Another Monday down

Mondays only stink when you work full time or if your kids are in school, don't you think? During the summer, Mondays don't bother me as much. Well I should also clarify that because Bill is currently unemployed, Mondays aren't as bad as they used to be. Mind you, he has worked many a Monday at the station, but we are grateful for that. I wish there was a way we could legally lengthen the summer. New England is gorgeous. I love the four seasons, although I do feel like we really don't have a spring anymore. I do feel like we get really "screwed" though because we live here in New England. We get three or so months to cram everything in. The weather is good, so do we run to the park or do we plant our garden or do we throw mulch out at the beds? There are so few weekend. Meanwhile, those that are in Texas are hotter than hell during these three months, so they can totally enjoy the fun stuff and yet they still have a bunch of months were the weather is gorgeous. So their landscaping is done and they are enjoying their summer. I know they don't get the gorgeous foliage we do. However, they don't get the damn leaves all over the yard either. Let's face it, we can leave them out there, but then our lawns look hideous. At least in my eyes it looks that way. Again, do you apple pick during a crisp fall day or do you rake the damn leaves? Okay, enough whining. I just hate that summer is so darn short. However, I don't see myself ever moving, so I might as well get a grip and get over it.

The last two days have been pretty great. Yesterday we were invited to Kirsten and Roger's house for a fun BBQ. It was us and all the kids. The kids played beautifully together. Their oldest daughter so dotes on Yamira and Yamira loves it. Mind you, they really all give the kids extra loving and of course our three lap it up like a cat with milk. We had a fabulous time. The food was fantastic. Both of them are good cooks. Not bad people to have around, right? Roger made ribs and chicken and it was delightful. Stupid me didn't think to bring tinfoil and steal some extra chicken. Damn, why wasn't I thinking? Anyway, we had to literally drag ourselves away so we could get the kids to bed. Only about three hours past their bedtime, but who noticed?

Today Bill got up early for an interview. A waste of time interview. I told him it would be. He thought I was being a Debby Downer, but I could tell by the conversation that the entire resume wasn't looked at before the call was made and the guy didn't know how to get out of it, so he asked Bill to come in so he could at least meet him. Really? Like we need to be met? Well anyway, Bill went. I got the three ready and ran Ping to soccer camp. As I was about to pull out of the driveway, Bill came home. I tossed the two little ones at Daddy and ask him if I was right. I knew I was right. He was home way too early to even call it an interview! I was right. Oh well. I would have loved to be wrong in this case. Anyway, Ping and I headed off to hot soccer camp and then I ran to do a few errands and dropped back at home to make a few calls before my doctors appointment. I left shortly after 10 to get to my 10:30 am appointment. It went well. My GI doctor has not seen me since 2009. She made me stand up the minute she came in the room. She gasped and said "You are just beautiful." Thought that was sweet. We talked about my iron issues. She doesn't think there is a true issue, but will follow me more closely. I go back for labs in August. While waiting on her in her waiting room, I got a call from my new Endo doctors office and was told that my test on Friday all came out good and clear. Thank goodness for that. I still have what I have been diagnosed with and have more tests to go, but this was a big important test and I did well. Phew! So I sort of bounced out of the office with a little pep in my step. I then proceeded to do a few errands. I went to the Paper Store, iParty, Lowes, Savers to drop some stuff off, Price Chopper and UPS. It was after 2 when I got home. The two youngest were sleeping and Ping was just hanging. She had a great time at soccer camp, but was tired. I would be if I was in 92 degree weather for 3 hours!!!!

Once home, I had a bunch of business calls to make and so I got on them right away. It's always easier to do when the younger two are asleep. After I made all of my calls, I proceeded to clean the bathroom, the pantry, the dining room, the living room and the kitchen. I did a few miscellaneous things as well. Bill and Ping headed over to get Uncle Joe and Lucas and the four of them headed to the Tornadoes game. Bill won tickets a few weeks ago. Sadly he had to leave early because nobody was willing to cover him for less than 2 hours. Nice, eh? He covers everyone though. I felt bad, but he was okay with it. Of course there wasn't a call. While he was off at the game, I put the younger two to bed and put a few things away and sat down to watch one of my new favorite shows. I have yet to watch this TV on the TV! Bill surprised me when he drove in the driveway as I didn't know he was going to leave early. He said they were in the 7th inning and both Ping has camp as does Lucas, so it made sense to leave early.

