More free stuff

So, I joined a new My Magazine Sharing mission. This time was red, white and barbecue. I got a great box of barbecue related items with lots of coupons to share.  The Ranch Dressing and paper towels were the most useful in my house.  We go through those quickly. I'm still trying to figure out a good use for the Ritz Crackers. But, we're hitting the beach this weekend, so I think I might make some snacks with those and see how the kids take to them.  Wish me luck.

Dairy Free Greek Yogurt

So, I got another coupon for free dairy-free yogurt, Ripple, the other day, and with my adventures in trying to be dairy-free due to RA, I thought, great!  Finally a high-protein option.  I can't wait to give it a try.

Well, my first impression was not good, because normal plain greek yogurt has about 6g of sugars ... this one had 14g of sugars. So, it isn't starting out that great.

Then, sadly, just like all of the non-dairy protein powders (and I've tried pea, soy, and hemp) it was gritty and had a very harsh taste to it.  It tasted just like adding pea-protein powder to water and mixing it up.  It didn't taste anything like greek yogurt.

I was so disappointed.

Trying food and loving it

So, about a month ago, I decided that the poisons the doctors were giving me as medicine for RA wasn't going to cut it for me, and I am trying more natural options to see if anything will help.  I read that dairy causes inflammation, so I've cut dairy out of my diet.

So, here's where it gets worse.  I like to try out new things and write about it.  I got a coupon for free DEVOUR Buffalo Mac n Cheese.  It sounded so good. So, I bought it, knowing my family would love it while I was working late one night.

They tried it this week. And I was right. They loved it.

My husband added some microwaved broccoli to it and they all devoured it!  The added bonus that it was spicy so the kids drank all of their milk too!

I definitely recommend this one!  I just wish I could have tried it.

Returning to the job market is hard

So, the last I wrote about me, I was studying my behind off to try to get up to speed on all the new things that have come out in the development world in the last 6 years, since I've been home with the kids.  I worked every night, every nap time and twice a week while both kids were in school.  I studied my behind off (really, I have no butt now).  And, last week, I re-interviewed.  I think I did pretty well.  There was only one question that I answered incorrectly (and it was just there to trick me  [or teach me] anyways) and a couple that I fumbled a little bit with, but got it in the end.  My mock teaching, I think I did pretty well.  I did a lesson on the CSS box model and a lesson on SSL (that I wrote myself).  I didn't get flustered when I was asked questions and I think I handled myself very well.

But, after all that hard work, taking time away from my children so that I could nail this re-interview. They decided that they wouldn't be making me an offer.  They said I'm just not a good fit for their company.

I'm sitting here devastated.  I went down there and interacted with the staff. I thought we all got along well.  I thought I was a great fit for their company.  I want to teach, and they need instructors.  They need a woman instructor, and I'm a woman.  I just don't get it.  I don't know what I could have done different to change the outcome.  They didn't say I wasn't strong enough technically, or that I wasn't good as an instructor.  They said it was about ME as a person.  So, all that hard work, and they just didn't like ME.  I'm hurt. What is it that they didn't like about me?  How can I fix what I don't know is wrong?

So, my readers ... tell me.  What about my personality makes you not want to hire me?  Really?  I'm trying to make myself a better person, but I can't fix what I don't know is wrong.  Please help me.

Jade's 6th Birthday Party

So, a week after Maxwell's party, we were back at the YMCA for Jade's 6th birthday!  She wanted an adventure party, so I had a little bit more work to get this one right for her, but in the end, she loved it, her friends seemed to have a good time, so I think it was a success.

We again used the local YMCA and decided to follow a similar schedule as last weekend, since it went so well. So, we had the pizza, cheese ball and drinks ready when everyone arrived.  Everyone came in and chatted and ate pizza for a little while.  Then, it was scavenger hunt time.  I did 6 clues and tried to make them easy enough where kindergarteners wouldn't have to ask for too much help.  The first clue I just handed them.    On the bottom of each clue there was a letter or two to be used later.

"If you’re in a hungry mood, go here first and find some food."

The next clue was found next to the pizza boxes.  "Go to the place that doesn’t match."  Underneath the words there was a picture of a tennis court, a garden, a forest path and a desert.  

The next clue was found on the tennis court.  "Solve the puzzle to find the next clue."  Underneath the words were pictures of a basket and a beach ball.  

