May 23, 2010

So as you have probably gathered by the lack of posts on this site, I've changed to WordPress. Please change your address that you visit me at to: www.caskal.wordpress.com

Or, follow this link

May 4, 2010

So I'm testing out a new site. I'm almost out of free space here on Blogger.com so I've been checking out WordPress.com. They give more free space and their set up looks easy enough for me to understand. Therefore, tonight I'm posting there and giving you the link to visit me over there.

At this point I'm not positive if I'll be staying with Blogger and just purchasing more space or if I'll move to WordPress for good at this point. Stay tuned as I shop around and decide. More then likely it'll be WordPress, but I want to make a informed decision.

Click here to go to other CasKal site.

And if needed....the site is www.caskal.wordpress.com

Enjoy!

I blinked...where'd the weekend go?

How is it possible that the weekend is over already?

Saturday I spent the majority of my day recovering from the hangover left to me by nine 9-year olds spending the night at my home. And may I mention that they were all girls. This is only important because at 9 hormones are starting. As is the cattiness that only girls are good at. This includes making other girls cry and feel like crap. I saw this first hand and stopped it every time, letting the girls know that we would not be doing this or I'd be calling parents.

Yes, I did invite all these girls. And yes I got myself into it. However, the girls all loved it, I'm now the coolest mom at school, AND I didn't think that so many would be able to make it. Besides...I lived and almost enjoyed it. Almost.

I spent 2 hours of Saturday sacked out on my Aunt's couch. I was pretty much oblivious to the world around me and felt drugged when I tried to wake up before the 2 hours were up. After that time I was able to operate for the remainder of the day.

I sat the rummage sale at my aunts' house and when that was done went home and watched a movie and relaxed with Andy.

Sunday morning (this morning) Andy and I woke at 7, got ready to head to our friend, Sue's house, and went out to Happily Ever After. And for anyone that hasn't paid attention to when I've spoken of Happily Ever After (HEA) before, it is a absolute no-kill shelter which holds some of the sweetest animals I've ever met. These animals may have some issues, but are still looking for their fur-ever home. Today I walked 8 dogs: Georget, Charlie, Marilyn, Levi, Emily, Maxine, Dessi, and a new puppy that was so cute that I wanted to take him home. Andy said no. BULLY! (click on the dogs names that are blue and you will be taken to an adoption page where you can see them. Not sure why some of the dogs aren't up on the page, but they aren't. Humph!)

I love going out to HEA. I feel like I'm actually making a difference...even it is small. It makes me wish I could do more, but my time and love seem to be enough for the dogs. I'm hoping that this summer Andy and I can spend a couple more days a month there helping out. We've talked about taking the girls and taking turns watching the girls and helping out with whatever needs to be done. If there is a dog/cat that needs some brushing/petting and it is good with kids, then we'd let the kids help out there. It would teach the kids that volunteering and helping out less fortunate (whether animals or humans) is important. I'm hoping that this...along with some of the other things I'd like to do with the girls will help them be less selfish and more giving.

The rest of Sunday was spent running errands and then coming home and getting the kids ready for bed.

This weekend flew and I feel like it really never happened. Fortunately, this week looks less hectic than this last one. At least so far. I babysit Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday...as normal. I have Kalli's field trip on Wednesday, and Morning with Mom on Thursday with the girls (a morning that moms or whoever can make it goes to school in the morning with their kids to eat a little breakfast and then go to the classroom to visit and maybe do a little activity before school starts. Then, the only other thing going on this week is that Kalli has her first soccer practices this week. One on Monday and one on Wednesday. She is so unbelievably excited. And today we made sure that her soccer shoes fit, got her a ball, some soccer socks, some pocket-less shorts, and made sure that all the other supplies were close by. The season is starting! I figure I will take pictures tomorrow of her practicing with the other kids for you to see.

Cassie starts baseball with the Miracle League in June and this year I have stepped down from being team mom so that I can enjoy the game more and sit on the bleachers with the rest of the family to cheer Cassie on.

