Following up

A few posts back I wrote that it was time to start taking care of myself. Well, I finally had that check up at the dentist. Monkey girl came along for the ride. She was an absolute dream. It didn't hurt that the hygienist was great with her either. Unfortunately, I have 2 cavities. I already made another appointment to fill them. Of course, I was tempted to cancel my visit. But.I.didn't. I considered postponing due to the fact it's been a hectic week with singing at church on Ash Wednesday, the Mayor's 2 practices and dress rehearsal for the talent show. Every afternoon was booked.

Monkey girl went to kindergarten this week. I know you're thinking, but she's only 2 years old. As you may remember, I help with the Pre-K classes and, fortunately, Monkey girl can come along for the ride. The group has the opportunity to see an actual Kindergarten class in action. Typically, the classroom teacher has circle time during the Pre-K'ers visit. They discuss the calendar, count the number of days of school and discuss the weather. Naturally, she had a great time. She sat on my lap and thoroughly enjoyed herself. If I do this again next year, she is really going to know their songs and the class routine. Wait. She already knows it now (better than some of the 4 year olds...).

And Now a Word from our Sponsor

Commercials...the excuse to get up from the tv and get yourself a snack or run to the bathroom or even do a quick chore.

I don't think I really sit and watch any shows from start to finish anymore. There's just too much to do. Seriously, it seems I always have dishes to wash (whether it be hand washing or emptying/filling the dishwasher), toys to pick up and put away, laundry...well, there's always laundry in some form to do. I'm sure I'm leaving something off the list, but I know you get the point. Oddly, I'm fine with the fact that I don't just get to sit and let myself get carried away in a fantasy world or someone's chance at stardom via reality tv. No, I let myself get carried away on the internet or more specifically other people's blogs.

I recently discovered the convenience of the laptop. Ours is not a new one, quite the contrary. It's at least 2 years old and wasn't top of the line when it was purchased. As many of you know, I am not a technophile. When I first tried the laptop, I found it awkward and difficult to use. But, now I've become more comfortable using it. I've even developed an appreciation for the fact that I can sit in the same room that the children are in and surf the net and even read people's blogs. Btw, I'm doing that right now. Monkey girl is playing with her babies and here I sit...however, dishes and laundry are both calling my name. Oh well, I better get to work.

Is it Summer yet?

The Mayor and Computer Boy have had this week off from school. This time last year we were in Disney World and enjoying every minute of it. Unfortunately, we hadn't planned to go this February. That aside, the younger ones have been battling a stomach virus. The same one the Mayor had last week, although hers was shorter lived. Monkey Girl has passed the corner and is on the other side of this thing. However, Computer Boy...well, let's just say you don't want to know.

Thinking about Disney World, it's time to plan some sort of summer vacation. I'm torn between driving down to Florida again or doing something closer to home. I love the idea of seeing friends but really (I almost can't believe I'm saying this) don't have the inclination to *do Disney* again. In the interest of full disclosure, we bought Annual Passes back in 2007 and wanted to use them to their fullest, so we visited the parks three times. So, one could say *I'm done* with Disney. But, the kids love it, my husband enjoys it too...the question remains, do I put my own desires aside and go anyway? Then, of course, there's the money...park tickets are expensive. Not to mention the fact that meals are expensive there too. I know Disney has a dining plan, but that just doesn't work for us--the kids and I really don't eat enough to *make it work* for us.

Like many parents, Mr. Hard-Worker and I look forward to family time. However, whatever we decide to do it will be a time of togetherness and re-connecting.

Now, I have one question for Mother Nature. Are you done yet? Because, while our vacation plans aren't set, I'm ready for the warmer weather to start.

A Sunday Afternoon

Today was enjoyable. First, I only sang at 1 Mass. Wait.a.minute. Did she say one mass? Yes, I did. Normally, I sing at least 2 in one day and have an average of three Masses over a weekend. But, today, I did not. It was my choosing. Actually, as an aside, I was offered the opportunity to sub at another church this morning, but I turned the job down.