The next clue was found on the basketball court.  "Cross off all the letters in the word GUM.  The remaining word will be the location of the next clue."  Below that was a grid of letters.  When all instances of G-U-M were removed, it spelled "STAIRS TO POOL".

The next clue was found on the stairs. "Your next clue can be found on the door to a place where you wash your hands. " 

The next clue was found on the door to the bathroom.  "Use the letters from your clues to determine where the treasure is."  When they gathered up all of their clues and set them out in a row, it spelled "UPSTAIRS".  They all ran upstairs to find the treasure!  

For the treasure, I used valentine treat bags and put 2 pieces of candy in each one.

After that it was cupcake time!  Jade wanted strawberry, so I made a strawberry angel cupcake with a white frosting.  I made a few extra with chocolate frosting because I knew that would be delicious.

For the favors for this party, I got little notebooks and I decorated each one with the guest's name and some cute star stickers.  And, each guest received a pen to write in their book with.

After cupcake time was finished, we ventured up to the bounce house.  Jade wasn't having much fun in the bounce house, so our awesome staff at the YMCA set up the gymnastics mats in the racquetball court, so there would be some more fun to be had.  In the end, she had a blast and loved every  minute of her party.

For decorations, I again went simple.  I bought a single balloon (that I let her pick out) and made a banner that said "Happy 6th Birthday Jade" with her picture on each end and hung it on the window.

The awesome banner made by my Mom was hung over the present table.

 I survived another year of world-wind birthday parties and I have two very happy kids, so I'm a happy Mom!

Maxwell's 3rd Birthday Party

Well, I did it!  I made it through Christmas and managed to pull off the kids' birthday parties.  First, Let me talk about Maxwell's.  He was turning 3, so we did a "balls" party.  We had it at the local YMCA (which was amazing).

Of course, 3 days before his party, I was notified of a scheduling conflict at the YMCA, so we had to rearrange our schedule.  But, luckily everything worked out great.  Instead of playing first, we ate first and then played once the other group was finished with that area.

The staff at the YMCA was amazing!  They went out of their way to make sure everything was taken care of and we were happy.  I would definitely recommend them, if you live in the San Antonio area.

So, Maxwell loves chocolate, so I made chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting for him.  They also had a peanut butter filling.  I know that not everyone likes so much chocolate, so I made a few with a white frosting.  Then, I decorated them with a soccer ball ring.  They were delicious.  Unfortunately, the kids were scared by the peanut butter filling, so I've learned for kids parties, skip the filling next time.

For favors, I bought water bottles (sport themed, right?).  And I decorated each one with the name of his friend and some ball stickers!  And, the tag said "Thank you for celebrating Maxwell's 3rd birthday!  We had a ball!"  I also made sure that there were plenty for siblings to take a bottle home too, although siblings didn't get their name on theirs.

For decorations, I bought one birthday balloon to put on Maxwell's chair and then I made a banner that said Happy 3rd Birthday Maxwell, and it had a picture of him on each side.  I hung that one on the window.  And, last minute, my Mom decided to make him one of her famously awesome birthday signs.  That one is picture below and was hung over the present table.  Lastly, I made an "about Maxwell" sign and hung that over the cake/favor table.

When the kids arrived, we had pizza, water, juice boxes, and cheese ball with chips and veggies. We also had coloring pages and crayons so his friends could color him a picture.  After food, coloring and cake, we went up and had a blast in the bounce castle.

Everyone had a wonderful time, most importantly, Maxwell did.  He was so excited to celebrate with all of his friends.

How to make a busy month even busier

Everyone knows that December is one of the busiest months for just about everyone, especially mothers.  Well, I figured out a way to make it even busier.

To start December, I had a job interview for a really promising job ... one that I could see myself enjoy.  Well, the phone interview went well, so they asked me to do a code challenge, using a language and framework that I had never used before, and turn it around in 7-10 days.  This all happened while my husband was out of town for work, so I was single parenting for a week.

So, for the first 2 nights after putting the kids to bed, I taught myself PHP.  Then, the next 2 nights, I reviewed Laravel examples to learn the framework.  Then, the next 2 nights I tried to get an environment set up to start my project. So, 6 days out of the 7-10 gone, and I hadn't even started the project.  But, I got a working environment, and I got to work.  In one day (nap time and then bed time), I got a working project done.  It was perfect, but it worked and did the job, and I turned it in.

The next day, I got a request to come in for a code review.  So, I made arrangements to go down to the office and met with them to go over what I did.  On my way home, I got an email requesting a technical interview (a 5 hour adventure).