Took forever to get Ping to bed. She was tired, but was also spinning around doing this and that. Daddy did finally get her to bed. He came downstairs, plopped his buns down and passed out. Meanwhile, I was going to try to catch up on some TV shows, but that never happened. So I have caught up with Facebook, two other sites and all my emails. Now my blog is even up to date. Go me. Now who wants to get me up in the am so we can take Ping to camp and do a million errands before having a little fun in the afternoon? Hell, 7:30 am comes way too early for me. I could sleep in a little, but rather just get up and go.

Well I better hit the hay. I need to wake up the boss. Ahem.

Have a fabulous week and stay cool.

Mama Out!!!!!

Twister and the kids.

Racing Twister.

Just some couple that happened to be there.

Beautiful people inside and out.

Too much fun.

Rocking the shades.

Manny having fun.

Me and Kirsten.

S'mores!

Best of friends.

Grill master.

Update or go to bed? I guess I will update!!!

It's quiet as it's 1:20 am. I should go to bed so I can get up early and get a few things done, but I really want to get this blog updated. It hangs over my head and is quite frustrating when I know some time has passed. I have to say that there really isn't much to share right now as we have been staying home and working around the house. I am determined to get this damn house cleaned and organized. I know I should wait till the Fall, but I don't want to do it then, I want to do it now!

On Friday the 1st, I was heading out for a pedicure when I last updated here. Had a great time. Bridget, Ashly and Rebecca and I all got a pedicure at the same time and then we headed to O'Connors for a bite to eat. We were not out till all hours of the morning like we could have been. We did close the place though. It was nice to be out and able to catch up on the latest and greatest.

On Saturday, we got up and organized and cleaned all day long. It was a very boring day for the kids. I felt terrible about that. There are so many things I want to do with them this summer, but I have to get the house back in order. It's a necessity. I started by ripping everything out of the playroom and having Bill put everything upstairs in one of the spare bedrooms. We desperately need the playroom for the kids. I was so glad when we got that done. The only thing in the playroom now is toys and some cabinets in the corner that need hanging. I have ordered a rug for the playroom and now I have to get some paint. We will then try to get a couch in there and get a TV hung on the wall for them. The kids are happy to have a place to hang now. Mind you they still follow me all over the house. So that was basically an all day long project.

On Sunday, we tackled some other areas of the house. Bill tackled the garage at one point. We still have another garage to tackle. I am waiting on two couches to be moved out of the the other garage. They will be gone tomorrow. I can't wait. Anyway, we did a lot of organizing, throwing, donating and putting stuff up on Freecycle. Another boring day for the kids and for us, but what can you do? We can not be out 24/7 having fun or we would live in a complete shit hole. I know that may not sound pleasant, but it's the truth.

Monday was the fourth of July. The five of us headed over to Ashly's to have a cook out. We had a wonderful time. The kids played in the pool and we all just sat around chatting. Unfortunately, I am not sure if I felt guilty because I wasn't home getting things done or if something else was going on, but I seemed to have a lot of anxiety. What is up with that? Very frustrating. Regardless, it was really nice to get out of the house and away from the dust.

Tuesday started off with Enchanted Fireside coming to the house and adjusting our flame on our new fireplace. It looks so much better now and the guy was a peach. Right after he left, I left the house to do errands alone. Went to Walmart, the bank, the post office and the library. I returned the books the kids read and I picked out a whole pile of new books for them. They are currently participating in the summer reading program at the library. They are having a great time doing it too and it's so good for Ping to read us the small books she is practicing with. The rest of the day was spent putting things in the right cabinets, putting together all the trash, a little more Freecycling and such. Bill was on 6-10, we we were home for the evening.

On Wednesday, I had plans to take the kids to Lowell for a free concert, but we never got there. Too much to do around here and since I was feeling in the mood to do it, I stayed with that feeling. We cleaned out the basement. That is one of the crappiest jobs. The spider webs and dirt and dust down there is horrendous and I am allergic to all that dust. However, the basement looks superb!

