Well I may have a big decision coming soon. I am interviewing for a job tomorrow and I am on the fence about if I want to take it or not. The only reason I was interested is because the money is REALLY good. To the point where we could move within the next couple of months and be able to leave our current house vacant and do the work on it we want and then either sell it or rent it out. We are fine with me staying home and Rob being the only one working but of course with one salary instead of 2 it means we have to spend more time saving, which sometimes is frustrating. I WANT a bigger house, I NEED a bigger house. We have just outgrown this one very quickly in the last 4 years. And as much as I say I hate my house I know a part of me will be a little sad when we finally move just because it is the first house we bought. It is the only house the 2 little ones have ever known.
But on the other hand we have so much about to start. Alex starts a summer reading program next week which will be 3 times a week. Once that is over he has a week where we have nothing and then he starts football 5 times a week until he starts school and then he goes 3 times a week plus games. And Zach man will be starting preschool in September as well. Plus with Alex in first grade he will have school all day and be gone from 7:45-3:45. So this also means that my days are going to be a little easier because it will really be the 2 little ones. Plus with Alex in football I really want to be at the practices and the games.
This is why I am on the fence. Is it better to go back to work and possibly miss some of the stuff the kids do while they are little? Is it more important that we move and get the space that we need and the backyard that the kids need? Or is it better that we wait longer to move but I am around for all the kids things, and around for them?
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
CONGRATS!!!
Last night my best friend of 15 years got engaged!!!I have known this was coming for a few months now and the secret was killing me!! Last Sunday I went out with her fiance to buy the ring, and then he rest of the week I was talking with him about ways to plan it and the surprise get together at his house. Half the time I was texting with her while facebooking with him. Needless to say it was a little crazy. But after 3 years of dating they are finally getting married!!! And I am maid of honor!! I am so excited for both of them and I know this wedding will be almost as great as mine. ( Hey everyone thinks theirs is the best) I know Kelly so I know she is going to want her reception to be a big party where everyone is having a blast. I am so excited to start helping her with the wedding planning as well. I know she is thrilled to be engaged and I know she is going to be jumping on the planning as soon as she can!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Heartache
This is a second part to yesterdays blog. The little boy I was talking about passed away. It breaks my heart. I do not personally know these people, and I can not even begin to imagine what they must be going through. But my heart aches for them. I could not imagine there would be any pain greater than losing a child. Especially a child whose life really just began.
This family is amazing, doing all the could to make sure they could donate as many organs as possible so other children would have a chance at life. They are sharing everything with complete strangers and really being 100% open and honest about what they are going through. It amazes me how children really do bring everyone together. I mean think about it...when you see someone on facebook had a baby you always say congrats, even if it is someone you haven't talked to in 10 years, or hardly ever talked to.When you hear about someone having a sick kid you automatically tell them you hope their child feels better. And when you hear something as sad as this your heart automatically feels pain for that family.
It is amazing to me that something as small as a infant or child can really bring people together. They are such a joy *most days:)* and really have a ability to make even the worst of days better by one little smile, hug, kiss etc.. I can honestly say the best 3 days of my life were when my kids were born. To know that Rob and I made something so perfect. To know that we were given the chance to raise these kids and hopefully shape them into respectable adults. It is a gift. And it is not FAIR to have that gift taken from you.
Please keep this family in you hearts and prayers. They have suffered a tragic loss yet they are strong enough and amazing enough to think of others during this time. I truly think they are a roll model for parents all over.
This family is amazing, doing all the could to make sure they could donate as many organs as possible so other children would have a chance at life. They are sharing everything with complete strangers and really being 100% open and honest about what they are going through. It amazes me how children really do bring everyone together. I mean think about it...when you see someone on facebook had a baby you always say congrats, even if it is someone you haven't talked to in 10 years, or hardly ever talked to.When you hear about someone having a sick kid you automatically tell them you hope their child feels better. And when you hear something as sad as this your heart automatically feels pain for that family.
It is amazing to me that something as small as a infant or child can really bring people together. They are such a joy *most days:)* and really have a ability to make even the worst of days better by one little smile, hug, kiss etc.. I can honestly say the best 3 days of my life were when my kids were born. To know that Rob and I made something so perfect. To know that we were given the chance to raise these kids and hopefully shape them into respectable adults. It is a gift. And it is not FAIR to have that gift taken from you.
