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.

Camping - Day 3

When we woke on our third day it was the warmest of days yet. Mind you there was no way we were putting swimming suits on and going in the water, but we were able to head to the beach to play in the sand. Andy sat down by the girls while Becky and I kept watch on our picnic table. The girls played in the sand and Kalli ventured down to the water to collect some for herself and Cassie. She waded ankle deep in the water and at one point said to Andy, "The water is cold...can you pull my pants up some so I can go deeper?" How contradictory!

We ate our lunch alongside the beach that day and after dropping Andy and the girls back off at our campsite, Becky and I were able to escape for a few hours to go window shopping, pick up the items from Hands on Art Studio, and stop to get some delicious gelato. For those of you that have never had gelato...it is kinda like ice cream only much yummier.

Here are the things the girls made...picture isn't the greatest because I had to take it with my phone. Camera was dead...and is now charging for morning back-to-school pictures.

It was wonderful to have some time just Becky and I without constant interruptions. When we returned to the campsite I took each girl out on a photo walk. We walked around for about 15-20 mintues each and took pictures of anything that we thought was interesting. Kalli took pictures of EVERYTHING. Cassie was a little more choosy. And I probably took the most pictures. But then again...I wouldn't be me if I didn't take a lot of pictures.

Red mushroom. I kept looking for Smurfs

Kalli walking a little ahead of me.

Cassie noticed this and pointed it out. She liked how it looked like 'cursive writing' Good catch girlie!

These berries and leaves were just as red as they look here. They were beautiful

This was the last night camping and we sent the girls to bed while we adults stayed up. I knew that there was some benefit to being an adult. We sat around the fire relaxing and taking in the night. This was the last camping trip until next summer and it was extremely bittersweet. Maybe we should look at camping in the fall...
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Tomorrow is Cassie's first day of school. When she went up to bed she was quite excited about it, but we'll see how she is once the morning is upon us. She'll be starting at a new school and knowing no one. If she is nervous in the morning, I couldn't blame her. Damn, I'm nervous for her. I just want everyone to love her as much as the people at her old school did. And I just want the kids to be as accepting as they were at the old school.

Here's to hoping.

Camping - Day 2

On the second day of camping things were still very cool so Becky and I decided to be heros and take the girls to Hands on Art Studio for some artsy fun. Each of the girls picked out a ceramic piece to paint and what colors they wanted to paint their pieces. Kalli knew what she wanted to paint as soon as she saw it. It was a princess. Cassie took much longer to choose and ended up with, act surprised, a horse. Becky and I helped with painting... her aiding Kalli and I aiding Cassie. If we hadn't helped, we would probably still be sitting there.

After the girls finished up their projects I bought them a popcorn to share and we headed to the glass area where Becky and I could create something. We did (pictures of what I made along with the girls finished items to come) and from there we headed back to the campsite. But not before I got a picture of the girls in front of a huge hippo sculpture. The head of the hippo is in the shade here...and therefore harder to see, but it was pretty cool to see how they had created it out of 'junk'.


We had left Andy at the site alone for over 4 hours while we got our art on. To say he enjoyed the quiet time alone would be an understatement. He was able to read, relax, and enjoy how peaceful camping can be. I figured for the rest of the weekend he owed us.

More on camping tomorrow.
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Tonight Cassie and Kalli met their new teachers and brought their school supplies to their new classrooms. Both teachers seemed very nice and Kalli is thrilled by the idea of going to school. Cassie, on the other hand, seems to be enjoying a laid back summer and therefore isn't as hyped about it as her sister.

I have a few more things to get before Cassie starts school on Tuesday, but otherwise we're ready for the year to begin. While Cassie will start on Tuesday, Kalli has a slow start. It is something that was being done when Cassie started Kindergarten and I actually like how it is done. On Tuesday and Wednesday next week every kindergartner will have a 30 minute appointment with their teacher to evaluate them and see where they are in learning things. Then, anyone who had an appointment on Tuesday will go to school for a full day on Thursday...with Wednesday appointments going a full day on Friday. This leaves each kindergarten teacher with half classes as the kids adjust to being in all day school, new environments, and new people. This way everyone has a little bit adjustment time and then come the following week everyone reports to school. Kalli will have her appointment on Tuesday and therefore, will have Wednesday off, go to school full day Thursday, and have Friday off again. My only hope for these first few weeks for her is for her not to cry daily. I know that she will miss me and it may be hard, but I'm hoping for things to go more smoothly then last year did.