I had a very good reason turning down work today. It was a.very.good.reason. My oldest daughter, the Mayor, was going to see a production of High School Musical 2 at a community theatre with her Brownie troop and I was one of the chaperones. As a chaperone, I was responsible to pick up and drive 3 other girls. On the whole, the troop consists of a very nice group of young ladies. They are polite, kind and just plain nice to each other. I had three of the best in my van this afternoon. It was fun listening to them talking and giggling together. At one point, I announced it was *secret time*. And, so I asked, which girl (they knew) had a boyfriend. You know what? They told me. Yup! The girls told me who had a boyfriend and apparently the two kids kissed too (on the line at recess). Btw, it wasn't anyone in my group. I don't know her mother all that well, so now I wonder if I should say something to her anyway. Truthfully, I think I won't say anything simply due to the fact that she (the mom) will not be receptive to hearing this news. What I may do, though, is mention it to one of the troop leaders. I know she'll find the right thing to say to the girl's mother.

The girls had a *fabulous* time at the show. Afterwards, the stars were available for autographs. They had such a special time together, I hope their leaders plan another activity for a weekend afternoon.

Another Man Down

Actually, the title should read two men down.

Last night I was awakened by the sounds of some serious coughing. My *Mommy Radar* went off and I knew something was not right. At 2 AM, Monkey girl had been physically ill in her crib. So, I had to clean her up as well as change her bedding. Unfortunately, she dirtied some of her favorite "friends". Right now, they're in the wash. If the stuffed toys don't survive the wash, well, they were going to be disposed of anyway... But, I digress. She didn't want to go back to bed right away. So, we cuddled for awhile. About an hour and a half later, I heard Computer Boy. It's amazing how fast you move when you know a little one is going to be sick and you're really not up to changing more sheets. Somehow, even though I was carrying the baby, I managed to make it to him in time. And, (bonus!) he made it to the bathroom in time. Both of them were up with me for another hour or so. Finally around 5 AM, we all went back to our own beds.

For now, everyone seems fine. However, while both children have had drinks, neither child has eaten anything yet today. I suppose that they will eat when they get hungry. I'm not the kind of person who forces food on a child--I believe in eating to live not living to eat.

***Update***Monkey girl's friends seemed to have survived the washing machine. Both kids ate a little bit of dinner, not much, but it's a start.

I hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

The Letter Game

I have been allocated the letter "S" from Natalie. If you want to play, you have to list ten things that matter to you, starting with a letter that will be allocated to you. Leave me a comment if you want to play.

Sleep. It seems I never get enough of it. I can't blame this one on the kids. They are in bed at a very reasonable hour. It's me. Often, I finish up housework after they go to bed and it's not unusual that once I complete the many tasks, I want and need to relax before going to bed.

Surgery. I've had four surgeries. One was for a lazy eye I had as a child. The other three were the results of my children's births. I am unable to deliver naturally (in fact, I had such a severe reaction to the pitocin when I was induced for the Mayor's birth that I almost had a heart attack on the table). It was at that point, the doctor ordered an epidural and the c-section was performed. During the surgery he saw my apparently very flat birth canal making it extremely difficult to ever deliver naturally.

Serious. I tend to be a serious person. It's not necessarily a bad thing but it's not good either. I wish I could see the fun and humor more in life. I'm trying and I have made some progress, but I think I still have a long way to go. Monkey girl helps bring out my *silly*.

Sing. I love it. Singing for me is more than a job. It's life. Whether I'm happy, sad, confused, whatever the mood may be, music transports me to another place.

School. Sometimes I think I missed my calling. I love reading. I adore books, mostly children's literature. I think I should have become a children's librarian, preferably working in an elementary school.

Summer. I love Summer. The sunshine, warmth, and the lazy days of the season are just some of the reasons why I love it. It also reminds me of my childhood when you could run over to a friend's house and asked them to come out and play. Now, playdates are arranged, sometimes weeks in advance.

Sweets. Unfortunately, they are my downfall. I love candy (mostly chocolate), cake, cookies-all of the stuff that is bad for you.

