Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Broken windows!

Or one broken window at least! SO the fact that the windows were not installed properly lead to 6 inches of thick ice on the INSIDE of the windows which led to one of the windows CRACKING IN HALF this morning. Our bedroom window. Which is already so freaking cold in there because the insulation is crap... so cold that my mattress is now in the living room so Phoenix and I can stay warm.

Yah. Useless fucking contractor strikes again!

Robyn and Gray came to visit today while the pre-k girls were in school. We got both babes to sleep and destressed with a nice quiet chat. It's refressing to see that some one else's babe fights sleep as much as Phoenix does ;) I told her to leave Gray here while she went to pick up the girls and he visited me in the kitchen while I did some dinner prep. He's such a happy go lucky little fellow. I love the way he giggles like a maniac when you catch him doing something he shouldn't ;)

I made pizza for dinner tonight. Sausage, carmalized red onions, garlic and yellow peppers, my homemade sweet and sour bbq sauce, mozza and feta cheese. My homemade whole wheat crust... HEAVEN. Easily the best pizza to date. Sooooooo good. I need to make it for Robyn... she'd love it (minus the feta ;) )

I wrapped all the x-mas pressies that I had already. At least that's done.

I'm up this late because I'm just finishing off baking oatmeal/chocolate chip muffins for Maddy's "teddy bear picnic" at school tomorrow. lol! Yep... I'm one of "those" moms. They didn't ask us to send anything but I thought it would be nice. I also had to make a name tag for her bear and make her lunch. I did this all at around 12:30am. Think I could have started a wee bit earlier?

Well I should head to bed. Morning will come all too soon and I can't really sleep in much past 8 as Maddy and Jeff will be coming through the living room. I think Olivia and I might just have a pj day, lounge on the bed and watch movies.

Mood right now? Content :)

Monday, November 27, 2006

Eh...

It's been a day.

I had Jassy and Gray for a couple of hours this morning. It went mostly ok. Jassy LOST IT because I asked her if Gray could have peanut butter and honey for lunch (I forgot to ask Robyn what they ate and so had to improvise as I thought they would be back just after 12pm) So she chucked a wobbley. I put her in a time out, then a time out in Olivia's room and then explained priorities... to a three year old... am I insane? I gently tried to tell her that screaming for 20 minutes because I asked her a question probably was not a very good use of her (and mine) time. Especially when having to make lunch, cart around my baby and supervise both hurricane Gray and Olivia. LOL!

This... would be the reason I stopped at three kids. Because four is just insane. I'm just very very thankful that Madeline was in school. She would have been a big help but even one more body might have driven me over the edge.

They stayed to visit until just after four. Then my kids went for quiet times in their rooms so mommy could decompress for a few. Phoenix finally fell asleep while nursing but just as he was starting his slow breathing I had to make pasta. So once again had to put sleeping baby down (for about the fifth nap try of the day) and once again said baby wakes up crying.

He finally went to sleep at around 9:15 and has woken three times in two hours. This could be a very very very long evening.

Kathy is coming over to visit tomorrow and bringing me lunch! I invited Robyn and Gray as well to come visit after they drop off Jassy for pre-K. Not sure if they are coming or not. Jeff phoned to ask her (I was nursing babe) and Mike answered. Kinda got the brush off. So we'll see.

I need to relax for a bit, maybe try to have a bath... and go to bed.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Another sunday

It was a pretty good day. Got to sleep in. Had a great brunch (bacon, eggs, toast and jam) and visited Robyn and the kids for the afternoon. The kids "eventually" had a good time. Jassy was in a mood for the first part. I think Olivia telling her that she was "being mean" and that she didn't want to play with her finally brought her out of her funk... that and they had a snack. Food makes everything better apparently. Especially fruit cups. Manna from heaven ;)

I read the "Night Before Christmas" to the girls for bed. I really need to get a hard copy of it. I'd like to make that a tradition. Maddy got to paint "guys" with daddy today. She got a real kick out of it and I think that jeff did too.

Our new windows suck ass. They were installed the wrong way or something and have like an inch of ice build up on them!!! So we're got All-west glass coming this week to fix them. Guess you get what you pay for... the guy that installed them (remember the useless contractor?) did it for a really good price but took like a fucking month! Now our heating bill is going to go through the room.

Oh and our Star Choice reciever is fried I think. It's not recieving properly... we've got a guy coming out on tuesday and I think he'll probably tell me we need a new one. I'm going to politely explain that they better give us a new one or we'll drop their service.

Robyn is going to pick Maddy up from school for me tomorrow thank goodness. It's way too cold to be taking a baby out in this weather. I really hope they have an "in day" I've got her two kids for the later part of the morning. Then they'll have lunch with us and hang out. I think I'll make some chicken/garlic/brocolli pasta for dinner. Maybe some foccacia as well.

Tuesday Kathy and Julian are coming for lunch (well they are bringing the lunch with them) and then Thursday Jean, Elisabeth and Alex are coming for lunch and to watch "Cars" with us.

It's going to be a busy week. Friday is Jeff's birthday so I'll bake him a cake and have people over for cake and ice cream. I should pick up some more coke and ... ice cream. Lol!

