So the Pats are playing. I don't give a fig though!

I am so not a sports fan. Bill is watching the game on the kitchen TV and the kids are watching Lion King in the living room. Of course I have been displaced, but I am very used to that. What better time than now to catch up on my blog? Most people are watching a football game somewhere, but not me. Frankly, I hate all sports. I find the players to be very overpaid. What is spent on them could rescue a third world country for Pete's sake. Anyway, that isn't a popular stance with most, but it is what it is!

So let me see here. What did we do this week?

On Tuesday, I dropped the girls off and went to swim class. Other than that, it was a lot of running around doing errands. After getting Ping from school in the afternoon, we took the girls to their ice skating class. We then took Ping to get a hair cut. She was the only one that needed it. Bill hung out with the other two in the car and I ran Ping in. Came out cute. Then it was home for dinner and a bath.

On Wednesday, we had a huge storm. We got two feet of snow. So school was canceled as was gymnastics. I slept in. That isn't even a fair statement. I slept in like for forever. Bill got up and got the driveway into good shape. He also let the kids play outside while he used the snow blower. I was supposed to help out in Ping's classroom, but I didn't have to due to no school.

On Thursday, I took the girls to school and headed to swim class. I was then going to take Yamira to a play date, but due to having a broken printer, I needed to go to Staples to purchase a new one. That and because we lost Wednesday due to snow, I had more things I had to do. So we didn't do the play date. I was really looking forward to it, but also really needed the printer desperately! After getting a few more errands done, we spent the rest of the day at home!

On Friday, I had a 12:00 pm appointment for a facial, mani and pedi. Bill took Yamira to therapy so I could make my appointment. Back in September or October, I found a coupon that was $100 worth of services for $50. So I thought I would try it. So I spent the day at the salon. The facial was fantastic. The mani and pedi were truly horrible. Worst I have ever had. I hate to say that, but it's the honest truth. I had to soak my feet in a tub! Then she painted my toes by having me put my foot on her leg. She took her time and she was nice enough, but she doesn't enjoy giving mani and pedis and it showed! Well the pampering was nice anyway, so I can't complain. I will go back for a facial only. Before I knew it, late afternoon had come and so we all just stayed in. We had a busy weekend coming up and so I wanted to make sure the kids got into bed at a decent time. I try to really get them to bed on time every single night anyway.

On Saturday, I got up and ran to the post office, the bank and Walmart. When I got home, my great friend Anita was at the house. While she watched the kids for a few minutes, Bill and I dropped his car off at the mechanic. He is having four wheel drive issues. Once back at the ranch, we all jumped into the car and went to Grafton for a sleigh ride. It was cold out! What can I say though? If you want a sleigh ride, you must brave the elements. We had a nice time, but the ride was a little pricey for a short trip around a small field. I was a little disappointed that the ride was so short. However, you never know how something is going to be if you don't try it, right? Once we all had our turn, we headed home. While Bill cooked dinner for all of us, Ayi Anita made a gingerbread house with the kids. She gave it to them as one of her Christmas presents. The stipulation was that she had to make it with the kids. The stipulation was from me. She has never made one before and for those of you that have, you know it can be a difficult process. However, Ayi Anita let them put everything everywhere. Bill and I would have stuck to the instructions and the picture. That makes us the bad guys I suppose. Ayi was so much more relaxed than we have been in the past. No surprise there!

After I cleaned up the mess, we sat down to dinner. We then put the kids to bed and Anita and I watched a movie. Not a good movie either. It was a little confusing to both of us. It was so nice to spend some time with Anita regardless. That is all that counts!

Today we got up early and dropped the kids off at a licensed home daycare, so that Bill and I could go to F1 in Braintree. The car ride was so quiet all the way there. I almost didn't know what to do with myself!!!! We had a great time at F1. We did a go cart race and then we had lunch. I didn't feel like eating, but Bill was happy with his sandwich. We then did another race. Once the race was over, we headed to Mekong supermarket in Worcester to get some things for Ping and then we picked up the kids. They are now watching Lion King while Daddy is cooking. In a few minutes, they will eat and hit the bathtub. They love having a bath.

