For Today:: May 29, 2013

Outside my window:: it’s dark.  And quiet.  Peaceful even.

I am wearing:: a longhorn t-shirt and Snoopy boxers.

I am thankful:: that school ends in a few days.  Well, technically, it doesn’t end until the 6th, but for my kids, it ends soon.  Just one small party on Friday for Baby Hulk, a research paper for Goose to present and his end of year party.  And a K graduation.  Then comes the real graduation.

Speaking of graduations:: why is my Senior graduating so late?  Kingwood already had their graduation and their classes don’t end until June 7th!  I’ve heard several other districts do this as well.  WHY is HISD waiting until the last possible minute on a Sunday evening, no less, for graduation?

Here is another little gem:: K graduation is next Tuesday, and a note came home letting parents know the deal.  Dress your child up, attend and OH…plan to spend the day with your kid.  The letter literally says: CHECK YOUR CHILD OUT OF SCHOOL.  I am not making this shit up.  I can prove it, as my kids would say.  So this week, they can bring bubbles, sidewalk chalk, games, stuffed animals and so on.  And well, next week, let’s just be clear in writing, WE ARE NOT TEACHING as if they were this week.  I almost want to leave Baby Hulk in school just to spite them.  Yes, I know that makes me a bad person, but seriously!  Don’t pretend that K graduation is a special day and that a child is so overwhelmed by it all so take him out and celebrate.  Admit to me, you aren’t doing a single thing at school.  I get it, it’s the end of the year, you’re tired and want as few children at school as possible.  I’m doing my part, taking my kids out of school.

Which leads to a funny, to me at least:: Tuesday the boys skipped class so we could go to Miller’s Outdoor for a play and then see the new Egyptian Hall.  Both were great, and I highly recommend seeing the new hall.  Without kids.  I tweeted my plans, using the words “skipping school” and Miller’s retweeted me.  Someone got all offended and couldn’t believe Miller’s condoned my actions.  They were so offended and ranted about “their tax dollars paying Miller’s employees’ salaries”.  Are you for real twitter person?  Get in line about how offended you are when your tax dollars aren’t spent the way you want.  And honestly, be more offended that last week alone, three weeks before school is out, my son watched two full length Disney movies.  And colored.  At a freaking Vanguard school.  Offended my ass.

Around the house:: We have two weeks and then every single closet in this house will be emptied.  Toys and clothes will be donated.  We have not kept up with being simplistic this year, and it shows.  Snax’s closet is full of clothes he wore two winters ago.   And he still tries to wear some of the church shirts.  Which is nice, they aren’t going to waste, but last week, he wore a Christmas vest.  Bright red.  It’s time to get rid of the clutter.  So tonight, I asked them to quickly find two toys to donate.  I wasn’t clear, I meant to toys that they weren’t playing with any longer.  Baby Hulk found his favorite matchbox cars and started bawling and threw them in the bag.  It took 30 minutes to calm him and explain things.

On the menu:: it is amazing how keeping a menu helps me.  I know this and am finally back on track.  Even if I’m not in the mood for the planned dinner, I can easily switch because I’ve already shopped for what we need.

From the kitchen:: Kale.  I can’t believe how much we love this vegetable.  It makes me feel so healthy as I’m eating homemade cookies.

Intentional learning:: A lot of people have the kids do workbooks all summer to get a head start on next year or to keep up with their skills.  Not me, I don’t want to burn out my kids.  I just want to read to them and with them.  So my main priority for the summer is an hour of read a loud time as well as an hour of quiet reading time.  Each day.  We’ve started with read a louds this week and it’s been heaven.  An hour each night.

I am listening to:: Mad Men.  I’m all about multi-tasking.

I am grateful for:: a little boy who wants me to have lunch with him at school.  I love my kids, but I really love that move.

I am praying for:: patience and grace and lessons to be learned.

To be fit and happy:: We’ve hooked another couple of Lose It!  Kind of lame, but I have to admit it’s a bit of a happy dance when you realize you have calories at the end of the day.  Generally, it means I can have a drink.  I’ve been spinning a lot, doing my pushup and stair thing and I need something a bit more.  I have less than two weeks before graduation and clearly it’s all about my tummy in my dress.