So, I made arrangements for me to do that next.  I studied what I could and I went down.  Well, I didn't do very well, but I was given a neat opportunity to re-interview in another month.

So, that was my first 2 weeks of December.  So, Christmas cards hadn't been addressed or sent out yet. Present weren't finished.  And, my children's January birthday parties hadn't been prepared for.  So, over the next week, I scrambled and got all 125 Christmas cards addressed.  I got the birthday invitations made and sent out.  I got all of the Christmas presents bought and mailed.  And, I have started putting together everything I need for their birthday parties.

I still don't have all of the Christmas presents wrapped, but I'm close.  I still have 2 days to get it all done.  I'm freaking out about the birthday parties, but I think they both will understand if they aren't perfect parties.  They will love whatever I put together for them.

Thanksgiving

We are finishing out the Thanksgiving weekend here at the Breiding house.  It is Sunday afternoon.  Everyone in the house is napping, and I am sitting on the couch, by the fire, trying to stay warm and get birthday stuff ready (Yes, I know it is over a month away, but it will be here before you know it).

We had two Thanksgivings this year.  Last Sunday, our friends from Houston came to visit.  They have a little boy who is the same age as Maxwell, so the kids were super excited about it. In fact, when they left, they both wanted to know if he could come live with us and be their brother. For that dinner, I went all out.  I got up at 5 a.m., stuffed the turkey and got it in the oven.   I made everything from scratch, including the cream of mushroom soup in the green bean casserole, and the dough for the crescent rolls.  And, I made pumpkin ice cream tartlets for dessert.  It was big and delicious.  So, we started eating turkey every day last Sunday.

Then, Thanksgiving got here.  Well, you can't skip the day without having a celebratory meal, so, my husband smoked a turkey.  I made an asparagus casserole, and we ate the Stuffing-flavored potato chips our friends left behind.

So, it's been a week, and I've made turkey empanadas, turkey salad, turkey casserole, turkey nachos, turkey melts, turkey sandwiches ... you name it, I've made it with turkey.  And, I still have at least a quarter of a turkey left.

But, I'm not complaining.  It is just pushing my creativity up another notch.

I am thankful that my husband has a job that allows me to stay home and come up with creative new ways to use turkey after thanksgiving.  I am thankful that my kids eat more than just the bread on thanksgiving day and every day.  I am thankful that when I made turkey casserole, both of my children told me how delicious it was.  I am thankful that my house is part-way decorated for Christmas.  I am thankful that my Christmas shopping is almost done.  I am thankful that my wonderful husband makes me warm fires and hot tea to keep me warm on these cold Texas days. I am thankful that, even though I wake up every day feeling terrible and I don't want to get out of bed, I do get out of bed and have two wonderful children to push me through each day.  I am thankful for so many things, but mostly I'm thankful for have Jeremy, Jade, and Maxwell.  They are my reasons for everything.

Happy Thanksgiving!

When it feels like nothing is going your way

I'm sitting here on a Thursday afternoon, wondering why I feel like this.  I am down ... really down.  The only thing I can think of is that it has been a bad week.

First, this is always an off week, with daylight savings time ending on Sunday.  Everyone's schedules are all off.  Both kids and the husband are both up way too early every day and that throws off my schedule.  I can't comfortably get my daughter ready for school and prepare myself for the boys, when they are both up before I leave to take her.  My whole day is thrown askew.

Next, my daughter is testing me, or feeling needy or something because on Tuesday, she decided she wasn't going to do what she was told.  So, when I took away her kindle because she refused to put her clothes away, she screamed at me.  I'm not talking a little yell, or her typical humph.  She outright screamed and cried because I wouldn't give her the kindle.  When she would calm down, I took her favorite toy away, and that just made her scream even more (which I expected, but I'd hoped she would see that I meant business and wanted her to stop screaming).

Wednesday wasn't an easy day, but at least there wasn't any screaming.  My husband's volleyball game was canceled, though, so my quiet relaxation time was disturbed.

Now, here we are on Thursday, and this time it was my son's turn.  After a long day at school and waiting for his nap until after we picked up his sister from school, we came home to read stories and finally nap.  I read his first story just fine and he sat in his "I'm really tired" position.  When I went to read the second story, he kept interrupting me.  When, the third time, he said "I don't want that story, I want this story" and I told him to stop and listen or he wouldn't get any story.  He again interrupted that he wanted a different story, so I stopped reading and put him in bed.  At this point, he sat up and screamed, a blood-curdling scream.  I told him to lay down and go to sleep, and he continued to scream, for 30 minutes, until he finally fell asleep.  He wouldn't listen to anything I said, he just wanted to scream.