On Thursday I got a call that a friend's husband had a heart attack. It was disturbing. Of course I was concerned about the husband, but to make things worse, this friend and I are no longer friends. The last thing I expected was this. She didn't call to tell me. She had her friend call and tell me. I tried to find out what they wanted from me, but they never got on the phone to tell me. I was later told that the attack was minor and he will be fine. I am happy to hear it. I think it's truly telling that this so call friend of thirty years didn't bother to call me herself. Granted there was a lot going on and I didn't expect a phone call at the time, but she could have reached out after, even if it was just to say that she was happy to hear I would be on the other end if they ever should need me. I never learn my lesson. I am expecting more from this person than she is able to give. I know if anyone reads this blog, you may be concerned that I am putting this all out there. I am not. Just know that I am absolutely not concerned at all about putting this out there. This blog is a chronicle of my life and the life of my family. I know some may feel I share too much. However, I share what I feel comfortable sharing and given our relationship at this point, it does not much matter what is said. Anyway, the day left me reeling. Just very upsetting. However, I have a few people that helped me keep my head on straight and I am so grateful. I still say that I am one of the luckiest people around. I have some very awesome and near and dear friends. So thank you to those that are always there for me. You know who you are. At 1:00 pm I took Yamira to OT therapy. She had a great time. She loves it there. After watching what the therapist does with her, I can see why. Wish they would do what they do with her with me! We then headed home and stayed in the rest of the day. Like I have said during this entire blog, I did more organizing. Boring, I know. You don't have to tell me.

Friday was a long day. I had a 9:00 am medical test. It went fine. I am anxious to hear the results. It wasn't a hard test, but it was a very long test. I got a break for two hours in between scans, so I met my friend Audra for lunch. It was so great to see her. We don't often get a chance to just sit and chat. A one hour lunch was not nearly what we needed though. We could have sat for hours. At least I could of. However, I had to get back to the hospital. I was there for another two hours or so. I then headed off to the library to switch out books again and then headed home. I felt bad that I was gone all day long and left Bill with the kids. Why did I feel bad? I don't know. I have asked myself that same question many times. I often have them all day long and I am out with them all day. Bill just has to make sure they are fed and alive. Not a bad thing at all. We were home for the rest of the night. I actually forced myself to sit and watch a movie. It started off awful, but then got really good. So I was happy that I watched it.

Today the sun was shining and it was absolutely gorgeous out. Ping was invited to a birthday party in town, so while I took her and hung out at the party, Daddy put the kids to bed after lunch and did a few things around the house. Well that is the story he gave me anyway. Actually, he changed out a few windows on his own. I was glad to hear it, but have yet to look at them. I spent the rest of the night trying to organize the pantry. Bill should absolutely not be allowed to be anywhere near my home! He has this with that and that with this. All this and all that should be together. Right? Sure Jill. He just laughs at me! Sometimes I have to laugh at myself. I am such a nut. However, I am an organized nut. Bill just puts anything with anything. I told him I was going to lock the damn door. Unfortunately, the key to that door is the same throughout the house. Hmmm, must speak tot he contractor about that mistake. I wanted a lock where you actually had a keypad. Not a bad idea, right?

When I got up this morning, I weighed myself. I have finally met my goal. In fact, I am two pounds over my goal. I was happy, but I wish I was overjoyed. Unfortunately, there is too much going on with me right now to be really overjoyed. I felt like the moment was overshadowed. I hope I don't always feel like that. I should just be pleased. For some awful reason, I was in a horrendous mood this afternoon. Don't ask me why as I have no flipping clue. I was very short tempered. I hate when that happens. I was also really anxious. Again, I have no idea why. However, once I started organizing and cleaning, I became pretty happy. I think it's because it hangs over my head what I still have to do if I don't do it. Regardless, the night turned around. I read all the kids a few books and sent them off to bed after they had Daddy's yummy cooking. I on the other hand have had stomach issues for a few days, so I haven't been eating well. This happens occasionally. Not a big deal, but frustrating for sure. It's even worse because I am out of Mylanta and desperately needs some. It's still not on the market. So frustrating.

