So the Jeep got fixed today. It was a very good feeling to get in and have a back window again. It is surprising how warm it is in there now. The guy who fixed it was absolutely wonderful We ended up having to go to where some construction was being done on post so that he could "borrow" someone's power. It was a delightful adventure and he was great company.
The kids had another great day at SAS today, tomorrow brings snow tubing which I have to admit that I am pretty jealous. They are going to have a blast and it is nice to know that my monthly fees are going to good use.
Work is good. I am very happy there and work for and with some great guys. The long hours I have been putting in this week have been completely painless. Two more days and then I am off for the weekend. Gonna spend New Year's Eve alone, but that's ok. I will warn you now that there will probably be some sappy post that I will probably write after a few glasses of wine.
The kids are still not very excited for their dad to come. I have begun forcing jubilation upon them. Today we "cleaned for daddy!" OK, so maybe it was just glorified child labor, but it got them moving. The house is tidy and the sheets are changed for him. Tomorrow will be laundry and packing for me. I let them know that we were going to be getting in the spirit of him getting here by making signs and posters. Someone said to me that maybe it is because we now have our own little life here on our own that might have something to do with them forgetting about him. Whatever it is, it's very sad. I try my best to keep him on their little minds, but if I don't bring him up they really don't talk about him.
I am a little nervous about Robert meeting Mr. Big.... I am worried that Mr. Big is going to see the timid little girl that I become when I am around the kid's dad. It's crazy because I am such a confident woman now, but when I think about seeing Robert I become scared and meek. Even after all this time I still worry about saying or doing the right thing so that he does not get mad.
5 more days and Mr. Big comes back! I am really looking forward to spending some one on one time with him without the kids. He is so good about putting up with my kids, but I know that some time with just me would be appreciated.
Well off to bed. I am going to cozy in with some hot cheetos and a good book.... :)
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
school vacation
The kids are doing well this week being out of school. They are getting to go to School Age Services on post and actually are having more fun there than they would be if I had decided to take vacation. Today they went to the movies and tomorrow they are going roller-skating. They are having so much fun that while I am glad for them, I do not appreciate the cranky kids that arrive home at night. Tonight Nathaniel went to bed around 6. He was just so exhausted that when I called them all for dinner he freaked out that he had to stop playing Wii. He came screaming into the kitchen and proclaimed that he did not want to stop playing. I was on the phone with my mom and excused myself to pull an "Old Mother Hubbard" on his butt. Us girls did not have a peaceful dinner with his screams in the background. I just kept thinking about supernanny and how she says that you have to just let them throw their fit because if you respond then it is like giving them affirmation that they can get to you. Eventually after about 30 minutes of temper induced craziness, he finally fell asleep. Whew...
On the flip side the girls were great. We decided that there should be no more Wii for a while because they are fighting too much. They ate all their dinner and even had seconds with much praise for the cook. After they did crafts courtesy of Aunt Laurie and Grandma, which came out quite cute. They are really working hard at those beads... Abigail then made a litle note for her dad, "Dear Dad, I really miss you. Please come soon. Love, Abigail" Very sad and very sweet all at the same time. She also made a poster using packing paper that I saved from the move (Aunt Debbie's idea) to welcome her dad to the artic, I mean Wisconsin. I haven't looked at it, but I think I will have each kid make one. He will like that. I know it is going to be hard staying in my HOME. I capitalize those words because that is what this is. A home of my own. Anyway, I want him to be comfortable so that everyone has the best time possible.
After the break-in at the gym I have disenrolled Abigail and pulled her from the team. We are all a little sad about this. It is the end of an era, but we will find something else for her to do. I asked her about ballet and she said that it sounded like fun and that she would like to try it. The best part is there is a school that is half a block away from here so she could walk when it gets warmer. I researched the school and it seems to be pretty decent. I always wanted her to take some dance anyway so she could work on her poise on the gym floor. Maybe later she can pick up the gym thing again, but either way whatever she wants is fine.
On the flip side the girls were great. We decided that there should be no more Wii for a while because they are fighting too much. They ate all their dinner and even had seconds with much praise for the cook. After they did crafts courtesy of Aunt Laurie and Grandma, which came out quite cute. They are really working hard at those beads... Abigail then made a litle note for her dad, "Dear Dad, I really miss you. Please come soon. Love, Abigail" Very sad and very sweet all at the same time. She also made a poster using packing paper that I saved from the move (Aunt Debbie's idea) to welcome her dad to the artic, I mean Wisconsin. I haven't looked at it, but I think I will have each kid make one. He will like that. I know it is going to be hard staying in my HOME. I capitalize those words because that is what this is. A home of my own. Anyway, I want him to be comfortable so that everyone has the best time possible.
After the break-in at the gym I have disenrolled Abigail and pulled her from the team. We are all a little sad about this. It is the end of an era, but we will find something else for her to do. I asked her about ballet and she said that it sounded like fun and that she would like to try it. The best part is there is a school that is half a block away from here so she could walk when it gets warmer. I researched the school and it seems to be pretty decent. I always wanted her to take some dance anyway so she could work on her poise on the gym floor. Maybe later she can pick up the gym thing again, but either way whatever she wants is fine.
Friday, December 24, 2010
the Jeep gets violated...
I went to pick up Abigail at gymnastics and while I was inside picking her up, some moron broke into Jeep and stole my purse. Nothing of real importance was in it, but my mom bought it for me and it is my favorite one so I was a little sad. Combined with the shattered back window, I was more than a little upset. I did decide that in the grand scheme of things this is all small potatoes and everything can be replaced. The staff at the Y was so nice. They cleaned out the glass and then used cardboard and a trashbag to get me home. They did a wonderful job and I am extremely grateful for their hospitality. Unfortunately because of the holidays I will not be able to get it fixed until Monday which puts a damper on Christmas with my family in Minneapolis. Looks like we will be spending the weekend here in Sparta instead. Fortunately while I was driving home after my mishap my purse was recovered. I suppose that whoever stole it figured out quickly that there was nothing of value in it and ditched it. The police officer was super nice and again I am very grateful. It is peole like him and the staff at the gym that is the reason that I moved up here. The whole thing could have ended up so much worse, but as of now all I have to worry about it dropping the Jeep off at the shop Monday and taking care of my deductible. The way I see it, 2011 can only go up from here! :)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
reflections
As this year is winding to a close I find myself looking back and reflecting on what 2010 has brought me. Most of you are well aware of the trials and tribulations that I have experienced throughout the past year. There were ups and down and all arounds to spare. Actually if we really want to fully appreciate the monumentous changes that have occurred in my life we should probably go back two years.
As I made my trek to Texas to return home to the loving arms of my parents to not only provide me with the physical support that I was going to need to start my life over, but with a tremendously soft place to fall. I can not ever, for the rest of my God blessed life, thank them for what they did for me. When my heart was broken and my spirit in pieces, they were there to help me put it all back together. Without them I don't think, no I know, I would not have been able to get out of the situation that I was in and give the kids and I the life that we all derserved. Arriving with nothing but my possesions of a marriage failed and the promise of a better day they welcomed me with open arms. My dad put it so simply that night that we pulled into the drive, "you did a good job, kid". It was a long time coming and when I was finally able and ready to jump off the cliff and make it on my own it was my parents that provided the springboard needed to reach for the moon and maybe a few stars along the way.