Camping - Day 1

We're back from camping and while I would love to say that we are refreshed, I find myself thinking that I'm too tired to know if I am actually refreshed. Being outdoors for 4 days with young children is quite tiring. My girls had an absolute blast...however, they can't seem to entertain themselves for even 5 minutes. It made things interesting.

So...in the next couple days I'm going to share pictures and stories.

Let's begin with the who. It was of course Andy, the girls and I, but there was also Becky and her belly. I know, I'm sad...but I love it. Look at that baby belly. Becky is 25 weeks along now and finally starting to look pregnant. I have to say she is very patient with me as I ask her to pose and I touch her belly 100+ times a day. She knew going into this though, that I love babies and I love her...she should have known what to expect. :)

After getting to our site, unpacking, and setting up camp we headed to see exactly how cold the beach was. And it was cold. The wind was blowing, the water was choppy, and the girls were disappointed because they were looking forward to spending time at the beach playing. And I've tried, but I have no control over weather. Just wish my children realized this.

We ended up running to the store for a couple things, did some reading, and at 6:30 we headed to the playground that was about two blocks away from our site for a special project that the park was putting on. For a $1 fee, each of the girls made a lightning bug. Later that night, when it was beginning to get dark, I broke the glow stick that came inside each of the 'bodies' and the bugs glowed through to the following night. It was a very cute, easy project, and also helped to pass a little bit of time.

Towards the end of the day the wind calmed some. Though don't let that make you think that it wasn't still cold overnight. It actually got down into the 50's leaving a couple of us (Becky and I) chilled. However, before it got too late we took a walk down to the water so that the girls could do their favorite past time (after the beach) of throwing rocks into the water. I also got to do my favorite past time of taking some nice pictures of outdoors.

Tomorrow, I'll go over the next day or two. For now though, I'm headed to my nice warm bed. You know...the bed that doesn't deflate overnight leaving you laying on a cold hard ground in the morning. It is especially bad when Andy gets up for the morning (the guy doesn't know how to sleep in a bit) and I then sink deeper into the mattress til I am literally laying on the ground of the tent with mattress around me.

August 19, 2009

It's official. The girls are registered at their new school and will start in 13 days (September 1). Not that I'm excited or anything.

Seriously though, anyone that is a stay at home parent can understand how jived a parent gets this time of year. I get goosebumps just thinking about a day spent with a few hours without constant whining or hearing one of the following.

1. I'm hungry
2. I'm bored or
3. Can I *fill in the blank*

I love my girlies and we've actually had a pretty good summer, but it will be nice to have them back in school. Structure to their days, time to get things done without interruptions, and grocery shopping solo.
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Today we met the new principal and secretary, got the ball rolling on how Cassie will be taken care of, found out who the girls will have for teachers, and also toured the school. The girls feel much more at ease and I am glad to know that things are more finalized. I still have to figure out busing, but my list of anxieties is slowly shortening...for now.

Kalli is downright excited about starting school. Cassie is....well, she is going into third grade...you kinda lose the excitement at that point. School is boring/work now, but she is looking forward to meeting new friends and she is ecstatic about the school's mascot. It is a mustang....a horse...can you just imagine how happy she was when she discovered this?

Prior to our heading to the new school today, we visited the old school. We spoke with the principal, the secretary, Cassie's first grade teacher, and second grade teacher. They were all sad to hear that Cassie wouldn't be going there anymore and hugs were given. Cassie really was loved at that school, but I'm sure that she will be loved just as much at this new school. Her personality makes it impossible not to love her.

As of now the transition is going well and I'm hoping it continues as we get into the actual school year. The girls have told me that they like our new home better then the old one and now they are both content with going to this other school. I feel like I've done something right.
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Tonight after dinner and visiting the old apartment to clean some, we were convinced by the girls to go for bike rides again. Andy took Cassie around the block 2 times on the tag-a-long and Kalli around once. I followed Kalli with my bike as she SLOWLY made her way around on her bike once and I took one lap on my own. I appreciate that the girls are enjoying being outside and doing something that could be considered exercise. However, I really wish we could do it all together. I'm considering getting another tag-a-long so Kalli could ride with me and we could all ride at once. Sure Kalli could ride her bike along side us, but seriously...her little legs can't pedal very fast yet and those legs tire easily.

Wanna guess what the girls have already asked to do tomorrow? Bike rides all around!

August 18, 2009

Alright, it is late and I'm in need of some serious rest. However, I care for you people so I'll post real quick.