To do:: I have a list in my planner that keeps getting pushed to the next week.  Things include buy baby gifts for babies born months ago, write BH’s birthday blog from September.  For an organized person, sometimes, I get just a bit frazzled.

One of my favorite things:: Snax reading.  I’ve been through it before, but I don’t remember it quite like this.  I guess it’s a new surprise each time.  He just reads and reads.  All. The. Time.  And I love it.  He reads out loud, and he’s good.  Really good.  I look in my rear view mirror and see three boys reading.  Total geeks.  And it’s interesting how you think you know your kids.  This one, he’s a total surprise.  He has learned so much this year and really wants to know more.  Just on his terms.  So yea, school should work out really well, with all that sitting in a desk and all.

UGH:: I have been waiting and waiting for Before Midnight to come out.  And it didn’t open in Houston.  We’re the 4th largest city, why wasn’t it playing here last weekend?

A few plans for the week:: Field trip with Goose’s class, Jungle Book at Miller’s on Thursday and Baby Hulk’s class party on Friday.  It’s a busy week, but all fun.

A picture to share:: Yes, I like to take pictures with my little girl.  I just love her so damn much.  And clearly, I have no problem posing for pictures.

The other day a friend told me about her hectic schedule, really we were comparing notes.  Hers was pretty similar to mine, while I would be buying gifts and cooking a birthday dinner and making birthday cookies for my son, she would be decorating cookies and cupcakes for her kids’ soccer teams.  I saw the pictures, they turned out fabulous.  When I asked her why she was making them, she joked that she had to let everyone who didn’t really know her think she was perfect.

She was kidding, mostly.  She likes to do special things for her kids.  She has a talent for making nice things look nice.  She is as neat as I am, has several children and runs her household efficiently, which often means she is on the go.

Friday I woke up: did laundry, fed kids, took them to school, went to spin, then BP, then met Baby Hulk for lunch, met Lance to buy Squirt some clothes, went to mass at 12:10, met my father to get Squirt’s Ipad (sweet birthday gift from my parents!), ran home, cleaned bathrooms and mopped two rooms, picked up kids from school, home, made birthday cookies, birthday dinner, showered (yes, it took all day to shower) went to Baby Hulk’s baseball game at 7, home again, then went to Miller Outdoor Theater.

I forgot to wrap my son’s birthday gifts.

Thankfully, he went out and by the time he came home, he forgot about them…he already had the Ipad so anything we were giving him didn’t matter at that point anyway.

Saturday, Baby Hulk woke me up before 7.  More laundry, wrap forgotten presents before Squirt leaves for work, 42 minute workout, home, shower, Snax’s game at 11:30, home again to pack, back up for Baby Hulk’s game at 1:30.

My husband and I left town for the night after BH’s game.

THANK GOD.

And my parents for taking care of the kids.

My last three weekends have been like this.  It’s May, we have birthdays around here, can’t change that.  This year, the birthdays were special, and then it’s just May, activities are ending, school programs, and life.

It’s busy.

Lance says I didn’t have to workout on Friday or go to mass.  I beg to differ.  I need that time for my mental well being.  I suppose we all pick and choose what we think is important regardless of how frazzled we feel at the end of the day.  And frazzled I am these days.

Saturday, I sent Goose with my dad for a 12:30 game.  The game actually started at 12.  This was after I forced everyone to attend Snax’s game instead of letting my mom stay home with the other kids to rest and stay out of the heat.  As soon as we got there, I realized just how dumb that was.  I told Lance I would pack his underwear for our overnight get away.  I forgot.  I sent us in the wrong direction coming back home.  Today, I took Goose to a birthday party at Sky High, except the party was at Sky Zone.

What the hell is wrong with me?  Stacy asked if I knew my kids’ names.

I am definitely off my game.

I loved the 24 hour break we had, we had a great drive, drinks and saw the Old 97’s (!!!) at the coolest place.  We went to brunch and the market before heading home today.

It was too short.  I am already looking forward to next month.  Four blissful days with my husband and best friends.

Let’s just hope my brain comes back soon.

Today my dad turns 70.

70!!!

