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.

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.

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.

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 :)

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!

Jeff!

My hubby :)

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.

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?

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 ;)

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.

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.

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!

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.

My current favourite song :)

I've listened to it about 200 times since getting it a couple of days ago :) The kids love it and it seems to calm Phoenix down during his fussy times and really? Who doesn't like Pooh!

Return to Pooh Corner

"Christopher Robin and I walked along
Under branches lit up by the moon
Posing our questions to Owl and Eeyore
As our days disappeared all too soon
But I've wandered much further today than I should
And I can't seem to find my way back to the Wood

So help me if you can
I've got to get back
To the House at Pooh Corner by one
You'd be surprised
There's so much to be done
Count all the bees in the hive
Chase all the clouds from the sky
Back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh

Winnie the Pooh doesn't know what to do
Got a honey jar stuck on his nose
He came to me asking help and advice
From here no one knows where he goes
So I sent him to ask of the Owl if he's there
How to loosen a jar from the nose of a bear

Help me if you can
I've got to get back
To the House at Pooh Corner by one
You'd be surprised
There's so much to be done
Count all the bees in the hive
Chase all the clouds from the sky
Back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh

It's hard to explain how a few precious things
Seem to follow throughout all our lives
After all's said and done I was watching my son
Sleeping there with my bear by his side
So I tucked him in, I kissed him and as I was going
I swear that the old bear whispered "Boy welcome home"

Believe me if you can
I've finally come back
To the House at Pooh Corner by one
What do you know
There's so much to be done
Count all the bees in the hive
Chase all the clouds from the sky
Back to the days of Christopher Robin
Back to the ways of Christopher Robin
Back to the days of Pooh"

I'm back at the House of Pooh... and there is no where else I'd rather be :)

...

Three year olds. They are evil incarnate. I swear that Jasmyn and Olivia have been stolen by aliens and replaced with tasmanian devils. Ones that hate their parents. Between the two of them there was repeated screaming in this house today over the most menial stuff. Jasmyn didn't want to paint or decorate a goblin, Olivia was not getting a turn to speak, Jasmyn pee'ed on the toilet seat, Olivia didn't want to stop riding on her truck, Uncle Jeff put soap on Jasymn's hands after she had already washed them...

Devils I tell ya. Devils.

Aforementioned three year old just got up to go pee and complained that Eyore was missing... she's now tucked back into bed and there she better stay. I hear the aliens are out in full force tonight.

Phoenix (knock on wood) went to bed at 10:00pm again tonight. Woke at 11 for a quick nurse and then back to sleep. It was a big day for my boy today! Wake up at 10am... pee all over mommy and queen sized bed during a diaper change, nurse a million times, pick up big sister at school in new snowsuit (keeps him toasty warm) nurse a million more times, refuse to nap, roll over a dozen or so times, whine a bit, cry a bit, whine some more, smile, laugh, coo and giggle. Add some drool, pee, poop and snot... and that's our day. I truly love being a mom :)

Miss Madeline had her Halloween party today at school. She had a great time and came home with some plain chips and a few chocolate bars. She brought home tons of art work that are now all over my windows.

We had Robyn and the crew over for pizza tonight. It was even better than normal. Then Jeff helped the kids (sans Olivia... sent to bed early for screaming at mommy repeatedly) carve their pumpkins. I need to tidy up still from the grayson tornado (lol) but that will wait till the morrow.

It's 1:30am and I should go to bed... it's just so nice and quiet with only jeff and I around.

Meh...

Tired today. I was tired yesterday too. I think it was all the chocolate I snarfed. I always feel like crap when I don't watch what I eat (well I DO watch it... as I snarf it) so back on track today. Just had my organic oatmeal with brown sugar and raisens and some pineapple juice with my cod liver oil pill (oh yum.)

It's Madeline's halloween party at school today so I baked some double chocolate with chocolate chunks muffins and stuck a tootsie roll in the middle of each one. They were good. Contributing to my sugar crash (see paragraph above.) Maddy's wearing her pony costume :) She wanted a mozzerella and orange pepper pita for lunch today and a WHOLE apple (cause all the other kids bring theirs whole...) a pinapple juice box (her first one for school ever!) and a blueberry yoguart for snack. Duotang is packed, box of organice crispy treats packed (for when other kids bring group snacks that she can't have) and extra outfit packed (our girl plays hard... and wet apparently.)

Olivia is at the table making a pumpkin out of orange poster board and black shapes. She cut out her own shapes and is now glueing them on. Tonight we'll carve the big pumpkins as a family. Phoenix is sleeping...

Speaking of sleep (knocking on wood) He's gone to bed around 10:00-10:30 for the last four nights. And last night because of daylight savings time he actually went to sleep at 9:30!!! I could get used to this. Before I was nursing him around 10 and he would nap for a bit and then be up until 2am. Now I put him in our bed as soon as he's asleep... if he wakes we turn on his music and pat his back and he goes right back to sleep. I like this. He usually starts waking to nurse about 2-3 hours later but that's cool. I get a bit of time to read or just stretch out on the couch... or fold laundry (I know... I'm a wild woman!)

I gave Phoenix some pulsatilla for his snotty nose last night. It seems to help.

Dammit I wish I could stop burping col!!! I like fish. I really do. But to burp it even when I have not eaten it is just really gross. I'll have to try freezing them. I've heard that helps.