To say it was a rough start is putting it very mildly. I mourned the loss of my life, the only life I had planned for and for a future that was now never going to evolve. In the midst of my darkest hour things did not get any better. A truck taken in the middle of the night by the bank and a bankruptcy filed to try to get rid of the debt that had become too mountainous to conquer. I was drowning. With much, much encouragement from my mom I enrolled in school and began working graveyard at the grocery store to make ends meet. I was able to move out into my own little rental house just a few doors down and all seemed to be looking up. Unfortunately the house became the house from hell and I was forced to move back home. I could feel myself sliding back down...
Just as before there was my dad, "It's time to come back home." He is a man of little words, but when he speaks I listen. (don't tell him that though...) I sold pretty much everything I owned and hung my head as I moved once again back into the arms of family.
It was almost at the exact same time that the Army called and offered me a job. What? Really? What was the job? Oh, who cares, I need the job badly. I had quit the grocery store to concentrate on school more and it was becoming increasingly hard to make financial matters come together. Working for the Army is good money and if I had to hand out basketballs, that is what I would do. The job left some to be desired but as soon as I started I began applying for a new one within the Depot that I was working at.
That brings me here. I have been blessed with a wonderful job and a gloriously blessed life. My kids are super (most of the time) and even when I have to get on them everyday, I know that they mean well and are seriously turning into the most amazing little people I have ever met. Moving to Wisconsin could not have been easy on them, but they have rolled with the punches like pros. It definitely helps that the communtiy here, both civilian and military, has done everything possible to make them feel welcome and give them everything they need.
I now live a quaint little twindle in a tiny little town that gives me everything that I need. I could not have asked for a better place to raise my children and as I watched them sing tonight in their school Christmas Concert I knew with every fiber in me that they are going to grow up here. They are not going to know the hardships of city life and are going to appreciate the little things, the value of hard work and the love that only a small communtiy can provide.
I love my job. That's all I can say. I love it. How did I get so lucky to find such a great group of guys to work with and a job that I can actually appreciate and enjoy? Let's just say I am no longer looking for another job.
I have found someone. He treats me the way that I should be treated. It's crazy how you never know how good it can be until someone shows you. I honestly didn't think that a relationship could make me this happy or that I could feel so secure that I would start to trust again. I am still not banking on any future plans because the less I try to foresee the less likely I will be dissappointed or hurt. I am confident though that with this guy I am going to let down all the walls and finally find myself able to give myself over completely. He is patient with me and caters to my insecurities without judgement. While all of this is foreign to me, it is appreciated and I am grateful to have him in my life.
It is so surreal, I can't get my mind around how perfect everything is going. Where is that train that usually knocks me off the tracks or that bus that is going to plow head on into me? It is with baited breath that I on occassion wait. Every Sunday I go to church not only to praise God, but to thank him for all the blessings that he has given my family. I will forever be in debt to Him. Two years ago I used to say that I was one of those people that was always going to have to struggle for everything that I needed or wanted out of life. I had actually come to accept this as my personal cross to bear. You see those people that good things just seem to rain down on them without any effort given. Do I dare to say that I am one of those people now? Blessings upon blessings have fallen on me. I know that Victoria prays for our family and I am most certain that she must have a direct line to Our Father because looking at my life I don't think I did anything at all to deserve what He has given us.
There is one downfall to all of this. In order to accomplish all these greats things I had to move across the country and leave that soft place behind. My mom assures me that everything happens for a reason and that I was meant to move up here to Wisconsin for whatever is planned for me. I am positive now that she is right, I just wish she was here to share it with.
As I made my trek to Texas to return home to the loving arms of my parents to not only provide me with the physical support that I was going to need to start my life over, but with a tremendously soft place to fall. I can not ever, for the rest of my God blessed life, thank them for what they did for me. When my heart was broken and my spirit in pieces, they were there to help me put it all back together. Without them I don't think, no I know, I would not have been able to get out of the situation that I was in and give the kids and I the life that we all derserved. Arriving with nothing but my possesions of a marriage failed and the promise of a better day they welcomed me with open arms. My dad put it so simply that night that we pulled into the drive, "you did a good job, kid". It was a long time coming and when I was finally able and ready to jump off the cliff and make it on my own it was my parents that provided the springboard needed to reach for the moon and maybe a few stars along the way.
To say it was a rough start is putting it very mildly. I mourned the loss of my life, the only life I had planned for and for a future that was now never going to evolve. In the midst of my darkest hour things did not get any better. A truck taken in the middle of the night by the bank and a bankruptcy filed to try to get rid of the debt that had become too mountainous to conquer. I was drowning. With much, much encouragement from my mom I enrolled in school and began working graveyard at the grocery store to make ends meet. I was able to move out into my own little rental house just a few doors down and all seemed to be looking up. Unfortunately the house became the house from hell and I was forced to move back home. I could feel myself sliding back down...
Just as before there was my dad, "It's time to come back home." He is a man of little words, but when he speaks I listen. (don't tell him that though...) I sold pretty much everything I owned and hung my head as I moved once again back into the arms of family.
It was almost at the exact same time that the Army called and offered me a job. What? Really? What was the job? Oh, who cares, I need the job badly. I had quit the grocery store to concentrate on school more and it was becoming increasingly hard to make financial matters come together. Working for the Army is good money and if I had to hand out basketballs, that is what I would do. The job left some to be desired but as soon as I started I began applying for a new one within the Depot that I was working at.
That brings me here. I have been blessed with a wonderful job and a gloriously blessed life. My kids are super (most of the time) and even when I have to get on them everyday, I know that they mean well and are seriously turning into the most amazing little people I have ever met. Moving to Wisconsin could not have been easy on them, but they have rolled with the punches like pros. It definitely helps that the communtiy here, both civilian and military, has done everything possible to make them feel welcome and give them everything they need.
I now live a quaint little twindle in a tiny little town that gives me everything that I need. I could not have asked for a better place to raise my children and as I watched them sing tonight in their school Christmas Concert I knew with every fiber in me that they are going to grow up here. They are not going to know the hardships of city life and are going to appreciate the little things, the value of hard work and the love that only a small communtiy can provide.
I love my job. That's all I can say. I love it. How did I get so lucky to find such a great group of guys to work with and a job that I can actually appreciate and enjoy? Let's just say I am no longer looking for another job.
I have found someone. He treats me the way that I should be treated. It's crazy how you never know how good it can be until someone shows you. I honestly didn't think that a relationship could make me this happy or that I could feel so secure that I would start to trust again. I am still not banking on any future plans because the less I try to foresee the less likely I will be dissappointed or hurt. I am confident though that with this guy I am going to let down all the walls and finally find myself able to give myself over completely. He is patient with me and caters to my insecurities without judgement. While all of this is foreign to me, it is appreciated and I am grateful to have him in my life.
It is so surreal, I can't get my mind around how perfect everything is going. Where is that train that usually knocks me off the tracks or that bus that is going to plow head on into me? It is with baited breath that I on occassion wait. Every Sunday I go to church not only to praise God, but to thank him for all the blessings that he has given my family. I will forever be in debt to Him. Two years ago I used to say that I was one of those people that was always going to have to struggle for everything that I needed or wanted out of life. I had actually come to accept this as my personal cross to bear. You see those people that good things just seem to rain down on them without any effort given. Do I dare to say that I am one of those people now? Blessings upon blessings have fallen on me. I know that Victoria prays for our family and I am most certain that she must have a direct line to Our Father because looking at my life I don't think I did anything at all to deserve what He has given us.
There is one downfall to all of this. In order to accomplish all these greats things I had to move across the country and leave that soft place behind. My mom assures me that everything happens for a reason and that I was meant to move up here to Wisconsin for whatever is planned for me. I am positive now that she is right, I just wish she was here to share it with.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
a week from christmas...
OK, so it is a week from Christmas and have not finished my shopping yet. oh well, that is what God invented giftcards for! At least this year I got my Christmas cards out...