Today Becky worked a split at the library which meant she was off from 1-5. Also at the library today was their 'Summer Carnival'. I took the girls to the carnival and the biggest hits were the balance beam and jump house that they had. The girls had a blast.

After the carnival wrapped up Becky and I took the girls to Chuck E Cheese for lunch and play. The girls had an absolutely wonderful time. We actually spent like 2.5 hours there and spent a total of 120 tokens. Crazy, I know. But it was worth it to see the girls having such a good time. Becky and I switched kids every so often so they both got time with each of us and time away from each other.

I've promised the girls that before school starts September 1st, I'll take them one last time to Bay Beach. I'm hoping to make it a full day by also heading over to the Wild Life Sanctuary, but we'll see how that works out. I have 2 weeks to get that in and I figure that will be a end of summer hurrah.
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Tonight Andy put the tag-a-long bike on the back of his bike and gave the girls each a ride. Kalli was okay with it but loves her own bike. Cassie was petrified to go for her ride, but after coaxing went around the block with daddy. When they pulled back up to the curb in front of the house she was grinning ear to ear and saying "Again!"

We tried using her pedal attachments which hold her feet on the pedals so that they don't slip off and therefore allow her to help pedal. Unfortunately the attachments we have are too small. I immediately sent a message to my cousin who is good at working with wood and I will be meeting with him briefly tomorrow so he can look at the ones we have and let me know how much it will be for him to create larger ones that will work with our tag-a-long. The girls have already asked to go for bike rides tomorrow and the day after. Can you guess what our nights will consist of for the next several months? Or at least until the snow flies?
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Tomorrow we are off to Cassie's old school and then to the new school the girls will be attending this year. I'm hoping to get some anxieties comforted and the girls feeling more at home with the new school. I remember how hard changing schools was, but I feel that doing it now will be benificial to both the girls. Kalli will start Kindergarten there and go from there. Cassie will be going into third grade and therefore have 3 years with these kids before moving onto middle school with them.

After meeting people at the new school and looking around to get the layout down, I will be putting a call into the schools nurse to get things set up for having Cassie changed at school. Nothing like putting on the pressure right before school starts. I didn't have a choice though since tomorrow will be the first day that principals and secretaries are back in the schools.

And we're off running!

August 9, 2009

Yesterday was Cassie's last baseball game. It was kinda bittersweet because while it will be nice to not have to run to a game every week, I know that Cassie and I actually enjoyed the games. I liked visiting with people and seeing Cassie have fun with her buddy and playing the game. Cassie received her trophy after her game and said her good-bye to her buddy, Lauren. I asked Lauren if she would be willing to be Cassie's buddy again next year and she said absolutely, yes. She actually was going to request Cassie. I assured her that we would be putting her name down as well. Cassie's buddy, Lauren is 11 years old...just 3 years older then Cassie. She is a wonderful role model to Cassie, listens to her, and to top it off...I like her too. In fact I told Lauren that if I ever needed to hire someone to sit with the girls I would give her a call. Of course, I have never paid anyone to watch my kids so I'd have a hard time with that anyway. :)
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This morning we woke up, headed to breakfast, and then went to Milwaukee to the zoo. While it was quite a hot day (94 degrees) it actually was a wonderful day. The girls enjoyed seeing all the animals and were thrilled because Becky was with us. In fact, the only reason we were there is because Becky's work was having a picnic there. Thanks Becky for letting us be your family and go with you.

Not much else to report so instead, I'll share pictures. I only took 220 pictures today...and after getting rid of some and such I have the number down to about 120. Not bad :)

(Look at that 'lil baby belly. I'm loving watching Becky grow...)

(Becky, Cassie, and Kalli all got tattoos... And no one cried during it :)

(Bear cooling in the water. This guy had the right idea.)

(Kangaroos staying cool in the shade)

(Elephant....They weren't doing much other then standing. Too warm to do much)

(Baby organatan...OOPER CUTE)

(Heat + Long day = Tired girls.
Kalli slept on her sister and Cassie watched a movie while leaning on her sister.)

July 15, 2009

Packing is a time consuming pastime. I feel like every night I pack between 8-10 boxes and yet, there is still more to pack. Mind you some of the boxes are smaller, but still. Seriously, who put all of this stuff in my home? I've been trying to purge as I go, throwing what is no good any longer and putting some things aside for the rummage sale. However, it still leaves a lot that needs to be brought to the new place. And somehow I seem to be the only person that can actually pack it.