Tomorrow is Martin Luther King day, so the kids have the day off. We do not have plans as we only have one car at this time. Might not be a bad idea to stay inside and do some things. The kids prefer to be out, but I have plenty of things I can do right here!

Well off to post some pictures. Have a wonderful week.

Mama Out!!!!!!!

Ping at DCU free skate.

Ping at free skate.

My handsome froggy.

My cute Zebra.

My funny monkey.

Me and my bud.

Us on our ride.

Cozy.

Making the house.

Enjoying.

Any color will do.

Sophie.

Ping coming down for water and plopping herself.

Sasha.

Neesha on the black snow pants.

Go carting.

Ready to rumble.

Let's go.

Track.

Track.

Nice cart.

F1 building.

What allergies are out there?

I was told that I could be suffering from allergies because I keep sneezing. I don't usually have bad allergies, but the older I get, the worse I get them. I honestly think I have another cold coming on, but it could be allergies I suppose. Today I felt lightheaded, so that is why I think it's a cold coming on.

The last time I checked in was Thursday. Mind you I have to consult my calendar to remember what I did on the other days. Sure sign that I am getting old and feeble.

Friday was a pretty good day. Bill took the girls to school while I stayed in bed. I was mad at myself for not getting up and heading to swimming, that was the only bad part of the day. I did get up and get Yamira to therapy for noon. Once home, I worked on a bunch of boring stuff at my desk and then got ready to head out for the night. Yamira and Ping's school was having a dance party. We got there for 6:30 pm. It wasn't well attended. I was a little surprised by that. However, the kids had a great time dancing and running around. I left Bill with the kids at school and headed off to get Meri for 7:30 pm. We had to get to a Mom's Night Out! We were taking a free pole dancing lesson. I am not kidding. I can't even believe I am admitting this. I have always wanted to try it, but never got around to it. Despite that, it's not something I would run out and do with women who I don't know. However, I got Meri to go with me. We had a great time. There was only one pole for us to share as everyone else had their own pole. We had a great time, learned a few new things and just laughed at it all. After the class, we headed over to Sweets a liquor/dessert bar. There was only 8 of us or so. I had a great time getting to know the other women in the new mom's club that both Meri and I have since joined. I didn't drink or have dessert, but Meri did share some sweet potato fries with me. That was all I needed! We were home by 11:00 pm or so.

On Saturday, we had to get up early to get to a belated Christmas adoption party. We go every year. There were not that many people there this year. I guess a lot of people are really busy right now. Everyone brings a dish to share and Santa and Mrs. Claus come for a visit. Not like they can ask Santa for anything at this point, but they don't care. We were there for a few hours and then we headed home from Rhode Island where the party was. We spent the rest of the day putting around the house and doing a few things. The organizing never seems to end. I finally finished up my purging filing project. So boring, but necessary.

Sunday brought Sunday school for the girls and the Sharks hockey game with the Daisys for Bill and Ping. I stayed home with the two little ones. Bill and Ping left around noon to go for a free skate session and to do some crafts. They had lunch and watched the game. Ping said she had a wonderful time. I cleaned out a bunch of cabinets, cleaned the bathroom, the dining room and a few other places. Thrilling, no? I didn't have a desire to go to the Sharks game. I knew Bill would enjoy it and it was good time for those two to spend together. He misses his time with his baby. All in all, it was nice to be home for the day. I worked on Ping's adoption video quite a bit too. I am determined to get that done and sent to the right person to put it together with music!!! I have to work on her life book too. That is going to be so hard. So much info is needed for that. I just keep procrastinating and that isn't like me at all. Just a lot of research and time to put it together, but I will get it done and feel better for doing it. The tough part of Sunday was that Bill broke a glass shade that goes to our chandelier and they supposedly aren't replaceable because it's an older light fixture. I know because one broke before and I was so lucky to get the last shade on the shelves at the manufacturer in Canada. Mind you it was a fortune when we bought it. Pre children of course! I love it and it's unique. That is why I was crushed. After that happened, I gave him my camera and told him to be careful with it, but make sure to get some shots of Ping skating. He came home with a broken camera. It dropped when he stood up at some point. The Daisy leader heard it and was able to retrieve it for him. However, it's completely broken. Needless to say I was really angry. Accidents happen, don't get me wrong. However, he really needs to be more careful. Right now he isn't working and I don't need to be shelling out more money that we need to. It's just a fact. No glossing over them.