As usual I find myself getting side-tracked... I am sitting here on my bed typing with a really good beer by my side. It's called spotted cow and it is a local brew. I found it at a small wine and spirits store down the road that I have a feeling I will be frequenting often. Up here there is a lot of drinking going on and at first I was thinking that there must be a lot of drunks, but now that I am freezing I completely understand. The consumption of alcohol absolutely assists with the increase in body temperature. It's great how a cold beer can not only cool you off in the summer, but can warm you up in the winter! I also bought a bottle of sparkling moscato that the lady recommended. It is chilling and will let you know how that tastes another time. I am sure that it is going to be wonderful... just like my spotted cow!
As usual I find myself getting side-tracked... I am sitting here on my bed typing with a really good beer by my side. It's called spotted cow and it is a local brew. I found it at a small wine and spirits store down the road that I have a feeling I will be frequenting often. Up here there is a lot of drinking going on and at first I was thinking that there must be a lot of drunks, but now that I am freezing I completely understand. The consumption of alcohol absolutely assists with the increase in body temperature. It's great how a cold beer can not only cool you off in the summer, but can warm you up in the winter! I also bought a bottle of sparkling moscato that the lady recommended. It is chilling and will let you know how that tastes another time. I am sure that it is going to be wonderful... just like my spotted cow!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
i hate PMS
Why does PMS have to be so horrible? I find myself on the emotional roller coaster racing at high speed headed straight for the portion of tracks that are not complete. This past weekend I was up, then I was down, I think i even went sideways, backward and for a loop-d-loop! My poor man...
Yes, I understand that it can at times be hard to live with a woman, especially at that special time of the month. Let me just recap so you can get a clear picture of what it's like for me and how in the end it all works out.
Friday: We drove out to La Crosse to take Abigail to gymnastics and hit the grocery store. I have to admit I was already stressed out. I had to rush out of work, grab the kids, drive home because Abigail didn't have a leotard (this is where I picked up Mr. Big), run over to the pampered chef lady's house to pick up my new can opener (which by the way is not the same as the one I bought originally but gave to my mom) and then zoom off to gymnastics. *whew* I am getting dizzy just thinking about it. So we drop her off and head off to the store only to run into massive traffic. We get to the store and I think they must have been going out of business because everyone in all of Wisconsin was there. So then I was late getting back to pick up Abigail. Oh but wait! I forgot that I needed gas and now Mr. Big is driving and for some reason beyond me, he wants to go a different way and now I can't take it anymore. I am snippy and sarcastic. We get gas and as we are driving to the gym I make a few more comments and now when we get there I am the one driving. Open mouth, insert foot. The whole time though he kept his cool very well. On the way back we stop and pick up the pizza that I had preordered from the car and I finally start to untwist my panties. Ugh, I hate being like this, but I swear that when it is that time, I can't help it! It takes a small miracle to get me out of my fit, but on that note, he is really good at being patient with me. Later that night I asked him if he was ok with how I acted and he said it was nothing that he couldn't handle. I said great, because that was probably as bad as I get and if you can handle that, then you can handle anything. <3
Saturday: Nothing really crazy happened but I was still more than a little off.... I will call this the up day of the ride.
Sunday: Now we head for the downslide and boy is it one! Long story short, (seriously, this is really condensed)... I had too much liquid courage and ended up crying and telling him that I am afraid that I am going to lose him. Residual effects from my crappy marriage... You know what he says? He says that there is no way he is going anywhere. Really? After how I acted this weekend? The moring after I was so emabarrassed, but I knew I needed to talk to him about it with clear eyes. He tells me that he thought that whole episode was sweet and cute because it shows I really care. ???? I think he is a little nuts himself. I can see his point though, if I care enough to be worried to tears, I guess that might be considered sweet. Whatever though, I am not going to argue with him. <3
The point though is that PMS sucks. It makes me act crazy and brings out the retarded side of me. We have successfully survived a full blown attack and our relationship is still standing. In fact, I would say it is actually even better than it was before.
Yes, I understand that it can at times be hard to live with a woman, especially at that special time of the month. Let me just recap so you can get a clear picture of what it's like for me and how in the end it all works out.
Friday: We drove out to La Crosse to take Abigail to gymnastics and hit the grocery store. I have to admit I was already stressed out. I had to rush out of work, grab the kids, drive home because Abigail didn't have a leotard (this is where I picked up Mr. Big), run over to the pampered chef lady's house to pick up my new can opener (which by the way is not the same as the one I bought originally but gave to my mom) and then zoom off to gymnastics. *whew* I am getting dizzy just thinking about it. So we drop her off and head off to the store only to run into massive traffic. We get to the store and I think they must have been going out of business because everyone in all of Wisconsin was there. So then I was late getting back to pick up Abigail. Oh but wait! I forgot that I needed gas and now Mr. Big is driving and for some reason beyond me, he wants to go a different way and now I can't take it anymore. I am snippy and sarcastic. We get gas and as we are driving to the gym I make a few more comments and now when we get there I am the one driving. Open mouth, insert foot. The whole time though he kept his cool very well. On the way back we stop and pick up the pizza that I had preordered from the car and I finally start to untwist my panties. Ugh, I hate being like this, but I swear that when it is that time, I can't help it! It takes a small miracle to get me out of my fit, but on that note, he is really good at being patient with me. Later that night I asked him if he was ok with how I acted and he said it was nothing that he couldn't handle. I said great, because that was probably as bad as I get and if you can handle that, then you can handle anything. <3
Saturday: Nothing really crazy happened but I was still more than a little off.... I will call this the up day of the ride.
Sunday: Now we head for the downslide and boy is it one! Long story short, (seriously, this is really condensed)... I had too much liquid courage and ended up crying and telling him that I am afraid that I am going to lose him. Residual effects from my crappy marriage... You know what he says? He says that there is no way he is going anywhere. Really? After how I acted this weekend? The moring after I was so emabarrassed, but I knew I needed to talk to him about it with clear eyes. He tells me that he thought that whole episode was sweet and cute because it shows I really care. ???? I think he is a little nuts himself. I can see his point though, if I care enough to be worried to tears, I guess that might be considered sweet. Whatever though, I am not going to argue with him. <3
The point though is that PMS sucks. It makes me act crazy and brings out the retarded side of me. We have successfully survived a full blown attack and our relationship is still standing. In fact, I would say it is actually even better than it was before.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
I finally drew that *&@# line!!!
Tonight was a good night. It was also a night of doors closing for good. The kids dad called twice tonight to talk about visitation at Christmas. I don't even want to get into it, but let's just say he persuaded the kids to come at spring break to SD with the small mention of Disneyland, made Victoria cry and finally admitted that he had plans for New Years Eve and didn't want to change them. I wonder if he is proposing??? Who cares!
After tonight listening to his excuses and dealing with his BS is over. Somebody stick a fork in me, I'm done! I am not going to concern myself with him any longer. No way, No how...
I have the most amazing life and have been blessed 10 times over. There is absolutely no reason that I should let him affect me. I have the most amazing man i could ever have asked for and why on God's green earth would I mess that up with the drama that was???
I am going to focus on what I have and what is here. No longer will you find me yelling at the kids dad or venting frustration because he is letting the kids down again. They are getting older and will soon figure out what kind of man their father is. I am tired of getting upset and guilting him into doing right by his kids. Not this chica, not gonna do it. I have drawn the line in the sand and am not going to cross it.
