I had such grand plans for the week, and four cancelled play dates later, I am thinking about what could have been a great week. Goose was sick on Sunday, but it seemed like he would be at school by Monday morning. He ended up missing all but Thursday, which meant we missed our picnic in the park on Monday, a play date Tuesday and swim lessons on Wednesday. By Thursday, Baby Hulk was sick so we cancelled our date with the twins for today.

It’s Friday evening and Lance is at the Rockets game, and I’m stuck at home with what is now three sick kids. One who won’t fall asleep. Thankfully, Squirt has managed to stay healthy. Goose has been sleeping since 2 pm. I’m hoping this doesn’t mean he will wake up in the middle of the night ready to do something. I’ll admit it now, if he comes to my room wide awake, I’m giving him the remote control.

I’m a big meanie when it comes to bed times. I’m a huge believer in schedules, and my kids know it. I can’t stand the stalling that occurs with Squirt and Baby Hulk at bedtime, and the subsequent crying from the Hulk when I won’t stay in his room. But when the kids are sick, I’m completely different. It doesn’t seem so bad to lay down until they fall asleep or let them come to my room to sleep with me. As I reflect on the small changes that occurred with Kobra this week, (turned his car seat around and his climbing on tables), I am more grateful for the chances I have with the little ones to hold them until they fall asleep and read the same stories over and over. I prayed the rosary tonight for healing, but I also prayed in thanksgiving for the opportunities God gave me this week to be a better, more loving mother that doesn’t always have to follow the rules. I used to pet Squirt’s hair until he fell asleep. I know all too well that these days with the little ones will be over soon enough. It’s hard to appreciate these moments when we’re woken up in the middle of the night, or when the kids are super whiny, but I am thankful for every opportunity to spend with my kids, especially those in which I can just love on them.

Happy Birthday, Jessica! I hope you had a wonderful day. You are such a special girl, and tonight was proof of how many people agree with me. I am so glad to share this milestone with you. It is a joy watching you grow into such a beautiful young lady.

My boys playing so sweetly together. I love that Baby Hulk misses his big brothers when we drop them off at school. (I have company in my misery.) Listening to them play together is nothing short of wonderful, especially when they play pretend. It cracks me up to listen to them. They are a creative bunch.

I know Kobra has known what I’ve been saying for a while, but I love how he responds these days. He mostly listens to what I tell him, but there are times when he voices his displeasure very clearly. Today he tossed all of his animals out of his crib and put them all up when I told him to do so. He was probably also telling me to go eff myself at the same time.

Clementines…I buy three five pound bags a week. My kids love these things.

I love this place! And they just opened one around the corner from us! I love burgers and have tried all the hot spots in town. Miller’s is probably my first choice for a burger in Houston. I have a feeling I will be here on a very regular basis.

The sweet, almost 16 year old next door. I love this girl so much. She is the reason I have unlimited texting now. You should see the way Kobra lights up when he sees her face. Goose has been sick this week, and she has checked on him each day. You always hear comments about “kids these days…”. Jessica couldn’t be further from the norm. She is quite the girl, and we are privileged to have her in our life. Just more day, sweetie!

Kobra will soon have a new nickname. This kid has started climbing ALL OVER THE PLACE. I continually catch him on top of the kitchen table and on the table in Goose’s room. I now have something new to worry about with my little spiderman.

Big Love has to be my absolute favorite show on television. I think it’s even better than Mad Men and that’s saying a lot. I love, love, love each of the sister wives for various reasons and can totally relate to each of them. I’d much rather be one of these women than the dumbass chicks from Sex and the City.

Baby Hulk’s love of sports. Please, God, let this kid be good at sports. I already know Squirt and Goose aren’t going to be my professional sports players. And that’s fine, they have other talents they can focus on and they don’t seem to be too interested in playing sports anyway. The Hulk is another story. This kid loves sports, he talks sports, he already has favorite teams and he already hates teams. His first words were baseball and basketball. He just gets sports. He is signed up for spring soccer and is so excited. I just hope he lives up to the hype because honestly, nothing sucks more than a kid that doesn’t know he isn’t good.