Trying to figure out what to get him. Think think think.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Please stop me...

PLEASE!

The girls each have 7 x-mas pressies and one more planned! It's all within my budget of $150 per kid but really! Enough already! The problem is that once I get to the store and I see all of these things that I know the girls will just love than I have to buy them. I have issues. I know.

I bought Olivia a gorgeous Barbie ballerina dress, Madeline her CD player and a Bella Dancerella "Swan Lake" kit and Phoenix an adorable soft "My first Eeyore." I still need to get Olivia's Littlest Pet Shop ($50) and Madeline's 12 Dancing Princesses with Genevieve Horse and Carriage ($50). I need to buy Phoenix some Robeez, a book and some Jammies. If I do end up having the money I really want to buy him that Discovery Dome. I probably will. Then do their stockings (dollar store) and they are done!

Next payday is everyone else on my list. The payday after that (the 22nd of December) Jeff and I finally get to buy for one another. Oh how I wish I had endless money... or the credit to pretend I had endless money ;) At least with no real credit cards (well I have a $200 one but that's it) we can't get into any trouble. Everything we buy is with our own money and not borrowed.

Phoenix is sleeping (since 9:30) and I think I'll head to bed. Liv, Phoenix and I will go over to Robyn's tomorrow to hang for a bit, Maddy and Daddy are going to do some painting (model guys.) It should all be fun.

I wonder where my sister is, I think I'll call her. Okay.. called. No answer. I wonder if she's in jail? She's been denied citizenship to the usa and she's due to be deported... well any time now. I have not heard from her in days so maybe? I dunno. Dawn if you are reading this CALL ME YOU COW. (sisterly love)

Well Jeff's geeking out and my oh so warm bed is calling me.

Tired... but a new day :)

Phoenix slept like absolute crap last night... seeming to have tummy issues. So today I change a poopy diaper and it's green and chunky... wtf? Then I remember... when I was on antibiotics after he was born for my uterine infection his poop got green and chunky... the SAME ANTIBIOTIC. So psa... Keflex produces green and chunky poo in breastfed babies. It also gives them tummy aches.

Mystery solved.

I've only got 5 days of the stuff so hopefully he'll be better soon after that.

Today was parent observation day at ballet. So Phoenix and I watched Olivia for an hour and then Madeline for an hour. Both girls are doing wonderfully, were perfect listeners and both got comments and praise from both Tina (their teacher) and other parents on how they are naturals. That's my girls!

Jeff's at a meeting with a new web client. It's about a $1500 or so job so that would be nice at this time of year. The client is a pain in the ass to deal with (wants something specific, but won't tell him what... lol) but jeff has had dealings with him for almost 5 years. He usually turns to jeff whenver he has a new project to do.

The girls are watching cars. again. for the like 5th time. Thankfully I like the movie ;)

Jeff let me sleep in the morning. He took the babe at around 9:20 and let me sleep till 10:45. Heaven! Asleep ALONE in my bed! Only the second time that has happened in 6 months :)

Oh and fiend is 18.5 lbs now :)

Friday, November 24, 2006

have I mentioned?

how freaking tired I am?

We finally got to bed at 6... AM. He slept for about 2.5 hours until 8:30 and then nursed. Then back to sleep till about 10:30. So all told I got about 2.5 hours of sleep. Total. Broken up. I am so tired.

I wanted to have robyn and the kids over today but I'm way to out of it. I can barely plunk my eyes open.

The house is tidied. I need to put the whites in the dryer and vacuum but other than that I am good.

I think we'll take the kids to see Santa at the mall tonight and then get my grocery shopping done.

still awake

After my last post he woke up within 5 minutes. It's now four thirty in the morning. He's awake. He's alternately screamed and dozed for four and a half hours. He has a 101 fever, he's hot and bitchy.

I am so tired. I have not slept (obviously).

He finally ate (went for five hours without nursing even when offered.... you so know somethings really wrong with this boy) and now he's laying on the floor beside me chewing on a dinosaur tail.

I am soooooooooooooooo tired.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

G double rr

My son. Listen up. When you are grouchy all day, don't want to nap, drooling all over the place and bitch for like two hours before bed this probably means that YOU ARE TIRED. You need sleep. So when mommy spends a half hour nursing you, gently sets you down in the family bed and expects a night to herself... do not wake up 1.5 hours after this yelling and screaming and refuse to go back to sleep after being nursed. It turns gentle mama into a mama that picks you up, gives you to daddy and takes a breather.

Thankfully after nursing again for another twenty minutes (about 15 minutes after I had just nursed his for 20 minutes in bed to try to get him back to sleep) he is in bed. I hope he's asleep. I don't hear anything... I'm not checking though. Just in case.

Parden me while my head explodes....

BAAAAAAMMMMMM....

With that out of the way...

why why why do I even bother with storknet. WHY! I should stick to mothering. I really should.

I had my tooth that had a partial rootcanal/then broke/then got infected worked on today. He cleaned it out, drilled, released some of the absess, drilled, filed, cleaned, steralized, drilled, poked, filed (you get the point.) It's now smooth at least and has a temp filling. It will need a crown when the root canal is finished. I walked into there asking him to just pull the damn tooth but he convinced me otherwise. He's also referring me to a surgeon to get my bottom two wisdom teeth pulled out. The one is cracked and the other is decaying. Blerg.