So, for the past week, I've spent my days entertaining the children, feeding them, and such. They are such needy little beings. Then, after Andy is home and dinner is eaten, I pack until about 9:30pm when I pretty much crash into bed. (This is the part where you all nod completely understanding why I haven't posted in so long) (Go ahead and nod...I'll wait....)

In this whole packing process things have been getting so out of order. We have empty boxes in the hall, full boxes waiting to be hauled out each evening, and order of other things is not really being kept. I'm really trying to ignore it as it is a work in progress, but it is driving my OCD tendency through the roof. However, the cats are loving all the sleeping places. Either that or they are worried about being left behind.

The other day Kalli was talking about our upcoming move and we had the following conversation.

K: Are the kitties going to be able to come with us?
M: Of course. We wouldn't ever move somewhere that they couldn't come with to.
K: How about my stuffed animals? Can they come?
M: Yes we'll be bringing all your animals.
K: Can my toys come too?

This is where I informed her that anything that was 'ours' was going to come with us unless it was attached to the ground or a large appliance. It seemed to make her feel better.

The other day while fighting to get to sleep (which is an every night event for me) I came up with a brilliant idea. I took the rolling suitcases that my mom got for the girls and told Cassie and Kalli that when it came to moving day they would be in charge of packing all their Webkinz and blankies. They would also be in charge of making sure to get those suitcases to the new place. Wanna take a guess at who has already packed most of their animals?

This past weekend a pool was purchased for the girls by my mom to have at her house. Monday and today, the girls and I headed over to grandma and grandpa's during the day to cool off. The pool is 10' across, can get up to 3 feet deep, and the girls adore it. I also am very fond of it as 1. It's deep enough for me to float around in or just play with the kids in 2. both girls are getting over any hesitation they had to get their faces wet and Cassie is getting very close to floating on her back. 3. it is in the privacy of my parents' fenced in backyard...therefore making me more comfortable to be in my swimsuit.

And because I had mentioned this in a past post...I wanted to show you proof. My niece, Kaitlynn, is now 7.5 months old and growing so quickly. She now gets onto hands and knees and rocks. She also pulls up from sitting to standing. And...if she has something to hold onto...stands on her own. It's just crazy how quickly she is growing. Or maybe I'm just noticing more because it isn't my child and I can step back to enjoy and see everything. I love how in this picture she seems to be looking down at the floor like 'how'd you get so far away?'

June 29, 2009

As I sit here typing this I am child-free. And it is 2:43 on a Monday. How is it that I am able to do this? Well...The girls have new friends. Today we were outside and the girls were playing with chalk and bubbles and we noticed a little girl that looked about Cassie's age standing outside the house across the street. She was just watching Cassie and Kalli playing.

Hmmm...I thought to myself. Wonder if she wants to play. I asked the girls if we should go over and say hi. Cassie, of course, said "um...no?" She isn't real good at the meeting new people thing. Just like me when I was younger. I used to like to sit in the background wishing that I could talk to new people, but not sure how to go about it. (Side note...I still do this some) Tony, would just walk up to kids and say "wanna be my friend?" I'd watch him thinking, 'it can't be that easy...I don't know how to do it.'

But I digress. After a little bit I saw what looked like 2 more young girls across the street looking at Cassie and Kalli. I told the girls, let's go say hi. And we did. We made our way over there to meet the 3 little girls that live over there now. The oldest is 9, middle is 6, and youngest is 5. And of the three the little girl is the talker. She invited Cassie and Kalli into the backyard to see stuff and we all followed. There, I met the mom...who like me is a stay at home mom. The girls ran around playing, the mom and I talked, we went inside to see the place, and the girls played more. I spent about 1.5-2 hours talking with the mom and watching the girls play. The best part is when the middle girl asked if she could go over to 'her new friends' house'. We agreed that today they would play there and tomorrow we could play here. (Down side of this is the fact that tomorrow I'll have 5 kids here...but I can live with it because my girls have new friends.)

So right now I'm sitting here loving the fact that I'm child-free. And not because I can get stuff done, but because I know that not only do my girls have more friends, but because their mom said that her girls were worried about making friends here and I've helped to ease that.
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Announcement time: In one month, we'll be moving. We are moving to a duplex that it exactly 1.3 miles from where we are now. We're very excited about the move and are hoping to keep the girls at the same school. I'm working on it because according to where the place is, they should be going to a different school, but seriously...it isn't that far away from where we are now.

As Cassie was following her new friends around she looked at me and said, "Now I wish we weren't moving". I told her that we aren't going that far and that she can still play with these girls. The mom, even agreed saying that they could absolutely still play together.