So, I'm sitting here.  The screaming has stopped and he's napping peacefully with his little butt in the air.  Jade is playing school with her mini figures quietly on her bed.  I have applied for my 5th job this week (about my 100th this year).  I've gone through the mail and all the school papers.  and, I have about 20 minutes before I have to get up to make dinner.

I want to cry, but seeing what time it is, I know that my daughter will be in here very soon begging to play with her kindle, which will probably lead to her screaming at me when I tell her no again.  I want to bury my head under the covers and just go to sleep, but I have to get up to make dinner sooner than I could fall asleep.  I just want to hide somewhere where no one can scream at me, or tell me that I did something else wrong, or tell me I'm just not good enough.  I want to run away to a place where everyone loves every meal I cook, and I don't have to fight to get one kid to eat their meat and the other kid to eat their vegetables.  Just like every other stay at home mom out there, I want to feel loved and appreciated.

Here's to hoping that tomorrow is a better day, or at least next week is a better week.

What do I want to do?

I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old.  My 2 year old is potty trained. He even just switched to wearing underwear at night.  So, I haven't had to change a diaper for my own children in a long time.  I am done!!!

But, the last couple of weeks, I have been substitute teaching at my son's preschool, and the teacher in the baby class has been out sit for a while and I've been in that class 3 days now.  The first time I subbed in there, I changed 16 diapers in 3 hours (6 of which were stinky).  The second day I subbed wasn't as bad, only 1 stinky diaper, but still, a lot of wet diaper changes. The third day, also, not as bad.

The teacher that is out sick is not sure what is wrong yet, but should find out soon.  My big decision comes in if the teacher needs to be out long term, do I want to be a stable teacher in that class and take over for her?  Do I want to change diapers every day for a long time?

If I did take over for her on a long-term basis, things would have to change from the current situation.  I would need to be the lead teacher in the room and run the class, not the current assistant who has been running, since I'm just a temporary substitute.   But, if I do that, will I be happy.  I have been exhausted from just 3 days of substituting.

Well, I don't currently have a decision to make, but if they do need me, can I (or should I) do it?

Let the holidays begin!

October is here.  With that comes a busy time, that doesn't stop until March!  Am I ready for it?  Sort of.

Halloween is a fun time for our family. We dress up as a family, with themed costumes.  We started when our daughter was 1. That year she was a hippo and we were zoo keepers.  The next year, she was Tinkerbell, my husband was Peter Pan (complete with tights) and I was Wendy (to cover my pregnant belly).    The following year, we were the super family (kids were superman and super girl, and my husband and I were Jor-el and Lara.  And last year the kids were batgirl and Robin, and my husband and I were the Joker and Harley Quinn.  So far, we've let my daughter pick them all.  And, this year, she picked an interesting one.  My son will be Percy Jackson. My daughter will be Calypso.  My husband will be Poseidon, and I will be Athena.

I love pumpkin patches, but I'm worried we're not going to get a chance to go to one this year.  We are going camping this month, so that takes up time we would normally be pumpkin patching.  I'm hoping I can squeeze it in somehow.

After Halloween comes Thanksgiving.  Now that we live in Texas, this is all mine again.  I don't have to run from one house to another, stressing about getting everything done and being where we need to be.  I get to cook and make a wonderful meal for my family and we get to hang out together.  I'm hoping we have company join us this year.  We're still working out the details.

After Thanksgiving comes Christmas!   I love giving gifts.  I just wish I were there to see the faces of my nieces and nephew when they open their gifts. I have so much fun watching my kids on Christmas morning.  I get to spend weeks leading up to it baking for all kinds of things!  I love baking!

Then, New Years, which we have some fun traditions.

Then, Maxwell's birthday (3 this year)! He wants a sports party.  I'm so excited!

Then, Bailey's birthday (also 3 this year)!  So, 21 in dog years, which is big!

Then, Jade's birthday (the big 6!)!  She wants an explore/spy party.  This should be fun!

Then, my birthday (the big 4-0), followed by Valentine's day and our anniversary.