We went to value village yesterday. I got some good deals! I found Madeline two pairs of jeans (in EXCELLENT condition) on paid 2$ for one pair and 4$ for the other. I bought Phoenix a blue fuzzy sherpa Winnie the Pooh snow suit in perfect/new condition for $7. He's getting one for Christmas but he needs something warm for now when we are going back and forth to pick up Maddy from school. I also picked up a pair of old school Robeez booties in navy (in good condition) for Gray for $5!!! Robyn kept saying how she wanted a pair for him but couldn't justify the $40 for a boy that can't wear them outside seems how he's already walking. But for $5 if he only wears them as slippers that is a great deal :) Jeff bought two brooms, two identical dishes for water and salt (alter items). Maddy got a pair of fisher price binoculars, Olivia a crocidile grabber thing that she has already got her fingers caught in twice... good haul altogether I'd say!

It's desperately trying to snow outside and not being successful. GOOD. I really need to move far south.

Well off to boob the newly awakened babe.

Samhain and stuff

Yesterdays ritual went great. Jeff did a wonderful job and there was a fair bit of power and emotions that came out of it. I spoke the names of Baby Violet and Jericho and bawled.. of course. I didn't even realize how much the anniversary of Jericho's death was bothering me but it is.

The food was awesome. We all sat around and watched "Over the Hedge" while we were eating dinner. Charlene brought a brown bean chili, Paul a ceasar salad, Katrina a fruitish salad, we did hot dogs, hummus, chips, taco chips, pretzles, juice, water and pop. Michelle brought dessert. Shannon brought buns. I love pot lucks!

Jeff ended up at the er late last night. His testicles were swollen to four times the size and even though his is circumsized it looked like he was not because of all of the swelling. He couldn't even pee straight! He has an infection (no kidding) and is on Cipro now. I'm not even going to reccommend not taking the rx... you don't mess around with infections like that. I'm going to get him to do GSE, tto and arnica gel and tabs as well. Hopefully that will help.

We've got to go get raw milk today and drop it off at Robyn's. Jeff has to drop off his prescription and we have to hit Save-on for yoguart, tahini and rice milk. I should get going i suppose.

Awesome!!!

We had a great night tonight! The kids were beautiful and the dance was awesome! The five of us danced the night away (okay until the dance ended at 9pm). Jeff had Phoenix in the sling and they danced like crazy. Maddy did ballet most of the night and WON the prize for the best dancer!!! There was only one prize given out and she won it! The kindergartener! She got a big fuzzy black and purple spider. So cute! Unfortunately Liv's heart was broken because she didn't win a prize. So her and I went into the hallway to talk about it and she said "I'm going to go in there and dance even faster so I'll win a prize too." sigh... poor tyke. So needless to say that my "fast" dancer will recieve a prize tomorrow when I go shopping. I am so proud of my girls :)

After the dance we went to the evil McDonalds for some food. We were all so hungry that it didn't even matter that it was McDicks. hey... we all slide sometimes. They were a hit there with their princess costumes.

When we got home Janet (jeff's sister) had called. Their new baby Ella was born on wednesday and she had a ton of breastfeeding questions. I think I answered them all. I was tickled that apparently Darryl had said throughout the day "what would Tammy say? How does she do it? What would she do?" lol!

Jeff's cleaning the downstairs right now. I'm not getting him or I to do a huge clean before tomorrow cause it will just get trashed anyways. The bathrooms are clean, the carpet will be vaccummed and the floors swept. Toys picked up and a general tidy. Good enough!

Phoenix is in bed and I am bushed. I should get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day. Ballet, grocery shopping, making foccacia and hummus, preparing for the ritual... I do this to myself why?

We've got the white stuff...

dammit...

It's snowing to beat the band out there. I think there's already a couple of inches. The girls wanted to go outside to play of course so out we went. I need to find their snowpants!!!

Got a blender and some boys clothes today from freecycle. That was nice. The blender is old but all metal with a glass container. Those old blenders always work the best and last forever!

I got Maddy's Elizabeth dress hemmed for the dance tonight so she won't kill herself. I'm letting her wear my wedding tiara as well and she's tickled about that! So then I had to find something to appease the little person... she gets to wear pretty hair combs of mine.

Phoenix is asleep on him sheep skin, on the floor, on his tummy, covered with a blanket. He sounds even worse today! He can hardly breathe or nurse with this snotty nose. I just called Robyn and I need to pick up some pulsatilla for his sinuses. Hopefully then he'll be able to nurse and breath a bit better.

Looks like the snow might be lessening a bit... hopefully.

I'm all alone...

A cute pic of my boy... see how happy he is to be pushing up!

Jeff's out at the pagan coffee meet tonight. The girls are in bed and Phoenix is passed out on a stack of blankets on the floor. I was nursing him laying down while watching survivor and he konked out. It's uber cute :)

I'm having a painful day. This first period is kicking my ass something fierce. Large clots, major cramps, tons of bleeding. You know what? I'm done with the whole reproductive process... just shut it down would ya?

Olivia had a good day at preschool and brought home a "full moon" painting. That will get pinned up beside Maddy's sunflower that she brough home yesterday. I really don't have enough walls for two kids in school.

Tonight Jeff warded the house (we've been meaning to do that for a bit) and the yard. We wanted it done before the Samhain ritual.

Wow I'm tired. It's hard keeping my eyes even open at this point. I think I might lay down with my boy and have a nap...

double sigh...

My baby just screamed himself to sleep... in my arms... again...

He takes about three seconds to go from Happy to SCREAMING. Then he will not nurse to calm down. No he has to scream.

I feel sorry for the little guy :( So he's in bed and I imagine he'll wake up sometime soon; calmer and ready to nurse.

Mother Goose was good tonight. I told my first story ever and it was a hit. Chatted with Robyn a bit. They were heading out to coffee tonight. I wish!

Note to self... adopt a 16 year old to watch kids so my hubby and I can get out more often ;) Nah. I really don't have a huge wish to be out all the time. I kinda like kickin back with Jeff, kids in bed, us just chatting. Or watching tv together. Or working on insane riddles together (www.weffriddles.com) we play pass the baby until he finally falls asleep. It's nice. And cozy. And what I signed up for. He is such a good husband and father :) I'm hopelessly in love with him and looking forward to being 80 and still hopelessly in love :) ... /sap

edited to add...

