so I did this and then we headed to this Stove restaurant bar recommended by the hotel staff. We walk down a scary alley see a huge rat and finally get to the restaurant. We have a drink and decide to eat. We sit at the bar and soon a lady that is regular there (Mary) sits next to us. She talks our ears off and asks us a ton of questions. She eventually gives us both a bite of what she ordered to eat for both dinner and dessert and then buys us each a drink. Me a Bailey's and coffee and Big Daddy a beer. We finish those say good-bye to Mary, and Michelle our bartender and walk back to the hotel. NO rats this time! We get to our room, in five minutes Big Daddy is passed out in bed! NYC can wear ya down!
Saturday:
This was to be the big day! The Yankees game! Since we didn't have tickets from the umpire anymore we decided to wake up early and I was going to take Big Daddy to do all the tourist type things of NYC. Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park, and also WTC site! We woke up ate our big free breakfast at the hotel and were loading into the shuttle to the Subway station to begin our adventures. My phone rings and my dad insists we Stub Hub tickets and he will pay for them, so ewe have to get out and do just that. We find the bleacher seats pay for them and it says it can take 3 hours for the email tickets to arrive! It is already 9:30 am now and the game begins at 1:05pm. Our tickets arrived an hour later, and we set off for the Subway to catch the train to the game. It was sure to be interesting as we had to take the downtown "N" train to Lexington Ave. and then transfer to the "4" train. Well, not realizing what we did we took the downtown "N" train to Lexington and instead of getting on the uptown "4" train we got on the downtown "4" train! We ended up going further away, the next stop we got off and got back on the uptown "4" train, which would take us to 161st in The Bronx right at Yankee Stadium. Mission accomplished we were at the stadium, we decided to stop at Stan's sports bar/grille and get a beer. The place was packed 269 people by law are allowed in the building! There had to be 469 people and cops/fire Marshall was not enforcing this rule! We drank a beer each two bottles of Bud Light = 12.00$ We went out purchased two BBQ hot dogs and onion rings from the walk up window at Stan's and ate those. One should also not though Stan owns everything on this street. I believe there was the bar, the grille, a tax service, a store, this Stan guy meant business when he purchased places next to Yankee Stadium! We made our way inside the stadium watched in the sweltering heat the game I got a candy cane sun burn lol, and I cheered against the Yankees in their home field (I have nerve). In 13 innings Yankees won 3 to 2 against Kansas City! Big Daddy was like a 5 year old attending his first ever game! It was so good to know I got to help him get there! We left the game went to the Empire State Building which took us 2 hours in line for 15 minutes of viewing from the 86th floor! Was worth it! Big Daddy liked it! We then decided dinner would be Red Lobster in Times Square so I could use my discount and check out the NYC Red Lobster! It was totally awesome! 3 floors! I took a picture with our server to be funny! I want to work there though because after 4pm every day they automatically put a 15% gratuity to every one's check! Can't get any jerky mean don't tip people! After dinner we decided to head back to the hotel and get some rest! Sunday was another fun filled day and afterwards we would need to take off back to home!
Sunday:
We woke at 6:30am showered and went and a big free breakfast again! We then packed all the stuff up checked out and loaded the car so it was ready when we returned to take off for home. We then got the shuttle to the Subway and figured how to get the proper transfers so we would end up in Battery Park, and be able to purchase our tickets to ride the Ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis island. We did this and shockingly were able to get on the next ferry and head to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty! If you have never seen it, it is amazing! What it stands for and means is awesome! Also, to get a view of what so many of our ancestor's saw when they were seeking a promising life in America is amazing. After these two things we walked up the road to the WTC Site! We couldn't see much there, since they are beginning to construct the new towers, or whatever they are planning to put there! It was sad and I had to try really hard not to cry, and let myself get really angry. After the WTC site we made our way to the Subway to go back to Harold Square so we could hit a few souvenir shops and have lunch before going to our car to leave. We ate at this brewery type place the food was yummy, but they also automatically add an 18% gratuity to the check. Servers in NYC obviously need not be any good because they automatically get a tip! We then hit a few souvenir places, and walked back to the Toy R Us in Times Square again. We purchased a few things there and made our way to the "N" train to go back to our car at the hotel. I go to the hotel bathroom pump breast milk really quick and we take off. It takes us an hour to get from our hotel to over the George Washington bridge. We however. make great time with "Lead Foot" Big Daddy driving the whole way. We only stopped to use the bathroom, get drinks, and gas one time. The whole drive home including the 1hr we waited to get out of NYC only took 6.5 hours. By miles alone not counting traffic it is really a 7 hour drive! GO US! We ended up sleeping at my mom's Sunday night! No need to disturb the kids, and I took Big Gary home to get ready for work in the morning.....