So, I say, let the fun begin!  Now, if all these school fundraisers didn't have to happen in the middle of it all ;-)

Love family, missing family

After the last update, I wanted to let you all know that my daughter did not get a part in the Lion King at her school.  She was heartbroken, but has quickly moved on.  Now, we're a little less busy, and I'm good with that.

So, we've been having a wonderful time, enjoying life in San Antonio, just the four of us.  We are exploring and loving life here as the perfect family.  But, I have to say that there is one thing that is missing, time with our elders.

I grew up with a huge extended family that we saw all the time.  We spent every Friday, before I started school, at my grandmother and grandfather's house.  And, after I did start school, we had dinner with Grandma and Grandpa a couple of times a week, at least.  We visited my Grandpa Max at least once a month.  We saw my aunt and my cousins quite regularly.

But, my kids have no family around.  We do our best to Skype or FaceTime with her grandparents whenever we can, but it just isn't the same.  And, we go to Michigan once a year and Florida once a year, and so they're able to see most of the family, but we don't get to see them all.  We haven't seen my husband's father since we moved here, almost 2 years ago.  And, we haven't seen my niece, Isabella, in almost as long.

So, I'm sitting here on a Sunday evening, after a wonderful weekend with my family.  I had a perfect day yesterday, taking my daughter to see the Little Mermaid at the Majestic followed by a wonderful dinner out for sushi with the whole family. We had so much fun and the great conversation you get with a 5 year old and a 2 year old.  You can't ask for a better time.  And, today, we watched Papa play soccer and made my daughter's star student poster!  She was so excited and we had fun putting it all together.  But, I still miss my mom and dad.  I miss my sister and her beautiful children.  I miss my brother and his beautiful daughter.    I miss my husband's grandparents, his mom and dad, and his sisters and our nieces and nephew.  I hope we can plan a trip to see them again soon.  And, I hope they can plan a trip to come see us in our great city soon, too.

What is too much?

We're back into the swing of things for the new school year now.  My 5-year-old started out kindergarten with no complaints.  She didn't collapse after her first day because she was so tired. She kept right on going.  She actually didn't show any signs of tiring for the whole first two weeks.  We just finished week three of school and she started complaining about her legs hurting on the walk to school. She's no longer running around the track at school, but walking instead so she doesn't get too tired.  The year is starting to take a toll on her.  But, I don't think it's school that is the problem.  It might be all the extra stuff.

Every Tuesday, after a full day of school, she comes home to a quick rest (soon to be homework time) and then she heads off to an hour of gymnastics.  After that, its home for dinner and then off to bed, with no time to play.

Every Wednesday, after another full day of school, she comes home to change and then heads straight off to an hour of Broadway.  Then, it's home for dinner and off to bed, again not much time to play, and will soon be filled with finishing her homework for the week.

This past week, she tried out for the school play.  If she gets a part, that will mean an hour and a half every Monday after school.

Her school also has a lot of other fun stuff too.  Last Thursday, after school, we came home for a quick rest, then headed back for her play auditions, then back home for a little more rest, then she turned right back around and went back to school for a Daddy/Daughter meeting.  She didn't get home until an hour after her normal bedtime.

So, knowing that she's only 5 and needs some time to do her homework and just be a kid, do I make her quit gymnastics or Broadway to make room for the school play, which she is super excited about?  She's also super excited about Broadway and gymnastics too, although gymnastics is her least favorite of the three.  Have I let her overload herself and set her up to fail by not saying no?  What is too much and can she succeed with such a busy schedule?

Back to School

We survived our first week of kindergarten and our first day of preschool.  Back to school is officially in full swing.

Jade is now on her second week of kindergarten and she is starting to get frustrated.  They spent the first week learning the rules of the class and learning their way around the school.  They got to know their teacher and their specials teachers.  Now, in week two, and they are still learning the rules and getting acquainted with the school.  She wants to read.  She wants to write.  She wants to do math.  I keep telling her that it is coming and she'll have plenty of time to do lots of things, but I can see the frustration on her face.  I ask her about her day and she says "we went to the library."  I asked her if they got to check out any books and she said "no, they just told us a story about a kid who ruined a book by spilling red kool-aid on the book, and told us that we shouldn't eat or drink while reading a library book."  The look in her eyes was a bit of disappointment and a lot of frustration.  She was really hoping to get a BabyMouse book to read at school.