Phoenix woke up after 1/2 an hour happy as a little clam. So I went and nursed him, kissed him and he went right back to sleep. Poor little duck.

Jeff and I got all of our alter tools consecrated for the Samhain ritual on saturday. That took quite a while but was incredibly satisfying and energizing. We really need to start doing rituals outside of the Sabbatts.

It's 11 am

And my whole house is sleeping... except for me (right here) and Madeline (at school)

Jeff is snoring away on the couch. Olivia is still passed out in her bed and Phoenix (after nursing at 9:30) is still asleep in our bed.

It's nice and quiet.

I've gotten up, had a shower, eaten some bread, hummus and blueberry yoguart for breakfast and am now just enjoying the peace and quiet.

It snowed last night. Fucking hell. I really really really hate snow. I hope Maddy's warm enough for recess and lunch time. It's pizza day at school today so my normally hummus and veggies, or organic pb on homemade whole wheat girl is eating pepperoni pizza, a rice crispie treat and chocolate milk. Blerg. One day won't kill her.

I messed up. Again. I bought a big box of oatmeal (instant because IT WAS FOR ME and I was feeling lazy) and jeff started feeding it to madeline in the mornings without telling me. So.. she's been pretty psycho and hard to handle for the past couple of weeks. I kept thinking it was food dye related but could not figure out what! Yah... for the record? Maple and brown sugar oatmeal has carmel food colouring in it.

Nuff said.

Mother goose tonight. Hopefully the little puking boy is better or not there. That was way too much nastyness for me to handle. You know what? If your kid looks green and punky KEEP THEM THE FUCK HOME. Sniffles, snuffles, coughs... I can handle. Keep the puke in the home. Not in the classroom.

I have puke issues though. Maddy's only ever puked twice and Olivia once (sicknesses I mean) and I think Maddy's first one was because she gagged on something. The second times were when we had the norwalk virus a couple years back. That was nasty.

So I got my period yesterday. I made it to almost 5 months this time. You know? It's not fair. He does not use a soother, no supplements, no food, no water, nurses 12-1000000 times a day. Does not sleep through the night and uses me for all his pacifying needs. There are some moms who have babies that nurse ONCE a day, are three years old and they still can't get their fertility back! Damn I wish I was one of those...

Jeff's recouperating nicely from his surgery. I thought I would be more distraught about it but I really am done. Done done. I feel done. I don't feel any longing for more kids. I'm done. It's really nice to feel done.

I babysat Gray yesterday. Poor little duck was sick with a cold (everyone is) and was so tired. He just started to bawl so I rocked him, sang to him and he fell asleep. It only took about 15 minutes! I think Robyn was suprised that he actually fell asleep... what can I say? I have the magic touch (or voice... or rocking chair...)

Lazy day I think. I might make my hubby do some housework... ;)

Survey

Sent to me by a friend :)

Bold the things that you have done! Here's mine...

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said 'I love you' and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror.
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an illness that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146: Dyed your hair
147: Been a DJ
148: Shaved your head
149: Caused a car accident
150: Saved someone's life

It's a new day...

He finally fell asleep screaming in my arms after about 20 minutes :( I tried to nurse him, sing to him, pat him... he just wanted/needed to scream. So I held him tight, rocked him back and forth and sung "Baby Mine" to him. When he finally stopped crying he looked into my eyes... smiled... coo'ed and then passed out. What. A. Nut.

We slept on and off for around 10 hours with him only waking twice to nurse. I'm feeling better.

Perhaps today will be a good day :)

I am sick and tired...

of being a cow.

You know? It's just not that fucking nessesary to nurse every single 30-45 minutes for the entire night... and then the entire day... and when you are NOT nursing you need to bitch. Whine. Cry.

I know he's a growing boy.

I know he has a cold.

I know he's teething.

But if he does not BE QUIET and GO TO SLEEP I might sell him to the lowest bidder.

It's 1am of course... the time when I am just sick of being a mom. For the past three nights I've been going to bed right when he does, getting up right when he does, he's been napping in my arms, in the sling when we're out, being held when he's awake.

I need a break. I need like two hours when he's asleep. In my room. WITHOUT ME.

I'm getting a fucking cold and I need just not to be touched for a minute.

Jeff's sore after his surgery so he's trying to take it easy. I wish the kids would let me take it easy.

Downer post... oh well.

Ever so slightly... amused

After bitching about Phoenix's sleeping he actually went to sleep at around 12:30ish last night. Him and I were in bed playing and talking from about 11pm (he really likes being covered with a play silk and the "peek-a-boo" that ensues) but at around midnight I started nursing him. He played the "latch on latch off" game for a bit and then settled to nurse. He pulled off, smiled at me, turned his head and closed his eyes. Down for the count... YES! He actually ONLY NURSED ONCE from 12:30 to 9:00am! I feel rested for the first time in a month.

Tomorrow is the big day. Jeff's vasectomy. I've got him some ice packs. I've stocked up on Advil liqui-gels. He's good to go. He took next week off to recouperate so that will be a nice break.

Next wednesday is Maddy's schools first pizza day! She's stoked ;) Then on friday there is a halloween dance...

"mommy..."
"yes dear"
"you dance right?"
"yep!"
"and I dance... and livy dances... and phoenix would dance if he could"
"yep"
"so... lets go to the dance! as a family! It will be fun!"

so dance we shall ;)

The saturday following it we are holding a samhain ritual at our house combined with a Halloween party for the kids. That reminds me that I should make an announcement to the board for helpers with a main meal and snacks.