I can’t believe he’s 70.  My grandmother is supposed to be 70, not my dad.  But 70 he is.  And thankfully, he’s a young 70.  I expect to celebrate a lot more birthdays.

But since 70 seems like such a big number, we decided to honor him last weekend.  We had a family dinner that was wonderful.  The kids were excited to celebrate grandpa’s birthday, my dad was excited and overall the night was just really great.

I made a collage of pictures celebrating his life from his birth to first communion to having kids to my high school graduation to my wedding to the national championship to last summer’s vacation.  All great memories.  I loved going through those pictures finding the perfect ones to choose.

The evening was filled with family and laughter, the way things should be.

Happy Birthday, Dad.  You’re a wonderful father, truly the most generous person I know and the kids love you.  I can only hope some of your generosity rubs off on me.  Have a great day, I wish many blessings and hope your year is great.  I love you!

Probably my favorite moment of the night was his blessing.  Monsignor Rossi happened to be dining at the same restaurant and came in to say hi to the kids.  Lance asked him to bless my father.  What a treat.  He is such a great priest, one of the boys’ favorites, (I love that they have a favorite priest!) and I certainly understand why.

And since it’s your birthday, Dad, here are some more random shots of the kids.

Even with my anything goes attitude, I was slightly worried that Mother’s Day would be a let down.  Not for me, but for my mom.  We had my dad’s party last night, and everyone was tired.  I didn’t want today to get lost after last night.

I should not have worried.  The day turned out nice.

At least, I hope she thinks it was okay.

While I have lowered my expectations for the perfect day, I want my mom to have a day that lets her know just how much we appreciate her.  Generally, I take her out before Mother’s Day in order to avoid the crowds.

This year, I asked her to spend the day with us.  Lance made a great lunch of stuffed portobello mushrooms.  We hung out, bought a new picture frame and just chilled.  Hopefully, my mom knows just how amazing we think she is.  Everyone thinks they have the best mom, except for Snax, but I’m pretty positive, it’s mine.  She really is selfless and helps anytime we ask.  The kids love her, and so do I.  Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.

My day didn’t turn out quite the way I expected.  Due to a scheduling conflict, Lance and Squirt went to mass this morning instead of with us last night.  Not what I like, but sometimes that happens.  Then Squirt had to work all day.  Lance did get me the perfect gift, despite me saying no gifts.  And yes, I really meant it.

The day was going great until Baby Hulk told me I ruined his day.  Then Snax told me there had to be other moms who were good, even better than me.  And Goose, well he got mad because I said we had to go to the store.  Sunshine was quite the angel today.

I waited until the end of the day to take pictures…I didn’t even have to bribe anyone to to smile.

Then the boys blessed me.  Baby Hulk more than made up for his fussiness when he prayed over me.  While the others gave me a standard blessing “In the name of…”, which by no means was bad, he prayed over me.  It gives me chills to think about it.  And I’m grateful for his prayers.  God knows, I need all the prayers I can get!

:: My new favorite find…snickerdoodle ice cream sandwiches.  These things are the bomb.  They satisfy my sweet tooth and aren’t too high in calories.  I’m a little bummed they are only out for a limited amount of time, but I’ll enjoy them while I can.

:: Four baseball games cancelled.  Total bummer.  I love watching Baby Hulk and Goose play.  And while t-ball isn’t the greatest, it’s so funny watching Snax play.  While I am sad about not attending games this weekend, I’m not for extending the season, there’s just too much going on the next few weekends.

:: I am sure I mentioned that I was on the committee for Teacher Appreciation.  I know, the irony.  The lessons I should be learning.  The sickness I often felt last week.  I honestly can’t imagine being pampered like that.  But pampered they were.  And really, all the teachers at each breakfast were so thankful.  Each boy made a special treat for their teacher and Baby Hulk made a card that made me cry.  (Not really, but you know what I mean.)  He is just so sweet.  The teachers were all grateful and hopefully, we scored points, so much so that everyone will be nice to Snax next year.