Well after a few more hours of cleaning, I decided to sit down and watch a movie. It just ended and I came here to blog. Now Bill just was dispatched for a call. Lucky him. I should go to bed, but I am still awake and I hate to miss all of this silence. It's golden. Tomorrow or rather today, we have plans to attend a cook out with our good friends Roger and Kirsten and their beautiful girls. Looking forward to it. I won't if I never get my butt to bed though!!!

Off to upload some pictures.

Happy upcoming week my friends!

Mama Out!!!!!

Bad kitty. Juniper is trying to get Mommy's printing.

Anita and Juniper.

Anita and the three chickens.

Playroom is open, but not ready really. A soft opening.

Really Sophie? That is from Build A Bear.

Drowned rat.

Mommy, leave my ears alone.

Go Ping.

Precious.

Jumping bean.

Gorgeous and no, I am not at all biased.

Beautiful and no, I am not biased here either.

This just makes me cry.

Beyond sweet.

Cake.

Hot tubbing it.

My fish.

Hanging.

Mom, I swear I didn't do it.

Here we are at another week and a half since blogging!!!

What the heck? Why can't I get on here more frequently? So annoyed with myself for not updating. So much happens in a week and yet there doesn't seem like enough to happen daily to share. Wonder how that works. The last time I checked in was on the 20th! Yowza. Let me see what I can pull together here.

Monday the 20th wasn't a bad day. Bill worked and I took the two youngest to get their teeth cleaned. They were cool about it. All of my kids like the dentist and getting hair cuts. They are all fairly easy that way. They don't even mind going to the doctor unless there are shots to be had. Bad shots! That night after pulling out their sleeping gear and their clothes for the next day, I headed off to dinner with some great ladies. Never had dinner out with them, but had a wonderful time. Looking forward to doing more things with them in the future.

On Tuesday, I was up and ready to walk out the door with Yamira for her OT therapy appointment when the station called Bill asking him to come in. So Bill headed off to work for the day and I got the other two kids ready in a jiff and we all headed out the door. Yamira did fairly well at therapy. She learned a brushing technique and really liked it. However, the waiting room was a nightmare. It was me, Ping and Manny with another mom and a neighbor boy who she was watching. The kids played nicely together. I had asked for something for Manny to play with from the therapist as I had no time to grab anything. So she gave us a huge tub of toys. Well Manny thought throwing the blocks was the way to go. I don't think so! So I had to give him a time out. When Manny went back to playing, he hit the lip of the bucket and the rest of the bucket came up and hit him so hard in the lip. Well he immediately started bleeding badly. So I whipped him into the bathroom to wash him up while I left Ping and my pocketbook out in the waiting room. Not smart. I was only in the bathroom for a few minutes when the woman who was waiting came rushing in with Ping and said " I have another one for you." Ping's nose was bleeding like crazy. What the heck. So there I have two bloody children. The mom was a huge help and I could not have been more grateful to her. The rest of the time went fine. The mom and I chatted a bit. She was really nice. I wish I could have gotten to know her better.

After running a few errands, we headed home for lunch and then we headed to an "End of the school year pool party." Ping was not happy that her brother and sister had to come, but Bill was called in, what choice did I have? The weather was gorgeous and all three chickens behaved beautifully. When Bill got off of work, he met me there to help me get the kids dressed and ready to head home. However, before leaving, I was shocked to hear that my husband who asks nothing, asked the pool party throwing mom if I could drive her golf cart. I have always wanted to drive a golf cart. I know it's silly, but I have. So while the kids were watched by friends, Bill and I took a little spin in the golf cart. I had a ball. I was so pleased that I got to do that and that the kids were so well behaved and that I got to enjoy the nice weather and to escape the house. We then headed home for dinner and put the kids to bed. Bill was on call till 10:00 pm.