I am home. I am where I belong and finally I am getting to a place emotionally that I am completely secure. The jerkface is not going to ruin that for me, I won't let him. As far as the kids go, I am going to step out of that one. If he wants to come, he can. If he does not, then so be it. It's is not my responsibility to make sure he is a good father. DONE, I TELL YOU, D-O-N-E-DONE!!!
OK, so now that I got that out I feel even better about my decision then I did before.
Life only gets better from here, baby girl. :)
After tonight listening to his excuses and dealing with his BS is over. Somebody stick a fork in me, I'm done! I am not going to concern myself with him any longer. No way, No how...
I have the most amazing life and have been blessed 10 times over. There is absolutely no reason that I should let him affect me. I have the most amazing man i could ever have asked for and why on God's green earth would I mess that up with the drama that was???
I am going to focus on what I have and what is here. No longer will you find me yelling at the kids dad or venting frustration because he is letting the kids down again. They are getting older and will soon figure out what kind of man their father is. I am tired of getting upset and guilting him into doing right by his kids. Not this chica, not gonna do it. I have drawn the line in the sand and am not going to cross it.
I am home. I am where I belong and finally I am getting to a place emotionally that I am completely secure. The jerkface is not going to ruin that for me, I won't let him. As far as the kids go, I am going to step out of that one. If he wants to come, he can. If he does not, then so be it. It's is not my responsibility to make sure he is a good father. DONE, I TELL YOU, D-O-N-E-DONE!!!
OK, so now that I got that out I feel even better about my decision then I did before.
Life only gets better from here, baby girl. :)
Monday, December 6, 2010
it's quiet in here...
OK, so I have no idea why I titled this post what I did. I mean it is quiet in here, but really how much can you talk about that?
I just finished watching the latest episode of "Fringe" on Hulu.com. Has everyone else discovered this website? I really like it. Forget paying for cable or satelite with a DVR, just watch it online. Anyway so now I am listening to classic Christmas music on Pandora.com. I like that site too because it reminds me of Sirius radio. Limited commercials and you can listen to just a certain genre. Like I am right now with the holiday stuff. Geez, I sound like a darn commercial. Does anyone know an agent because apparantly I am great at marketing.
Now that's cheating. Frank Sinatra singing "Have yourself a merry little Christmas"... here come the waterworks. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. Oh well...
Christmas is almost here and with the tree up and the kids playing in snow, the feeling becomes surreal. A real Christmas with real snow. Complete with a trip to Macy's on State Street downtown Chicago to see Santa and tell him all our secret wishes for that special morning. A memorable look at the animated windows with eyes wide with amazement and awe at the story they tell. "yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" Lunch at the infamous Walnut Room at a table with a view of the magnificently decorated tree in the middle. Is it a dream? Not so much, you can open your eyes... this life is yours. This life is OURS.
Whew! Frank finally stopped singing! Now it's Perry Como singing Rudolph. Completely different feeling to it thankfully. We bought snowpants today. Never ever thought I was going to need those! Oh and more long underwear called "cuddle duds" for me. Great stuff those cuddle duds. Anyway now the kids can play in the snow pile that the plow made on the blacktop. All we need now is sleds and skis. I am sure with more winters to come that those will all be purchased.
Well that is where I am now. All is cheery and festive on the homefront. I am just praying (and all of you should join in) that I survive the cold. Dang this music is addictive! It's the Nutcraker Suite now and I think I am going to get up and do a little sugar plum fairy dance. I am going to twirl around my bedroom and try not to run into anything because we all know that when grown ups try to twirl they run into things. Maybe I should just stay seated? I am thinking so... Gosh darn it, it's over, now my chance has passed. Oh, poo...
Well I am feeling that I might be a little loopy from lack of sleep. The trip to Chicago this past weekend (pics on facebook) really took it out of me. A wonderful time was had by all and I can't wait to build more "Midwest Memories" with the kids. As long as I am wearing my cuddle duds of course....
I just finished watching the latest episode of "Fringe" on Hulu.com. Has everyone else discovered this website? I really like it. Forget paying for cable or satelite with a DVR, just watch it online. Anyway so now I am listening to classic Christmas music on Pandora.com. I like that site too because it reminds me of Sirius radio. Limited commercials and you can listen to just a certain genre. Like I am right now with the holiday stuff. Geez, I sound like a darn commercial. Does anyone know an agent because apparantly I am great at marketing.
Now that's cheating. Frank Sinatra singing "Have yourself a merry little Christmas"... here come the waterworks. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. Oh well...
Christmas is almost here and with the tree up and the kids playing in snow, the feeling becomes surreal. A real Christmas with real snow. Complete with a trip to Macy's on State Street downtown Chicago to see Santa and tell him all our secret wishes for that special morning. A memorable look at the animated windows with eyes wide with amazement and awe at the story they tell. "yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" Lunch at the infamous Walnut Room at a table with a view of the magnificently decorated tree in the middle. Is it a dream? Not so much, you can open your eyes... this life is yours. This life is OURS.
Whew! Frank finally stopped singing! Now it's Perry Como singing Rudolph. Completely different feeling to it thankfully. We bought snowpants today. Never ever thought I was going to need those! Oh and more long underwear called "cuddle duds" for me. Great stuff those cuddle duds. Anyway now the kids can play in the snow pile that the plow made on the blacktop. All we need now is sleds and skis. I am sure with more winters to come that those will all be purchased.
Well that is where I am now. All is cheery and festive on the homefront. I am just praying (and all of you should join in) that I survive the cold. Dang this music is addictive! It's the Nutcraker Suite now and I think I am going to get up and do a little sugar plum fairy dance. I am going to twirl around my bedroom and try not to run into anything because we all know that when grown ups try to twirl they run into things. Maybe I should just stay seated? I am thinking so... Gosh darn it, it's over, now my chance has passed. Oh, poo...
Well I am feeling that I might be a little loopy from lack of sleep. The trip to Chicago this past weekend (pics on facebook) really took it out of me. A wonderful time was had by all and I can't wait to build more "Midwest Memories" with the kids. As long as I am wearing my cuddle duds of course....
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
not everything is perfect...
I was sitting down to snuggle with my blanket and write a little blog when a thought occured to me. I have been writting about how wonderful life is and how grateful I am to be in it. Not all is paradise however. There is a side of our lives that is probably going to be difficult no matter what we do.
It has to do with the kids dad. I spoke to him last night when he called to wish his son an early Happy Birthday since he is going to be underway for the next 10 days. I happened to mention that HIS son was misbehaving and that I have had just about all I can take. He proceeded to tell me that he wished there was more he could do. When I suggested that he visit more, he quickly ended the conversation and hung up. Typical.
He is NOT coming this holiday season. For the past two years he has come at New Year's and then Christmas. Even though it has only been twice, the kids were expecting him to be here. When I had to break the news to them, I am the one that had to pick up the pieces. OK, so picking up the pieces might be a slight fib, because actually strangely enough they were not upset for very long and have not brought it up since. He asks me every now and again how the kids are doing without seeing him and I kindly reasure him that things are fine and the kids don't seem to be too upset about it. Meanwhile the reason that the kids are not upset is because he never comes around and they are getting used to not seeing him. Nobody asks to call him anymore or even when the next visit is going to be. Victoria is getting older and his 2 minute conversations consisting of "how is school" and "what do you want for Christmas/your Birthday" are getting old. She is a great conversationalist and would talk to him for hours if he would let her. Not so much though. I think lately his conversations with all three combined have lasted not even 5 minutes. Nathaniel will watch TV and not even pay attention to him and Abigal is just as ready to hand him off to the next waiting kid.