Mother goose was pretty good last night. We had six families (not suprising considering the roads) and then I went to Robyn to pick up jassy. We had a wee visit and then came home. I fed the babe, had a hot bath and then went to bed. Jeff actually got Phoenix to sleep and that was a huge suprise and very nice.

Maddy had a playdate with a school friend yesterday. I had to listen to the mother go on for at least 45 minutes on why she didn't breastfeed. How come the second people find out I am a LLL leader they need to justify themselves to me? You know what? I DON'T FUCKING CARE why you didn't breastfeed. I just don't care. I help mama's that DO breastfeed or want to breastfeed or are sad about not breastfeeding. If you didn't and you are happy with that then don't try to justify it to me. Cause I don't care. Period. It's your life. You have to live with your decisions. What I think is not going to make a difference one way or another.

/rant

So this mom and I don't have a lot in common. The volume level of their house was insane... no one talks they all YELL... ALL THE TIME... annoying. The three year old just babbles and does not say one recognizable word... yet she's about 6 inches taller and 10 lbs heavier than Olivia! We were only there for about 45 minutes and 15 of them were spent taking off all the snow gear and putting on all the snow gear in their teeny tiny little foyer. Then the kids and I had to trek back home in -12 and snowings and non plowed roads.

My house is messy. I've slipped on flylady. While the baby is sleeping I'm going to have a nap and tackle it later.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Vintage pictures :)

Grammie trying out the sling :) This is back in august in Sechelt with her and Phoenix
Olivia at around 6 months. I LOVE HER HAIR!
Miss Madeline at 1.5 years. Notice the lady like position ;)
My all time favourite picture of Olivia. I have no idea what she was so upset about but that lip just slays me ;)
My all time favourite picture of Madeline. I think she was around 2 when this picture was taken (or 2.5?) and yes those curls are real :)

Monday, November 20, 2006

lucky

Maddy had a much better day today. She was polite, respectful, could actually sit down for two seconds and I LOVED being around her. What a difference come down off the artificial dyes and sweeteners can do. My poor babe.

Olivia, phoenix and I slept until 10:30 this morning. Rather, Liv and I slept, Phoenix talked, kicked, played, grabbed me and tried to get me to wake up. I was rather sleepy as I had went to bed around 2am. He nursed about 6 times between 2am and 6am and then WAS UP FOR THE DAY. I'm tired.

We had a slow morning. Olivia actually ate a bowl of "mommy oatmeal" (real oatmeal as opposed to instant crap) and liked it! We played, watched some tv, olivia coloured and then we ate lunch. Jeff dropped us off at Maddy's school at 2:10 and we waited for Maddy to be finished. We walked home, had a snack, played... you get the idea.

Tonight we ordered supper from Domino's pizza as they were having a "dough raising" fundraiser to raise money for a new playground for Maddy's school. It was yummy. Our pizza had feta on it... mmmm... I LOVE feta.

After dinner we had a "family night movie" which we had planned for last night but the power going out kinda put that on hold. We bought the widescreen version of Cars (we had already seen it at the drive in and loved it!) so we stacked blankets and pillows on the floor, got some strawberry banana frozen yoguart and crashed. Maddy actually FELL ASLEEP about 20 minutes before the end (she usually does that when's she's coming down off of a reaction) and Jeff carried her to bed. Phoenix was fussy and drooly requiring teething tablets and multiple nursings. He's now (finally) in bed.

Jeff just cleaned the kitchen, mopped the floor and is now geekin out with his warhammer.

I balanced the budget today, finished my shopping lists and did my flylady stuff. Tomorrow is a 27 fling boogie for the bedroom.

I'm afraid that Phoenix is not getting his discovery dome for Christmas... having to buy a car seat kind of put a wrench in things. I don't want to take away from anyone else's pressies so we'll cut back at home. Hey! At least he'll be safe.

I'm excited about one of his gifts :) http://bebeloco.livejournal.com/ is making him a white and blue knit bunny ear hat! I can't wait to see it.

Oh and we got a package in the mail today from one of Jeff's cousins Sarah and her hubby Brad. They sent a gorgeous outfit for Phoenix... Old Navy light blue overalls and a cream coloured waffle wear long sleeved onesie. Stripedy long sleeved old navy shirts for the girls and playdoh as well! That was a very nice suprise :)

Well I'm off to have a nice, long bath. Cross fingers the fiend does not need to be boobed.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

The car seat hath been purchased

We went today and checked out the Radian seat at Canadian tire and looked for the Evenflo Tribute at Wal*mart. Wally does not CARRY the evenflo tribute. That's handy. They did however carry the Evenflo Titan 5 with comfort touch memory foam... ohhhh... ahhhhh.... soft ;)

So the Radian seat is...nice. If you wish to have your child sit basically on metal covered with not very comfy foam padding. It had no head support for a smaller baby, no wings to help protect the head in a crash and I think that sucker weighed like 50 lbs! Yah. No. I don't care if it does go up to 48 lbs.

