Rough Weekend

Strep test came back positive this morning. I'm functioning well so long as I've got ibuprofen in me. I'm even letting Chase's BFF spend the night tonight. Lest you freak out, I know from my ridiculously frequent previous bouts that it isn't super contagious. I worked the church sausage supper with it last year and worked the conference meeting with it this afternoon.

It appears that my big girl is finished with naps. I suspected this day was coming, but it sucks nonetheless. Chase napped until he was five. For 2-3 hours a day, every single day. I knew I was lucky, and I hoped I'd get that lucky twice. Not so much. So instead of 2-3 hours of nap and a later bedtime, the princess is now in bed by 8pm. She's getting the same amount of sleep, just in one overnight chunk instead of split up. I'm trying to be excited about the flexibility of our new schedule, but mostly I'm just sad to see another part of babyhood slip away.

It's been a pretty shitastic weekend all the way around really. I'm happy for my sister and her new job and new house and all of that. But I was not happy with her last night. I didn't feel well, I was having a bad day (see previous paragraph about the nap thing), and she immediately launched into 110 reasons why Christmas needs to be moved up so she can hightail it to Tulsa faster. Mere days after she promised me that our holidays would not be affected by her move. Jamie has hunting trips on the calendar already. And honestly? As batshit crazy as she drives me, with my mom gone, she and Dad are all the family I have left. I can't imagine a holiday without her. I was grateful I'd have this year as it's always been before she moved (see my previous post about hating change), so her complete about face yesterday completely pulled the rug out from under me. On top of the strep, the not-napping daughter...and on it goes.

To top it all off, there was drama at church today. Sometimes I wonder why I try at all. Thank God for old friends who listen to my pity party and love me anyway. I know everything happens for a reason. I'm realizing that my sister's move is a good reminder that my friends are the family I've chosen. Plus, Stacy is moving back--I know Jamie's brothers prefer to spend Christmas Day with their immediate families, but Jamie and I always include his dad and stepmom in our festivities and I will extend that invitation to Stacy this year and the next. And the next...it will all work out.

On the bright side, got a great deal at my favorite consignment store and a super cute rug on sale at Target for Cassie's room. And now the season premiere of Desperate Housewives is on...I haven't watched it regularly, but with Vanessa Williams joining the cast, I'm curious...

Rough Day

I spent the better part of today in bed. I woke up feverish with the worst headache EVER. Jamie took one look at me shivering on the couch, felt my forehead, and sent me back upstairs to bed. I slept until almost three. I've still got a sore throat and headache, although the fever seems gone. I've got an event at church ALL DAY tomorrow, am hoping I can scoot out for a bit to hit urgent care. I'm thinking it is either strep (hence the sore throat) or sinuses (the headache). At the moment, I'm leaning towards strep b/c my advil/tylenol cocktail has worn off and the sore throat is back w/a vengance. Plus, it's that time of year...

Spending the day in bed derailed my granite shopping. Do any of my readers have recommendations? My neighbors just used Granite Transformations, but I want real stone, not the man-made stuff.

Back to bed for me.

Serendipity

Our renters called over the weekend and asked if we were willing to let them out of the lease because they're preapproved to buy a house. Since they signed the lease in July, I was a bit taken aback, but I agreed to it. Quite honestly, I imagine if I hadn't, they wouldn't be happy and if they aren't happy, they aren't going to take care of the place...I'd rather have someone in there who wants to be there. So I threw an ad up on Craigslist, posted a notice on Facebook and waited.

This afternoon I got a phone call from Jamie's sister Stacy. She's moving back to Missouri around Thanksgiving and has been looking for somewhere to live. Since we spent our first six years of marriage there, she's familiar with the house (and landlords). She's going to rent it. She needs a place to live, we need a tenant, what I thought was going to be a royal pain the rear has turned out beautifully! I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to help move her in!

I need that good news today because we got some not so good news at the vet. The beast weighed in at 95 pounds. I weighed him six times because I couldn't believe the numbers on the scale. Ignoring how ridiculously close to my weight that is, it's also a good 10-12 pounds over where the vet wants him. So squirmy Shermy is now on a diet. Good thing he got his own ice cream at McD's last night, because it's going to be a while before he gets another one! (Don't judge me. He's the well behaved child, he actually deserved the ice cream cone. As opposed to the human children, who got ice cream, but didn't exactly deserve it.) Mama may be putting the gym plans on hold for a while since we're going to be stepping up the Sherman cardio & walks. Poor guy.