When my parents divorced I went through the same thing... 2 visits to my dad's in Wisconsin (of all places right) and then he forgot about me. I eventually figured out that I had done nothing wrong and that he was just an idiot but it took me a long time to forgive him. I can see my 3 babies going down the same road. I don't say anything to them and they don't really talk about it, but one day one of them is going to come to me and ask why dad never comes around.
On some level I think he believes that if he buys them off that he is being a good long distance dad. He moaned and whined about not having the money to come out and see the kids but yet he bought Nathaniel an expensive gift and his budget for Christimas is 150 bucks a kid. I am pretty sure that he can fly out for that amount of money and the kids need him, not a gift.
There is a new girlfriend in the picture and don't get me wrong I am definitely not jealous. (please see previous blogs for that one!) I have a very sneaky suspicion that him wanting to spend time with her has something to do with him not coming to see the kids. Any woman that would be with a man that chooses not to visit his kids over the holiday season is not a good woman. And she wants to have babies with him!!! Good luck, lady - he is your problem now...
So here we are making plans for Christmas here and maybe a trip to the twin cities the day after. Some shopping at Mall of America perhaps? I don't need to buy my kids big, lavish gifts for them to love me - I would much rather build glorious memories that last them forever. I think that next time he asks how the kids are with not seeing him, I am going to tell him the truth. And my answer will be completely opposite of "fine".
It has to do with the kids dad. I spoke to him last night when he called to wish his son an early Happy Birthday since he is going to be underway for the next 10 days. I happened to mention that HIS son was misbehaving and that I have had just about all I can take. He proceeded to tell me that he wished there was more he could do. When I suggested that he visit more, he quickly ended the conversation and hung up. Typical.
He is NOT coming this holiday season. For the past two years he has come at New Year's and then Christmas. Even though it has only been twice, the kids were expecting him to be here. When I had to break the news to them, I am the one that had to pick up the pieces. OK, so picking up the pieces might be a slight fib, because actually strangely enough they were not upset for very long and have not brought it up since. He asks me every now and again how the kids are doing without seeing him and I kindly reasure him that things are fine and the kids don't seem to be too upset about it. Meanwhile the reason that the kids are not upset is because he never comes around and they are getting used to not seeing him. Nobody asks to call him anymore or even when the next visit is going to be. Victoria is getting older and his 2 minute conversations consisting of "how is school" and "what do you want for Christmas/your Birthday" are getting old. She is a great conversationalist and would talk to him for hours if he would let her. Not so much though. I think lately his conversations with all three combined have lasted not even 5 minutes. Nathaniel will watch TV and not even pay attention to him and Abigal is just as ready to hand him off to the next waiting kid.
When my parents divorced I went through the same thing... 2 visits to my dad's in Wisconsin (of all places right) and then he forgot about me. I eventually figured out that I had done nothing wrong and that he was just an idiot but it took me a long time to forgive him. I can see my 3 babies going down the same road. I don't say anything to them and they don't really talk about it, but one day one of them is going to come to me and ask why dad never comes around.
On some level I think he believes that if he buys them off that he is being a good long distance dad. He moaned and whined about not having the money to come out and see the kids but yet he bought Nathaniel an expensive gift and his budget for Christimas is 150 bucks a kid. I am pretty sure that he can fly out for that amount of money and the kids need him, not a gift.
There is a new girlfriend in the picture and don't get me wrong I am definitely not jealous. (please see previous blogs for that one!) I have a very sneaky suspicion that him wanting to spend time with her has something to do with him not coming to see the kids. Any woman that would be with a man that chooses not to visit his kids over the holiday season is not a good woman. And she wants to have babies with him!!! Good luck, lady - he is your problem now...
So here we are making plans for Christmas here and maybe a trip to the twin cities the day after. Some shopping at Mall of America perhaps? I don't need to buy my kids big, lavish gifts for them to love me - I would much rather build glorious memories that last them forever. I think that next time he asks how the kids are with not seeing him, I am going to tell him the truth. And my answer will be completely opposite of "fine".
Sunday, November 28, 2010
back to reality...
I returned home last night to a very chilly house. Abigail exclaimed that she was glad to be home, which gives me the impression that she is truly settling in. Anyway for those of you that are looking for a meaningful post, you might as well leave this page now. This one is all about the gossip! It's been a while but I have some juicy tidbits to share...
So in a past post where I was completely feeling sorry for myself (I am allowed from time to time) I mentioned in a side bar that I was seeing someone. Well let's confirm the rumors, because yes, I am. I am not going to reveal his name but we can call him... "Mr. Big" Yeah, yeah, I know, I stole it from Sex in the City, but he is my Mr. Big. Ok, so here is the skinny on him: He is 9 years my senior which would make him 41, of Irish decent from Philly and an officer in Army. He has his own place off-post and a car that is paid for, so that would tend to lend one to thinking that he might just have some sense of independence. He makes good money so I don't have to support him. There are no crazy ex's which is always a plus. Oh, and he looks hot in his BDU's... :) So those are a few (and as much as I would like to blah, blah, blah about him, it is quite possible that this post would go on forever) of the technicalities, let's talk more about the emotional side....
He is probably, no definitely, the first man I have met in a long time (ex-spouse included) that has treated me this good. He is affectionate, passionate and hard working. When he looks at me there is true sincerity in his eyes and a concern that I have not felt before. I feel safe in his arms and would like to never leave them if that was at all possible. He lets me blab on about nothing and acts as though it is the most important conversation he has ever had. He holds me when I need to be held and makes me laugh when I need to lighten up. He is unlike any man I have ever dated before. He has a sense of maturity and capability with also maintaining childlike tendencies. My kids have met him and have spent some time around him. I want them to feel comfortable, but I have to tell that they took to him right away. Even Abigail who has anxiety issues felt right at home. I talked with them about me dating someone and everyone seems to be on board. Victoria said it the best, "we just want you to be happy, mom" Well kiddo, happy I am.
He is over today to spend the day with my clan while he finishes up some work on his laptop and I finish up the weekend duties of laundry and cleaning. He showed up with bags of groceries so that he could cook dinner for us. Meatballs is what is on the menu... I don't even care if taste horrible, just the fact that he is attempting to cook is a quality that I am not going to readily abandon. A man that can cook is well worth his weight in gold.
It all began with a lunch date and is now quickly turning into a wonderful romance. I knew it would be different when I left the date and actually wanted to see him again. Most of the time when I go out with someone I am annoyed and would like nothing more than to never see the guy again. This time, not so much. I feel like I am a better person when I am around him. He reminds me that there is really nothing to complain about and as long he is with me, I actually believe that. Of course it might also have something to to do with the really good beer he hands me when I start to get a little wound up. He totally gets me... he really does.
Now here is the kicker... I am thinking that I am not alone in my emotions because when he showed up his claddaugh ring went from facing out to facing in. For those that do not know the tradition of the Irish claddaugh ring, basically he has just signaled that he in now taken and his heart in no longer open for the taking. I am slightly apprehensive only because I have not been in a serious relationship for so long, not to mention one that made me this happy. One day at a time, Vanessa, one day at a time.
The only reservations that I have is that he is scheduled to transfer in August. Right now I am trying to just take it one day at a time (seems to be common theme at the moment) and not think about what I am going to have to deal with then. I am going to just enjoy the moment and go with the flow. Whatever is meant to happen will happen. I am living proof of that and I am thinking that I am just going to put this one right in God's hands along with the rest of my decisions and let him lead me where I am supposed to go. He has been very good to me so far and to not trust that He will continue to take care of me would be just plain dumb.