Maxwell started preschool today.  He walked right in and sat down and started doing his puzzle with a big smile on his face.  He had a wonderful day.  He said, "I played with that boy."  He couldn't remember his new friend's name but he liked meeting new friends.  He was so proud of his "superstar" sticker he got.  I am so proud of what a big boy he is and how he can so easily go into a room of strangers and make friends.

So, we're in full swing.  As they get older, I'm running them around like mad.  Someone in this family has something almost every night of the week.  My only problem ... tonight we had to go straight from gymnastics to the PTA meeting.  I didn't get to eat dinner, and I'm okay with that.  What I'm not okay with is that I didn't get to eat dinner with my kids and put them to bed.  I want to our family to always sit down together.  I want to read stories to my children every night.  Tonight, I didn't get to do that.  So, I kiss them softly so I don't wake them and watch them sleep on the baby monitor, and I will give them an extra big hug tomorrow.

End of Summer

This is it. It's here.  The end of summer.  In just three more days, my oldest will start kindergarten.  Am I ready?  Not at all.  Is she ready?  Absolutely.

So, kindergarten in San Antonio starts at 7:40 a.m.  That's ridiculously early.  My kids sleep until 7:30 every morning.  So, in order to prepare my sleeping child for an early morning school, I've been slowly getting her up earlier and earlier.  This past week, we've woke up every morning at the time we would when we have to go to school.  We've gotten completely ready to go (including dressed and breakfast eaten) and then we've walked to the school.

She has been excited for this and loves the time of just me and her up in the morning and walking to school.  And the last couple of mornings, she's said.  "momma, I'm going to miss you when I am at school, and you are going to miss me.  But, I'm going to have a lot of fun."  I am so proud of my big girl.  How is she so wise at such a young age?!

So, Monday morning, she starts kindergarten.

And, a week later, my little man starts back at preschool.  I would like to be able to say I don't know what I'm going to do with myself the two days a week that both kids will be at school, but I know better.  I'll be running errands, doing cleaning, getting stuff done.  I'll be so busy, I'll wonder where the time went each day.

So, we had a great summer.  We visited family, we traveled and explored Denver.  We went to the Children's Museum.  We went to Kiddie Park.  We went to Schlitterbahn.  We did a lot of swimming. We cuddled a lot.  And now it's over.  Good luck this year, sweetheart!  Mommy loves you and knows you are going to have so much fun!

Sometimes you just want to give up, and that's okay

This has been one of those weeks ... one of those weeks where you feel like giving up.  When you feel like nothing you do is right.  When it seems like no one is listening to you and you don't know why you even try anymore.  Well, I've had one of those weeks, but I'm doing my best to get out of it.

Monday started like any other week.  We all got up and got ready for a typical day (going to the gym, getting the grocery shopping done, running some errands).  The kids started right off with not listening at the table, not getting ready when they are supposed to, and constant complaining and fighting.  I happily dropped them off at the child watch to do my weight lifting class to my daughter whining "do I have to go to kids in motion?"  I did my workout well (as well as I could with my hurt knee and it still hurting to breath) and felt good about it.  So, we headed to Trader Joe's to do our grocery shopping.  I got them each a sample in the produce section and when they finished that, I gave them each a snack to eat.  But, that wasn't good enough. Jade couldn't drink the sample drink because it has apples in it, and so she had to whine about that.  When they finished their snack, I let Maxwell get out of the cart and help Jade push the kid's cart.  Of course, he wanted to go to fast.  She didn't want him to help at all.  They had to scream and yell at each other for the second half of our trip to control the darned cart!!!  Nap time couldn't come soon enough!  But, we made it through the day, everyone alive.

Tuesday, we went to the gym again in the morning, this time a little earlier because I'm still trying to find a zumba instructor that I like.  No luck this time either (so both Tuesday and Thursdays are out). I brought the kids home to hang out and play (hubby works from home on Tuesday) while I ran over to Maxwell's preschool to drop off my substitute teacher application and start the background check process.  Fight, fight, fight over lunch.  No one wants to eat what I make them.  Then, as a surprise to Jade, after Maxwell is put down to nap, I take her shopping with me.  I HATE SHOPPING AT TARGET!  I know I should have my SAHM card taken away for saying that, but it is a total nightmare there every time I go.  They never have what I need in the right sizes or at all, and I end up coming home with a bunch of crap I didn't need.  Then, to gymnastics, home for a dinner that the kids seemed to like, and off to bed.