Please keep this family in you hearts and prayers. They have suffered a tragic loss yet they are strong enough and amazing enough to think of others during this time. I truly think they are a roll model for parents all over.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Taking it for Granted
Today I read a VERY sad blog that my friend had posted. I wouldn't go into much detail but they are very close to losing one of their 6 month old triplets. My heart breaks for this family. I could not imagine what they are going through. But it also made me think how easily it is to take your kids for granted. I have been very blessed to have 3 healthy kids. To have 3 very easy pregnancies with no morning sickness and no other issues. To have 3 c-sections that went as smooth as they could of. To have 3 kids that were born perfect and have stayed perfect.
Sure we have had our issues. Alex was hospitalized twice for pneumonia, but recovered just fine from it. Zach was brought to the ER not to long ago because he could not breath and it was just croup.But those have been the only issues we have had that led to anything doing with the hospital. We are lucky. For anyone who knows my kids, especially my boys you know that they have NO FEAR!!! They are daredevils. They will try anything. Alex will do something and Zach is right on his heels trying it. And so far no major injuries *knock on wood*Awhile back we had Addie fall down the stairs because Alex left the gate open and all she had was a couple bruises. And it was about 12-15 stairs, not carpeted, that she feel down.Once again we are lucky.
But I feel like sometimes we take it for granted. I think all parents do without realizing it. You assume when you get pregnant that you are going to have a perfect child, and they are going to be amazing and grow up to change the world or do something great with their lives. But you never think about how in a second everything could be changed. How the smallest decision made by you or your child, or how something totally out of your control could change your life forever.
There are days when I am tired and the kids are tired and we are all crabby and I just want 5 minutes to myself. Or I just want to the boys to stop fighting for 2 seconds. Or Addie not to be a dram queen or something stupid. But their are parents out there who would love all of that if it meant they could have just 5 more minutes with their kids. They would take all the frustrations of having kids over all the good parts if it meant they could spend more time with their child/ren.
The strength some of these parents have amaze me when they are put in horrible situations. I do not know what I would do if something happened to one of my kids. I would be crushed. I would be ruined. And I do not know if I would have the strength that these parents have to push forward and still live each day with their hearts broken.
Moral of this blog...do not take anything for granted when it comes to your kids. Life is so unpredictable. Even when you are frustrated,tired,irritated,etc...hug your kids. Let them know you love them. Let them you they are the greatest thing that has happened to you. And hold them tight because you never know if something might happen.
Sure we have had our issues. Alex was hospitalized twice for pneumonia, but recovered just fine from it. Zach was brought to the ER not to long ago because he could not breath and it was just croup.But those have been the only issues we have had that led to anything doing with the hospital. We are lucky. For anyone who knows my kids, especially my boys you know that they have NO FEAR!!! They are daredevils. They will try anything. Alex will do something and Zach is right on his heels trying it. And so far no major injuries *knock on wood*Awhile back we had Addie fall down the stairs because Alex left the gate open and all she had was a couple bruises. And it was about 12-15 stairs, not carpeted, that she feel down.Once again we are lucky.
But I feel like sometimes we take it for granted. I think all parents do without realizing it. You assume when you get pregnant that you are going to have a perfect child, and they are going to be amazing and grow up to change the world or do something great with their lives. But you never think about how in a second everything could be changed. How the smallest decision made by you or your child, or how something totally out of your control could change your life forever.
There are days when I am tired and the kids are tired and we are all crabby and I just want 5 minutes to myself. Or I just want to the boys to stop fighting for 2 seconds. Or Addie not to be a dram queen or something stupid. But their are parents out there who would love all of that if it meant they could have just 5 more minutes with their kids. They would take all the frustrations of having kids over all the good parts if it meant they could spend more time with their child/ren.
The strength some of these parents have amaze me when they are put in horrible situations. I do not know what I would do if something happened to one of my kids. I would be crushed. I would be ruined. And I do not know if I would have the strength that these parents have to push forward and still live each day with their hearts broken.
Moral of this blog...do not take anything for granted when it comes to your kids. Life is so unpredictable. Even when you are frustrated,tired,irritated,etc...hug your kids. Let them know you love them. Let them you they are the greatest thing that has happened to you. And hold them tight because you never know if something might happen.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Robs 30!!!
That's right my hubby finally turned the dirty 30 last Thursday. I am no longer a cougar :)On his birthday Rob and I just went to a bar by our house to play some pool and have a couple beers. But then on Saturday it was his actual birthday party. I had set up a surprise party at Phillies for him.We had some of our old college buddies there, and our friends we always see and also some of his friends from his masters class and some family. It was a ton of fun!!! Being the awesome wife that I am I made him a boob cake for his dirty 30. Anyone who knows Rob knows that rob hearts boobs. And I think that all the guys there actually liked the cake. And for his gift I had all of his dads war medals and articles framed for him. Don't know how I will top that one!!!