So in a past post where I was completely feeling sorry for myself (I am allowed from time to time) I mentioned in a side bar that I was seeing someone. Well let's confirm the rumors, because yes, I am. I am not going to reveal his name but we can call him... "Mr. Big" Yeah, yeah, I know, I stole it from Sex in the City, but he is my Mr. Big. Ok, so here is the skinny on him: He is 9 years my senior which would make him 41, of Irish decent from Philly and an officer in Army. He has his own place off-post and a car that is paid for, so that would tend to lend one to thinking that he might just have some sense of independence. He makes good money so I don't have to support him. There are no crazy ex's which is always a plus. Oh, and he looks hot in his BDU's... :) So those are a few (and as much as I would like to blah, blah, blah about him, it is quite possible that this post would go on forever) of the technicalities, let's talk more about the emotional side....
He is probably, no definitely, the first man I have met in a long time (ex-spouse included) that has treated me this good. He is affectionate, passionate and hard working. When he looks at me there is true sincerity in his eyes and a concern that I have not felt before. I feel safe in his arms and would like to never leave them if that was at all possible. He lets me blab on about nothing and acts as though it is the most important conversation he has ever had. He holds me when I need to be held and makes me laugh when I need to lighten up. He is unlike any man I have ever dated before. He has a sense of maturity and capability with also maintaining childlike tendencies. My kids have met him and have spent some time around him. I want them to feel comfortable, but I have to tell that they took to him right away. Even Abigail who has anxiety issues felt right at home. I talked with them about me dating someone and everyone seems to be on board. Victoria said it the best, "we just want you to be happy, mom" Well kiddo, happy I am.
He is over today to spend the day with my clan while he finishes up some work on his laptop and I finish up the weekend duties of laundry and cleaning. He showed up with bags of groceries so that he could cook dinner for us. Meatballs is what is on the menu... I don't even care if taste horrible, just the fact that he is attempting to cook is a quality that I am not going to readily abandon. A man that can cook is well worth his weight in gold.
It all began with a lunch date and is now quickly turning into a wonderful romance. I knew it would be different when I left the date and actually wanted to see him again. Most of the time when I go out with someone I am annoyed and would like nothing more than to never see the guy again. This time, not so much. I feel like I am a better person when I am around him. He reminds me that there is really nothing to complain about and as long he is with me, I actually believe that. Of course it might also have something to to do with the really good beer he hands me when I start to get a little wound up. He totally gets me... he really does.
Now here is the kicker... I am thinking that I am not alone in my emotions because when he showed up his claddaugh ring went from facing out to facing in. For those that do not know the tradition of the Irish claddaugh ring, basically he has just signaled that he in now taken and his heart in no longer open for the taking. I am slightly apprehensive only because I have not been in a serious relationship for so long, not to mention one that made me this happy. One day at a time, Vanessa, one day at a time.
The only reservations that I have is that he is scheduled to transfer in August. Right now I am trying to just take it one day at a time (seems to be common theme at the moment) and not think about what I am going to have to deal with then. I am going to just enjoy the moment and go with the flow. Whatever is meant to happen will happen. I am living proof of that and I am thinking that I am just going to put this one right in God's hands along with the rest of my decisions and let him lead me where I am supposed to go. He has been very good to me so far and to not trust that He will continue to take care of me would be just plain dumb.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
grateful
So here we are, it's Thanksgiving and that makes it the first holiday away from home. I am missing all my family back home, but now this is where I am so on some level there has to be a new sense of toegetherness with my own little clan.
We decided upon invitation that we would revisit the same cabin that started this whole transition. The last time we were here, the impression in my mind was that it would be a long, long time before we would ever be able to get up here again. Little did I know that it would only be a short six months and here we are yet again. The scenery is beautiful and the company even better. Thanksgiving could not have been a better time to make this journey. A time of contemplation and reflection, sitting beside a fire while snow falls gently outside. I might be mistaken, but I think I have just stepped in a Halmark Movie.
The kids have been sledding every chance they get and I have been grazing on tuirkey and snacks, set on truly earning those holiday pounds. There is a fierce ping-pong competition that I am now determined to dominate. Spending time with cousins that I should have grown up with, but due to circumstances that I could not control, did not. There is always a board game going and perhaps some cards. Mittens that look like snowballs and red rosy cheeks with runny noses is the best way for kids to be. Sleeping, that is the best part. I swear that I now look 10 years younger. The truth is that good sleep will do that to you. My skin is glowing and the dark, suken in circles that reside under my eyes normally have dissappeared. I feel refreshed. I have decided that staying her until spring would be the best idea in the world.
There are responsibilities that await me back in my sleepy little town of Sparta. Work needs to be done, bills need to be paid... Right now, they seem miles and miles away, just as they should. Meanwhile my time here has given me much. A renewed sense of security and comfort in my decision to move across the country to live in a place that I did not know with people that I have never met. It is all working out well. I don't think that I could have asked for a better place to raise my children or spend my days.
Yes, this Thanksgiving truly sets the tone for exactly why I made this crazy journey. It could have ended up so horribly, but instead it is fast becoming the most delightful time of my life.
We decided upon invitation that we would revisit the same cabin that started this whole transition. The last time we were here, the impression in my mind was that it would be a long, long time before we would ever be able to get up here again. Little did I know that it would only be a short six months and here we are yet again. The scenery is beautiful and the company even better. Thanksgiving could not have been a better time to make this journey. A time of contemplation and reflection, sitting beside a fire while snow falls gently outside. I might be mistaken, but I think I have just stepped in a Halmark Movie.
The kids have been sledding every chance they get and I have been grazing on tuirkey and snacks, set on truly earning those holiday pounds. There is a fierce ping-pong competition that I am now determined to dominate. Spending time with cousins that I should have grown up with, but due to circumstances that I could not control, did not. There is always a board game going and perhaps some cards. Mittens that look like snowballs and red rosy cheeks with runny noses is the best way for kids to be. Sleeping, that is the best part. I swear that I now look 10 years younger. The truth is that good sleep will do that to you. My skin is glowing and the dark, suken in circles that reside under my eyes normally have dissappeared. I feel refreshed. I have decided that staying her until spring would be the best idea in the world.
There are responsibilities that await me back in my sleepy little town of Sparta. Work needs to be done, bills need to be paid... Right now, they seem miles and miles away, just as they should. Meanwhile my time here has given me much. A renewed sense of security and comfort in my decision to move across the country to live in a place that I did not know with people that I have never met. It is all working out well. I don't think that I could have asked for a better place to raise my children or spend my days.
Yes, this Thanksgiving truly sets the tone for exactly why I made this crazy journey. It could have ended up so horribly, but instead it is fast becoming the most delightful time of my life.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
in the beginning...
So it was mentioned to me that some of you might not understand why I am in Wisconsin in the first place. I am going to take this time to present to you the events leading up to my butt being an icicle. (yes I understand it is only November and it is going to get much colder...)
This past July I was very graciously invited to my Aunt and Uncle's cabin in north Wisconsin. This is family that belongs on my paternal side. I had not seen them since the passing of my father 8 years ago. At first I was very nervous, Victoria had been but one year old and Abigail was literally a week or two old. Now I come equipped with three kids of the ages 9, 8, and 5. A considerable amount more to handle than the last time that we conviened. Also, I am a single mother now and have been through so much that I am not even close to the same person I was then. Oh well, they are going to have to like me anyway and if they don't, I am family and tough. They are stuck with me.
Of course all went well and I loved the area so much that I thought it might be nice to move to the Midwest. Thinking that this was just a pipe dream and the actual odds of me finding a job were next to nothing. When I got back home I began to apply for jobs in Minneapolis, Des Moines and a few at Ft McMcoy, WI. I really wanted to be in Minneapolis because of all the culture and The Mall of America, (oh and not to forget that is where my aunt and unlce live) but the pickings were slim there. Most applications were shots in the dark. I really don't know any of these jobs, but what the heck, if they hire me I can learn it later. Isn't that what Google is for???