And besides...they have a whole summer in front of them.

I'm off to get some stuff done now. Wish me luck on getting my kids home later.

FYI: there will hopefully be another post tonight about my weekend. Unless I'm dragging my kids kicking and screaming from across the street. In which case, that'll be a story. I'll try to get Andy to take pictures of the scene.

June 24, 2009

This past weekend we had a camping trip to Kettle Moraine campground. It is located on a lake therefore swimming this early in the summer was completely possible. And that is exactly what we did both days that we spent there. It was wonderful to cool off each day and the girls had a blast swimming around on their noodles and playing in the sand.


I have to say that the best part of the weekend was that the weather worked in our favor and overall everyone was pleasant. Kalli, however, gave a fight (meaning she whined and cried) every meal about not wanting to eat the actual meal. She did however want dessert...lets not be silly. I didn't give in to this and you would think that she would get the idea, but she is strong willed (read: stubborn as a mule) and therefore kept trying.

We also had a visitor at our campsite that stuck around all morning and allowed me to get lots of pictures. Becky and the girls named her Sun Flower (or Sunny for short). If you think that the name is funny, please keep in mind that one of the names Kalli put out there for Becky's unborn baby is 'Sleeping Beauty Sleeping *last name*'.

I thought the coolest part was that the top of the wings were blue while the underside was orange.
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Tonight Cassie had baseball. I can sum up the evening with one word. Hot. At 8:30, while we were driving home from the game, the temperature was 90 degrees.

Cassie pitched during the second inning and I have to say that she is getting much better at pitching. It's easy to see that she loves pitching and she asks every week to pitch. Tonight a couple of the moms even said that she does a good job and looks so happy out there pitching. Though her buddy isn't a fan of Cassie pitching. For some reason her buddy, Lauren, is worried about being hit by a ball coming at them. (her duty if a ball comes towards them is to not let it hit Cassie)

Tonight Cassie hit balls that were pitched to her in both innings. It took a couple pitches, but she did it. And after the first hit she headed to her base...right after she first headed to third base. She does this one time in every game. I think that what happens is that when she hits that first ball she is just so excited that she actually hit the ball and she just goes without really thinking.

I find Cassie's games quite entertaining. It is a lot like watching a 3-ring circus. If you look away you will miss something. During the second inning, for example, one boy was doing his laps that he does while in the outfield, with buddy following. One girl headed to the dugout because she had seen a bee and her buddy was trying to get her to come back out to the outfield. Another girl never left the dugout because she didn't want to play no matter how much her buddy tried. And our first baseman went to check out the left field with his buddy trying to get him back to first base. I watch and laugh because it really is entertaining. Then again maybe I'm just easily entertained.

June 17, 2009

It's been a week since the girls have been out of school. And we're still all sane. It's small, but an accomplishment all the same.

Both of the girls were done last week, but it still didn't seem like summer started until this week. On Monday I decided to have a fun day with the girls and we headed to Bay Beach for a couple hours. We ate lunch there, rode rides, and just hung out. The girls had a blast and didn't want to leave. I got sunburned.

Tuesdays are library days, so we headed over to Becky's library to pick out books and then have lunch with Becky. Again the girls enjoyed the outing and it passed a couple hours.

Today, I decided that it would just be a day spent at home. The girls decided that it would be a day of asking constantly to play on the computer. I've been trying to limit electronic time some and make the girls spend a couple hours outside everyday. It's a goal that I'm sure I'll get more lax on as the summer wears on, but at least I'm trying.

We did, however, watch a movie from my bed this afternoon with popcorn. I'm hoping to not find popcorn when I go to bed. There is something about popcorn in the bed that just doesn't sit well with me.
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Along with trying to stay somewhat busy during the days this summer we've also had baseball intermingled into our weeks. Cassie has one game a week and is having an absolute blast. I have a couple things I want to share about her games.

1. The game last week she was pitcher for her team. She did well, with the exception that it sometimes looked like she was bowling. When last night's game came around, Cassie asked to pitch again. She did better until I asked her if she was going to go pitch again for the second inning. She shrugged her shoulders and said 'naa...' I had to tell the coach that his pitcher had quit so he could put someone else in her position.

2. Cassie has finally figured out where to run to after hitting the ball. One time in both the first two games she headed to third base before saying 'wrong way' and spinning around and heading to first base. It was funny to watch.
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I've been taking pictures...especially after some of the rain we got.


Lastly, my niece, after being gone for 10 LONG days is back again and I've been filling up on my baby fix. Those withdrawals were awful! She's grown more and learned to growl. Nothing like a almost 7 month old growling at you constantly.