It's a dreary rainy day. Livy has preschool and Robyn and kids are coming for dinner tonight. Chilli and fresh bread. Cucumber slices and cheese. Yep we're high tech and high cuisine in this house ;)

Bedtime

Why on earth can't I ever get to bed before 2am. I WANT TO BE IN BED BEFORE TWO AM. Currently Phoenix is FINALLY falling asleep... in the pouch... on my chest. Sigh. He's fighting it big time so I am swaying back and forth as I type this... lol.

Today was a good day. Jean, Elisabeth, Alex and Robyn, Gray and Jassy came over. The little ones were in preschool till 3:30 so the big girls got a chance to play by themselves. They dressed up as princesses, make bracelets and had a tea party. They had a fantastic time! Poor Gray though kept getting locked out of the room ;) No boys allowed apparently.

I made some sloppy joes with organic ground beef on home made whole wheat bread, home fries and cucumber slices for dinner. Oatmeal chocolate chip muffins for dessert. I made some hummus tonight for Maddy's lunch tomorrow (she requested it) so on the menu is Hummus, pita triangles, celery, cucumber, orange peppers, grapes for snack and a bottle of rice milk. I love the fact that she eats a healthy and varried diet.

Talked to Robyn for about an hour and a half tonight. I love talking to her. I hope that her hubby gets his head out of his proverbial ass and wakes up to see what a wonderful wife and mother she really is. He'll lose her and then he'll be sorry. No twinkie, single friend or video game is worth losing his wife over. And that's all I'll say about that. Or this rant will get very long...

Dammit I wish Phoenix would just SETTLE. He's wiggling all over the place currently. Just go... to... sleep. Now. Now would be good. Really.

Soooooo tired

I got next to no sleep last night. Between Phoenix being awake every hour and not being able to sleep until about 5 am worrying about Robyn, I am bushed. Apparently Mike is home according to Rose; who called this morning asking me what the fuck was going on. She had all the information anyways (which I made sure to find out before I said anything) so I just commiserated with her. She got no sleep last night either. I imagine Robyn is in the same boat. Damn... we need to head out to a spa for like a month or two.

Maddy has early dismissal today at 1:30. That sucks. lol.

Olivia is watching Babar. She slept in until about 10:30! Phoenix is still sleeping in bed.

I need some coffee. Big time.

What a night...

When I went over to Robyn's today this afternoon. Things were tense. Things went from bad to worse and Mike took off. I spent some time with her on the phone tonight letting her vent and supporting her. It breaks my heart to hear and see how upset she is. I wish I could wave my magic wand and make everything better, make it the way she needs it to be. Make it so she had a partner in life... I've offered her a place to stay if she needs/wants it just to get away.

We actually did see Chris and Nansi tonight. They invited us over for roast beef and we brought a salad and some buns. It was wonderful. I actually had a really good time chatting with nansi and letting the kids play. She got some Phoenix snuggling time; I could tell she enjoyed that. The boys (jeff and chris) got to talk shop and dissapeared downstairs for a bit. It was a nice evening. I was very pleasently suprised.

Jeff had to see a client tonight so I did bedtime with the girls. Packed Maddy's school bag and her lunch (pb and honey on whole wheat, all-bran bar, mix of dried kiwi, pinapple, mango and almonds and rice milk) I hope she likes it. Phoenix is ACTUALLY IN BED! I put him down at about 11:15 and not a peep yet. Very nice.

I'm bagged... I can't sleep though. I wish I could be with Robyn right now to comfort her. If Jeff was not working I so would offer to be there with her right now. I think I'll invite them for dinner tomorrow night.

Sunday lazy sunday...

Phoenix finally cried himself to sleep in my arms at about 2:30am. I nursed him, cuddled him, offered the other side... rock-a-byed him, rubbed his tummy, patted his back... offer the other side again at which point he started to scream. So I layed down with him in my arms and rocked/shushed him for about 20 minutes until he finally gave out a final whimper and passed out. Mommy once again must have missed that very limited window of time in which to get him to sleep without him screaming. Can I say that I am SO tired of him not sleeping without sounding terribly ungrateful for this gift of a precious little boy?

He slept mostly ok for the rest of the night. Lots of nursing. We got up at around 10:45 (well I got up... he slept until noon) to physcho kids. Running, yelling, being a nuisance. Is it time for bed yet? They have settled down a bit and are now playing down stairs.

We went and picked up some puzzles off of freecycle, picked up a half gallon of raw milk which I gave to Robyn to try, dropped off photoshop at the library (we... borrowed it) and dropped off the plate at Michelle's from turkey last week. When we walked into the house our bread was ready and it smelled like a bakery. Yum!

We were supposed to do something with Chris and Nansi today but
1. they'll probably bail... because they always do
2. I really don't feel like hanging with them because...

1. they always bail. It irritates me.

I have no time for friends who are only friends on their terms. When they have the time. When they have the energy. When nothing else better has come along... not my style.

So Robyn mentioned getting together and we'll probably do that instead. I prefer her company :)

Baby needs a boob... what else is new?

Ramblings...

I was reading on mothering.commune tonight and there was a thread about kids school lunches. We (Maddy and I) have been talking about lunches and how her lunch differs from other kids. Apparently only her and the twins are the ONLY kids who don't bring juice to school. She does not drink juice at home so why would I send it with her? She has a nice water bottle so why change what's working? I asked her if she wanted me to send juice and she said no... she likes her water and besides "water is better for you mommy. Juice just rots your teeth."