Today was a better day. Nothing has been broken. I should not say that out loud!!!! I got up this morning and got ready to head into school for 9:00 am. I am helping out with Ping's class about once a week or so now. I miss the swimming, but I love meeting her friends and helping out. Ping enjoys having me there too. Bill took the girls this morning, so I was able to get ready and to be there on time. After leaving there, I returned the nice camera Bill bought me for Christmas. I also headed to Price Chopper, the bank, Pucci's and Walmart. Bill got Yamira from school and he also went and picked up Ping. Early this evening Ping and Daddy went out in the neighborhood to sell some Girl Scout cookies. She really wanted to do some door to door walking, so off she went. The kids are now in bed and Bill is at a Mason meeting. Guess I will clean up some stuff at my desk and move myself over to the TV for a little bit.

Hope you have a fabulous week. Time to look for snow as it's coming soon!

Mama Out!!!!

Bracelet from Ayi Meri. Put all the pictures in and it looks great.

Bill dancing with the kids.

Manny smirk.

Orange smile.

Shayla and her friend Lily.

Bill running with the bulls. I mean the kids.

Throwing Yamira.

Hula hooping.

Love this picture.

Ping flying.

Meri at our dance class.

Me and my heels. LOL.

All of us.

The instructor.

Ready for our fun day out.

Santa!

All of us.

Dining room table I want to sell.

Ping skating.

Skating at the DCU.

I can't believe it is already Thursday of this week.

I am having one of those days where I swear it's Wednesday, but it is not. It's Thursday. I know that and I have gone over it a million times today, but I keep getting stuck on it being Wednesday.

Tuesday of this week, I never got to my swim aerobics class. Instead I volunteered in Ping's classroom. I had a great time. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know Ping's classmates and taking part in a small way. I get to do some fun projects with the kids who are all adorable. Once home, I proceeded to work on my dreaded file purging project. Before I knew it, we had to get Ping from school and head to skating lessons. The rest of the night was pretty standard. You know the drill. Lunch making, book reading, bed.

On Wednesday, I was fully planning on going swimming, but due to sleeping so poorly the night before I just never got up. Bill took the girls to school. I slept in. I mean I really, really slept in. It was great. I then proceeded to get upset with myself for blowing the first half of my day. I made up for it though. I finished up my first filing drawer purging. Took hours, but I did it. Sometimes I wish I wasn't such a good record keeper. I want to be one of those people who always throw away the receipts. One who never checks their credit card statements or who save all of their bills for 7-10 years. However, I have the curse of good record keeping and keeping and keeping. I got it from my parents. I won't change. I can't change. It's not in me.

I finally finished what I wanted to do for the night and moved on to watching a little TV. Watched a good movie called "Crossing Over."