Wisconsin Dells - Day 2

So I'm continuing going over our Dells trip for you. On my last post I went over our first day sharing a few pictures.

On Tuesday we woke early and headed to breakfast at Paul Bunyan's. Totally yummy food. After which we headed to Carr's Cheese Factory to watch cheese being made. Sounds a little like it would be like watching paint dry, but I don't think it was at all. We watched a video on the process and then watched as they finished making some pepper jack cheese. Then we went around back and watched them coat some wheels of cheese in wax. I was entertained. And to top it off we got free samples of fresh cheese. Tony even bought some cheese curds for us to eat. They were so deliciously squeaky!

After the cheese factory I gave Kalli a dose of Dramamine and we started our trip back home stopping along the way to take pictures of a waterfall and for ice cream.

Kalli made it home without any vomiting and Cassie watched movies, only asking every 45 minutes or so if we were home yet. I call that a success. The following picture is a shot I took while driving. I had looked up in my rear view mirror and saw Kalli laying against Cassie sleeping while Cassie watched a movie. I have no idea why Cassie had her blanket on under the headphones...there are some things I just don't ask. I grabbed my camera, aimed blankly into the backseat and got this shot.

When we did arrive home we unpacked some and then sat around staring into space. I have yet to figure out how it is that a vacation can take so much out of you. I was exhausted.
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There...You are pretty much up to date. Not much to report. The girls are both dealing with allergies along with myself, but we're dealing; Saturday is Kalli's birthday so she is talking about that about 85% of the time; and I can tell that school is beginning to wind down for both of the girls. I'm actually not completely dreading this summer, which I find a little surprising. I have a couple things planned to do with them and as long as they don't fight constantly we should have a fun summer. A couple months ago I sat the girls down after they had been arguing for a while and told them that they are now old enough to try working things out on their own some. I also told them that I was NOT going to listen to them fight all summer. I may have also threatened to put them both in time out until daddy got home every day if they did fight. Since then things have been a little better.

May 4, 2009

Tonight we had hamburgers for dinner. I started the grill, put the burgers on, and came back into the apartment to saute mushrooms for Andy and my burgers. When I went to check on the burgers again something was off. Like the fire. We were out of gas. And let me tell you this...when you have a gas grill, running out of gas kinda kills the grilling aspect of cooking food.

Andy headed to get a refill of propane while I did non-cooking things in the apartment. (I was going to say he went to get gas, but that just seemed like too much information)

While he was gone Cassie and Kalli were playing outside. Kalli was tossing the ball to Cassie and Cassie was hitting the ball. Let me tell you that Cassie is awesome at hitting a ball...she connects with the ball almost every pitch. However, she isn't so good at hitting it into the same spot. I turn to see Kalli crying because Cassie had hit the ball and connected with Kalli's cheek. Kalli sat on her slide crying while Cassie apologized whole-heartedly. When that didn't work Cassie called for me.

Me: I see Kalli.

(I would have been more concerned if it wouldn't have been just a very light-weight wiffle-like ball. I watch as she just sits with her hand over her cheek crying)

Me: Kalli...
Kalli: (in whining crying voice) Huh
Me: Are you bleeding?
Kalli: (Still crying) No...
Me: Is anything broken?
Kalli: (continuing to cry) No...
Me: Then you are okay.

(Kalli then comes in by me in the kitchen)

Kalli: (more whining then crying) Cassie hit me in the face
Me: I know... she said that she was sorry.
Kalli: (whining..I think you get the point) But it hurt
Me: Yes, but are you bleeding?
Kalli: no
Me: Is anything broken?
Kalli: no
Me: Then you are okay.

Kalli then walks outside and says very matter-of-fact to Cassie...."mom said that I'm not bleeding or broken so I'm okay" God, I love that child!

Just to note...Later in the evening Cassie hit a ball pitched by Andy and line drove it to...uhm...a part of his body that he finds very important. While it didn't hurt, it was shocking for him. Cassie, however, found it hilarious and spent like 5 minutes almost falling over from laughter.

Let's just say it'll be an interesting summer.

August 27, 2008

Today I took the girls on an outing to Bay Beach. The wonderful part about this outing is that I found out that Bay Beach now has exit passes. These exit passes are for anyone who is "special needs" and it allows the person and up to 3 companions to go on a ride by standing at the exit. This means that you don't have to wait in line at all.