I think the good rental news totally overrules the fat dog news today. I reserve the right to disagree after stepping up the canine exercise...

PS--Went granite shopping this morning. Decided on black vs. blue. Amy, the interior designer BFF, agrees that black is a better choice. She also thinks that my cabinets are keepers. Am thinking I may have new counters by Halloween! Now I just need to price a backsplash. Leaning towards subway tile, but haven't ruled out beadboard. I'd also like to wrap the island in beadboard, must check on the feasibility of that. Yay for moving forward. Hideous white laminate countertops? Your days are NUMBERED!

Well, they're not fighting...

Chase played his DSi non-stop this morning, until I finally told him to give it a rest! So now he's playing Princesses with his sister. Jamie would be HORRIFIED, but I think it is cute. He had friends over last night and one left the gate open, which resulted in Sherman going exploring. A neighbor we don't know picked him up, and my cell phone was on silent so he spent about an hour in their backyard before it was all said and done. I really appreciate the neighbor doing that, but as an FYI, leaving me a message that you found my dog on the side of the road probably isn't the best way to phrase that...we had a rough few minutes there...

Cass had dance this morning. They combined the 9:30am 3s and 4s with the 10:30am 4s and 5s. So they do acro together, then split up. The younger girls are all together in one room for tap and ballet, and the older girls are in another room. So now Cassie only has about six girls in her class--which is good. She LOVES it and was showing Grandpa how to point his toe this morning. They also did a little barre work. So cute. I'm thinking about asking the other mothers if anyone would be interested in asking them to set up a Zumba class for the moms during class. If we're going to be there for an hour, may as well be getting in a workout, right? Better than sitting...

It was kind of a rough weekend. Chase puked right after my last post. That was unexpected and disgusting. Got some family news that means big changes--I'm trying to stay positive, but I'm a conservative and loathe change. I'm trying. I also got a call from my renters that they want to break  their lease. They're flexible (as they should be because I don't HAVE to let them out of it)--but finding new renters is a pain when you're expecting it. When you're not... Again, I'm trying to look on the bright side. I haven't raised the rent in the 3 years they've been there, so if I price it with the comps I saw this weekend, I can gross an additional $1800 a year. That's a plus. I'm trying to focus on the positives...

Naptime. That's ALWAYS (!) a positive. I'm starting to budget for groceries and household expenses. Jamie the financial advisor isn't a fan of budgeting because he says it teaches you how NOT to be poor versus how to build wealth. I can totally see that. Nonetheless, I got him to agree that whatever I shave off my household expense bills can go towards new countertops.  If I'm really good, I'll have them by Christmas. Of course this little niggling voice is wondering about the sense in putting new countertops on 10 year old cabinets...so perhaps I'll look into cabinet refacing while I'm at it...

SwagBucks

I'm doing SwagBucks and you should too.

Cycle Break!

It never ceases to amuse me that many friends have kids who just started school, and my kids are already finished with their first quarter and off for the next three weeks! We've got lots of plans for cycle break, lots of baseball games scheduled, the usual playdates and sleepovers on the calendar, but I'm most looking forward to just relaxing and going with the flow. Last night Chase had a sleepover, the boys turned his room into a fort with most of the blankets in the linen closet and I loved it. Right now Cassie is playing w/Dora, Cinderella and Kai Lan in the living room. She does love her pretend play. It is almost naptime for her...

I've got two wicked canker sores right now, discovered Canker Cover at Walgreens last night and am a total convert now. I was miserable yesterday, but after using that stuff last night--I'm back to normal today. AWESOME! I was actually back to normal last night after I used it...

I was parent helper in Cassie's class yesterday and saw someone who remembered me from my teaching days. I subbed for her when she had a hysterectomy. 10 years ago. I'm flattered she remembered me! I'm also thrilled to realize that I still love working w/kids that age in the classroom, I was worried that I wouldn't have the patience for it anymore or wouldn't enjoy it anymore, but I really do. So there is another option for me when Cass starts kindy! I like having options...