We went back to wally and got the Titan 5. Highly rated in crash testing (right up there with the Britax seats) no bells and whistles but hey... it's a CAR SEAT not a moving restaurant. It's black and grey so it goes with the interior of our car ;) and we got it mega tightly installed with the latch system in the van. We put Phoenix in it and he SMILED! He hates his car seat so this is big. It's rear facing to 30 lbs and that makes me happy :) Oh and it was only $120! Bonus!

I visited my grandmother today and it was very sad to see how far downhill she has gone :(

We lost power for 6 hours today/tonight. We ended up at my other mothers so the kids could bath and get ready for school tomorrow. She gave me a big bag of hair stuff that will be great for the girls! She also has two super cute fake suede and furry vests for the girls that were given to her. Pink and Purple :) Oh and another really nice winter jacket for Maddy. Hey! I'm not to proud to accept handouts!

Well off to have a bath. All the kids are in bed and it's sooo quiet.

Google till ya puke

Or in other words... the great car seat debate is on.

Phoenix needs a new seat. He's not quite at the weight limit for his graco seat (20lbs) but He's definately coming close to the height limit. So I've searched and searched and searched.

I think *think* we've chosen the Sunshine Kids Radian 65 that you can get at Canadian Tire. It's one of only two seats in canada that do a five point harness up to 48 lbs. This is a very important feature to us as it's imperative to keep kids in a harness for as long as possible. I'm uber uber pissed that seats up to 65lbs don't exsist in Canada but do in the states. I'd totally switch Maddy back to a harnessed seat if I could.

So the Radian it is. The other contenders were the Safety first Intera and the Evenflo Triumph 5. Both good seats. Both highly rated. Both only good up to 40 lbs. Doh! The Radian is $199 canadian so it's not too bad. Dammit I REALLY WISH I had not given away my Fisher Price Safe Embrace which apparently is good to 33 lbs rear facing. At least it has a good home. I was hoping that the new Fisher Price seat (the safe voyage) that is made by Britax would make it into canada (rear facing till 33 lbs and forward till 65!) but alas... not so much yet.

I've been searching for 2.5 hours. I'm tired.

Phoenix was up until after midnight tonight. I kept trying to convince him to sleep but it was not to be. Finally jeff slung him and then patted him to sleep. He better sleep well tonight!

I got more yule shopping done today. Bought Kylee two books and a poster/marker set. Picked up some more stuff for the girls... so far

Maddy:
princess light up tracing desk
Champion horse set
baby car seat
princess ballet slippers
12 dancing princess sticker book

Olivia:
playdoh activity mat
fur real panther cub
baby car seat
princess ballet slippers
Horse (stand up with bridle, saddle to ride)
Dora book

Phoenix:
twirly popper do dad thingy
chunky soft car
white and blue bunny hat

*yawn*

It's almost 2:30am. Time for bed.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Shocking...

I like my sister in law. I really do! She just had a baby and she swore she wouldn't co-sleep, cloth diapers were a no go, she'd "try" to breastfeed... I just talked to her for 1 1/2 hours tonight and she told me what an inspiration I am to her in parenting. How she's so proud that she's breastfeeding and what a help I have been. How she never would have tried cloth diapering if it were not for me and how much she LOVES sleeping with her babe and that she only thought about it after seeing how happy my babes were sleeping by my side.

I LIKE my sister in law! I have a new friend. I am so very proud of her for following her instincts and doing what feels right for her and her babe.

Speaking of friends... apparently my best friend left town to quesnel. Said best friend didn't tell me she was leaving town. Hey... best friend? I worry about you! Let me know when you are taking off so I don't think the worst! Or at least then I'll know where to stalk you ;) I mean find you ;) lol! Love ya girl.

My house is still very clean. The computer desk is downstairs and it's sooo nice. So much more decluttered. So tidy looking. I love it! Laundry still caught up. Heaven :)

Girls have ballet tomorrow. I should have got their stuff ready tonight but I was not on the ball. Oh well.

Oh and I got the strangest phone call today. A woman from my pagan group called me out of the blue. Says "you have to do me a big favour" (ummm no... I don't have to do anything) she wants me to watch all three of her kids this weekend! Apparently her eldest has brought some allegations against them (he's 9 and adopted... major issues) and social services said all three kids had to go for the weekend. I lied (I know I know) and said we all had the flu. I cannot look after those kids. The two year old would be fine and the older kids are psycho. There is no way that I can deal with a 7 and 9 year old that still pee in their pants and are so incredibly hyper/rude/spaced out for AN ENTIRE WEEKEND!

So I said no. I can't watch three kids day and night for three days on top of my three kids.

I should not have lied but it was a gut reaction. Dammit... this is probably really bad for my karma.

Should go to bed... so sleepy.