We are also one of the only families that has not had a warning about lunch items. Her teacher insists on a no junk policy. No lunchables, no pop, chips, candy... no "fake" fruit (roll ups, fruit snacks) ... you get the point. Not stuff I would ever dream of feeding my kids for lunch anyways. She normally gets a sandwich of natural pb and honey on homemade whole wheat bread, raisens, fruit, yoguart. Sometimes carrots and hummus or celery. Last week I packed her a hard boiled egg and that was a huge hit. I just really don't get why nutrition is not more of a priority for families???

Anyways...

I have a brutal yeast infection.

STOP READING HERE IF YOU ARE QUEASY...

so I currently have a clove of garlic shoved up my yoni. It's supposed to work wonders... we'll see ;)

I also have a brutal tooth ache.

fun.

Well off to boob the babe... yes he's STILL UP.

All about me... as usual ;)

1. Explain what ended your last relationship?
Hmmm... he started sleeping with someone else and then broke up with me over the phone.

2. When was the last time you shaved?
5 days ago

3. What were you doing at 8 am?
yah... sleeping

4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
eating clodhoppers and watching Wed dreams on showcase

5. Are you any good at math?
yes. Especially algebra

6. Your prom night?
rocked. The night was spent in a hotel room (really creepy crappy one) getting drunk with my boyfriend at the time

7. Do you have any famous ancestors?
Famous? Apparently Anne Murray is like my moms third cousin (should I be admitting this?)

8. Have you had to take a loan out for school?
yep

9. Do you know the words to the song on your myspace profile?
I refuse to succumb to the myspace phenomenon

10. Last thing received in the mail?
a notice from LLL telling me to renew my membership.

11. How many different beverages have you had today?
raw cows milk, water, coke, iced tea

12. Do you ever leave messages on people's answering machine?
almost always. I'm quite stalkerish ;)

13. Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to?
Kim Mitchell when I was 12? 13?

14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
not usually

15. What's the most painful dental procedure you've had?
a root canal without anesthetic

16. What is out your back door?
I don't have a back door. Out my side door is a stone step and a path leading to the back yard.

17. Any plans for Friday night?
We went out for dinner tonight with the kids (chinese) then bought croc's for me (bright orange ones) and acidopholis for the kids (all three) chicken and dried fruit.

18. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?
yes

19. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns?
yes... blerg

20. Have you ever been to a planetarium?
no I have not

21. Do you re-use towels after you shower?
I do not

22. Some things you are excited about?
yule, my baby going to bed at a decent time

23. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO?
blerg... I don't do jello

24. Describe your keychain(s)?
It has a knitted wool soaker on it. Blue.

25. Where do you keep your change?
In an empty frosting container in my cupboard beside my microwave

26. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people?
Yesterday at League. The day before at Mother Goose. The week before when teaching sling making at NFHS.

27. What kind of winter coat do you own?
Lavendar outside. White fleece with snowflakes inside.

28. What was the weather like on your graduation day?
really really hot.

29. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed?
closed except for a tiny crack.

League meetings and such

Tonight was LLL. We just started a new series and I think that people will enjoy it. The goal is to get people thinking a bit more about activism and such. There was a good mix of old and new people (and old and new babies!) Our two newest people were a mama that has a 4 week old little boy who has Down's syndrome and a lovely mama with a 4 month old beautiful little girl. She is of african descent and I'm already making plans for her and Phoenix to wed in the future. One of the cutest babies I've ever seen! The meeting went well... I was a bit dismayed though...

The sweet little baby that has downs is circumsized :( Poor little one. Like he does not have enough going on that you had to cut him up. It didn't look good either... red and kinda scabby. It's really the first baby boy penis I've seen cut so I'm not sure what it's supposed to look like. It was really just a gut reaction I guess... my dismay that is. I would never say anything to her but she was definatley looking at both Phoenix and Grayson and noticing their uncirc'ed state.

Tonight was soup and bread for supper. Olivia loved the lentil soup and Maddy was okay with it... not love but at least she ate it.

Phoenix is in bed already. I say already but it's 12:23 am and he just went to bed 10 minutes ago. Hey... at least it's not 1:30!

Maddy's got kindy tomorrow. I think we'll go out for chinese for dinner. I have a box of clothes I'm going to get in the mail for Heather and Xan. Right I need to get those pacifiers off of Robyn.

I'm tired. I'm spent. I need a day to just sit, relax, chat, and renew my resources. I need a day with no kids hanging off of me (big kids that is) and no responsibilities other than cuddling and nursing my babe. I need a maid to clean my house and a chef to cook me meals. I need to have my husband all to myself for a good 4-5 hours.

Next friday is the big v day. The countdown begins...

Really good day

Phoenix didn't sleep very much today either BUT he's in bed already and has been for the last 20 minutes! He actually went to sleep at around 11 (in the pouch) and I was able to slip it off over my head and get him into bed with it. I think from now on I'll make sure he's fed, changed and then into the sling he'll go. He does not like being cuddled when he's tired but he loves falling asleep in the sling. Score one for mom!

We had a great day today. The potluck dinner was awesome. The turkey turned out very well and the salads were fantastic. I picked up a blueberry pie to go with the pumpkin pie and it was a hit. The girls had a wonderful time and there was very little whining or issues with any of the kids. Nice!!!

Tomorrow morning we're off to brunch at my Mother Goose co-leader Richards house. I'm bringing some nice warm bread :) I know we'll have a fantastic time.

Previously mentioned baby....

woke up at 2 am
4 am
6 am
8 am...

Yawwwwwnnn.... so sleepy.

The girls gave us a rude awakening at 8:30 by Maddy getting up, getting dressed, putting on runners and then waking Olivia, and clomping around the house. They were both promptly put back to bed. They are both playing nicely in their OWN ROOMS because they won't stop fighting and I don't want to murder them. So in their rooms they shall stay.

Have I mentioned I am tired? Very very tired.