I won’t go on about how silly it seems to have an entire week for TA, but I do have to share this one gem.  My friend Shea’s school is even worse than our school.  Last year it was: each child bring five cupcakes on Tuesday and five of something for the rest of the days.  Becuase that’s what every teacher needs, five cupcakes from 22 students.  This year: everyone got to bring flip flops for the teacher.  Please tell me what teacher needs 22 pairs of flip flops?  Another friend told me she would prefer flip flops over a ton of baked goods, but seriously?  What is wrong with one small gift a day, like say one pair of flip flops, one treat, one small GC…And why guilt parents who might not have the time, money or inclination to treat the teacher with a mandate on what to bring each day of the week?

:: I suddenly realized that I haven’t been to Austin in 11 months.  11 freaking months!  How in the hell has this happened?  Which also means I didn’t make it to one Longhorn game this year.  We’ve been to New Braunfels a couple of times this year and plan to go in July.  But that’s not Austin.  Austin has so many restaurants and things to do…I guess it’s finally sunk in that it’s just not easy to travel with five kids.   Especially young kids who don’t always sleep well in different beds or adapt to weekend trips lasting less than 48 hours.  Plus, the kids have things going on most weekends now.  We’ve had games almost every weekend the entire spring semester.  We’ve finally hit an age with a few of them that leaving has to be really planned out so that we don’t miss things at home.  I like it.  But I miss Austin so much.  Maybe we’ll go in July since June seems out of the question.

:: So I’ve mentioned that I’m counting calories.  Today, I went to lunch with a friend I haven’t seen in forever.  Like since the Superbowl!  I got a Cobb Salad at the Cheesecake Factory, not in an effort to save calories, but because I like it.  927 calories.  For that many calories, I want a burger with a side of fries.  I can’t even eat the rest of the day.

May is a busy month in this household.  The school year is coming to a close, so there are tons of things with regard to that.  We have two birthdays, Mother’s Day, then school ends in early June.  We have a K graduation as well as a real graduation!!!  Announcements that still aren’t in…we actually got a phone call asking to be put on the list.  I think Lance totally threw me under the bus saying I didn’t order them in time, but don’t worry, they’ll be here.  Personally, I would never ask for an announcement, if I was sending a gift, I’d just send it, announcement or not.  But that’s me.

My days starts at 6:30 and ends around 1 am.  I rarely sit unless I’m reading to the kids.  My choice on bedtime, but my only downtime doesn’t start until 10 pm.  I need the time to relax.  And fold clothes.

This week at school the kids are taking Stanford.  Typical of most parents, I am not a fan of standardized testing.  This week, I’m fine with it.  There is no rush after school to do anything except enjoy ourselves.  We’ve gone for ice cream, blown bubbles, read more and just enjoyed time together.

This weekend the rush starts again, we have baseball Friday night and three games Saturday morning, a First Communion party and my dad’s birthday dinner.  Then there is Mother’s Day.

I used to get really pissy about Mother’s Day.  Meaning up until this year.  To be honest, it’s just not been anything special.  I have to plan what I want to do, which makes sense, I guess, but not really.  I waiver between wanting to be alone for the day to feeling ungrateful for having that thought.  And voicing that thought brings me ugly looks from the other adult in the house.

This year, it’s just another day.

Except…I’m already disgusted by the lack of anything but a crappy card from my son’s school, (not my son’s effort just the fact that it’s a lame ass card with a lame type written note he had to cut and paste).  This is a pathetic effort on the teacher’s part right after they get pampered for a full week for doing a job they are actually paid to do.  I immediately sent out text messages…several other schools actually have the kids make an actual gift.  Not my school.  What is wrong with them???

And yes, I know Lance can have them make something, but that’s not the point.  My mom and dad kept all the things I made for them over the years.  And neither one of them had to craft them at home.

But back to just another day….Part of me feels extremely ungrateful for wanting to be pampered when I am already so blessed to have five children.  Why do I expect Mother’s Day to be some grand day where everyone behaves perfectly. None of us are perfect any other day, so I’m not sure why I’ve been trained to expect perfection on this one day.

Motherhood definitely isn’t for wimps.  I want that t-shirt.

But it’s also not for selfish people.  Starting this year, I’m hoping to be a little less selfish in my expectations for Mother’s Day and hopefully, everyday.  My mom is coming to see us.  If I want to go get a pedicure, I’m not going to feel guilty.  I can take an hour for myself and then spend the rest of the day just thanking God for the gift of motherhood and my own wonderful mom.  Without Him, I wouldn’t have anything to celebrate.