Friday, November 17, 2006

flylady... among other things...

flylady is going great! 5 days in and my laundry is always caught up, my sinks never looked better, my toilet smells great and the decluttering is going famously! I've already this week:
cleaned toilet
tub
sinks
cleaned out girls clothes and closets
got caught up and stayed caught up on laundry
cleaned all my utensil drawers
cleaned out my "junk" drawer and cabinet
cleaned out and decluttered my bookshelf and kids craft cupboard
cleaned off the cupboard and basket in the kitched
decluttered the living room
got jeff to move the desk downstairs and cleaned the aftermath of that

nap times and after bed times are my cleaning times. Once the whole house is decluttered (hall closet, my closet, junk cupboard and rec room are all that's left to do) I'll feel so much relief. I'm being ruthless in my throwing/giving away of items.

On to other things...
Maddy's got show and tell at school tomorrow. We washed "piggie" tonight and he'll be clean and ready to go for the morning. I made her pb and j for lunch but cut it into various shapes; an apple, star and two baby hearts. She'll like that. Yoguart, raisens, snap peas and rice milk to round it out.

Olivia had a good day at preschool today. Jassy was there so I am assuming the family is no longer sick. I hope not for their sakes.

Jeff's watching Robocop (blerg) and I'm off to bed. Long day and I'm giving myself a break tomorrow (as per flylady's request)

My sink is shined and I'm ready to go :)

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

A picture post


I love the suprised look on his face... and his fatness!

She wrestled a bed... the bed won. Result? Broken nose and black eye!

Yah yah... should not be used on a raised surface. But how do you ever expect me to actually cook!

Organic snugglebugs :)

Good morning baby fiend!

Monday, November 13, 2006

Sunday, November 12, 2006

what a day...

I'll save all the boring stuff... highlights of the day include:

-jeff's vasectomy incision (yes it's been over three weeks) exploded soaking through his underwear and pants. He's got an absess apparently (yah... no shit) and is now in IV antibiotics. Can this be over yet alfuckingready?

-maddy tripped, fell and smashed her nose on a bed frame at grandma's. Result? Bleeding nose, swollen and purple nose, at least one black eye.

-fight between jeff and I because I am so overwhelmed at the CLUTTER and MESS of this house.

Leading me to...

I joined flylady again. I started tonight but making sure the kitchen was clean and shining my sink. Tomorrow I'll get caught up on my laundry and do some tidying. I'm not going to kill myself. BABY STEPS. Then I'm going to work on getting the kids to sort their laundry as they put it away and I may purge their closets of clothes that they never wear. That will cut down on the clutter. So each night I'll shine my sink, choose my clothes for tomorrow, wipe the bathroom sink and put out my hotspots. I can do that.

It was nice to be at al and roses tonight. I felt welcomed and happy.

I went shopping today and bought Phoenix some clothes. All Carter's brand... all coordinating ;) Two pairs of soft cotton pants in blues and stripes, four long sleeved onesies, two pairs of jammies. Oh. So. Cute.

I'm going to bed now. Jassy was throwing up and having the runs today. I'm praying my kids and us don't get ill.

Friday, November 10, 2006

Recipes

My sister (hey dawn!) keeps bugging me to post recipes... so I shall :)

Sweet and sour chicken:

In your crockpot put as many frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts as you wish... I usually use two or three for us four
cracked black pepper
sea salt
garlic (three or so cloves) sliced
one large red onion sliced
one cup of sliced peppers (red, orange, green...)

Sauce
about one cup of ketchup
about one cup of good dark brown sugar
one tablespoon of white vinager

Mix the sauce and put it on top of the chicken and veggies mixture

Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4. About 4 hours through the low cooking time I'll take out the chicken and dice it and then add it back it. Cook up some rice or noodle and you have a meal!

Chicken brocolli pasta

Three cubed boneless skinless breasts in the crockpot
top with cracked black pepper and sea salt
chop up a red onion, three cloves of garlic or so
add about 1 cup or 1.5 cups of good quality extra virgin olive oil
stir

Let cook for about 7 hours in low or 4 hours on high

When almost done cook up some pasta (I like rotini) whole wheat is best
cook some brocolli florets (I just use fresh frozen)
toss the whole mess together... viola! Melt in your mouth chicken.

There ya go dawn ;) My pizza crust, foccacia and hummus will have to wait till tomorrow.

Friday friday friday

It's almost 11pm and the baby fiend is in bed. The girls are sleeping. Jeff is painting... it's very very quiet. I like it.

Today was busy but good. We got grocery shopping done, bought the girls new vitamens "Progressive" with no food dyes. You have no idea how hard it is to find vitamens and vit C without food dye! Jeff got gas for the van, paid preschool, mailed Heather's package (finally!!!) It was productive... expensive but productive.

I bought some christmas pressies for the girls. Both are getting a little car seat/carrier for their "babies" Princess of course. Each a pair of "12 dancing princess" ballet shoes. A light up Princess tracing desk for Maddy and a Playdoh activity mat set for Liv. It's a start.

The girls got some new clothes yesterday too :) Olivia 3 pairs of boot cut stretchy/fleece pants and two shirts and Maddy a pair of black boot cut stretchy pants and two new shirts. Olivia is in desperate need of clothes to fit her teeny tiny body. Both girls could do with some ass at least to keep their pants up ;)

Phoenix was pretty fussy today. He's teething I'm pretty sure. Just grouchyish... crampyish sorta.