My kingdom for a sleeping baby...

Or at least one that goes to sleep before 1:20 am...

I love my baby. I really do. I know that these days will not last forever. I know that some day I will be able to put him to bed, kiss him goodnight and walk out of the room and he will sleep. I know this. I do.

In the meantime though... man am I exhausted! Lets talk about his day in sleep. Last night he went to bed at 1:30 am (notice a trend?) woke to nurse at about 3 am, 4 am, 5 am, 6 am, 8 am, 9:30 am and then up for the day at 11:30 am. He napped for about 10 minutes at 2:00 pm. He napped then from 3:30 to 4:45 pm. He was up then until 6:35 pm when he napped until 6:50pm. He was up then until 10:00 pm and fell asleep (which I was SURE would be for the night...) he napped until 10:20 pm. He then fell asleep for the night just 15 minutes ago. 1:34 am now. He slept LESS THAN TWO HOURS in a 14 hour stretch. He sleeps less than my five year old. I'm serious.

By the time he finally fell asleep tonight he was so tired he was crying with his eyes closed... but don't nurse me mommy! So I layed with him and he sucked my pinky for about 3 minutes until he passed out. Tired much?

I think it's time for some sort of a bedtime routine... I think I'm missing the boat on his sleepy cues (it's hard to capitalize on them with two other munchkins running around) and he gets so overtired that he can't sleep.

Sleep sleep sleep. I should be sleeping but I need 1/2 hour to myself so I don't go mad.

Suprisingly enough I keep my patience. Nice gentle voices, cuddles... kisses. Jeff was awesome with him tonight and just snuggled and cuddled him. Kissed his cheeks, played with him. Okay... maybe he does not sleep cause he just loves us to bits? lol!

Enough about sleep. Or lack thereof.

Today was a great day with Madeline. We played, build the Melissa and Doug log home. Did some reading together (she is picking up words like crazy!) cuddled... she helped with the tidying and got me stuff for Phoenix. She was a joy to be around.

Olivia... not so much. She is in the terrible, terrifying, totally insane three's. when she's happy and cute she is the most adorable child in the world. When she's mad, tired, hungry, feeling left out, in the wrong clothes, the room temperature is one degree off, two hairs are on the floor and casper the cat looks at her the wrong way? She's a minor demon. If I have to hear NO one more time I may yet pull out all my hair. I keep explaining logical consequences to her and giving her options... "if you throw your kitty on the floor again I am taking her away. Your choice... keep her safe in bed or she goes" so WHY IS SHE SHOCKED that when she throws the damn stuffed cat on the floor that I take the fucking thing away? I swear she has lost her mind.

I made an awesome dinner tonight... well I have been making awesome dinners almost every night. I've got the urge back to cook lately so cooking I have been. I made really yummy chicken breast fingers. I mixed a package of taco seasoning and flour, dredged the chicken in egg and then in the flour. Fried them in olive oil till they got a crust and then chucked them in the oven for 25 minutes at 350. Sooooooooo good.

I'm totally thankful to Robyn for her easy EASY bread recipe. It has water, olive oil, honey, ww flour, yeast, salt and brown sugar. Sooooo yummy. So easy. I love it. I love my bread machine now :)

I'd been thinking about giving away my third cast iron frying pan that I never use. So when tonight a woman asked specifically for a frying pan I offered it to her. She's going to pick it up tomorrow and was so excited that she actually got one. It's vintage too :) It was my grandmothers and it's about 30 years old. I have two other really good ones that I use constantly.

Tonight was a laundry night. Jeff and I folded a ton. Today I got the girls closets and drawers purged of summer stuff and everything neat and organized. It will stay like that for about 2 minutes tomorrow but at least I tried.

Tomorrow we are going to a pot luck thanksgiving dinner. I supplied the turkey (got for free by spending 225$ at superstore) and mashed potato's. I think Robyn is bringing a salad and dessert and Michelle is providing veggies and stuffing and stuff. She's also cooking the turkey.

Well I'm tired (have I mentioned that?) so I should head off to bed. Jeff is already there as is baby fiend.

Busy busy busy...

so point form it is:

a member of a board I am on had triplets at home the other day!!!! It rocked :) They are adorable

a good friend of mine had an unassisted birth at home in the tub two days ago. Baby Xan was born healthy and happy and a robust 9ish lbs. I talked to Heather on the phone that night for an hour and it was such a wonderful happy chat. I was there last year when her son Jericho died shortly after birth so this is the finale to a very long and painful year for her

Robyn and I have been getting together more and more often and it rocks. I heart her. I love her kids. I love our chats. I love how knowlegable and how like me she is. We apreciate the same things. Have basically the same parenting style. Are passionate about the same things... I am so lucky to have a best friend like her

Phoenix is ROLLING from back to front now. You turn him back over and rolling again... it's very cute

Olivia is VERY three ... nuff said

Maddy is doing so well in school. Her teacher and librarian both have told me how polite, well behaved, good at listening she is and how they love knowing her. That warms my heart to hear it. I was worried that her spiritedness would get the best of her but she is slowly learning how to control her actions

I'm tired. I have an absess on my breast. I put some tto on it and it's getting less red and feels much better already. I love using natural remedies

sigh... off to nurse Phoenix and then probably bed. I'm beat today.

I'm here...

I just don't have much to say these days.

We're all well.

Phoenix is sleeping like crap and I'm very tired.

Hopefully more tomorrow :)

I miss my sister

sigh...

It's been nine months since I last saw her. I miss her. A lot.

She now lives a 5 or 6 day drive away as opposed to a 20 minute one.

I'm sad.

*tears*

Meh...