We rode a few rides. The last being the tilt-a-whirl. This was the first time that Cassie and Kalli rode on this ride. And....drum roll please...they liked it :) They've decided that Daddy can take them on the ferris wheel when we go there. And they will go on tilt-a-whirl with me.
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As promised...a few pictures from our camping trip.

Pretty sky...even though it is cloudy.

Shore right after sunset.

This is several trees grown together at the base. I love the look of it though.

Camping Trip #3

We're back from our last camping trip of the summer. It was relaxing and enjoyable for the most part. Saturday we arrived there and after setting up camp, headed to the beach. The girls played in the water and sand for hours. And then we tortured the girls by making them dry off and leave the beach. I know, I'm an awful mom.

Sunday we woke up to a cool 60 degrees. The highest it got for the day was about 67. Needless to say we didn't make it back to the beach. We went for walks, played games, and enjoyed reading by the fire. A little before sunset we headed to the nearby kayak launch to watch the sun go down. I took way too many pictures of it, but I couldn't help it. It was pretty.

Over the weekend I managed to only take 200 pictures. I thought that I did pretty well :)

I even did good and got a family picture taken. Thank you , Becky, for taking the picture.

More on camping tomorrow night. For now, I'm heading to bed to enjoy the softness of my mattress and pillow.

August 20, 2008

Today I planned a fun day for the girls only I didn't tell them until we were getting ready to go. With only 2 weeks left until school starts, I want to fit some fun days into the end of the summer. Today I packed some sandwiches, water, and bananas and took the girls to the park. They played, ate, and enjoyed themselves.

Once back in the car Cassie noticed that one of her braces was broke. The top and bottom of her long leg brace are connected with a screw-type thing. This screw-type thing was missing. We can't just let a fun day go as that. There always has to be some drama.

We made a stop off to get it fixed and headed home finally. I shooed the girls off for quiet time right away and I put things away. Before quiet time was even over Andy was home. So while it was a very fun day, it was also quite a long day.

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Every night when the girls go to bed they read for about half hour until we say it is lights out time. Tonight was no different until Cassie called for me.

Me: What do you need?
Cassie: Can I come sleep with you?
Me: Why?
Cassie: When I get old do I have to die? (tearing up and starting to cry)
Me: What?? (Crawling in bed and holding her)
Me: Where did this come from?
Cassie: I just started thinking about it.
Me: Honey, everything dies at some point, but people live for a long time normally.
Cassie: I don't want to die. I'll miss out on the fun.
Me: Cassie, if you only think about that now, you'll miss out on all the fun of growing up.
Cassie: I can't stop thinking about it.
Me: Try thinking about all the fun we had today. Like when you hit the ball that I pitched to you and it came back and hit me in the belly. Think about the fun we'll have this weekend when we go camping and head down to the beach.
Cassie: I'll try
Me: I love you, try to get some rest.

I have no idea where it came from, but it makes me feel horrible. The tears, worried look, and asking if she could come sleep with me. She is 7. She shouldn't have to worry about getting old and dying. And I don't remember reading anything about this or the guilt that is accompanying it in the "Childrearing Manual".

Ugh!

August 11, 2008

Not a whole lot to report on the homefront. We're trying to get back to some form of routine. I must have heard "I'm bored" about 300 times today. And for some reason, Cassie couldn't figure out anything on her own to do. She has all these toys, a sister, and an imagination. And still...she can't find anything to do.

Luckily, only 22 days left until it is back to school. Today we packed our backpacks with the supplies that we already have. Only a few more things to get. I'm looking forward to them going off to school. One thing I did learn this past week at camp is that Kalli is extremely attached to me. It should be very interesting to see how she does going to 4 year old Kindergarten.

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In other news. Today was my cousin's birthday and while I wished him a Happy Birthday already, there is something nice about doing it on here...publicly.

Happy Birthday Matt!!

August 7, 2008

Tomorrow is the last Vacation Bible Camp. Yeah!

Don't get me wrong. The girls are loving it...except for the little bit of separation anxiety that Kalli has...and it is nice to have them involved in something. But it makes for a long day. Especially when I am there the entire day.

This week I've been up at 730 every day, out the door by 815-830, and at church until 3. Then it is home for supper, try to have some normalcy to the evening, and get the kids to bed so we can get up and do it all over the next day. The kids are tired and missing our somewhat of a schedule. I'm exhausted and just want to stay home for a day.