This was our trip! It was fun It was only us catching up on time with each other, and it was much needed. The whole time though all we could think about is how much we were missing our children, and how we would have to bring them there to see the big things too! I was happy to be home and able to snuggle my little Gary and kiss my sweet little girls soft cheeks! Although, I am all for taking time to be husband and wife, I missed being Mommy and Daddy too! Pictures are to come. We used three disposable cameras for the trip. We will see how well they come out!
Thursday Evening/Friday Morning:
I stopped to see the kids as they were going to be staying at my mom's for the next three nights!After that I went home to finish packing, pump breast milk and shower before we took off. Our Hotel check in was not until 3pm on Friday, but I wanted to arrive early enough to take Big Daddy into the city and see things as it was his first time. Also, if you have never been to NYC depending on traffic it can take hours to get over the George Washington Bridge to actually get into the city. We left at about 12:30 am Friday. I began driving while Big Daddy slept! About an hour and a half into the trip though I was tired and we exited Interstate 80 to sleep. We ended up sleeping an hour and then Big Gary began driving. At this point it was about 3am or so. I fell asleep for another couple hours and woke up to Big Daddy needing a break. We were at a rest stop in the middle of NO MAN'S LAND, Pennsylvania. We used the restroom and got back to the car where I decided I needed to pump milk AGAIN! As I was pumping in pulls a car and out gets a lady Police officer, a man officer and a female prisoner shackled and cuffed in a jumpsuit. FUN! Now I am freaking out, thinking about movies where the officers are in on the escape lol! I say to Big Daddy I am not rinsing the breast pump off till she is gone. He thinks I am nuts since she is shackled and all. We waited, they left, we washed the pump and took of again. By this time it was 3:43 on my clock making it about 3:30 am. I began driving, trying to keep up with the good time Big Daddy had made. We eventually switch again a little outside the Delaware Water Gap which is on the other side of the Pocono Mountains. At this point according to miles you about 2 hours away from NYC, and it is about 6am. We eventually get to the George Washington Bridge and over in about 5 minutes which is awesome. It is about 9:30am at this point as we had to search for a place to eat about 8am and it was an adventure. By the time we actually pull into the hotel though because we got lost or we thought we did but it was just mad traffic and we passed our hotel initially it was about 11:30am! Thank Gosh we left when we did! lol We got to check in early and we napped a few hours!
Friday Evening:
We get ready and get on the Subway to go down to Times Square. We take the "N" train and the ride is so much fun! When you've never ridden on a subway you get a little excited to do it! We walk up from the subway station underground and are immediately greeted by the greatness of Times Square. I have seen Times Square before but it was still awesome, and Big Daddy's awe struck eyes to the masses of people and tall bright flashing buildings was cool. We are hungry and the first place we see to eat is none other than Red Lobster! We decided against it and look for some where else. We ended up at the Hard Rock Cafe. Nice, fun, good food but pricey. We eat and leave and the sky is beginning to look stormy. We find two umbrellas at a vending stand and buy them. We see the huge Toys R Us and decide to check it out! Three floors and a Ferris Wheel which spans all three. TOO COOL! We just walk around and get one of those disposable cameras. (I forgot my digital) We leave there and it is pouring rain outside. We go to a few more stores and eventually decide to make our way to the Empire State Building. We hail a taxi which in pouring rain is insane! Go the few blocks and pay our 5.50 fare. We go into the building and buy tickets to go to the top observatory, which is closed due to weather. We then go to the street where it has at least stopped raining for a bit, and find our way back to the subway, and head back to the hotel. I had to pump breast milk again, so I did this and then we headed to this Stove restaurant bar recommended by the hotel staff. We walk down a scary alley see a huge rat and finally get to the restaurant. We have a drink and decide to eat. We sit at the bar and soon a lady that is regular there (Mary) sits next to us. She talks our ears off and asks us a ton of questions. She eventually gives us both a bite of what she ordered to eat for both dinner and dessert and then buys us each a drink. Me a Bailey's and coffee and Big Daddy a beer. We finish those say good-bye to Mary, and Michelle our bartender and walk back to the hotel. NO rats this time! We get to our room, in five minutes Big Daddy is passed out in bed! NYC can wear ya down!