I'm very excited about the photo opportunities that this year presents. I'm hoping to get some real nice pictures to share and use on calendars for next year. Yes, I'm already looking at calendars for next year. I already have pictures printed out for the months of January, February, March, and April. I have found where I'm going to order the actual Calendars from and will order them when we have some extra money. I'm actually ahead of where I normally am at this point of the year. Go me!

Alright...it is 2:15 and Andy said that I had to be in bed and asleep before his alarm goes off at 3. Bully!

I'm the King...er...Queen of the world!!

I'm still here. I'm alive. I know, I'm amazed as well. I feel invincible at this point. It is pretty awesome. I can do anything now that I've accomplished this.

Last night I had a total of 14 girls in my living room...including my 2 girlies...for a makeover party. That portion went very well. The girls learned about the importance of cleaning their skin and moisturizing. They then put on some liquid eye shadow and some shimmery lip gloss. The girls all had a blast.

After the makeover, some of the girls went home and I ended up with a total of 8 girls, including Cassie, here to spend the night. To make a very long story short, the night went better then I thought it would have. There was quite a bit of drama (ugh - girls)(she said that you said...., tears, and arguments over everything) But in the end everyone had a good time and everyone lived. Hey, I get points for having everyone live through the night. It means that I didn't have to use physical force and that I used those patience things everyone talks about.

I believe that all the girls had a good time. I know that Cassie had a super time...other then being very tired today. I don't think she really slept at all last night. Just dozed a little bit.

I, also spent my day tired. In fact, I actually took a 2 hour nap today and I'm still tired. I feel like I'm nursing a hangover that was caused by being around too many hormonal girls and isn't going away very easily at all.

So, the question is, what is the hangover cure for this?

I'm ALIVE!!

Remember when I completely lost my mind and invited all of the girls from Cassie's class to come to my place (a duplex) and spend the night here? All 11, not including Cassie. Yeah? Well tonight is that night

And I'm here to report that it is 330 in the morning, the kids are all asleep, and I'm still alive. I've succeeded...overcome...and won! Take that...uh...witches? At this point I feel like I could leap over buildings in a single jump, run a marathon, or save babies from burning buildings. Unfortunately it is 330 in the morning and I should get to sleep before the first of them start waking up. And here I was looking forward to that marathon. Darn!

I'll fill you in on details tomorrow.

Looking for: part time worker to fill rest of full time position

Ladies and Gentlemen....we have schedules. For the girls' summer sports, that is.

This year Kalli is playing soccer (May-June) and Cassie is playing baseball (June-August). AND, in the month of June we only have one overlap. Yeah us! I really wouldn't even call it an overlap as Cassie's game starts at 4 and Kalli's doesn't start until 6. However, it is one of those days that we'll have to watch the time close.

If you haven't received a schedule from me and want one, please let me know. My brain is a part time worker only lately and I may have missed someone. I sent out email about 10 minutes ago.
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Tomorrow is my sleep study with a CPAP on and I'm really hoping that once this is all figured out, my brain will come back to work for me full time. I've grown a little attached and this time off is really a little upsetting.

On that note.... It is 1:30am and I'm off to bed.

Random Recap

This post is going to be so random as I'm trying to recap from the past weekend that I didn't blog at all during. Hey, everyone deserves a weekend off now and then. Besides, before that I was on a total roll in the posting daily department.

Friday I drove a total of 4 hours for a 15 minute appointment in which we didn't even see the doctor. Can you say ridiculous? We did wonder around the outside of the hospital though and I took the chance to take a few pics.

Quick Cas, itch while you can.

Cassie has such a hard time during these recasts.

She spent her time playing on my phone and laying back letting the nurses do their thing.

The girls outside the clinic. I'm sparing you all the flower/artsy ones I took. Your welcome.

Saturday I spent the day bonding with my mom by shopping. It is the best way to bond. Not much else to report from that day. Rummaged in the morning. Hung out with my mom. And that was about it.