This morning I jumped out of bed, got the girls ready and their hair done. We jumped in the car and got to school on time. I then headed over to swim. After swim I went to the Greendale mall for what should have been a quick errand. However, the store was not open, so I went into TJ Maxx and bought myself two new bathing suits. In a brand new size that I haven't seen in many, many years. I then went to do the other errand I was there for. Before I knew it, I went into two more stores and then drove like a bat out of hell to get Yamira from school. The Envoy has been in the shop for the last hit and run, so I have to do all the picking up since I have car seats and Bill does not. Once I picked up Yamira, she came home for lunch and I showered. I then took her to a mother's outing at a play gym. She had a great time. After hitting CVS on the way home, we came home. I was going to resume working on my files, but I never got around to it. Bill left to get Ping and to go grocery shopping. Manny woke up and Yamira was flitting all around. I ended up losing the rest of the day. Bill came home and it was time to put away the groceries, head off to get the truck for Bill, me making dinner for the kids and lunch for Ping tomorrow. Then I proceeded to help Ping with homework. I was doing fine, till Bill came home and looked at me like I had lost my mind. So I got up and did some other things. Then it was bath and bed for the kiddos and TV watching for me. At this point it was after 8:00 pm and after a full day, I could not bring myself to start my filing project. Hopefully I will get to it tomorrow.

Well I am off to bed. Want to get up and get swimming!

Mama Out!!!!!

Back to the grind!

That isn't a bad thing. I was grateful that the girls had school today. It's good for them to have a schedule. A routine works best for Yamira. Too much free time and she ends up spinning around like a top.

All in all, we had a great vacation. We were busy nearly every day. We had Thursday off and worked around the house, but the rest of the time it was play date after play date. Those are always fun.

On Friday, we went to Ayi Meri and Uncle Joe's. We had Chinese food and played some games. The kids stayed in the other room for the most part and played with the Wii and also watched some movies. We thought the kids would pass out, but they didn't. We ended up dragging them home around 11:00 pm. Way, way too late for them.

On Saturday which was New Years day, we got up and headed to Ayi Sarah and Uncle Brad's homestead for a delayed Christmas party. We had a lot of fun. They were nice enough to clean their office for the kids. The kids had a big table to eat on, watch videos on and to color on. They were happy as can be. I was able to visit with everyone as was Bill. We got some wonderful gifts. Sarah and Brad gave me the most beautiful tea cup and blanket. It's a heating blanket. Can not wait to use it!!!! Sharon who is Sarah's sister gave us a crock pot recipe box, a pretty calendar and also some Bath and Body works stuff. Sarah's sister Karen gave us a beautiful 3 picture frame and a lovely ornament. Sarah and Brad gave the kids fun stuff. Yamira got a Tinkerbell coloring/sticker book, Ping got a princess one and Manny got bath dinosaur toys. Hope who is also a sister of Sarah made some adorable crafts for the kids to put out next year and also got them a beautiful train set that we can put out every Christmas. So thoughtful of her. I would say that we cleaned up well! After Sarah's we went to visit Bill's mom since we hadn't seen her for Christmas. Bill's brother and law and great niece gave Ping an Easy Bake oven, a Polly Pocket assortment for Yamira and some neat planes for Manny. So the kids were thrilled. Before we knew it, the hours were ticking by so we headed home. The kids have been going to bed so late lately.

I was thankful that Sunday was a free day. I slept in while Bill took the girls to Sunday school. We spent the rest of the day at home. The kids played and watched movies. I worked at my desk doing a bunch of things. I ended up staying up till 2:30 am!

This morning the alarm went off, but Bill didn't wake up. So I had to get him up. Then we realized it was very late. So Bill ran to get the girls up and ready. I stayed home with Manny. Bill then went to Audette's to drop off the truck for the rear end to be fixed yet again!!!!! He came home with a rental. A rental that stinks like terrible air freshener! So far it's been a good day and I am getting a ton done. Now I need to go get Ping from school.

Have a great week my friends!!!!

Mama Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ping and Lucas fooling around.

Ping and Lucas.

Bill and Joe savoring their favorite past time.

Ayi Meri and me.

Sarah and Brad's tree.

Manny and his new reindeer craft.

Sailor Manny.

The flying Yamira.

The crew.

Us ladies chatting.

Ping's pink hair.

Opening gifts.

The train set.

Opening gifts.

Helping Yamira.

My new tea cup.

My new tea cup.

Nice hat.

Uncle Brad making hats.

Ping modeling hers.

Uncle Brad helping.

The kids are anxiously awaiting.

Too cute.

Loving her new gift.

Manny loving his.