Low and behold there opens up a position at Ft McCoy that is right up my alley. It has to do with something I did while I was active duty. So here we go! I start by revamping my resume, tailoring it completely to this position. The best part was I didn't have to "imbellish" anything! I had actually done this stuff... Well I click to submit and wait. I wait a very long time. I actually applied for the job at the end of July.
About a month later I hear a reply back... "You were not among the top candidates and your resume has not been submitted for review." REALLY??? Well alright then. I give up. I have now decided that it was not meant to be and that I am just going to stay in Texas and make it work there. Then September 14th I get an email from the Major that works there. He says he would like to interview me in two days. WHAT?
I give the interview of my life. I knew I nailed it and if I didn't get the job I was going to be very surprised. The next day I was offered the position to report in 30 days to the command. So that brings me here. We have had quite an adventure and sometimes I feel like I am on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, but it is all worth it. I don't care about anything else but giving my babies the best that they deserve. I think that this move up here to the very very very cold is exactly what they needed. Now that I mention it, I think it is exactly what I needed too.
This past July I was very graciously invited to my Aunt and Uncle's cabin in north Wisconsin. This is family that belongs on my paternal side. I had not seen them since the passing of my father 8 years ago. At first I was very nervous, Victoria had been but one year old and Abigail was literally a week or two old. Now I come equipped with three kids of the ages 9, 8, and 5. A considerable amount more to handle than the last time that we conviened. Also, I am a single mother now and have been through so much that I am not even close to the same person I was then. Oh well, they are going to have to like me anyway and if they don't, I am family and tough. They are stuck with me.
Of course all went well and I loved the area so much that I thought it might be nice to move to the Midwest. Thinking that this was just a pipe dream and the actual odds of me finding a job were next to nothing. When I got back home I began to apply for jobs in Minneapolis, Des Moines and a few at Ft McMcoy, WI. I really wanted to be in Minneapolis because of all the culture and The Mall of America, (oh and not to forget that is where my aunt and unlce live) but the pickings were slim there. Most applications were shots in the dark. I really don't know any of these jobs, but what the heck, if they hire me I can learn it later. Isn't that what Google is for???
Low and behold there opens up a position at Ft McCoy that is right up my alley. It has to do with something I did while I was active duty. So here we go! I start by revamping my resume, tailoring it completely to this position. The best part was I didn't have to "imbellish" anything! I had actually done this stuff... Well I click to submit and wait. I wait a very long time. I actually applied for the job at the end of July.
About a month later I hear a reply back... "You were not among the top candidates and your resume has not been submitted for review." REALLY??? Well alright then. I give up. I have now decided that it was not meant to be and that I am just going to stay in Texas and make it work there. Then September 14th I get an email from the Major that works there. He says he would like to interview me in two days. WHAT?
I give the interview of my life. I knew I nailed it and if I didn't get the job I was going to be very surprised. The next day I was offered the position to report in 30 days to the command. So that brings me here. We have had quite an adventure and sometimes I feel like I am on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, but it is all worth it. I don't care about anything else but giving my babies the best that they deserve. I think that this move up here to the very very very cold is exactly what they needed. Now that I mention it, I think it is exactly what I needed too.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
i was going to write, but now i don't want to
I was going to sit down and write about how my day was lovely. I was going to say how we went to church this morning, followed by a Sunday drive. I was going to tell you that the kids loved it and actually appreciated driving "in the middle of nowhere". I was going to write about how we had a nice lunch at Ginny's Cupboard in downtown Sparta and Nathaniel had the biggest PB and J that I ever saw. Then I was going to say something about how Abigail helped cook dinner and it was wonderful. I was even thinking about mentioning that all the chores were done and I put them all to bed completely content. This is the point at which I would explain how I got cozy downstairs in my giant bean bag chair to watch the Cowboys play. THIS is where it all changed. This is where I decided how I didn't feel like writing about the wonderful things that happened to me today. I don't even want to talk about the new guy that I have been having conversations with so that maybe someone could weigh in on how I should approach things. Nope, at this point I am lonely. While watching the game in my cowboys gear covered up with my cowboys blankie I started to think about home. The last game that I watched was with my dad. It is a sad feeling to know that you are all alone combined with the feeling that I am alone in my passion for my team kinda hit it home. I miss my family. There I was, curled up in the best seat in the house and all I could think about was the vastness of the space around me. Nobody else yelling at the TV or just sitting there quiet because the cowboys made another bad play. I love my team and without anyone to share that with, the reality of how much I love my family and how much I miss them was put right smack in front of my face. In a 52" plasma HD version. Perhaps tomorrow I will feel like writing about the wonderful things that happened. I sure as hell don't today.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
the first weekend in november
We have now begun November. The skies are grey a little more and it drizzled a little this week. Hasn't really affected the kids much though. Today Victoria wore shorts with her winter coat. She never complained of being cold and I didn't ask her if she was.
Last night we had a really nice pizza/movie night. I found this little Italian place that has crazy Italians working there. Really? In Wisconsin? Don't question it, just accept it. Anyway they deliver and we ordered a thin cheese and deep dish special (has everything but the kitchen sink on it). Delicious! I cranked up the heater downstairs and we hung out on the bean bag chairs watching Toy Story 3. It was a really enjoyable night.
Today was lovely as well. We slept in, which does wonders for people's moods around here. When we got up we headed into LaCrosse, which is were Abigail does gymnastics so that she could go to open gym. The drive is about 30 minutes, but it is a nice scenic, relaxing drive. I dropped her off and headed out to do some shopping. Got some things for me to wear to work and a few items for the house. When I went to pick her up, the director of the gymnastics program stopped me and asked me if we would consider Abigail joining the level four team mid-season. Came as a surprise, but apparantly the level 4 coach was working with her during open gym and decided that she would like for her to compete. She is excited and really proud of herself that she got to walk on the team after 2 weeks when there is no room on it. After we finished up there, off we went to do some grocery shopping at a place called Woodmans. It is not a fancy place, but they have a lot of variety and we left there with a few treasures. (More on that tomorrow!)
On our way home we noticed that there seemed to be something going on at the high school around the corner from our house. Upon investigation we discovered that it was a craft fair!!! Oh My!!! We hurried up and dropped of the groceries and walked, that's right, walked over to check it out. It was soooo fabulous!!! We didn't buy too much, but man were there a lot of venders! I think there were more there than at the Country Peddler back home! Anyway it was great and we had a lot of fun there.
After we left the school we went "downtown" Sparta to do some shopping there. I found some really cute Keen shoes at a shoe store that has been there since 1902! The place was just charming and the service was just as it should be. We also hit Mike's TV and Furniture store (whose slogan is "The Other furniture store in Sparta") Victoria picked out her bedroom suite and I had to laugh. I know we are in the middle of the woods so to speak, but she wants to live the whole experience. She picked out the pine log furniture. The kind that looks like a beaver put it together. Whatever makes her happy, I guess... it should be here in about 2 months. While we were there I found the biggest, greenest bean bag chair ever! It now lives in the rec room downstairs. Oh yeah, I dubbed the living room downstairs the rec room since it is becoming increasingly dedicated to family fun.
I love that we are getting settled in nicely more and more with each passing week.