Reading to the boys has to be hands down my favorite thing to do with them. Maybe this is why Goose is such a nerd. I’m kidding, he’s not a nerd. I just literally catch him reading several times a day and that can only be a good thing. (But really, what would you call him?) I used to read to Squirt when he was younger, and we had our favorites, which are now Goose’s favorites. Now Squirt tries to give me books to read. I’m a little behind on his current recommendations, but I enjoy that he wants to share this with me. Goose is really the best audience and will ask for several books during the day and at night and not just to avoid sleep. When he doesn’t like a book, it doesn’t bother me because he reads so much that he has definite opinions on what a good book should be. Baby Hulk is finally starting to be interested in listening to me read to him. It has taken almost three years for him to really like me to read, but now he can’t get enough of it. I really like how he recognizes the artwork of Tomie De Paola. Of course, he probably does read at night to avoid bedtime. Kobra…well, I have to follow him around with a book to get him to listen to me. He will turn and look at the pictures, then run off. He refuses to sit down and listen to me. I think my shopping spree last fall was definitely money well spent.

My friend Stacy…She just knows me. Thank you, my dear friend for all that you do for me.

Fresh roses…my wonderful hubby had three dozen roses sent to me today. They are absolutely gorgeous. Thank you, Baby!

For Today…January 24, 2010

Outside my window…it’s cool. The wind was blowing so hard today that the Hulk was yelling at it to stop. The weather this past week has been so nice, I hope it stays this way. The kids love playing outside.

I am listening to…complete silence. The little ones are sleeping and Lance and Squirt haven’t returned from CCE yet. I usually listen to music while at the computer, but I need some time just to think without any distractions. Maybe I should do this more often.

I am wearing…black plants and a green shirt.

I am thankful for…my wonderful family who celebrated Lance’s birthday with us on Saturday at Da Marco’s. We had an incredible meal and great company. Thanks, Daddy!

I am reading…the same stuff as last week. I have come up with a list of possible summer destinations though.

To be fit and happy…My routine is pretty set at the gym. I have my favorite classes, so maybe soon I’ll look exactly the way I want. Or have the energy I want. Thus far, working out five days a week has done neither for me. I have decided that I am getting a flat stomach before I turn 40. How vain is that? To reach that goal, I am doing 100 sit ups every day until my birthday. We’ll see if I can finally get the abs I want. If I can’t do it in six months, then I give up.

From the kitchen…menu planned and not very excited about it all. I had planned to make three new recipes this week, then totally forgot about that plan when I went to the grocery store. The goal is to eat at home ALL. WEEK. LONG.

I am thinking…that I wish little things didn’t bother me so much. It is so hard to let things just go. Days, Weeks, Years later, things will still bother me. Such wasted energy.

I am creating…plans for my little ones and Super Saints plans for the next couple of months. I am energized.

I am so excited about…the fact that I am FINALLY going to see the Old 97s in concert. Three different times, I have been screwed over…The first time, I got too drunk to make it to the concert, (my fault and many years ago). The second time, I had just given birth two weeks previously and my husband wouldn’t go. (It was my birthday, and I was so pissed at him esp when he suggested a movie instead. Since it was my birthday, I stayed home and sulked.) The last time, I forgot to buy tickets and the show was sold out. But this time, I am getting tickets and I don’t care what happens or who goes with me, I will be there.

To show my age…this week I heard two Judas Priest songs and was so excited. Goose held his hands over his ears and couldn’t understand why I was so happy. I just turned it up louder. I love XM radio! I can go from Judas Priest to the Thermals.

To live the liturgy…still trying to make it to daily mass without my kids ruining the experience for me. They love seeing our priests, it’s just getting inside the church that is the problem.

I am praying for…more vocations.

On keeping home…Tomorrow is going to be cleaning day since I blew off cleaning this weekend. At least, all the laundry is done.

One of my favorite things…watching the boys play together.

A few plans for the rest of the week…

• super saints
• the park
• lecture series at church
• watching out for the new driver in our neighborhood. Only three more days!!!
• getting together with the twins
• relaxing, I hope

A picture thought I’m sharing…

Today is Lance’s birthday. (1/21) It’s the big 40. First him, then me in six more months. 40 seems much different today than it did when I was growing up. Not quite so old now, especially since we have such young children. It’s often times easy to point out one’s faults, and I’m no different than most people. So today, I want to make sure that Lance knows just how much I love and appreciate him. No complaining, I promise. (And believe me, he will tell me if I break this promise today!)