Stars. Not the celebrity kind, the ones you find in the sky. I enjoy looking up at the night sky and admiring the beauty of the stars shining brightly. One of my favorite dates was going to a planetarium. It was very cool. It was Mr. Hard-Worker's idea and I loved every minute of being there. When the kids are older I plan on bringing them. I know the Mayor will love it too.

Siblings. I have three sisters. Two of which, (CPA and Army wife) I am fairly close to. Red (the oldest sister) and I don't always see eye to eye. She tends to say whatever comes into her head, even though, it may be none of her business or her place to.

Sunsets. Sunsets on the beach are so beautiful and relaxing. One of my favorite things is to spend an evening with my husband and children on the beach watching the setting sun after a whole day together.

**Update** The Mayor is feeling better. She went back to school today. Thanks for all of your support.

A Sick Mayor

I think I started out strong when it comes to blogging. The first two weeks I posted nearly everyday. Now, I guess real life has taken over and since blogging is the newest thing, it's the first to get cut at the end of a long day. Here's what's happening today.

It started early Tuesday morning, when the Mayor woke up in the middle of the night with the runs. After a day of relaxing at home, and having no symptoms, I thought she'd be going to school today. This is not the case. The poor girl is still not well. Today her virus has turned into a full stomach virus - omitting the gory details, I am certain you can fill in the blanks. Aside from the fact that no one wants to have a sick kid, I hope she feels better soon. She has plans this weekend. Her Brownie troop is going to see a version of "High School Musical" at a local community theatre. At least I can say she's been healthy most of the year, this is her first absence from school. I know where my priorities lies, I sincerely hope she doesn't share her virus with her younger brother and sister.



As an aside Natalie has assigned me the letter "S" in The Letter Game. I promise to finish it soon.

Focusing on me

Normally I don't make resolutions for the New Year. However, this year I did. I decided to take better care of myself. I would take my vitamins, get more rest and see the doctor more often. As a mother, I find that I'm not alone when it comes to taking care of the children first and forgetting about my needs. To be honest, it doesn't help that I avoid going to all of my doctors and the dentist. I no sooner had made the resolution that I broke it. But, since my recent battle with this rotten cold and terrible cough lasted more than a week, I finally made the appointment to see the doctor yesterday. I'm happy to say that I don't have bronchitis (which is what I first thought), but I do have a sinus infection. Lou said to me "Without your health - you have nothing." He's right. No, ifs ands or buts.

Now, that I'm trying to focus on my health, this morning I became pro-active and made a dentist appointment for a cleaning and check up. Since I don't have babysitting available, Monkey Girl will come along for the ride. I'll bring a snack, toys and activities for her to do and hopefully those will keep her occupied long enough. Btw, I never would have brought Computer Boy along to an appointment, he never would have been content to sit and play.

Thanks to Grandy for the easy method for using linky love.

Breakfast

Sorry I haven't written. Last week, I didn't really have the energy to write, but I did visit your blogs.

As you may remember I am an active member of the PTA at school. One of the requirements of being on the executive board is to attend meetings. Well, at one of those meetings, the chair of the Pre-K committee asked if anyone would be interested in being a substitute. Needless to say, I volunteered. Our PTA Pre-K program is offered once a week for about an hour and a half. It's purely for socialization and not academically based. Apparently, my subbing has become a permanent situation. It's not a problem, I enjoy working with the children and Monkey Girl can come too.

Last week, the students had the opportunity to purchase breakfast. For the price of $1.00, each child had a choice of cereal, muffin, juice and milk. After all the children had been served, Monkey Girl broke out into tears. She had waited so patiently for her turn and Mommy (me) didn't give her a dollar to buy her own meal. I quickly remedied that, gave her the money and she got to pick her own cereal, muffin, juice and milk. Once she paid for her meal, she sat down at a table and ate and ate and ate. I dare say she ate more than her older counter-parts. She had such a blast and was so happy. She thoroughly enjoyed her morning at Pre-K. I can't wait to see what she does when we visit an actual kindergarten class.