On Wednesday, Shayla and I had the dentist at 11:45 am. Bill had a hair appointment at 11:30 am. So he took the younger two and got his hair cut and Shayla and I headed out for a teeth cleaning. I then ran home, dropped off Ping and grabbed Sasha for an appointment at the vet. In the meantime, Bill was supposed to meet the cable person because I wasn't able to get online. Needless to say, the cable person said it was a modem issue. It wasn't and I knew it wasn't. The problem was not fixed, but eventually it worked it's own issues out. Thank goodness. Sasha's appointment went well. She has had some back end issues.She needed to be flushed out. She was. She seems to be better, but the problem is really continuing. I don't think we can help that. Oh well. That night, Bill was on call. So it was a full day around here.

Thursday wasn't a bad day that I can remember. If I remember correctly, we were home for most of the day. Sasha had to go back to the vets for blood work in the evening and we did a ton of things around the house that day, but we didn't have appointment after appointment and that is a blessing!

On Friday, I took Yamira to therapy while the other two stayed home with Daddy. We then did a few errands. Once home, we did a ton of things around the house. We put a lot of stuff away. We still have a lot more to do, but it was so nice to get some stuff done! Bill was on again this night, so we were home.

Saturday was a crazy day. We had granite installed in the laundry room at 9:00 am. At 1:00 pm, we had Brooke's birthday party which we were late for. I don't even remember why except that Manny and Yamira needed to nap before we went because they were so poorly behave. Anyway, the kids had a blast. They swam and went in the bouncy house. I loved catching up with my good friend Bobby-Jo. We were thinking of heading to my cousin's graduation party, but about an hour before we left, some people that Bobby-Jo knows showed up with a kitten. Now Bill and I are the biggest cat lovers around, so of course we were drawn to her. These two young teens got this kitty from one of their grandmother's house. They have a ton of cats running around. It seems like a good dumping ground. They were trying to get the kittens so they could bring them to a shelter. They caught one. There is Bill immediately looking to hold the out of control kitten. Within moments, the Cat Whisperer had her sleeping on him. Bill has a way with animals. He calms them all down, no matter what kind of animal they are. If they were never friendly before, they become friendly and so on. I don't get it. Anyway, he proceeds to hold her for forever. I said "no way, not another kitty." I said that over and over and over and over. Before I knew it, Bobby Jo got out the damn cat carrier and the little one was in the back of the SUV on the way home with us! God she is awfully cute. She still has yet to be named though. So we went straight home, put the kids to bed and got the kitten ready with a litter box and food and what now. Busy day! Adoption day of black and brown and stripped kitty!

On Sunday, Bill worked from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. We had Skyler and Teresa's party to attend. I fell asleep the night before on the chair and never got up and put my mask on. That just was not good for me at all. I woke up with a terrible migraine. Then the kitty got locked in my office with my pocketbook. I just felt out of it. On top of that, I got a nasty email from a friend I have had for years. Nice, huh? One thing that came out of the email is that my friend chose to clue me into something that may be a health concern. After doing a lot of checking, I am very concerned and looking into it. Too bad she didn't mention this to me a month ago. If I had any idea that someone might have something they didn't have before, you can bet your life I am pulling that friend aside and saying something. That is because I adore my friends. Needless to say, it was a really tough day. We did get to the party, late, but that was okay. The day turned around because I was with a great supportive bunch. The kids had a grand time as well.

On Monday, Bill worked form 6:00 am to 6:00 pm again. Grateful for the hours, trust me. I was still really upset about all that was said to me on Sunday and nervous about my health, so I called my doctor and made an appointment to see her. I also took the kids out to do a few errands. I tried to do some catching up at home, but all three were like crazy monkeys and it didn't make for a fun day. I was grateful when Bill came home that night.

On Tuesday, we celebrated our 8th anniversary. Well I shouldn't say we celebrated because we didn't celebrate it at all! Bill waited for the Brinks guy to come to reinstall a few alarms and I got ready for my doctors appointment. Well the Brinks guy came and we realized we were missing a few items, so he said we should reschedule. I took off down the highway for a noon appointment. My appointment went well. She really took the time to listen to my concerns. I did not feel better, but I didn't feel worse. She has some more blood drawn and I headed home. My doctor who I have had for years called me in the car as I was nearing home to tell me that she noticed that my iron level was high, so now I potentially have a third issue. I am just so nervous and overwhelmed by it all. So I called my GI doctor to make an appointment who then told me to call back my GP and have her send something saying what she wanted from them. Oy vey! What a nightmare. I was supposed to take the kids to the gazebo in town for a cute little show the library was sponsoring, but it got to be so late that I just pulled in and walked over and had Bill bring the kids up. The show was really cute! We then headed home. I cleaned the house, fed the kids and put them to bed. Bill went to the fire station for training. Romantic anniversary, no?