It's 12:32 am and my baby is still awake. He's showing no signs of sleepiness. I am showing many signs of sleepiness however. We were out at my mothers for dinner until 10 tonight. We just took the kids jammies and put the girls to bed so we could visit. My dad was home so we had a good time. He snuggled and played with Phoenix but was not really into hanging with the girls tonight. I think he just didn't want to be jumped on. I don't blame him.

Tomorrow we're heading over to C and G's for a mabon ritual. It's a harvest potluck so I'm taking foccacia and hummus as well as some hot chocolate and marshmallows. I'm really hoping that Chris and Jamie will not be there. I really really don't want to have to deal with the aftermath of two weeks ago.

Jeff's off hopefully putting diapers in the wash. The kid goes through 2.5 dozen prefolds in record time. He's an uber pee'er.

Well off to convince the baby to sleep. Or at least just coo at me in bed while I sleep.

Daily ramblings

I'm having a conversation with jeff about blogging... he asks why I continue to blog when no one reads it and no one comments. Quite frankly I blog because... I do! I write about my day, my feelings, my hopes and fears. I don't care if anyone ever reads this. I find blogging on blogger to be easy and since I am online anyways I might as well just write here. Between this and my former blog I have been keeping an online blog for almost two years. (and apparently Jeff just informed me that my mouth hangs open when I type) Thanks Jeff ;) (his blog is samurai-shisho.blogspot.com so go bash him there if you want) lol!

Well onwards...

A fairly good day today. I had my leader orientation meeting for Mother Goose today. Richard informed me that this is his last session that he will be my co-leader. The politics involved are just not making it fun for him anymore. I'm sad. He's a fantastic guy and a great leader.

Olivia had preschool. She had a good day. Apparently no one wanted to play with her today so she played alone (this was from her) and since Jassy is on vacation she was lonely. Poor livy ;) I told her that she'll make friends and it's only the second week to not lose heart.

Tonight Phoenix and I watched tv (well he nursed for a couple of hours and I watched a show on bullying) and Jeff played "Dawn of War" on the computer. He geeked out. It's funny to watch him play computer games and looking all serious like.

Last night I went out for coffee with my friend Mandy. We went to tastebuds and had some rockin cheesecake. It was fun. She's cool to hang out with. Then we came back here for a bit. She's heading to England for three weeks so hopefully we can get together for a bit before then.

But after I got home, Phoenix only ate once and then went to bed. And didn't wake up until 7:30 am!!! Yah... my boobs were ready to burst. So I broke out the pump and pumped off 6 oz of liquid gold in 5 minutes. Not that I'll ever offer him a bottle but it's good to have... I guess. I ended up giving all the milk that I pumped when Livy was born to a friend that adopted a baby boy. Not sure what I'll do with this small stash.

Jeff's now sleeping in his chair and I should head to bed. Phoenix went to bed at around 12:15am and I want to go snuggle.

Off to my mom and dad's tomorrow night for a spegetti dinner. If I hear one more comment about how I should take him off the boob and put him on formula because he's "too fat" I will freak. Totally and completely.

new laptop!

Has arrived... yayyyy!!!

Jeff was attempting to set it up at lunch and gave up because it would not find our network. Swearing, irritated, the whole deal.

So after he left I turned it on, clicked on the network button and lo and behold it had found our lan network.

So I powered up explorer and now am surfing.

It takes a woman's touch apparently ;)

This mother is HUGE though! It's got a 17 inch screen (sweet) and is super easy to use. I was worried about not having a mouse but within about 5 minutes I'm totally down with it. I rock. I am woman... hear me ... type!

Okay I'm just silly but this is a seriously cool laptop!

1:00 am

Almost...

The baby is finally in bed (now lets hope he stays asleep... he just finished nursing for like an hour so he should be good to go.

Yesterday was Maddy's party. It went awesome! All of the kids played together nicely. The only kids that fought were brandon and travis and they are brothers. They had a BLAST playing, shouting, running, cuddling... they loved making the pizza's (not so much eating them ;) ) and watching Brother Bear. Almost everyone actually SAT and ate while they watched the movie! I was seriously impressed. Every one gorged on my pizza (even Mike said it was good... for Hippie pizza) and they all loved how the pizza cake turned out! I think they were fooled into thinking that it was actually pizza. It really did look like it! Maddy got tons of cool pressies (mostly princess stuff, clothes and some cool toys) and she loved everything. I loved everything! Except... the moon sand.

Moon sand is supposed to be kinda like play doh. Cept it's actually NOTHING LIKE PLAY DOUGH and just serves to spread the joy of coloured sand all over your house. This is an outside toy ;)

Last night we were all so stuffed from the party food that we just snacked if we were hungry. I didn't bother making dinner. The kids ate some popcorn at around 7ish and they were good.

It was a good day. I had fun. The kids had fun. It was fun.

Today was .. not so fun.

Maddy's first full day of kindy didn't go so well. She was good apparently until after lunch and then when she was playing house in the school kitchen she started crying. She missed me. Her teacher gave her some tissues and a hug and then she was ok. She's never really been away from me with anyone except people that I trust with my life. It's an adjustment... she'll do fine. I keep wondering if I'll be fine ;)

Olivia and I slept in a bit (Phoenix slept in a lot) and then played ponies, puppies, read some stories, ate A&W for lunch (special treat!) watched some tree house and just hung out. We picked Maddy up at 2:30. We walk over there with Phoenix in the pouch. He just sleeps the whole time :)

Tonight we went to save on to buy some rice milk (their house brand is 1.99 a litre. Good price!) and searched around for a wireless router.

Speaking of which... THE COMPUTER COMES TOMORROW!!!!!!!!! yay yay and double yay!

Tonight I had a good rant on the phone with Robyn about various things. I'm on a very mainstream parenting board that I have been a part of for like 6 years. Most of the time I'm good at ignoring things but sometimes... I want to scream.