Sunday I did some running with my almost sister-in-law, Kelli. I have a project or two that I'm working on that I had to pick up supplies for and I'm also finishing up getting ready for Cassie's birthday party. You know...that one that I'm crazy for having in the first place. Yeah, no one has called yet to say that they are not coming and only 2 girls have passed on the sleeping over part. Gulp! So what are you doing this coming Friday? Wanna come help me stay sane?After a few hours of running, the girls and I got ready to go, we picked up Becky, and we headed to The Melting Pot.

The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant that is so delicious that you end up leaving full and sedated. We had a girlie evening and while fun was had by all, I have to say that The Melting Pot is much more relaxing and enjoyable when you don't have 2 kids with you. Two children, that while they were well behaved and had a blast, needed help with everything and I was a little nervous about them being so close to a hot pan and hot liquids. Especially Kalli...the girl isn't known for being graceful. The girls enjoyed themselves though and we all left very full and happy.

The following pictures were all taken while at The Melting Pot.

Cassie and Kalli at The Melting Pot. Gotta love Cassie holding her sister some...

A GORGEOUS picture that I took of Cassie while at The Melting Pot.
I love this picture because it really caught her beauty.
However, she looks much older then she should....therefore I don't like this picture.

Hey, not only am a mom, but I'm female too. I can change my mind and be complicated like that.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to Milwaukee we go

Okay, I'm not going to say this out loud because then I will jinx it. Therefore, lean in close. No...closer. Come on, you aren't even moving. Lean in close.

**Whispering: The internet on my computer seems to be better.**

The cold shoulder must have worked. I don't know what happened or why things changed, but I'm not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Anyhow...

Tomorrow (4-23) I'm headed to Milwaukee with the girls to get Cassie's cast changed. Seems silly to go to Milwaukee to take the cast off and put a new one on. 2 hour ride there, maybe 1 hour there, and another 2 hours back. Crazy, I know. I'm going to try to get Cassie into another doctor down at Children's for the next time we are down there. At least then I'll be seeing two doctors for my 4 hours of drive. Still doesn't seem to equal out though.

On this trip, Kalli will be coming along as Andy can't keep taking time off to get her off to school. Kalli is looking forward to the trip....even though she will probably sleep a good portion of the ride. You see, my little Kalli girl gets car sick, therefore, we have to give her motion sickness pills when we travel any distance. It is getting to the point that anything more then across town is too far. And for some reason, the pills make her sleep. Not that I'm necessarily complaining...at least I'm not listening to "I'm bored" and "Are we almost there?"

Also on this trip, my mother-in-law has volunteered to ride along to keep me company. So I'll have someone other then the girlies to talk to. I still plan on taking some 5-hour energy because I'm still no better with the not feeling tired situation. I go on this coming Friday to sleep at the clinic again with a CPAP machine to hopefully get this situation fixed. I really am not enjoying the falling asleep during the day feeling.

Alright, it is now almost 1am. I have to be up, showered, dressed, have the kids ready, and be at my mother-in-law's home for 6:30am. This would be my cue to go to bed.

I'm bringing my camera tomorrow so hopefully I'll have some pictures to share in my post tomorrow night.

Proudly reporting just for you

Today was the Marathon of Knowledge. I volunteered all day reading questions to all the different grades and I have to tell you...some of those questions were not easy. 4th Grade question: What are the 3 branches of Government? I mean there are more, but honestly, I can't remember them all because of all the questions that I asked today. In between reading, I would go to Kalli's classroom and help out there. At the end of the day the teacher really appreciated my being there because the kids were being a little obnoxious. Oh who am I kidding, a few of the kids were being complete brats. Because of previous misbehavior the kids had 7 minutes to serve. They have to put their heads down and be quiet during this time instead of having play time. Well, I spent the entire rest of the day telling kids to put their head down and to sit down and to be quiet. Comes down to the kids only took about 1 minute of time off because of much fooling around went on.