Saturday:
This was to be the big day! The Yankees game! Since we didn't have tickets from the umpire anymore we decided to wake up early and I was going to take Big Daddy to do all the tourist type things of NYC. Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park, and also WTC site! We woke up ate our big free breakfast at the hotel and were loading into the shuttle to the Subway station to begin our adventures. My phone rings and my dad insists we Stub Hub tickets and he will pay for them, so ewe have to get out and do just that. We find the bleacher seats pay for them and it says it can take 3 hours for the email tickets to arrive! It is already 9:30 am now and the game begins at 1:05pm. Our tickets arrived an hour later, and we set off for the Subway to catch the train to the game. It was sure to be interesting as we had to take the downtown "N" train to Lexington Ave. and then transfer to the "4" train. Well, not realizing what we did we took the downtown "N" train to Lexington and instead of getting on the uptown "4" train we got on the downtown "4" train! We ended up going further away, the next stop we got off and got back on the uptown "4" train, which would take us to 161st in The Bronx right at Yankee Stadium. Mission accomplished we were at the stadium, we decided to stop at Stan's sports bar/grille and get a beer. The place was packed 269 people by law are allowed in the building! There had to be 469 people and cops/fire Marshall was not enforcing this rule! We drank a beer each two bottles of Bud Light = 12.00$ We went out purchased two BBQ hot dogs and onion rings from the walk up window at Stan's and ate those. One should also not though Stan owns everything on this street. I believe there was the bar, the grille, a tax service, a store, this Stan guy meant business when he purchased places next to Yankee Stadium! We made our way inside the stadium watched in the sweltering heat the game I got a candy cane sun burn lol, and I cheered against the Yankees in their home field (I have nerve). In 13 innings Yankees won 3 to 2 against Kansas City! Big Daddy was like a 5 year old attending his first ever game! It was so good to know I got to help him get there! We left the game went to the Empire State Building which took us 2 hours in line for 15 minutes of viewing from the 86th floor! Was worth it! Big Daddy liked it! We then decided dinner would be Red Lobster in Times Square so I could use my discount and check out the NYC Red Lobster! It was totally awesome! 3 floors! I took a picture with our server to be funny! I want to work there though because after 4pm every day they automatically put a 15% gratuity to every one's check! Can't get any jerky mean don't tip people! After dinner we decided to head back to the hotel and get some rest! Sunday was another fun filled day and afterwards we would need to take off back to home!
Sunday:
We woke at 6:30am showered and went and a big free breakfast again! We then packed all the stuff up checked out and loaded the car so it was ready when we returned to take off for home. We then got the shuttle to the Subway and figured how to get the proper transfers so we would end up in Battery Park, and be able to purchase our tickets to ride the Ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis island. We did this and shockingly were able to get on the next ferry and head to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty! If you have never seen it, it is amazing! What it stands for and means is awesome! Also, to get a view of what so many of our ancestor's saw when they were seeking a promising life in America is amazing. After these two things we walked up the road to the WTC Site! We couldn't see much there, since they are beginning to construct the new towers, or whatever they are planning to put there! It was sad and I had to try really hard not to cry, and let myself get really angry. After the WTC site we made our way to the Subway to go back to Harold Square so we could hit a few souvenir shops and have lunch before going to our car to leave. We ate at this brewery type place the food was yummy, but they also automatically add an 18% gratuity to the check. Servers in NYC obviously need not be any good because they automatically get a tip! We then hit a few souvenir places, and walked back to the Toy R Us in Times Square again. We purchased a few things there and made our way to the "N" train to go back to our car at the hotel. I go to the hotel bathroom pump breast milk really quick and we take off. It takes us an hour to get from our hotel to over the George Washington bridge. We however. make great time with "Lead Foot" Big Daddy driving the whole way. We only stopped to use the bathroom, get drinks, and gas one time. The whole drive home including the 1hr we waited to get out of NYC only took 6.5 hours. By miles alone not counting traffic it is really a 7 hour drive! GO US! We ended up sleeping at my mom's Sunday night! No need to disturb the kids, and I took Big Gary home to get ready for work in the morning.....