Like the person who's talking about letting their less that one month old baby cry themselves to sleep... but hey it's only for two minutes.

Like all the people who circ'ed their sons so "they would look like their dad."

Like the person who ACTUALLY ASKED if their baby only eating twice a day was okay...

*head explodes*

If I didn't have mothering.commune to temper this off I think I'd go mad.

Quick entry

Maddy's party is tomorrow at 2.... I finished my grocery shopping for said party at 9:30 tonight!!!! The house is mostly clean (curtesy of Jeff) he just has to wash floors and do the bathrooms. I've got three sets of pizza dough rising and then to bake them. I'm doing one pizza with ham, red onions and pineapple and one pizza with salami,pepperoni,onions, shrumes and peppers. The kids will each get their own shell and get to make their own!

Since it's a pj party we'll also have popcorn, cake, pretzles, cheezy snacks, juice. I'll read them a new story, we'll pop in a movie, they can colour in pictures of their very own pizza's :) We'll also have goodie bags and such.

I'm excited. Hard work though!

Maddy and Liv had a great time at grandma's last night... with brandon and travis... and jasmyn and grayson... I swear Rose does just not want to be alone with my kids. Oh well.

Well off to nurse Phoenix and then get back to work.

Ballet, pre-school and second day of kindergarten pics :)

A bunch of pics :)


Olivia in her first ever line to go into ballet! She's so tiny and so adorable... she's the youngest one there.

Olivia all dressed up with her "diego" backpack for the first day of Preschool!

Madeline wearing her dress from Grammie for second day of kindergarten.

Phoenix this morning upon waking (at noon!)

Ballet sisters :)

Maddy in first position (she's in pre primary ballet this year!)

Olivia attempting first position (she's in creative movement :) )

Stuff and stuff

Maddy had 2.5 hours of kindergarten today. It was nice, I won't lie. lol! I got up to do her hair (note to self: teach daddy to braid) and then went back to bed with Phoenix (who btw slept 8 hours straight last night!) Olivia got up about 9:30 and climbed into bed with us. We went and picked M up at 11. She was so excited that she actually got to stay long enough today to have snack and recess! Woot woot!

I asked her teacher about the little boy who was hitting/biting/kicking and spitting. She said he'll be back but he'll have a full time aid. It appears that his parents were trying to get him into regular school and hoping no one would notice he was a fucking maniac. Nice. I'm not sure what his issues are but I know that they are many.

It's Maddy's birthday on friday and her party is on sunday. 5 already!!! Her and Olivia are spending the night at grandma roses so they'll have a blast. Apparently she's taking them out for dinner as well. The only slightly annoying thing is that their "cousins" brandon and travis will be there too for the dinner part... they are always there.

Plans are finalized for the pj/pizza party. It should be fun :) I'm taking muffins for M's birthday to her class on friday. She asked to hand them out :)

Maddy got some packages yesterday and cards today. Yesterday she got a Hello kitty calculator, a "make your own" calendar and a book (click clack moo) Today she got a Ballet tickelope card from grandma rose and grandpa al and a $15 cheque and card from jeff's grandma. She was so excited!

Well I made a macaroni/tuna cassarole with a cracker/butter topping for dinner and some brocolli and cauliflower veggies. Jeff should be home soon and then we can eat.

What's that I hear?

No fighting!

No fighting because Olivia is at preschool and Maddy can't be bothered to fight with me ;) She's quietly playing Candyland by herself (yah I know...) and Phoenix is watching her. It's quiet. So quiet. Awfully quiet. Terribly quiet.... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Anways...

Dinner is on the stove. A chunky beef stew with organic stew meat... oh yum! I put carrots, potato's, onions, celery, meat, garlic and some spices. A bit of soy sauce, some water and we're good to go. By dinner time it should be melt in your mouth fantastic!

My sister is pretty depressed. She misses everyone and everything. Her and Tony have offered to pay for my plane ticket for Phoenix and I to come for a week in October! That rocks. Money is tight and I just can't swing it myself so this works for me :) I hope it goes through. I miss her and Kylee.

Well Mr. Phoenix needs more nums and then a nap. I need a nap too. Hey if I put Maddy to bed then I CAN have a nap. This works for me ;)

Leave my FUCKING kids alone!

So we went to the aforementioned weenie roast last night. There were a bunch of members from the pagan group there including a couple that we had not seen for a few months. The man of the couple (Chris) has had a habit in the past of trying to parent other peoples children. The problem? He is NOT nice about it at all. He'll yell and try to frighten them. So the kids are playing with this pull car and Maddy is pulling Olivia around in it. The rope is quite long and Maddy was trying to turn the car around, the rope got caught around Olivia's shoulders. So Olivia pulled the rope up over her neck and went to put it over her head. No problems right? Except this fucking asshole SCREAMS NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!! At the kids, both kids freeze as this guy fucking CHARGES across the yard at them. At this point I jump up and yell "DO NOT TOUCH MY KIDS AND DO NOT YELL AT MY KIDS OR I'LL KILL YOU!"

sigh... mama bear came out.

He right away says "oh it was around her neck" and I say "yah I fucking know! I asked her to get it off and she was! It was under control... DO NOT parent my kids for me thank you!"

So they left within minutes... there was a lot of tension between them and the hosts of the party anyways due to other things so I think it was the straw that broke the camels back you know?

After they left we all had a chat about it and everyone was very happy that I said what I did. THey all just usually let him do and say whatever he wants! I do not fucking think so...

We stayed until about 10 and the kids played while we all sat around the fire. We had marshmallows and drank far too much pop (the adults... not the kids. They had water.) It was a good time after they left ;)

I'm betting he'll never say anything to my kids again ;)