Everyone had fun, everyone drank, everyone ate, and everyone chatted with eachother all night. And Rob was very surprised. I had been lying to him for weeks about what we were doing and why we were going to Phillie's, but I am happy that he never caught on. Overall 30th birthday was a success!!!
Everyone had fun, everyone drank, everyone ate, and everyone chatted with eachother all night. And Rob was very surprised. I had been lying to him for weeks about what we were doing and why we were going to Phillie's, but I am happy that he never caught on. Overall 30th birthday was a success!!!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Rockstars!!!
That's right my kids are rockstars!!! When we are in the car they love to have the music loud and sing along. And it is not any of the kids music crap. I mean really I can only listen to songs about the ABCs or little spiders for so long. No they like Nickelback, especially rockstar, Usher, Pink, Beyonce etc... And they get into it. Alex will start druming on the door, Addie raises the roof with her hand and shimmy's in her carseat, and Zach loves loves loves to dance. Its AWESOME!!!
And sure some parents might frown upon the fact that my kids are listening to that music but guess what...I don't care. They have heard swear words before because I have a dirty mouth and slip up here and there. And most of the songs we listen to don't have bad words in them. Plus at their ages they don't really understand the words...they will sing parts of the songs, but really they just like the beats. All 3 kids love to dance an walk around the house singing so it only makes sense that when we are in the car we would have dance parties as well. Of course I am sure when they are teenagers and driving I will be that mom that tells them to turn down the music...but for now its a blast! My kids rule!
And sure some parents might frown upon the fact that my kids are listening to that music but guess what...I don't care. They have heard swear words before because I have a dirty mouth and slip up here and there. And most of the songs we listen to don't have bad words in them. Plus at their ages they don't really understand the words...they will sing parts of the songs, but really they just like the beats. All 3 kids love to dance an walk around the house singing so it only makes sense that when we are in the car we would have dance parties as well. Of course I am sure when they are teenagers and driving I will be that mom that tells them to turn down the music...but for now its a blast! My kids rule!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Deal With It
You would think after knowing me for even a couple weeks you would know that I am a pretty outspoken person. As one of my friends says I am the one that says what no one else will say but what needs to be said. I am a blunt person. I put it out there and sometime people do not like it, but what kind of a friend would I be if I did not tell the truth.I am a mother and a wife and will put someone in their place if they ever try to hurt my kids or Rob. I am a smartass and I do like to make light of situations because I do not like to fight. However if I am in a fight I will fight till the end and I will do it myself. I am a strong woman and I do not need someone else fighting my battles for me. I have my own thoughts, opinions, and ideas. Not everyone likes them and that is fine. I am also open minded. I know that not everyone has to be like me or agree with me and that is okay. I am a leader. I am trustworthy and honest. I do not run from my past but I embrace it and learn from it. I am not perfect in anyway but I try to better myself everyday. I am someone who will call you out on your shit. But I am also someone who will make you laugh when you are down. I am someone that loves to have fun and be with my family and friends. I am someone that will come over at 2 in the morning if you need me. I put my family and friends before anyone else. I understand that life is short and I try to live mien to the fullest. I am someone that is willing to try new things. I love to gamble. I like to drink. I love to cook and bake but I hate to clean. I am forgiving as long as you ask for it. I let things go pretty easily and usually give people one to many chances. I have not and will not change for anyone. If you do not like who I am than you do not need to be in my life. I surround myself with people I care about, and who care about me and who make my life better. This is me...take it or leave it.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
My Calender
I have always been a somewhat organized person when it comes to things we have to do. I am a planner, I make lists its just what I do. But having 3 kids I feel like my memory is GONE!! I am sure drinking in college also helped, but you know how you get pregnancy brain...well its seems that never goes away and stays as baby and kid brain. So I Have a big whiteboard calender. And I write EVERYTHING on it. The minute I make a doc appt it goes up, anything for the kids, and plans, peoples birthdays, etc....
And it works great. I even put items we run out of up on it right away so when I make my grocery list I have everything written down already. I use it all the time. I do not know how anyone with kids can not write stuff done. I would be lost without it. And the funny thing is I have been doing this for probably about 3 years now and my husband still can not remember to look at the calender and see what we have going on. I think I need to start leaving him notes to look at the calender. :)Anyways if you are a mom, or a soon to be mom, I highly suggest getting a dry erase board calender. It will make your life so much easier!!! Trust me!
And it works great. I even put items we run out of up on it right away so when I make my grocery list I have everything written down already. I use it all the time. I do not know how anyone with kids can not write stuff done. I would be lost without it. And the funny thing is I have been doing this for probably about 3 years now and my husband still can not remember to look at the calender and see what we have going on. I think I need to start leaving him notes to look at the calender. :)Anyways if you are a mom, or a soon to be mom, I highly suggest getting a dry erase board calender. It will make your life so much easier!!! Trust me!