This was our trip! It was fun It was only us catching up on time with each other, and it was much needed. The whole time though all we could think about is how much we were missing our children, and how we would have to bring them there to see the big things too! I was happy to be home and able to snuggle my little Gary and kiss my sweet little girls soft cheeks! Although, I am all for taking time to be husband and wife, I missed being Mommy and Daddy too! Pictures are to come. We used three disposable cameras for the trip. We will see how well they come out!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Let's get emotional....
Last night as we tried to get Cara settled down so I could actually get some sleep we watched the ending of the Opening Ceremonies to the Olympics. If you are wondering no we never got her down to sleep, Big Daddy fell asleep since he had to work and I was up til 1am with her again! She then woke up at 5am again. I just don't know what gives lately! Back to the story...
I continued to watch the ceremonies, and they were at the last 45 mins of it all, so the countries were walking in and such. I believe it was just after The United States, because I didn't get to see them walk in until I woke up at 5 am and watched the rerunning of it as Cara ate again! There were two things that just struck me greatly as I watched this event. There was a small country I am not even sure which one but I think it is an Island of some sort. They only had about 20 total athletes but they marched in with such pride waving, carrying their country's flag so high! This team in particular has NEVER EVER won a single Olympic medal in all of the games' history. I began telling Big Daddy to look how proud they were. They probably wouldn't win again and didn't even have enough athletes to compete in the majority of the games. They were just happy their country chose them, sent them and was supporting them. Their country I'm sure has an economy even worse than that of the United States right now but they were darn proud to be from there. I began thinking about all the people who live in our country and (even myself) sometimes who complain about the way things are here. How sad it is to not appreciate what we do have here! The ability to travel coast to coast through all states without having to prove who we are, or furnish papers to show our citizenship. I believe we sent 600 and some athletes to the Olympics and I certainly think that is wonderful. WE ARE FREE ENOUGH AND PRIVILEGED ENOUGH, to be able to train in all sports and produce great athletes at such a young age to send to such an event. We Americans need to remember these great things we have here.
The second and REALLY BIG heart touching moment was when China walked in. As the host country they are the last to walk in waving their flag. Well the flag bearer was Yao Ming which many know is the over 7ft. tall basketball player for the Houston Rockets. Walking next to him however, was the inspiration of it all, a tiny 9 year old boy named, Lin Haou ( I may not be completely accurate on his name sorry). This little boy was one of the children to survive the terrible Earthquake in China in May where 20 of his 30 fellow classmates died. He managed to free himself from the debris and rubble and once realizing he was ok, proceeded to free and save two of his classmates. The little boy is 9!!! HE IS 9!!! We have 39 year olds who won't step out of their comfort zone and help another human being on this earth, and this 9 year old helped two!!!! When he was asked why he did this, he said to reporters, (I won't quote, not sure of specifics); I am one of the class leaders, I am a hall monitor! It WAS MY JOB! I began crying at this point as you could see on the boys head where his hair will never grow back from scars and such from being hurt. A boy risked his own life at 9 because someone entrusted him with a job such as hall monitor. HE took his job so seriously he had to save his classmates. I hope I raise my children to help somebody every chance they can! I hope my children never see another person stranger or not in harm's way and just stand by and let them get hurt. I wouldn't want to lose my children in the process but I want them to have the compassion for all of humanity to help! I also, hope my children learn from me that no matter what their job is to do it fully and to the greatest of their ability. They should always want to be the best at what they do! NO MATTER WHAT THE TASK IS!