We did Cassie's parent teacher conference during recess yesterday. Her teacher said she is a "delight." No argument here. She's also at age level or waaaaay above for everything she should be doing, save for articulation, and that's why she's in speech! Another great conference. Thank God for that. I'm having one of those weeks where I wonder what on Earth I ever did to deserve the life I lead...I am blessed beyond measure.

I stayed up ridiculously late the other night to read A Dog's Purpose. It was a very enjoyable (and quick) read. I loved it. If you've ever loved a dog, you should read it.

YAY for Chase!

I really loathe parents who brag about their kids' report cards, about as much as I loathe parents who seem to think that their child's IQ is a direct result of their parenting. So I'm not going to do that. I am going to say that we had a GREAT parent/teacher conference tonight and while I've never been disappointed in one of his report cards, I am super proud of him tonight. That kid really did get the best of his Daddy and me. And for the areas that need improvement? When I figure out how to fix them in Jamie and myself--I'll fix them in Chase! ;)) But hearing, "I've loved having him. He's just a good kid. He cares so much...." really made my night. I've always known he was smart, so I can't take any credit for him doing well in school. But the comments about his character? It's nice to hear from a professional that I don't completely suck as a mother and that I'm doing something right! Even if she doesn't agree w/my decision to let him read Harry Potter...

Cassie's conferences are Friday. Chase's gifted teacher wanted to test her tonight...

Funny Cassie

I frequently use the funny things that come out of the kids' mouths as my status updates on Facebook. However, it occured to me that I need a more permanent way of keeping track of them. So I decided to blog about some of them, particularly because Cassie is at an age where really funny stuff keeps coming out of her mouth.

This afternoon over lunch she said, "I'm three" while holding up four fingers. Then she said, "Daddy is four." I said, "No, Daddy is 38, I am 35. How old is Chaser?" She said, "35." Her brother would be horrified.

Last night, as I was rocking her before bed, Cassie said (pointing to a tutu hanging in her room), "Mom, what's that?" Me, "It's the tutu I made you for your first birthday." Cassie, "I have to put it in my bottom for it to come out?!" Me, "No, it's a tutu. Not a toot. Ballerinas wear tutus, not toots." Cassie (laughing) "You're right Mommy. They don't dance in toots."

Perhaps my current favorite phrase of hers is "hi-ness." She's not referring to herself or any of us as royalty. Rather, it is a combination of the words hiney and penis and what she uses to refer to her big brother's boy parts. As in (post-bathing or while changing clothes), "Chase! I see your HI-NESS!"

Another time I was rocking her, she popped out w/""Mommy, I want Santa Claus to pull my finger." I had to tell her that if she asked him for that, that might be ALL he'd get her...

As picky of an eater as my girl is, there are a few foods that bring her joy. Like when she saw her soft taco from the Bell and said, "Oh, it's beautiful!"

Of course, few things top this one. "Mommy stop tickling Chase he's my brother! Mommy! STOP! HE'S MY BEST FRIEND!" Cutest sentence ever uttered by my three year old. And apparently, Mom doesn't trump big brother in tickle wars.

They're quite a pair. Just before my trip to Boston/DC this summer, Chase pointed to my suitcases and said, "Is that what you're taking to Boston?" Me, "Yup." Cassie, "Are you not taking us?" The answer was, "NOPE!"

Shortly thereafter, Cass and I had this conversation. Me "Who loves you soooo much?" Cassie "Peter." Me "Who else?" Cassie "Oh, Mama!" Pete is Chase's BFF and the love of Cassie's life. No, really. Every time she sees him, she says, "Pe-tah, you have to buy me a big diamond (makes a diamond sign w/her hands) so we can get mare-weed." I suspect that may be why Pete would rather play at his house than ours....

Of course, she usually redeems herself w/one of these: Cassie "Mommy, you are MY big honey. I am the little honey." And mades me laugh with one of these: "Mom, you're a pirate. And I'm Captain Cassie." Announced out of nowhere as she polished off her Happy Meal... Food is a unusually good source of funnies. Upon seeing a Nutra Grain bar (instead of her usual Fiber Plus bar) for breakfast one morning, Cassie announced, "But this isn't good for my butt." Perhaps I should lay off preaching about the value of fiber a bit...