Monday, May 16, 2011
kids are expensive!!
SO this weekend our bank account took a nice hit due to a few things for the kids all being paid for at once. We do not use credit, we only use cash, which has actually helped us save a ton of cash, but it is sad when you see your bank account drop so quickly in a weekend. Thank god for savings accounts that we dont touch! anyways we decided to sign Alex up for football this weekend.We also had to go out and get the kids clothes for the summer because if we hadnt they would either be running around naked or wearing stuff that did not fit at all! Plus we have decided to put Alex in a skateboarding class in June and had to sign him up for that as well. So in a matter of 2 days, paying for only things for the kids we dropped about 600 bucks!!!! insane if you ask me. Although I think it is worth it. These are the things that you never think about when you plan on having kids. You do not think about what th cost of sports are going to be, or what happens when all the kids need new clothes at the same time. I am glad that we are able to purchase what we need, when we need it and not have to worry but damn its still a lot of money! This is why when they get older we are just going to pick our favorite and send that one to college :) The other 2 can fend for themselves :)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Summer is coming
Well spring FINALLY hit Chicago yesterday and apparently summer came today. The past two days have been filled with a lot of playing outside. Yesterday we were at Jens house letting the kids ride bikes, motorcycles, tricycles, cars, ect...all afternoon. And when they got tired of riding on things we moved to the front of her house for some chalk, bubbles and catch. And Addie's was nice enough to give me a workout by trying to constantly run into the street and having me chase her. Yes, she is a bit of a booger!
Today we met up with them again and decided to head over to the park. Between the 2 of us we have 5 kids ages 6, 4(basically 5), 3, 2, and 15months so playdates keep us just as busy as they keep the kids. Alex and Ben rode their bikes to the park, Zach and Em walked/ran to the park and Addie got a nice ride in the stroller. While there they played on EVERYTHING, and then went running/biking through the field and Alex also did some skateboarding. After about an hour we headed back to Jens house where the kids continued to play outside. We decided to have a cocktail, let the kids munch on some grapes, and enjoy the fact that the sun was no longer making us sweat like crazy.
I finally got home with the kids around 7pm and all 3 were dirty and stinky and were given baths/showers right away while I made dinner. Needless to say they were all exhausted but had a great day today and yesterday. And I enjoyed it as well. I love when the kids are able to get out and play and I love it even more when they are able to play with their friends while I can have a adult conversation with my friend/s. Makes everyone happy. And if this is how summer is going to start I can only imagine that it will be a great summer for everyone.
Today we met up with them again and decided to head over to the park. Between the 2 of us we have 5 kids ages 6, 4(basically 5), 3, 2, and 15months so playdates keep us just as busy as they keep the kids. Alex and Ben rode their bikes to the park, Zach and Em walked/ran to the park and Addie got a nice ride in the stroller. While there they played on EVERYTHING, and then went running/biking through the field and Alex also did some skateboarding. After about an hour we headed back to Jens house where the kids continued to play outside. We decided to have a cocktail, let the kids munch on some grapes, and enjoy the fact that the sun was no longer making us sweat like crazy.
I finally got home with the kids around 7pm and all 3 were dirty and stinky and were given baths/showers right away while I made dinner. Needless to say they were all exhausted but had a great day today and yesterday. And I enjoyed it as well. I love when the kids are able to get out and play and I love it even more when they are able to play with their friends while I can have a adult conversation with my friend/s. Makes everyone happy. And if this is how summer is going to start I can only imagine that it will be a great summer for everyone.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mothers Day
Its Mothers Day...a day that comes around once a year for everyone to recognize their moms and all they have done for them. SO I figured I would write a letter to my mom this year.
Dear Mom,
Happy Mothers day! I want to thank you for all that you have done for me over the last 30 years. From wiping my tears, fixing my scraps,putting up with my attitude, guiding me in the right direction, and making me who I am today. Because of you I am a strong, smart, outgoing woman. I know what I want and I go for it. I watch you example as a mom and try to raise my kids in some of the same ways that you raised me. You have always been patient and let me find my own way. You have been there to raise me up and praise me for good and pick me up when I have fallen. You knew I had to make mistakes to be a better person and you let me make them, while being in the shadows in case I needed help. And even though we might not have always seen eye to eye you never turned you back on me. You are not only my mother but you are also one of my best friends. I love you and thank you for being the best mom in the world!