I continued to watch the ceremonies, and they were at the last 45 mins of it all, so the countries were walking in and such. I believe it was just after The United States, because I didn't get to see them walk in until I woke up at 5 am and watched the rerunning of it as Cara ate again! There were two things that just struck me greatly as I watched this event. There was a small country I am not even sure which one but I think it is an Island of some sort. They only had about 20 total athletes but they marched in with such pride waving, carrying their country's flag so high! This team in particular has NEVER EVER won a single Olympic medal in all of the games' history. I began telling Big Daddy to look how proud they were. They probably wouldn't win again and didn't even have enough athletes to compete in the majority of the games. They were just happy their country chose them, sent them and was supporting them. Their country I'm sure has an economy even worse than that of the United States right now but they were darn proud to be from there. I began thinking about all the people who live in our country and (even myself) sometimes who complain about the way things are here. How sad it is to not appreciate what we do have here! The ability to travel coast to coast through all states without having to prove who we are, or furnish papers to show our citizenship. I believe we sent 600 and some athletes to the Olympics and I certainly think that is wonderful. WE ARE FREE ENOUGH AND PRIVILEGED ENOUGH, to be able to train in all sports and produce great athletes at such a young age to send to such an event. We Americans need to remember these great things we have here.
The second and REALLY BIG heart touching moment was when China walked in. As the host country they are the last to walk in waving their flag. Well the flag bearer was Yao Ming which many know is the over 7ft. tall basketball player for the Houston Rockets. Walking next to him however, was the inspiration of it all, a tiny 9 year old boy named, Lin Haou ( I may not be completely accurate on his name sorry). This little boy was one of the children to survive the terrible Earthquake in China in May where 20 of his 30 fellow classmates died. He managed to free himself from the debris and rubble and once realizing he was ok, proceeded to free and save two of his classmates. The little boy is 9!!! HE IS 9!!! We have 39 year olds who won't step out of their comfort zone and help another human being on this earth, and this 9 year old helped two!!!! When he was asked why he did this, he said to reporters, (I won't quote, not sure of specifics); I am one of the class leaders, I am a hall monitor! It WAS MY JOB! I began crying at this point as you could see on the boys head where his hair will never grow back from scars and such from being hurt. A boy risked his own life at 9 because someone entrusted him with a job such as hall monitor. HE took his job so seriously he had to save his classmates. I hope I raise my children to help somebody every chance they can! I hope my children never see another person stranger or not in harm's way and just stand by and let them get hurt. I wouldn't want to lose my children in the process but I want them to have the compassion for all of humanity to help! I also, hope my children learn from me that no matter what their job is to do it fully and to the greatest of their ability. They should always want to be the best at what they do! NO MATTER WHAT THE TASK IS!
Friday, August 8, 2008
When 2 becomes 3, INSTANTLY!
This is not going to be a funny or as interesting blog but oh well, posting it anyway. Wednesday night I felt really awful at work and started to realize my mastitis (an infection of the breast usually from nursing) was returning. I could tell I had a fever, I was worn down beyond usual, and my breast was hurting me! I decided to wake up and go to just my family doctor, and not have to call and see if I could get in to the midwife. Well, long story short doc didn't help called the midwife who was out of town, and she called me in some more antibiotics! Hopefully this doesn't cause the thrush to return! I decided to hang out at my parents till Big Daddy came home since I was just too worn out. We came home and within 15 minutes the neighbor let her daughter cross the street to play with Gary! She is 6 but they do play nice most of the time. They were playing for a while and she wanted to see the baby so she came over and was looking at Cara. Well, Gary started pushing her a bit and telling her to play with him and I had to intervene and tell him we don't push our friends. Eventually, he had to sit because he would not listen! Gary and Olivia started to play again and they were on his swing set going down the slide. Olivia started running up the ladder and sliding down and running back to the ladder and taking Gary off the step he was on and running up again her self and back down. Eventually Gary got upset and yelled "I want to go up the ladder too", so I thought this would make her stop. Instead she continued to do it so Gary tried to start up the ladder faster he got to the third step and she climbed up and grabbed him and threw him off onto the ground. I jumped up and didn't yell but spoke very stern to her and said, "Olivia that was not nice!" I picked up Gary who was crying to console him, and she just froze. She just stood by the swing and wouldn't move. I tried to remain as calm as I could but the situation could have been more serious than it was. I didn't know what to do or what one does in a situation like that! How do you discipline somone else's child without becoming the "bad guy"? I don't know if she ended up telling her mom I was mean or what, and I certainly don't want her mom to think I am mean to her daughter. I never told the mom when she came over to get her either! Which my friend Heather is right I should have told her! I just didn't want her to think I was saying her daughter was bad or anything! OHHHH the trials of being a Mommy! So what do others reading this think?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Dash, Grab, Pay.....Better known as Grocery shopping!