So here’s to a day where I’m not mad because I didn’t receive the perfect gift, the perfect breakfast or the perfect anything.  I have just what I need: five kids that are perfect for me.

Except really…sleeping in might be nice…that whole idea of taking the kids OUTSIDE to change them and feed them…I have to admit it’s fucking brilliant.

Happy Birthday, Chelsea!  What a year!  You graduated, moved home and got a job.  We’re so proud of all of you’ve accomplished this last year.  I know this next year will bring you lots of joy.  We’re so glad you’re back in Houston.  I love watching all the kids with you!  They really love having you around.  So do I!

Two things I will always remember about your birthday.  Well, one I hope to forget…Lola shares your birthday.  So today, Snax said if we couldn’t go to your party, we needed to have one for Lola.  Really?  Don’t even ask if I had a party, you know the answer.

The second thing: your birthday saint, Saint Catherine of Siena.  Clearly, you didn’t choose the date of your birth, but what a perfect day to have a birthday.  Saint Catherine of Siena is so full of wisdom, and really, she’s your saint.  As saints go, she’s kind of a biggie.  Don’t forget to call on her for help.

Love you sweet girl!  Happy Birthday!  Saint Catherine Siena, pray for Chelsea today and always!

** Cutest thing ever: you ask Sunshine what tomorrow is and she says “Friday flowers”  or maybe “flowers Friday”.  Whatever it is, it is freaking adorable.  As in I love this girl so darn much I want to squeeze her forever.  She is smart, witty and precious.

** Except when she is acting like a brat.  Which lately she has been doing.  Like yesterday, she threw a toy at someone’s house and then refused to share that child’s own toys with her.  But we all have room to improve so I’m fine with her right now.  So long as this phase passes relatively quickly.

** The other day I asked where we were going for vacation this summer.  Basically, Lance wants to go back to Colorado, and who doesn’t?!  We have a chance to return to the amazing house we stayed in last year, but we don’t need a house that large.  And while I would love to go back to Colorado, part of me wants to wait until two more kids can participate.  Sure we save money not taking Snax and Baby Hulk zip lining and rafting, but that’s most of the fun.

** Anyway, Lance was all business.  Said to send him ten choices, and he would narrow it down from there.  Surprise, his first choice is Colorado, with Chicago second.  I would love, love, love to take the kids to Chicago.  BUT Lance and I are already going there without the kids.  Maybe we turn it into one huge trip and find babysitters for two nights.

** I just want a decision.  I need a plan.  Like now.  I hate not knowing our schedule.

** Which brings me to a rant, although a mini one since you never know who might read this…but can you say it is killing me that Squirt’s recruiter is, oh how do you say it?  HORRIBLE.  As in I wouldn’t trust my national security to him.  So why am I trusting my son’s future to him?  Me, I’m not.  But sometimes the politics of family doesn’t always go my way.  (Read: people don’t listen to my opinions.)  I was venting my frustrations to a friend whose husband happened to be a good recruiter years ago, when you had to actually work to find recruits.  He figures Squirt keeps getting pushed to another month because the guy has met his quota for the month and is saving Squirt for a month that he needs a signed recruit.  Well, that pisses me off.  PLUS…we will be taking a huge trip to San Diego for graduation so I really need to know a start date.  It’s not like it’s cheap to fly my troupe across the country.  Seriously, this guy sucks.  No other way to put it.  SUCKS.

** This week Lance has been busy, busy with the draft.  Part of me loves it…he’s in his element and really enjoys what he is doing.  Then there is the part that hates getting cut off because someone is calling or not being able to reach him because he is talking to someone else.  Someone asked what was worse, this or football season.  This by far.  At least during football season I can watch games with him.  Last night, I finally fell asleep waiting for him…soon, he’s all mine again.