There is one boy, J, who is really a lot of....work. I ended up pulling him out into the hall and he was fooling around out there too and slid himself down onto the floor while I was trying to talk to him. I said, "excuse me! I won't let my own kids misbehave and be this disrespectful and definitely won't let someone else's child."

In talking with the teacher later, we are pretty sure J has ADHD, however his dad won't let him be tested. In other words, his dad is keeping him from possibly getting treated. I'm no doctor, but if people were questioning whether your child could have ADHD, wouldn't you wanted him or her tested? Don't get me wrong...I don't think all kids have ADHD, some are just brats. However, look into it. If the doctor suggests meds then try them. See if they help. If not...at least you tried. Parents are so worried about this stigma and really...come on. Isn't it more important that your child is happy and stays out of trouble?

So all in all it was a very fun day. Somewhat.

And I'm actually getting somewhat tired so I'm going to attempt to get some sleep tonight.

Oh...and I'm sure some of you are wondering how Cassie and Kalli did on their Marathon of Knowledge question. Well...they both answered every question correctly. All 100 questions. And then all the bonus questions that they had. To say that I'm proud is an understatement. A huge understatement.

Until tomorrow. g'nite.

Pumping up for the Marathon

I know what you are all thinking, and yet are afraid to say out loud. And yes, I am on a posting streak. Other then NaBloPoMo, I think this may be the longest stretch I've done in a long while. See, staying up until 1:30 - 3:00 has its advantages.

However, there are times that I'd like to be able to go to bed earlier. Tonight is one of those nights. Tomorrow I have to be awake and ready to go once I bring the girls to school. Tomorrow is the Marathon of Knowledge of school and I volunteered to help out all day. They took me up on the whole day thing and I'll be reading to kids for the entire day. Now, while I'm not positive of what this exactly means (I'll find out at 9 tomorrow morning - which is actually this morning) I'm pretty sure this means that I'll spend the day reading questions to the kids and quizzing them. This means lots of reading and therefore, probably a sore throat. I plan on bringing water. And soda. And hard candies. And gum. And maybe some chapstick.

It'll be a fun day over all though, I'm sure. The girls are pumped and I went through questions like 2-3times tonight. We'll go through them one more time in the morning to try to keep the answers fresh in their heads.

Now I'm sure you are wondering what the questions are. I'd love to type them all up right now, but seriously? That would be 200 questions plus the bonus questions. That would be a lot of typing this early in the morning. Maybe I'll work on that tomorrow, but only if I run out of things to do. That is seriously a lot of typing.
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Today I received another call for Cassie's party. The girl is coming to the makeover part, but won't be sleeping overnight. Can't say that I'm overly sad. I don't know what I'm going to do with all these girls. What on Earth was I on when I concocted this idea? And what possessed me to write out those invites and allow Cassie to bring them to school to hand out? The worst part is that I have no one that will take the challenge of spending the night here with me. Something about me making my bed and now having to lay in it.

Now I'm not sure, but I'm thinking that I won't get much time that night to lay in my bed or sleep so I'm pretty much left with 'making my bed'. And I'm getting the feeling that people don't feel bad for me at all. Whenever I talk about it people just laugh.

Honestly though, I know that it is crazy and I should be committed for even thinking about inviting this many girls to my home, but I know that it is Cassie's favorite birthday yet (it hasn't even happened yet) and that she will probably never forget it. And for her, I'd do crazy things. Things that could get me committed because I love seeing that smile. Hearing that giggle. and watching those eyes twinkle.

It is amazing what one child can do to a person. I used to just think about me and now I find myself just wanting my girls to be happy. As long as they are healthy and happy nothing else in the world matters.

To prove that I'm even more insane though, because you need more proof, I'm checking into how much it would be to rent out a roller rink for Kalli's birthday and then inviting her whole class. I'd also let Cassie invite a few friends so she'd have a few kids her age.

So to recap, I'm nuts, but my kids rock because they have awesome parties and awesome parents. At this rate what on Earth will I do for their 16th Birthdays. Someone better tie me up that year.