Next week I'm hoping to have a calm week staying home most of the time. Get a trip to the library in there and otherwise just stay home and rest. We're counting down to the beginning of school now and another change in schedule.
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Tonight my niece is staying overnight. She is attending VBS also and came home with us tonight and I'll bring her back to camp in the morning. Cassie and Kalli are thrilled having her over, and Kyra is such a well behaved child that I don't mind having her with at all.

We had supper and then had to head back to church for mass tonight that the kids were to sing at. On the way we stopped off for some ice cream. While we were waiting for ice cream Cassie and Kyra were playing. When I asked what they were playing they told me that they were playing make the world. Cassie was God and Kyra was Jesus. Kyra built things for the world and Cassie placed them. I think VBS is wearing off on them. I know some of the songs are getting stuck in my head!!

August 5, 2008

Today was a long and exhausting day.

It started at 7:30 this morning. Whoever made that time in the A.M. is a crazy person who should be shot. By 8:15, the girls and I are ready to leave home to head to Vacation Bible Camp. We've had about 5 melt downs, I've raised my voice only once, and I'm ready to get this week over with and put the kids to bed.

I know that they are tired. Long, active days combined with being in the heat more then they are used to equals not happy children. Today was going to be another long day as Cassie was scheduled to go to the zoo.

I get the kids in their classes and I sit to chat with some people. After about 10 minutes the head of Kalli's classes comes to find me. (They know that I'm staying in the church to avoid wasting gas running back home) Kalli is sobbing and asking for me. She is wondering if I want her to try sticking it out or if I want to talk with her to try calming her down. I chose to talk with her. I get her calmed, but every time I talk about putting her back with her 'friends' she starts crying again. Knowing that I have to leave with Cassie's class to head to the zoo, I give in and pull Kalli out of class. She comes with to the zoo and the crying is done. For now.

The zoo was fun, but hot. The temperature in the sun got up to 93 degrees while we were there. We walked around for about two hours. Now in case you didn't know, let me tell you, two hours in 93 degree weather SUCKS! As I load the girls back into the van to head back to church, we are all tired, sweaty, and irritable. Kalli is out within five minutes. Cassie is just about out when we get back to church.

I drop Cassie off at her class and Kalli and I head to a side room to have a little lunch with my mom. I suck down a large soda in hopes it'll cool me down a little. It works, very briefly.

Long story short. It was a very long day. I got the girls home from everything we had to do early enough to bathe them, let them settle some while hair dried, and head to bed early. I'm hoping that tomorrow is a better day. In the theme of Bible Camp, here is my prayer...

Dear God, Let me make it through this week. Let us enjoy camp while staying as cool as possible. Let the melt downs be few and give me patience not to freak at the ones that happen. And please, please let Kalli separate from me long enough to enjoy camp at least a little. AMEN!
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In other news...

August 6th....the day you are probably reading this...is a very special anniversary. And I would like to let everyone know about it.

It is the one year anniversary of my brain surgery. Last year on the 6th of August, I had my shunt put in. Here is to seeing without flashes of lights and to no migraines!!

Family Night

Tonight was Family Night at Lambeau Field. We got tickets for the game and went early to enjoy the several activities they had going on. We even took the girls to the Hall of Fame. Not only is that place packed with information, but it also has things for the kids to do.

At 530, as it was time to go into the stadium, it started raining some and lightning. By the time we got to where our section was they had made an announcement for everyone to leave the bleachers and wait in the concourse. At first it didn't seem so bad. We hung out and talked. The girls played a little bit with the bam-bams they got when we walked in. Then the girls sat down.

We waited.


And waited.


And waited.

At 7:00 we decided that the girls were getting too antsy, we were hot, and we didn't know if they would be playing at all tonight. Cassie was disappointed, but I think her boredom made her agree with our decision to leave.

Mind you we are half way around the stadium from where we stored the wheelchair. And it is crowded. Very crowded. Andy picks Cassie up and we start making our way through the crowd towards the wheelchair. About half way to our destination point I'm sick of being nice and waiting for the line to move. Also, Andy looks like he is going to pass out or pull his back out. So I start pushing my way through and weaving through the crowds. I hold onto Kalli (Lord knows if I let go of her I may never see her again. She is so little!) and go. Andy hears a male behind him say "I like her...Follow her...she knows what she is doing." Finally, we reach the desk where the chair is being held and Andy is able to put Cassie down. He looks like he needs the wheelchair more then Cassie, but he just wants to get out in the air more then anything.

As we make our way across town we decide to stop for ice cream. The girls were troopers today. There was a lot of walking, heat, and in the end...disappointment. We pull into Culvers and Cassie is overjoyed. Kalli, is sleeping.