** Finally ordered cap and gown and grad announcements for Squirt.  It’s a small start.  Can I just say how useless I think announcements are?  I know, I’m a grouch, but really, who keeps them?  My friend reminded me that I better get some if only to get Squirt money.  Please…that is the ONLY reason I ordered them.  It certainly wasn’t for a scrapbook.  Oh and we get to keep the cap and gown.  I liked it so much better when we rented them, you know 25 years ago.  What the hell do I need with a cap and gown taking up space in my home?

** Another busy weekend…three baseball games, MDA walk and two birthday parties.  Plus shopping for said parties and getting some clothes for the kids.  I’m already tired.

For Today…April 22, 2013

Outside my window…the sun is shining, it’s a great day outside.  I can’t believe the weather lately.  Not complaining.  Sure, the boys have had practice cancelled, but I can live with that.  I am not ready for the summer that Houston is.

I am wearing…workout clothes.  Back in the habit of not showering right after I workout.  At least, I change shirts after I workout so I don’t look and feel quite so gross.

From the learning rooms…lots of me reading out loud, lots of reading to mom and lots of kids just sitting on the couch, floor and anywhere else with a book in their hands.  This makes me happy.  Can I be mad when I come into a room and find the scene in the picture?  We have enjoyed the Audubon quite a bit this year.  I’ll be sad to stop attending.  This week we’re studying frogs.  We’re also really working on handwriting.  For all of my kids.

I am listening to…a little boy with the hiccups.

I am grateful for…a husband who wants to spend time with me and kind of pouts when I don’t put him first.  It’s supposed to be this way, right?  I’m grateful for kids who amaze me each and every day while still managing to frustrate me over and over.  I’m grateful for the chance to see three different friends last week.

I am praying for…patience, confirmation that a decision was right and my family.

So proud…of my husband who was invited by NFL films to participate in a mock draft with other draft guys.

I am planning…parties.  A graduation party, a birthday party along with some fun weekends.  It’s that time of year when there is literally something every single weekend.  It’s good and hectic at the same time.  I would like to say I am planning a vacation, but we still haven’t decided on a location.

From the kitchen…last week I planned my entire menu, went shopping and never had to go back to the store.  It was the best week.  Stress free and the food was good.  I’ve got this week’s menu, not quite as interesting and it does include a meatloaf from cooking light, but that said, it’s planned, which makes me happy and means I’m not stressing when I need to be spending time with the kids.  I’m also going to try and make some scones this week using half and half instead of whipping cream.

To be fit and happy…OMG, I have become my mother.  Or any other calorie counting mom from the 70’s.  Yes, I have an app on my phone to record every thing that I put in my mouth.  It is useful?  Yes and no.  Sure, I am not snacking quite as much as I generally do, yet at the same time…I have not lost more than 1 pound in a month.  That same month in which I had a major stomach virus.  I don’t get it.  I am loving my workouts and can’t wait until summer when I can sometimes get in two a day workouts.  Since I never see results, my goal in working out and eating a bit healthier is to see my grandkids one day.  I really do think of Sunshine getting married when I am about to drop dead in spin.  That thought usually keeps my legs moving when all I want to do is leave class.

Nature notes…we’ve found six egg shells so far.  We have been watching a mom in her nest for the past couple of weeks, and this morning, Baby Hulk ran into my room to tell me the bird had moved, which must mean the eggs have hatched!  In my heart of hearts, I want to be an outdoors girl, but really I’m not.  I love to hike and take walks, but really that’s about it.  I am terrified of snakes.  I hate the heat.  I’m learning about nature along with the kids, and we really enjoy it.  This week, we’ll be taking buckets on our walks for treasures we find along the way.  I am hoping we find a red cardinal feather or robin’s egg.  Is that too much to ask?

I am reading…nothing.  And that’s a problem.  I have five books sitting in my drawer just waiting to be read.  Must make time.

I am watching…Game of Thrones, Mad Men and Veep.  After a whatever first episode, I loved last week’s episode of Mad Men!  I may have to actually read Game of Thrones. This show is just done so well.

A few plans for the week…swim lessons Monday, Audubon Tuesday, Storytime at SVJ Wednesday and Herman Park to check out the new baby ducks sometime during the week.

To do…I have so much to do to get ready for Squirt’s graduation, and I need to just do it.  Prayers that I get moving!

One of my favorite things…when my husband comes home from out of town!