Last night we had a really nice pizza/movie night. I found this little Italian place that has crazy Italians working there. Really? In Wisconsin? Don't question it, just accept it. Anyway they deliver and we ordered a thin cheese and deep dish special (has everything but the kitchen sink on it). Delicious! I cranked up the heater downstairs and we hung out on the bean bag chairs watching Toy Story 3. It was a really enjoyable night.
Today was lovely as well. We slept in, which does wonders for people's moods around here. When we got up we headed into LaCrosse, which is were Abigail does gymnastics so that she could go to open gym. The drive is about 30 minutes, but it is a nice scenic, relaxing drive. I dropped her off and headed out to do some shopping. Got some things for me to wear to work and a few items for the house. When I went to pick her up, the director of the gymnastics program stopped me and asked me if we would consider Abigail joining the level four team mid-season. Came as a surprise, but apparantly the level 4 coach was working with her during open gym and decided that she would like for her to compete. She is excited and really proud of herself that she got to walk on the team after 2 weeks when there is no room on it. After we finished up there, off we went to do some grocery shopping at a place called Woodmans. It is not a fancy place, but they have a lot of variety and we left there with a few treasures. (More on that tomorrow!)
On our way home we noticed that there seemed to be something going on at the high school around the corner from our house. Upon investigation we discovered that it was a craft fair!!! Oh My!!! We hurried up and dropped of the groceries and walked, that's right, walked over to check it out. It was soooo fabulous!!! We didn't buy too much, but man were there a lot of venders! I think there were more there than at the Country Peddler back home! Anyway it was great and we had a lot of fun there.
After we left the school we went "downtown" Sparta to do some shopping there. I found some really cute Keen shoes at a shoe store that has been there since 1902! The place was just charming and the service was just as it should be. We also hit Mike's TV and Furniture store (whose slogan is "The Other furniture store in Sparta") Victoria picked out her bedroom suite and I had to laugh. I know we are in the middle of the woods so to speak, but she wants to live the whole experience. She picked out the pine log furniture. The kind that looks like a beaver put it together. Whatever makes her happy, I guess... it should be here in about 2 months. While we were there I found the biggest, greenest bean bag chair ever! It now lives in the rec room downstairs. Oh yeah, I dubbed the living room downstairs the rec room since it is becoming increasingly dedicated to family fun.
I love that we are getting settled in nicely more and more with each passing week.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
halfway through week two
So now we are halfway through week two. While the weather has been calm and absolutely gorgeous inside my house has been a little more chaotic than I would normally prefer.
The kids seem to think that since we are not at Grandma's house anymore that all rules no longer apply. We can leave our clothes in the middle of the floor, shove things in the corner of our room as if Mom is never going to step more than two feet in, not finish our dinner and my favorite which is whine for EVERYTHING. Homework is getting to be an issue now as well. While I am positive that they are fully capable of bringing home all that they need and even starting, if not finishing, homework at aftercare - this concept is slipping thie children's minds. Anyway we all had a nice discussion at the kitchen table tonight so that I could impress upon them the importance of keeping their butts in line. I love them beyond the ends of the earth, but God Bless!! Ugh.
Tomorrow is a new day and I am going to approach it as such. I was listening to the radio on the way to work and there was a conversation about a list that came out. It had to do with a survey that someone did asking "older" americans what it takes to live a long and happy life. On the list there were things like - "do not go to bed angry at your spouse OR yourself" - "do not worry about money" - "if you smoke or drink, do not worry about it, just eat healthy and stay active" - the one that sticks out the most in my mind was "have a lot of children".
The kids seem to think that since we are not at Grandma's house anymore that all rules no longer apply. We can leave our clothes in the middle of the floor, shove things in the corner of our room as if Mom is never going to step more than two feet in, not finish our dinner and my favorite which is whine for EVERYTHING. Homework is getting to be an issue now as well. While I am positive that they are fully capable of bringing home all that they need and even starting, if not finishing, homework at aftercare - this concept is slipping thie children's minds. Anyway we all had a nice discussion at the kitchen table tonight so that I could impress upon them the importance of keeping their butts in line. I love them beyond the ends of the earth, but God Bless!! Ugh.
Tomorrow is a new day and I am going to approach it as such. I was listening to the radio on the way to work and there was a conversation about a list that came out. It had to do with a survey that someone did asking "older" americans what it takes to live a long and happy life. On the list there were things like - "do not go to bed angry at your spouse OR yourself" - "do not worry about money" - "if you smoke or drink, do not worry about it, just eat healthy and stay active" - the one that sticks out the most in my mind was "have a lot of children".
Sunday, October 31, 2010
fall is for roast
I made a roast tonight with red potatoes, carrots and onions. It was in honor of fall. The season where we get to eat lots of stews and roasted meals partly because they taste good and partly because turning on the oven helps heat up the house.
Halloween was lovely and I enjoyed the kids trick or treating on Saturday versus Sunday. My three ghouls did not go, but they really loved handing out the candy. Something that they have never gotten to do before. Next year we will be out and about on the street though. I did miss raiding the kids candy for all the chocolate...
So here we are, off to the start of another week. Hopefully week two will be as nice as week one.
Things I learned this week:
1. Good friends are the most honest ones.
2. Just smile and nod can be used in more applications than I was previously aware.
3. My son likes roasted onions.
4. Locking your keys in the car at the Audi dealership does not mean you have to buy a new car.
5. I made a good decision. (be advised this particular item could change from week to week)
Halloween was lovely and I enjoyed the kids trick or treating on Saturday versus Sunday. My three ghouls did not go, but they really loved handing out the candy. Something that they have never gotten to do before. Next year we will be out and about on the street though. I did miss raiding the kids candy for all the chocolate...
So here we are, off to the start of another week. Hopefully week two will be as nice as week one.
Things I learned this week:
1. Good friends are the most honest ones.
2. Just smile and nod can be used in more applications than I was previously aware.
3. My son likes roasted onions.
4. Locking your keys in the car at the Audi dealership does not mean you have to buy a new car.
5. I made a good decision. (be advised this particular item could change from week to week)
Friday, October 29, 2010
no school
The kids are out of school today, as were they yesterday too. This means that they get to go to aftercare for the whole day. Lots and lots of fun to be had there. Mix that in with a holiday centralized around candy and I received children that were sticky and bouncing off the walls. Knowing that Abigail's first night on her new team was last night, I attemped without much success to calm them down. As we were about to sit down to dinner Nathaniel got bonked in the head with the lid to the toybox as it was coming down. He cried through dinner and almost all the way to gym. When we got there I used my secret mommy skills and bought him a nutty buddy out of the vending machine with the promise that chocolate cures headaches. He was convinced and by the grace of God was healed immediately folloing his third bite. I may have created a monster with this one, but it got my a few hours of peace.
Abigail did extremely well during practice and there is talk of her completing as early as December. Only time will tell. Today is Friday and I am glad for it. This has been an interesting week and I now look forward to sleeping in tomorrow and not having to crawl out of my warm bed if I don't want to.
Abigail did extremely well during practice and there is talk of her completing as early as December. Only time will tell. Today is Friday and I am glad for it. This has been an interesting week and I now look forward to sleeping in tomorrow and not having to crawl out of my warm bed if I don't want to.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
halfway through week one
Today is Wednesday and is actually a Friday for the kids. They will be off tomorrow and Friday due to the end of the quarter I believe. I am still getting used to how things are done around these parts. So far the kids seem to really like school and the after care program on post is super as well. I was worried about Abigail academically, but she seems to fitting right into place and feels more positive about school now. We received a nice package from Aunt Debbie yesterday full of cozy goodies. Nathaniel and Victoria have their gear on and we don't leave for school for another 15 minutes. Correction, Abigail just walked up and is putting hers on as well.
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