I had to cancel the vet appointment I had yesterday for the kitten because there was just not enough time in the day to get it all done. So on Wednesday, I took the kitty to the vets to get her going on her shots and such. Bill got called into the station in the morning, so not only did I have the precious furball, but I had the three big crazy Indians with me. They were not well behaved. We were there for over an hour and that didn't help. Anyway, kitty is a girl. She has medium to long hair and we can't figure out her coloring. Even the doctor was puzzled. All of her important test came back negative. She does have mites, but that is not uncommon. We cleaned her ears and gave her some meds. The doctor felt a hernia, so when she is spayed, we will have her have surgery at the same time. Lucky us and lucky her, no? We have yet to name the little beast. She is a beauty. She is so loving, but she is a kitten and love throwing herself at you and scratching the heck out of you. That I am having a hard time with. So I went on Freecycle and asked everyone if they had a cage. Someone immediately responded. Yay. I don't want to cage her, but there are times she needs to settle down and I need to be safe from the claws!!!! Anyway, other than the vet appointment, we were home for the rest of the day. My dear friend Kirsten came over for a visit since Bill was on call and I needed to be in the house. Of course there was no call! Not while he was on duty at least, but then one came in around 11:00 pm. I had a great time catching up with my sweet friend and it took my mind off of things.

Today we got up early and I took the three kids strawberry picking at Charlton Orchards. The strawberries were not plentiful, but we had a great time. Meri met us there with Lucas and Ryan and we met Cari-Lynne and a stay at home dad and another mom and just had a blast picking berries. We had the place to ourselves. I was so proud of my bunch as they did an awesome job picking the best berries they could find. In addition, Manny put his car seat on himself for the first time. So I was super proud. The kids had a blast and loved the apple cider donut that Ayi Meri shared with them! I got a zucchini and some summer squash. I was looking forward to having tonight, but it was a no go for cooking tonight. After we left the orchard, we went to Northboro to get the kennel and then to the post office and the library to pick up some more books for the reading program! I dropped the kennel and the two youngest off and then Ping and I headed to Sterling for a hair cut. We were home by three. I called my doctors office since I had been waiting for them to call since yesterday! Got some unpleasant results that upset me, but I just have got to keep on trudging on and looking for answers.

After feeding the kids and giving the youngest two a bath, I put them to bed and Bill and Ping took off with Uncle Joe and Lucas for a Tornadoes game. They are still there and are having an absolute blast. Having a quiet house tonight has been fantastic. I have caught up here and that is one more thing off the to do list!

Tomorrow I have an important doctors appointment and it's the start of the fourth of July weekend. I am really looking forward to it. Hope it's a productive one!

Well since I am still working on getting pictures up, I figured I would throw today out there. Today was a full day of stuff. Bill was home with the kids while I attended a doctors visit. That went fairly decently and he was a nice man. Bonus for that. I then dropped off some crafts the kids made for the seniors, spoke to my primary care on the phone, went to the bank and then headed home. Bill is now outside with Ping working on the garage and I am here finishing up labeling the photos while the little two play with their Color Wonder. Heading out for a pedicure soon. I have gotten nothing done here today. So upsetting, but out of my control!

Happy Fourth my friends!!!!!

Mama Out!!!!!!!!

Signing out books.

Ping and a character at the library.

Adorable.

Me and the cart.

Cupcakes.

Ping ready to munch.

Pinata.

Pinata.

At the dentist.

Meeting Sophie.

The offering.

Wow, that sure is a good looking snack.

Gazebo show.

New baby.

Comfy?

Sweet.

Sky and Teresa's party
.
Ping eating.

Teresa.

Manny.

Strawberry picking.

Picking berries.

What size am I?

Yamira, Manny, Ryan, Shayla and Lucas.