Wednesday was kind of a special day.  I had been promising Jade I'd take her to Kiddie Park since April and so we finally went.  It was hot and Maxwell got scared on the ferris wheel.  I almost got sick on the carousel and Maxwell was devastated because he wanted to ride the pink airplane, but he was too slow each time and the big kids beat him to it each time.  Fits, tantrums, and crying from each of them over wanting the blue car, or the pink plane, or Maxwell to ride with Jade, all morning long.  And, not a one "Thank you, Mom! That was fun!" They both napped, so I was obligated to take them to my husband's beach volleyball game that night.  So, while he drank beer and played volleyball with his coworkers, I had to sit and referee the kids fights over shovels and buckets and keep them safe from flying balls and yell continuously to stop picking up the garbage.  And, had to make a mad-dash to get Maxwell to the bathroom in time so he wouldn't do stinks in his pants.  Fun!!!

Thursday came and I was exhausted, but I got up and went and go blood work done, then to get my finger printing done for the substituting position.  Then, went to the gym and rode the bike for an hour.  This was followed by the madness that is swim lessons.  Jade cries every time we have lessons.  It is so upsetting I just want to break down and give up, but I know she needs to do this.  She's good too, which makes it so upsetting.  Nap time and Maxwell refuses to nap today, making for a difficult toddler up until bedtime.

Friday, playdate with the preschool friends.  That was nice and fun.  I'm starting to feel a little relief. The kids haven't been terrible, although Maxwell is refusing his nap again today.  And, it's the weekend, which means nothing, except that Papa will be home to offer something.

So, it will turn around.  I'm not going to quit and bury my head in the covers and never come out.  I will keep pushing forward.  The kids will have their bad days, but they will be good too.  I'm tired and I have a lot of work to do, but what Mom doesn't, right?  Just keep pushing forward and it will be better.  And, I finally finished the antibiotic, so I can have a glass of wine tonight!  And, will the kids remember that I almost snapped this week and wanted to give up?  No.  They'll maybe remember that fun day at Kiddie Park.  They'll maybe remember playing on the playground with their school friends.  Jade is going to remember that she didn't get to make an "ocean" out of water bottles, rocks and water like Johnny did and will pester me until we make one at home.

So, I just want to say to all the other Moms out there going through a rough week ... it's okay to want to give up sometimes.  But, hang in there, because it will get better.

Theatre camp fun

My 5-year-old daughter went to theatre camp this past week.  It was Mary Poppins themed and she was so excited.  It was what she was looking forward to all summer long and it was finally here.

So, I sent her off, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. every day for a week.  Monday, she brought home her script and her music book.  She was quite devastated because she didn't get the part of Jane, like she wanted.  She was crying so hard, but I talked her down and explained to her that you don't always get the part you want, and when that happens, you do your best with what you were give them.  That night, she went through the music book and picked out the solo she wanted to try out for and she started practicing it every free second she had.

Tuesday, she came home happy.  She was really excited about learning the penguin dance, and she was really excited about solo auditions that were happening Wednesday.

Wednesday came, audition day.  And, she came out so excited that she got the solo!  I was so proud of her.  But, she was even more excited because they finished learning the penguin dance.

Thursday was just another day for her.  She was happy it was over, because that meant the next day was show day.

Friday came, show day.  She had a full day of camp and then they had two shows that evening.  She was so excited.  We only got four total tickets, divided among the shows, so we decided that I would go by myself to the first show and the Papa and little man would come to the second show.  So, I sat nervously awaiting her performance in the front row.

For a 5-year-old who only had a week to learn a dance, a skit, and a 20-minute song and dance routine, she did great.  Sure, it was perfect.  Yes, she had to look around to remember some of the dance moves, and she didn't sing every word, but I was very proud of her.

My big surprise came when the music portion of the show started and when it came time for what I was told was my daughter's solo, she was standing in the back row behind 4 much bigger girls while they sang her solo in front of her.  Every other "solo" during that night the soloists all stood in a row together.  Never was there a soloist standing behind the rest of them.  She was told it was because she didn't tell the dance teacher that she was a soloist.  But, I'm pretty upset about that.  Why can't they get their act together and not rely on a 5-year-old to relay details between teachers for her first show like this.

But, she loved it and she has asked to audition for the Nutcracker in a couple of months.  I have a true performer on my hands.

Summer time, continued

A couple of weeks ago, the kids and I tagged along on my husband's work trip.  We knew in advance that he wasn't going to have much, if any time to have fun with us, but we got a free hotel in Denver, so why not?