Dear Mom,
Happy Mothers day! I want to thank you for all that you have done for me over the last 30 years. From wiping my tears, fixing my scraps,putting up with my attitude, guiding me in the right direction, and making me who I am today. Because of you I am a strong, smart, outgoing woman. I know what I want and I go for it. I watch you example as a mom and try to raise my kids in some of the same ways that you raised me. You have always been patient and let me find my own way. You have been there to raise me up and praise me for good and pick me up when I have fallen. You knew I had to make mistakes to be a better person and you let me make them, while being in the shadows in case I needed help. And even though we might not have always seen eye to eye you never turned you back on me. You are not only my mother but you are also one of my best friends. I love you and thank you for being the best mom in the world!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Alexs 6th birthday party
Well today we FINALLY had Alex's birthday party. Once again it was suppose to be at the park and of course that meant it was going to rain so we moved it to our house. I was worried at first because we don't have the biggest house, but it worked out fine.
All the kids had a great time playing with all the toys and outside as well. For the most part everyone got along really well which was nice since there was a variety in ages of the kids. Starting at 6 and going down to 10 months. They were of course most excited for the cake and presents. After singing happy birthday we let Alex open his gifts and then served the cake and it was amazing how quiet the house became as all the kids were eating their cake. Here are a few pictures from the day.
All the kids had a great time playing with all the toys and outside as well. For the most part everyone got along really well which was nice since there was a variety in ages of the kids. Starting at 6 and going down to 10 months. They were of course most excited for the cake and presents. After singing happy birthday we let Alex open his gifts and then served the cake and it was amazing how quiet the house became as all the kids were eating their cake. Here are a few pictures from the day.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Anniversary cont...
Well on Saturday we ventured into the city to celebrate our 4 year anniversary kid free. Alex had slept at grandmas the night before so we started off our day by dropping Addie off with Aaron and Sarah, then grabbing Alex to bring him to his aunt Jen and Uncle Michael's house. After everyone was dropped off we headed downtown. We stayed at the Hilton Chicago on Michigan Ave and it was a very nice hotel. I am not going to lie I have been spoiled lately when we travel. We either have a nice 1 bdrm condo or while we were in San Diego we had a 3 bdrm 2 bath villa. This was the first "real"hotel room I have stayed in since our honeymoon. So even though it was smaller than my spoiled ass is use to it was still very nice.
After we checked in and dropped off our bag we headed down the magnificent mile to do some shopping. First stop Nike town. I have been wanting really good running shoes for a long time now and told Rob that was the only thing I wanted for our anniversary. For anyone who knows me you know I have a obsession with running shoes. Some people like coach purses (why I don't know) but I love me some good old running shoes. And Nike town is like heaven to me. I got some new Nike air max shoes that are awesome and feel like I am waking on a cloud. Rob was a little sad about the price but hey he knew who he married and it was cheaper than my diamond ring last year. After our trip to Nike town we headed to water tower because rob has NEVER been there. We bought him some new Adidas shoes and me some new pants. We also headed to Banana Republic and got him some new shorts and a polo. And after all that shopping we were starving so off to dinner we went. We went to Grand Lux Cafe since t was recommended by a few different people and I have to say it was very good. It is a sister restaurant to cheesecake factory and was quite tasty. Plus it was under 50 bucks for both of us with a appetizer and including tip. Perfect price for a dinner in the city.
After our bellies were full we took the 1.5 mile walk back to our hotel and had a relaxing and quiet night with a couple beers and some adult conversation. All in all it was a great day and another great anniversary together.
After we checked in and dropped off our bag we headed down the magnificent mile to do some shopping. First stop Nike town. I have been wanting really good running shoes for a long time now and told Rob that was the only thing I wanted for our anniversary. For anyone who knows me you know I have a obsession with running shoes. Some people like coach purses (why I don't know) but I love me some good old running shoes. And Nike town is like heaven to me. I got some new Nike air max shoes that are awesome and feel like I am waking on a cloud. Rob was a little sad about the price but hey he knew who he married and it was cheaper than my diamond ring last year. After our trip to Nike town we headed to water tower because rob has NEVER been there. We bought him some new Adidas shoes and me some new pants. We also headed to Banana Republic and got him some new shorts and a polo. And after all that shopping we were starving so off to dinner we went. We went to Grand Lux Cafe since t was recommended by a few different people and I have to say it was very good. It is a sister restaurant to cheesecake factory and was quite tasty. Plus it was under 50 bucks for both of us with a appetizer and including tip. Perfect price for a dinner in the city.
After our bellies were full we took the 1.5 mile walk back to our hotel and had a relaxing and quiet night with a couple beers and some adult conversation. All in all it was a great day and another great anniversary together.
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