Lance, here are 40 reasons why I love you with my heart and soul. (I so don’t usually talk like this. In fact, this entry makes up for all the cards I never give.) Marrying you was the best thing I have ever done in life. Sure having my kids is a very close second, but without you there are no children, there would honestly be no happiness, that is how happy and content I am in our life.

I love you because…

1. you always make me feel special, and I know I come first with you.
2. you would rather spend time with me than anyone else.
3. you always try to surprise me, but can’t hold out more than 24 hours.
4. you bring me fresh flowers about every two weeks.
5. you are Catholic and a practicing one at that. This was such a deal breaker for me. You want our children to have Faith. Yet…you are not a GSer!!!
6. you are such a good father.
7. you read to the children in a British accent.
8. you don’t let me walk all over you. Although sometimes I wish you would! 🙂
9. you love your parents.
10. you love my parents.
11. you are compassionate to those in need and are teaching our children to see the person in everyone.
12. you are willing to travel the world with me and hold my hand at the same time.
13. you are smarter than me.
14. you are funny, in a smart way and not a slap stick way.
15. you are sexy, esp while playing Golden Tee and Gallop Racer…remember when.
16. you are willing to provide for us and sacrifice so I can stay home with our children.
17. you do homework with Squirt because I don’t have the patience.
18. you are willing to step in when I lose my patience no matter how annoyed I might get at you.
19. you help with Super Saints every week from making copies, to running to the store, to making a craft to allowing us to host this club at our home.
20. you love Pop Culture.
21. you are a top chef.
22. you are willing to try new restaurants,
23. but aren’t too trendy to forget the best place in town…Pappasitos.
24. you love desserts as much as I do.
25. you are in no way a user, no matter how handy it could come in for us at times.
26. you never hold a grudge.
27. you are not too proud to apologize to me or our children when you are wrong or lose your temper.
28. we mostly think alike.
29. you love movies even more than me. I know I never watch them with you anymore, but I do love this about you.
30. you like to window shop with me.
31. you take good care of me when I’m sick.
32. you give great massages.
33. you are not afraid to tell me what you are thinking no matter how inopportune the time might be.
34. you love Paul and Brian.
35. you gave me four amazing children. One more, right?
36. you miss Lola and Lila and the others and you’re not afraid to tell me.
37. I can count on you always.
38. you think I’m pretty.
39. you taught me how to forgive.
40. you chose me to spend your life with and raise a family together.
41. and one to grow on…you pull me aside to pray with me during the day.

I feel honored to be your wife, Lance. You are the best person I know. I hope everyone feels this way about their spouses. I am certain, at times, I don’t deserve you, but thankfully, you look past all of that. And for that I am grateful. I can share anything with you: my hopes and dreams, my fears, my disappointments, my faith, and my life. I am yours forever. I love you! Nicole

Outside my window…The sun is shining, and it’s 71 degrees! The kids loved playing outside yesterday. I hope this weather continues so that we can continue to have some outdoor fun.

I am listening to…The Getup Kids, Don’t Hate Me. I was looking for something else on iTunes, but had to stop here when I saw their name.

I am wearing…my workout clothes. I am changing soon, I swear!

I am thankful for…my mom, who went to Squirt’s district inspection not once, but twice (in the pouring rain) because both Lance and I forgot to tell her the correct time. Thank you, MOM!

I am reading…True Compass, a travel book so I can decide where I want to go next, and the Second City book. My nightstand is full.

From the kitchen…a full menu planned! Last week I won “mother of the block” (NOT) after realizing Baby Hulk had pizza four times in one week. SO…I planned a great menu for the entire week, including lunches and will follow through. My first temptation came today when Lance told me he had a tasting to attend. I declined! I am sticking to my menu.

I am thinking…how fast times flies. It seems unreal how fast this year has gone, but that has been life for the past several years. I want it to slow down so I can savour all of it. I guess I need to work on living NOW and enjoying life as it is.

I am creating…a care package for Chelsea and invitations for a party.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty…I work best when I’m on a routine. I’m a list person and I love crossing things off my list. I think my kids work best when they are on a routine, but I’m trying to figure that out with the Baby Hulk…I am in the process of trying to get slightly serious about doing some pre-school work with him, and I need to figure out what is going to work best for his personality. Something tells me I am going to learn to be very flexible with this kid.