Chase has been known to pop out a few gems of his own. Last weekend while driving past Lindenwood, Chase said to his BFF, "I'm going to be a KA at Momwhat'sthenameofthatcollegeIwanttogoto?" Me: "Westminster?" Chase, "Yeah. I'm going to be a KA at Westminster." Those of you who read this and know me well, probably aren't the least bit surprised that he knows his future Greek affiliation far better than the name of his future college. Of course, Cassie just says she wants to be in Mommy's sworwity at Mommy's college. Perhaps it would be easier for Chase to do the same, subbing Dad and fraternity...

Aunt Judy--consider yourself warned, you won't like this one. One walk around the neighborhood last month, Chase and I were discussing politics (a neighbor's bumper sticker started the conversation, lots of tea partiers in my hood) and he said, "You know a good name for Obama? Mr. Wrong!" I don't mention it often, but the kid does have a Mensa-level IQ. And is obviously smarter than most of the voters in our great land...;)


And then there are the moments where he's just like his Daddy and she's just like her Momma. "Aww, Cass--you look just like your favorite Princess!" (Whispered) "Mom--who's her favorite princess? MOOOOOM! Who is it?" "Snow White." "Cass, you look just like Snow White." "No I don't. I blonde."
Right now she's singing happy birthday to herself (Happy Birthday to Dear Cassie...) and then blowing out candles on her cake. Which is really a T-Rex turned on its side. I miss that kind of imagination. And the ability to hand out insults that don't really seem like insults unless you're in one the joke. Like when she said this to me: "Mommy, I a princess and you a stepmother!" Um, no. If you're a princess, that makes me the Queen, sister. But in her world of Disney princesses and evil stepmothers, stepmother is the biggest insult EVER.
 
That's the best of my QOTD since April. I'm going to try writing them down as they happen...but now, it's NAPTIME for a certain Princess. Which means time to put laundry away for a certain evil queen...

What a weekend!

Friday night we headed down to Main Street for dinner. We were a family of five that night since Chase's BFF Pete spent the night with us. The kids loved playing in Frontier Park and the boys and I went down on the river banks, something I've never done despite living in St. Charles County my entire 35 years. Chase also got his coveted, much wanted Pumas that night. Saturday I got some Mommy/Chase time. We rode our bikes to a nearby park (Jamie was home with Cass), rode home, headed out to the dog park w/Sherman, came home w/a super muddy dog and shoes. Then we headed over to the beautiful home of friends from school/baseball. We had a fabulous time!!!! Everyone poked fun at me for bringing along my latest work in progress (baby blanket for a friend)--but when the sun went down and temps dropped, they were jealous of the blanky on my lap! And I FINALLY finished that thing yesterday and started on a new one for Hayden (blew through six skeins of yarn on it and must go buy more yarn today).

Yesterday we headed to Cuba to spend some time at the lake. Sherman LOVES the lake. He swam, retrieved, did a little mousing...BLECH. The kids had a great time, too. They played in the sand (Cassie announced, "I at the beach.") and rode the jet ski with Aunt Stacy. Aunt Stacy also (bravely) took the kids out in the canoe--and stayed upright! We are so looking forward to having her move closer in the coming months!!!! We got home late last night. Chase is at baseball practice right now, Cass and I need to hit up Joanne's for more yarn. Then I'm planning on spending the rest of the day in my own backyard--crocheting and reading! The deck/fence/playset are finally stained and I'm ready to enjoy the backyard for a few weeks, until it is too cold to be out there!

Jenn sent me this book last month and I'm really enjoying it!