I got a very nice phone call from Rose offering for the girls to come over to her house tomorrow afternoon so I can go see jeff at his tourney :) And then an invite to dinner! All of a sudden I feel less gloomy :) They love me, they really love me. Lol. I am seriously way to old to feel this insecure about myself.

I downloaded the 90210 10 year reunion show tonight and watched it whilst nursing babe to sleep. It was good :) I really need the first season... oh jefffffff?

Thursday, November 09, 2006

What's that I hear?

Oh! It's the sound of no fighting... cause Maddy's out roller skating with her bff and Olivia is at Preschool! Yayyyy!!!!

We got a package in the mail from Grammie and Grandpa today. They mailed a bunch of Jeff's old baby sweaters, a hat, a shirt... the sweater Jeff wore when he was three fits Olivia nicely (it's cream with wood buttons, hand knit) and Maddy is wearing his old knit rainbow hat. SO CUTE I COULD SCREAM! Phoenix fits into BOTH baby sweaters :) And yes I'll make him wear them ;)

The sent Maddy a glitter sticker book, Olivia a "grey mouse" book and Phoenix a Lamaze cloth baby book that he is loving on right now.

Well off to bliss out and hopefully nap in front of the tv while nursing my babe in this oh so quiet house :)

My day just got way better with this show of love :)

as suspected...

This weekend is a no go for me to visit with Jeff at the tourney. Well actually Rose called this morning and said that al agreed they could babysit for half the day. That does not really work for me or jeff. That would mean that he would have to leave half way through and drive us home. Uh... no. I told her I'm not panicked about it. I had already made up my mind to just forget about it regardless of if they said the kids could come over or not.

I try *try* not to get my feelings hurt over things like this. I try... because in the same breath as "it's too much for al for the girls to come over" I hear "but jasmyn and grayson are coming over one night this week." Are my kids really that bad? Are they really *that* high needs and stressful? Am I putting way too much thought and time into trying to figure out a reason? ;) edited to add that I don't begrudge jassy and gray AT ALL for being with their grandparents. This has nothing to do with them. It's just MY feelings so no offense should be taken... I hope.

I want to go over and visit and hang out there. I want to feel like part of the family... but even though my girls have not been at their house for about a month (before sunday) it seems we have worn out our welcome. I remember when we were always invited over and told to come and visit... not so much anymore. I guess those are the perils of having a large and noisy family. Well I will not ask my daughters to change who they are no more than I would ask a dog not to bark. Brandon and Travis practically live there and I know that must be tiring...

Having thoughts like these always take me right back to wanting to move to Sechelt. Where since there are only Janet and Jeff and only 4 grandkids between both of them there is more than enough time and energy for all. Larry is getting better with the kids too which is very nice. When we were down visiting in august he let the girls pick potato's with him, water his vines, chatting and hung out with them. I could really tell the girls were tickled about that :) I think he just does not know what to "do" with babies... it's a guy thing I think.

My parents are out at camp till the 21st. Not that that matters at all. They have zero to no interest in the kids and my mom basically ignores the girls once she's greeted them and told them to go play. Phoenix is still paid attention to but then again... he's the baby. Once he's up and running he'll be become redundant as well. Apparently we're supposed to go there for Christmas dinner. Do I have to?

We're invited over to Al and Rose's for Christmas brunch and present opening. It will be busy. I really wonder if Al *wants* us to be there or just puts up with us because Rose wants us there (I'm assuming she actually wants us there or she would not ask.)

I'm feeling vulnerable. And not liked. And not wanted or needed. Blah. Bah humbug.

It's been a long day

-Phoenix was up about every 45 minutes last night nursing
-I got up before I got very much sleep at about 9:30 am
-I had a bath with both small kids (one at a time)
-Jeff left for work... an afternoon/night shift
-Olivia and I hung out
-We bundled up and picked Maddy up from school (to find out that someone in her class was barfing today)
-got her picture proofs back (soooo cute)
-got ready to go to rose and al's
-had dinner there
-went to mother goose and led a session
-back to rose and al's... hung out there till 10pm
-came home and put girls to bed
-nursed Phoenix to sleep only to have him wake up screaming not 45 minutes later...
-rocked Phoenix BACK to sleep again
-wrote in my blog... 1:02 am

I'm tired. It's been a very long day. Not sure if rose is going to babysit the girls on sunday... she's had the boys all week and then will have Robyn's kids on friday I guess. Meh. Whatever. I really wanted to hang with Jeff on sunday at the tourney but it's probably too much for Al's nerves to have my kids there for an entire day. I love my kids to death... but I can really see how others might not be able to handle their high needsness (read brattyness) lol!

Off to bed in a bit. Maddy's going to hang with Jean and Elisabeth tomorrow and go roller skating. Liv has preschool and I'll have the house allll to myself. I really should clean. I should. I'll probably nap though ;)

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

My husband...

wrote me a poem yesterday.. it made me cry :)

my best friend
in this sphere of
existence
is a woman
i know
she listens and
has interesting things
to say
she is an amazing
woman
the most amazing
i know
she understands me
and wants me
to do my best
as a man, as a husband
as a father
this woman i know
she’s my
wife
and she’s my
best friend

*tears*

I am so very lucky to have him in my life, sharing my life, raising our kids. How on earth did I get so lucky?