To live the liturgy…I am really trying to attend daily Mass, but the Hulk is making it hard. As I said recently, he thinks it is “terrible”. This morning, he told me that we only go to church when the big kids are home, not when they are at school. He is pretty smart, that one.

I am praying for…a friend that is going through a hard time.

On keeping home…I love a clean house and the smell of Fabulouso!

One of my favorite things…Big Love.

A few plans for the rest of the week…

• I’ve already had a busy week…playdate at the park, Super Saints, and a puzzle get together yesterday
• workout
• swim lessons
• celebrating a namesake feast day
• Lance’s birthday
• dinner with good friends
• dinner with the family
• possibly the zoo
• the post office
• baking a cake for LZ

A picture thought I am sharing…

I love movies. I used to watch them all the time. I’d go by myself and double bubble. Then I met Lance, who shared the same love of movies, and we would double bubble. Now, when we get a babysitter, I would just rather go somewhere nice and eat. I don’t really watch movies at home much either because it’s hard for me to concentrate for three hours when I could be doing something else around the house. But the Oscars are coming soon, and if I want to be able to complain about the winners, then I better start watching some movies. I am so behind.

I’ve learned that I have to watch Avatar. UGH. I could barely stomach Titanic, and now I am forced to watch another James Cameron movie.

Sandra Bullock just won a Golden Globe. I might puke. I am going to have to watch The Blind Side. I’m sure the movie is fine, just not my type of movie. I’m more into movies about Harlem teens getting beaten down by their family.

Did Heather Graham really just go up on stage with her freaking purse?

On a high note, the guys from Dexter won and so did Chloe Sevigny. I so love her character on BIG LOVE.

I have more details to discuss, but I have to discuss the show with my first movie partner, Paul.

For the past several years, Squirt has had it in his head that he is going into the Army. He decided to join JROTC at his high school to see if he might want to participate in ROTC in college. He has worn his uniform each week with such pride. He is even teaching the younger boys some commands. This week he had district inspection during which the head guy (forgive my ignorance of the proper title) came to inspect the entire program. Each cadet had to be dressed perfectly and answer several questions. Friday was the BIG day.

On Wednesday, Squirt couldn’t find his belt buckle. He freaked out and couldn’t eat that night. Then after he went to bed, he couldn’t find his socks either. He was a little happier on Thursday once he realized that he turned in his entire uniform to be cleaned. He had to be at school on Friday at 6:30. I dropped him off, and he didn’t seem nervous at all. By the time we arrived for the ceremony, he was nervous. Not too nervous to show off his little brothers, but you could sense some anxiety.

We couldn’t hear what questions were asked, but we did hear the main man say “are you sure” more than once. It didn’t seem like a good sign to us, and Squirt’s face was miserable. It was so sad, and he had to stand at ease, which is pretty close to attention if you ask me, for almost an hour.

Finally, the names were called. Squirt passed his inspection and received the coveted Gold Cord. Lance and I are so proud of our son. If he chooses to continue along this path, I know he’ll be a great asset to the Army. We love you and are so proud of you, Squirt.

Intense questioning

Colonel David helping with the Gold Cord

Thanks for supporting me twice in one day, Mimi

In 7 1/2 hours, Baby Hulk has basically said one thing.

• getting dressed-terrible
• going to mass- terrible
• waiting for a snack- terrible
• letting me go to the bathroom- terrible
• going to swim lessons- terrible
• going to Chick-fil-A for ice cream- terrible b/c he wanted McDonald’s ice cream
• drinking water- terrible
• his baby brother- terrible

And it’s not just the word terrible, it’s the full blown fit with him throwing himself down on the floor that comes with it. Can anyone see why I live vicariously through my friends that spank?

Why is it that my baby can only be consoled by me holding him while STANDING. I know I’m not the only parent to go through this. I think this must be one of the great mysteries of life. Kobra woke up today at 5:30 (not normal for him) and would only be quiet when I was standing. I have no problem cuddling with my baby, but he doesn’t seem to understand that I still need my sleep at that hour. So family, forgive me for being a cranky mom today. It’s not my fault.