The problem ... I was sick when it came time for the trip.  I had no voice the day before and along with coughing, it hurt to breath.  Add in 2 small kids in the mile-high city, and you've got a rough week for this Momma.

But, if you ask my kids, I don't think they will remember that I was sick, because I did everything possible to make it a memorable trip for them.

Day 1, we got there and didn't have time for much.  We did dinner and happy hour and just settled into the hotel.

Day 2, we took a walk down to the 16th street mall.  We shopped and got some little gifts for the kids, and we saw the sites.  I was excited to see the capital building and have fun with my kids.  My kids were excited because they got to ride the bus.

Day 3, I took my kids to walk around the entertainment district of Denver.  They saw the performing arts buildings and even got to go inside the concert hall and take some pictures.  My kids loved the dancing people statue that was outside.  "Mommy, they're naked" is all they will remember of the entire trip to Denver.

Day 4, We took the bus and then walked to go to the Denver Children's museum.  They had a lot of fun.  Even through the coughing and inability to breath, I strapped Maxwell on my back and hiked all the way to the other side of town for them to have this fun day, and then hiked all the way back after they were done playing.  They loved it and we even walked along the river on the way back to get some extra scenery in.

Day 5 was a pool day.  Our hotel had a "hot tub" warm indoor pool and the kids loved swimming in it.

If you ask Maxwell what his favorite part was, he'll say swimming.  If you ask Jade what her favorite part was, she'll say the Children's museum.  Both will say they had fun and want to go back, so all in all, I think it was a successful trip.  Neither one of them will even remember that Momma was miserable the whole time, so I see that as a success!

What will she remember when she's all grown up?

Summer is a fun time for kids.  There is no school and parents do whatever they can to keep their kids busy, which includes vacations and lots of fun activities.  Now, here we are a month into this summer.  Independence Day is upon us.  If someone were to ask my kids how their summer has gone so far, would they be satisfied?  Would they be pleased?  Or, would they just have a long list of things we haven't done yet?  And, most importantly, would my soon-to-be-kindergartener be happy with how her last summer as a little girl is going?

I hate to say it, but with the attitude my 5 year old has been sporting lately, I'd have to say that she would just have a long list of things yet to do this summer.  I know she has been having fun.  She's enjoyed our adventures so far, although she complains every day we have a "normal" day.  How did my sweet little girl become the one who always needs more?  What did I do to teach her that it is okay to always whine and complain about things? I thought I did a better job of showing gratitude for what I had and never showing any need for anything else.  I have never shown her that I want anything more than I have.  So where did she get this from?

And then there is my 2 year old.  He is happy just visiting the library or going to see his best friends Maddy-Sebastian-Zach.  He asks for the "normal" days of going to the YMCA and the grocery store.

So, there is 6 weeks of summer left.  I'm taking the kids on an adventure in a new state for a week.  I hope to take them to all the places that I promised before the start of the year.  My big girl has two more summer camps, one where she will put on the play, Mary Poppins.  I want to take her to the zoo, since she still hasn't been.  I want to take her to Kiddie Park, since she still hasn't been.  I want to take both of them to Morgan's Wonderland, since none of us have been yet.

I didn't want to cram too much into this summer.  I wanted to just cuddle with my big girl and little boy.  But, more and more keeps coming up.  And, now, with it almost half done, I feel like there is too much left to do and not enough time to do it in.  So, will I let her down?  Will she remember her last summer before school as the one where her Mother didn't give her everything she promised?  Or, when she looks back, will she remember how hard I tried to give her as many memories as I good?

Happy Father's day part 2

I know you guys are probably wondering why I left my Husband off the last post.  Well, it was done on purpose because I wanted to give him his own post to celebrate the father of my children on father's day.

My husband, known as Papa to our two beautiful children, is outgoing and fun.  He teaches our kids things that I could never do, and that is why we make such a good team.

I am a very lucky woman.  My husband is a helpful father.  He participates in taking care of the kids.  Since my daughter was first born, he has done almost every bath.  And, he isn't just a babysitter when I need to do things.  He is a fully capable parent. I know that if something were to happen to me, my children would continue to be well taken care of.

Father's day is a day we get to celebrate the brave men of our lives that guide and educate children in a way only they can do.  So, this father's day, I wish my wonderful husband a happy father's day and thank him for all he does for our family.