Tuesday

Well apparently Maddy's food dye allergies extend to cosmetics with dyes. We (the great pumpkin) got her a pink and purple disney princess make up set. She's been acting slightly loopy. Guess that's the end of that! She's not too bad... just slightly insane.

Robyn and the kids were over today and broke bread with us at mealtime. I made a very yummy chicken pasta dish. I cooked four breasts (boneless skinless) in the crockpot with a red onion sliced, three cloves of diced garlic, tons of olive oil (extra virgin from greece) fresh organic cracked pepper and chunky sea salt. I cooked some frozen brocolli, a bag of rotini pasta and tossed. Sooooo good. The chicken was melt in your mouth soft. My kids both ate like three bowls! I also made a pan of foccacia (whole wheat) topped with sea salt and paprika. Yum.

I chatted with my mother tonight. My grandmother clark has had two more mini strokes and they don't figure she has much time left. I know she wants to leave this earth... I hope it's peaceful and in her sleep :( I'll go visit her and bring her chocolate on friday. Apparently she's craving chocolate.

Both my boys are passed out in the rocking chair. Phoenix was fussing while I was on the phone and he passed out in Jeff's arms. Nice! House is on in 20 minutes so I'll wake Jeff then ;)

Tomorrow is a school day for Madeline. What to pack for lunch? Maybe pb and honey again and an apple fruit cup for snack. She needs her milk to go along with it... "no juice mommy... I prefer rice milk" Okay...

Oh... Phoenix is stirring... better boob the babe.

tuesday... continued

Jeff's out and about at a friend of his to get some army stuff. Phoenix went to sleep and was in bed by 9:30! He must be growing. With the amount he's been eating lately it's about time he has the sleeping part of the growth spurt.

House was interesting tonight. I won't spoil it ;)

Maddy's lunch is made. Organic pb and rasberry jam on whole wheat. Organic raisens and carrot/celery sticks round out the lunch portion. Apple mango unsweetened fruit cup for snack. I have to make sure to pack her a QUICK snack as they only get five minutes to eat it. 5 minutes! And they are not allowed to take it outside if they don't finish it. Madeline often comes home without having eaten all her food and just starving. I'm not so into that I have to say.

I should clean the kitchen... but I'm not.
I should do some laundry... (see above)
I could do some reading of actual paper books... nah.

I think I'll surf and drink pineapple juice.

Monday, November 06, 2006

Irritated

A post of mine COMPLETELY dissapeared. It was titled "patience" it was here the other day... and now it's gone. WTF? That really pisses me off.

So Jeff went to the er and his specialist today. Apparently he has some strange infection of some soft tissue area of the scrotum. It is getting better but it only happens in 1 out of 300 vasectomys. And it had to happen to him. Nice. So he'll be in pain for a bit longer unfortunately.

I got the kitchen totally cleaned today. That was nice. I really need to clean out the fridge and my junk cupboard. If I have time (and the baby permits) I might get it done tomorrow. Jeff is at work till 9pm tonight to make up his missed time. I'll get the kids into bed around 7:30 and then relax.

Phoenix is sleeping right now (finally) and the girls are watching treehouse. They had a very exciting dinner of PC mini chefs mac and cheese (yes I know it's refined white flour. I have decided not to care that they eat it once every two weeks or so) and red anjou pears (so good!) I made some egg salad and I'll have a sandwich once the bread comes out of the bread machine. Jeff took some soup and fruit for his dinner.

I got homework from Maddy's school today... lol! Jeff and I both have to fill out stars stating why we find our daughter amazing. I'm compiling a list in my head :) I also got her progress report. Almost all "all of the times" and only three "some of the times" No "none of the time" so that is nice to read.

She got invited to her first every birthday party from a school mate. I'm not sure we'll go. It's this weekend when Jeff has his tournament and I'd like to go watch him. Rose was going to babysit the girls for the day for us. Besides it's a girl I don't know, with parent's I don't know, at a roller skating rink that we have to pay for and she does not even know how to skate! We'll catch the next one maybe :)

Oh Ms. Spider is on... that should keep them amused for the next half hour ;) Bedtime is only 1.5 hours away... heaven ;)

Just another day in paradise

Phoenix seems to have recovered from whatever was ailing him. He's back to his happy chipper chubby little self :) Still going to bed at around 10pm. Oh so nice.

Maddy and Olivia had a pretty good day yesterday and today. We had a tea party and that norty lion aslan kept stealing our fridge ;)

We did some shopping this afternoon, went to the library for books and then picked up some take and bake pizza's for dinner. I didn't feel like cooking. Last night I made some organic beef meatballs, homefries with lots of garlic and olive oil and corn. It was very yummy and got rave reviews from the kids and jeff. I like meals like that.

My husband just took two T3's for his irritated balls. TWO FREAKING WEEKS and this infection from his vasectomy is still kicking his ass. He's got an appointment with the specialist on tuesday and maybe he can get some answers. He's still in quite a bit of pain. I just informed him that he had better get his teeth brushed and get ready for bed because once the drugs kick in he won't be moving for a bit. Gotta love codiene. I have hard core dental pain and even with that I only ever take one at a time!!!