This story actually happened yesterday, however, I had to work last night and am just now getting around to it! I needed a few things from our wonderful Giant Eagle here! Had they been any cheaper some where else I'd have gone there. Fuel perks are great though! We have 1.30 off on our gas right now which we will use for NYC! I digress though. So I see a perfect window of opportunity in my morning to go head to Giant Eagle. Cara had just finished a nursing session Gary was calm (or so I thought), I throw clothes on the children and myself and head out the door! NO TIME TO WASTE! Lil Gary feels the need to bring his battery operated Thomas the train engine! Great this should be fun. We get to Giant Eagle I carry car seat and Cara in and Lil Gary holds my hand and walks nicely! We get to a shooping cart and as I set the Car seat in it the mayhem begins. At the Giant Eagle they have three rows of carts lined up and about 30 carts to each row. The end of them is like a big huge display stand! Well, if you have a good enough picture you can see they are just tightly jammed together with no way to get to the very center without causing mass chaos. What does Lil Gary decide to do at this point you are wondering...Remember that Thomas the Train, well he proceeded to turn it on set it on the floor and let it start running down the center row of the shopping carts! As it begins to go and make it's way into the dark hole of carts, he begins yelling Thomas! Thomas! THOMAS! I am now about to panic because what do we do? How do I remedy this situation without totally losing it? So I place Gary in the cart, and begin to squat down and look for Thomas! I see he has gotten himself jammed and stuck on a cart tire right in the center of the cart rows. Now the maddness gets greater! I begin to move carts to get Thomas. As I move some he gets unstuck and goes deeper in the mess. I can feel myself getting ready to lose it and finally I grab the first row and shove them out of my way and crawl to reach Thomas! My son thinks I am a hero for this and yells MAMA GET IT! MAMA GET IT! HA HA HA! Glad I amused him, because the bagger/cart collector person was not so humored by the situation! Then again instead of seeing a mom struggle he could have helped! Here's to another mommy battle won! Till next time folks!
Friday, August 1, 2008
suckle, suckle, MOM I NEED WIPED, suckle suckle...
The sounds I hear all day oh yay! I am a breastfeeding mommy of a 7 week old and I also have a son who is going to be 2 1/2 this month. First time flies! I remember when he was this small and now he is just this big tornado of energy all day! I have gone back to work already, and since I have to be away from her I had to establish a large enough milk supply. This was a success in about 6 weeks I was able to stock pile enough milk to start our own little dairy farm. Cara, however, just doesn't very much care for having to take a bottle too often. She would much rather be attatched to my breast all day long! Wednesday and Thursday of this week she was literally attached to me all day, which considering she fussed all Tuesday night for Big Daddy while I worked I guess I should consider myself blessed. However, continual nursing with a ccrazy wild toddler boy is really not easy! He needs some time outside it is summer and some one on one time with mom! I feel terrible because all we can do is sit here and watch TV together while his sissy eats all day! You'd think he would resent her for that but not at all. He still kisses her and wants to hold her constantly and he tells her every day all day sissy pretty! How freaking sweet is he! I do realize though now how he is getting some one on one time with me. After about the second time of trying to lay her down and stop nursing I relatch her on and he makes his way to the potty. He will proceed to do #2 and proudly yell it across the room for me to hear and then he will sit there for a few minutes arguing with me he has more. Then just as Cara is about to doze off good he will say WIPE ME! I have to set Cara down wipe Gary, empty potty, wash hands, place potty back and by this time Cara is awake to nurse AGAIN! So once again I sit on the couch and she begins to suckle. It's just the cycle of my day! Suckle Suckle Wipe Me Suckle Suckle! I LOVE BEING MOMMY!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Here it is....
I am going to start doing this and being consistent about it....I am going to give everyone the low down dirty but usually cute/harsh truth about life with two young ones. More to come, time to get my crazy boy a snack before my precious Boob monster wakes to nurse again.
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