Rest In Peace, Lyndsey

Last night Cassie and I attended a visitation for 20 year old Lyndsey Ellis. Lyndsey joined Alpha Chi Omega at William Woods not quite three weeks ago. Her big brother Ryan dates a junior in the chapter. Lyndsey suffered from scleroderma and complications from it killed her one week into the school year. I vividly remember a conversation with her father on Bid Day. Her parents were so excited and her dad and I talked about how fun Dad's Weekend and Parent's Weekend is in the sorority house (her big brother is a PIKE at WWU but Mr. Ellis was looking forward to adding sorority activities to the fraternity ones). That conversation has haunted me all week. Last night at the visitation, Mr. Ellis told me that Lyndsey's two weeks at William Woods were her happiest in the last five years (since her diagnosis). It is hard to describe the combination of pride and pain I felt at that moment. Pride because I know what Greek life can do for individuals. I've seen shy young women blossom into leaders ready to take on the world. And I'm so proud of my women and my chapter for providing that experience for Lyndsey, as short as her time there was, I'm grateful she had it.

Of course, that comment was excrutiating to hear because I am a mother. I can't imagine the depths of the Ellis family's agony, and I pray I never experience it firsthand. As great as her week was, I can't help but wonder why she couldn't be with us longer. I think of all the things she missed and it breaks my heart. I keep reminding myself that I can't see God's plan and while it is difficult to understand why He calls certain angels home sooner than others, I have to trust Him. I pray that Lyndsey's family and her sisters will find peace and comfort in their memories of Lyndsey and that God will provide peace in their hearts.

The women sang "In This Very Room" at the visitation last night and the funeral this morning. Yet there is another song that comes to my mind when I think of Lyndsey.

"So tonight while you sleep, may God bless you and keep you as you dream of our fraternity." Rest in peace, sweet Lyndsey.

Crazy week!

We've had an absolutely insane week thus far. Cassie started acro/ballet/tap on Monday morning. She was SO excited! Last week we had to get tap shoes & ballet shoes and leotards and tights and all that fun stuff. Our neighbor Jessie dances competitively at the studio, so Cassie was extra-excited to dance where Jessie dances.

I think she really enjoyed herself, you can see her right next to the teacher stretching before the acro segment. In case you were wondering (I certainly was) acro for toddlers involves log rolling down the mat. The rest of it looked like herding cats. Whatever they're paying that teacher isn't enough! She's got her work cut out for her!

I just discovered Sprout On Demand. Seriously? How did I not know that there were oodles of Sesame Street episodes On Demand? Not to mention Disney On Demand! Parenting just got a whole lot easier...                

Monday was dance class and a very late night for Daddy. Tuesday was school for both kids and the dentist for Mom and Chase. Chase had a cavity to be filled and I needed a cleaning. I'll be back next week because I also have a cavity. :(  I'm so lucky to have my Dad--he picked Cassie up from preschool and ran through Mc D's for lunch. Chase had a smoothie (dentists orders--no chewing) and Cass & I had Happy Meals. She was SO excited that Grandpa picked her up but had lots of questions for him. (Where is YOUR car? Where is my mom? Can we go to YOUR house?)

Today Cass started her "other" school, which is really my bible study time. This is my fourth session and we both really enjoy it! We went straight from that to the allergist for my shot, to Target (for new sunglasses & bread), to our church (for projector issues) to home, where I sorted clothes my sister wants me to resell for her while waiting for Chase to get off the bus. It was an early release day for him, so we had a house full of boys until about an hour ago, when they headed to Peter's house. Of course as soon as I sat down (I spent naptime cleaning, doing laundry and adding new foam to the loveseat cushions)--Cassie woke up from her nap.

Tomorrow is more school for both of them. Friday I've got a blood draw because last night my scale hit a number I don't normally see until my second trimester. And I'm not pregnant! I am really tired and cranky though, so I'm thinking it's just my thyroid and that I probably need to up my dosage of synthroid. I hope it's my thryroid. Otherwise I need to up my cardio and quit being such a bitch. Taking more meds is infinitely easier than that.

I have to add some pics from this weekend for my sister to steal. Hayden and I were accidental twins at Brew's party this weekend. I'm not even going to pretend there is a family resemblance in this pic, but how cute is she? I'm glad Jamie didn't get a shot of me knocked on butt, which is what happened when she plopped down on my knee the first time!  Next is Bomb and Cassie. Bomb was saying that Cassie is his best friend. Apparently best friend is different than best buddy. Cooper is Bomb's best buddy. Cassie is Bomb's best friend. They're five months apart (almost to the day) and I love how close they're getting as they get older! I'm off to figure out dinner...