We went over to al and rose's for a visit tonight. It was very very nice to just kick back and relax. Rose snuggled the baby, al snuggled the baby, the girls watched a movie and played. No fits, no fights, no struggles... no noise! We are rarely over there without the whole rest of the family so it was nice for the girls to get some one on one attention. Rose is watching the girls on wednesday night along with Jassy and Robyn and I will head to mother goose together.

Well I'm tired. I cleaned out the craft cupboard tonight (that was a huge job) and purged a giant bag full of colouring books and just papers and stuff. Looks nice now.

Oh and Olivia can write her name now :) So cute.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Snow... and lots of it

Well about 2-3 inches. Just enough to let us know that yes... we do have to buy new tires for the van. Fuck.

Last year in November we shelled out over $400 for new tires for the Malibu and then sold the damn car three months later. Only to buy the van which now needs new tires. I love having a vehicle... just hate paying for the maintenance on it.

Phoenix (knock on wood) has had no screaming fits today. In disposables and me with no chocolate in my system. It's working for me.

The girls are driving me insane today. I think the hallowe'en candy is going bye bye tonight. They are hyper, loud, squirrly... you know. Kids. lol. We hit the mall for a bit today and checked out some new stores. Dropped off the Ruby and Diamond ring that my mom gave me to be sized. They have to take it up one whole size so that might get expensive. They are going to mail me with a quote first.

I'm conflicted over Maddy's second big present for Santa day. We're getting her a CD player and burning her some cd's but what for the second one? She wants a Leapster game system, The 12 dancing princesses carriage and Genevieve, a doll stroller etc... I'm thinking maybe the doll stroller as she already has a leappad and a cinderella carriage with horse. Olivia is getting a ride on pony and an aquadoodle. I'm kinda fuzzy on what else to do for them. I'll probably just hit hellmart and go from there. Oh that reminds me... probably more crafty type stuff and viewmasters. I think they'll like those.

I saw the Playskool Discovery Dome today in Zellers. Phoenix is getting that. Some board books... some clothes and Eeyore Robeez. He's easy ;)

Well dinner is almost done. I did sweet and sour chicken breast with garlic, peppers and rice in the slow cooker. Add some veggies and we're good to go! Smells soooo good.

I just don't get it!!!

Why on earth won't my children eat regular, old fashioned, GOOD FOR YOU oatmeal!!! I'm reading Robyn's Nourishing Traditions book and it reccommends soaking your oatmeal overnight with water and yoghurt to release the good things in the grains. So I soaked. I made it up with morning and added cane syrup and rice milk. It was very yummy. It took them ONE WHOLE HOUR to eat it. They are driving me nuts.

I caved and got jeff to go buy a pack of disposable diapers last night. Pampers "caterpillar flex" To move with your baby right? Yah... first diaper he poops right up the back all over my shirt, my pants and the couch. Nice. Sigh. Daddy gave him a bath right after. Funny thing though... Phoenix was pretty fussy all day, two screaming fits after dinner... as soon as we put a disposable on him though he stopped screaming, layed on the floor for AN HOUR talking and chatting, nursed well, had a bath, nursed again and then went to bed at 10 and only woke up twice in 12 hours to nurse. NO SCREAMING AT ALL. Curious.

Well I heard daddy and phoenix chatting in the bedroom so I should go boob the boy (the small boy... not the large boy...)

Oh and I had sex this morning. YAYYY! First time in about a month!

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Oh dear... what can the matter be...

Oh dear what can the matter be?

I think *think* the baby fiend may have issues with me having chocolate. Well at least chocolate consumed in the mass quantities that I have been eating. He's also still a week bit snotty, gassy, crampy... He's been fighting nursing as well so that also leads me to believe that it's a gas issue.

He likes to scream. Lots. He's had four screaming fits today all lasting between 15 minutes and 45 mintues. He's completely inconsolable at that point. He's always has had problems going to sleep without yelling but now it's umpteen times a day. I'm drained. I finally got him to go to sleep IN MY BED and not on me so I could recharge a wee bit. Last night I nursed him down at around 11:30 and then fell asleep beside him. I didn't mean to... but I did. He only woke up once last night. I think he was tired from all the screaming.

I also think he hates cloth diapers. I've diapered two girls in cloth for a cummulative 5 1/2 years. I picked up a pack of disposables last month to use because I just could not keep caught up on my laundry. Now that I am trying to switch back (well switched back... there are no more disposables in the house) I am finding that he HATES to be wet. The second he pee's he screams. He pee's around every 20 minutes or so. I am exhausted just trying to keep up with it. I am seriously considering selling the cloth (or keeping it for backup) and switching to full time disposables. I dunno... the guilt factor for his health and the environment might not let me though.

Liv's home from school in another 10 minutes and then my quiet will end. I think I'll put on "over the hedge" and let them veg out in front of the tv. I put a organic beef stew in the crockpot this morning and jeff put up a loaf of bread so dinner is made... thank goodness.

I need a housecleaner... and a cook... and a nanny... lol.