Reviewing my life

I was reading some of my older posts and realized that I have the same "stuff" going on that I did 2 years ago. Busy life, cranky kids, messy house...so... same life, different day, I guess. I don't know whether I should feel sad or relieved, really. Is this what it's going to be like, until my kids move out? Am I going to feel like a crazed, exhausted, overworked maniac for the next 18 years? Will I just move to a place of acceptance? I guess these are my choices to make. After reading several posts I did realize that, even though my situation has not changed much, the way that I deal with it has. I don't freak out as much, I don't worry as much and I don't "do" as much! I have gotten better at priorities (kids and family before work) and at taking time for myself and leaving the guilt behind. Still climbing, still trekking, still hoping!

A tale of two cakes, a boy and a mouse.

So my baby boy turned 8! Last Friday, March 6th marked the 8 year anniversary of the start of my adventures in Mommy-ing. This has been the most challenging journey of my life and some days are filled with joy while others make me want to pack it up and head to a Hilton! I am so grateful for my family and the opportunity to grow with them.

Gavin had very specific ideas about his birthday this year, and I let him run with it. He started his day with a school assembly where he was recognized for his entry in the Reflections program at school. It is an arts program and Gavin had entered two photographs, even though he didn't win he was very proud of his "vision" and had a great time at the assembly.

After school I met Gavin and a couple of his friends and we headed off to Chuck E. Cheese. This was the easiest birthday party EVER and we all had a great time! We took 4 of his friends and so we had 6 kids all together. Andy's parents and grandma joined us and were a great help. After 2 hours of pizza eating, token spending and ticket collecting, we headed back to our place for the ice cream cake that Gavin ordered himself from Baskin-Robbins. A few gifts later the kids played for half an hour and then headed home! Gavin ended his day cuddled up with me in his bed, that is what he asked me to give him for his birthday! So sweet!

We had a family birthday dinner with Andy's parents and my mom and step-dad on Sunday. Gavin wanted Panda Express and I made him a surprise birthday cake. I had intended on making this cake for the night we went to Chuck E. Cheese, but he really wanted the ice cream cake that night. So, we had Chinese food for dinner and "pizza" for dessert.

It was a great weekend and a we have had a great 8 years with this kid. I look forward to many, many more birthday celebrations.

A Miracle Or Just Hard Work?

Well, things are getting done at a slow and steady pace without any arguing or exhaustion. I was really grumpy on Saturday (darn those sleepy drugs), but we made it through the day. We even had time to play a game with the kids after a homemade dinner. Andy and I both worked on paperwork even though I hate having to "work" on a Saturday night. Sunday morning saw the family off to church while I stayed at home to work on Gavin's birthday cake and some household chores that could wait no longer.

I finally found my bar (it was buried under a HUGE pile of STUFF) and got my paperwork in order! That is the first major task that got accomplished and I am so relieved! I feel like I have a better grip on things now, even though I have a folder full of things that need to have actions taken. At least now, I know where I am and what I'm up against!

We took a nice walk around the neighborhood and the kids rode their bikes, Ella is so darned cute on her tricycle! After we got back, Andy's dad came over to help him put together the new computer armoire! It was a BIG job. We took a break for dinner and then they were back at it. Andy finally finished at 11:00 last night. Now I have the task of organizing all of my junk and finding it a new home within the cabinet. Usually I would be excited about the prospect of organizing a new space, but I can't seem to get there. I think I will wait until I feel inspired!

Andy got the last little section of wall painted in Gavin's room and I put up his bulletin board yesterday. We have a cord cover to paint and install and then there are the shelves and drawers to clean up and organize, but again I am finding this to seem more task like and less enjoyable than usual. Waiting for that inspiration to kick in!

It is starting to feel more put together and less chaotic around here. I am off to check out the potential new bed for Gavin. The one that we got is not made very well, and the furniture store has ordered a replacement from a different company. I have to go and see it and schedule the delivery. After that I will move into homework mode and see what I can get accomplished for my day! I am optimistic and hopeful and trying not to put too much on that "to-do" list.

It's Done!

Wow!!! My floor is finished!! I am beyond ecstatic! It looks really great and so far, seems easy to clean. Heck, why clean it, you can't tell it's dirty! (I am kidding, ya know!)

The guys came today and finished the baseboards and transition pieces and it looks fabulous! I am sitting here waiting for them to come back and put my laundry room door back on, but then it is done. Well, we have to get the baseboards painted and touch up the walls and cupboards that have gotten dinged up. But it is pretty finished! We put in a vinyl tile and I think that it is perfect for us. It is durable, easy to clean, "softer" than ceramic tile and the color will hide dirt perfectly!

Andy worked on Gavin's room a bit this morning and they are off working on a pinewood derby car. I am hoping that we can work some more when they get back, but I am having a lazy day. Yeah, you read that right, LAZY! I have hardly done anything and I am trying to enjoy it.

I was having trouble falling asleep and Andy got me some night time Tylenol. Unfortunately, I react badly to anything that MIGHT make you sleepy. Don't get me wrong, I got a great night's sleep, but I didn't wake until 9 and have been in a fog since. In fact, after breakfast and some workbook activity time with Ella, she and I curled up together on my bed and took a nap! We ate a picnic lunch on our front lawn and I opened the mail. After the guys return to put my door on, I do have an errand to run, but after that it's dinner and game night with the family. That's it, my entire day...doing nothing. I hope that my "day off" will give me lots of energy to get things done tomorrow!

Here are pictures of the kitchen with the new floor! Coming next...the low down on Gavin's birthday celebrations!

Now What?

The week went really well! I felt rejuvenated and renewed even though my gut has been acting up (the last remnants of the stress ended up there). I got a lot done and Andy and I are getting along and working together as a team. (Yeah!) I made my way through some paperwork and did some homework and rested and worked and spent time with the kids. We had a busy weekend but spent time with family and worked on Gavin's room. (I am almost ready to post pictures.. maybe after next weekend) With the help of my mom, we even got one of the bookshelves put together! (I can't post pics of that because the drawers and baskets are not in yet!) It is frustrating that we now have ANOTHER project half finished, but I am dealing with it!

The fact that my mom came over to help leads you to the title of this post, my mom had to help put the bookcase together because..... Andy broke his hand! Last weekend he was trying to get a nail out of board and when the nail came out, his hand slipped and he punched the board! He broke his pinkie finger down by the wrist. It looked terrible and he spent an entire day at the Dr's office trying to get it taken care of. He is not very happy about his cast, it is waterproof, but not very comfortable. Being in a cast made it near impossible to use the drill or a screwdriver, so.. he called in the troops!

Funny story about the waterproof cast...Gavin got one when he broke his elbow last summer so Andy asked for one too. The Dr. asked if he was a surfer or something and Andy replied that he was a dad. Andy explained that he needed to be able to wash dishes and bathe kids without worrying about his cast getting wet, not to mention the convenience of bathing himself without bagging his arm. The Dr. seemed very confused about this and told Andy that it was a very unusual reason for getting a waterproof cast and that he would have to confer with some other Dr.'s about this. The Dr.s convened and they all agreed that this was not the usual reason and that they were not sure that Andy's reasons warranted the special cast. Finally after much deliberation and coaxing from Andy, they gave in and gave him the waterproof cast that he had requested. Apparently, surfing is a loftier reason than dad duties. I wonder if they would have questioned it that much if it was a woman who had mom duties? I told Andy that he should have just said, "Yeah, surfing.. that's it!" and been done with it!

I was able to take some time out this morning and join a few of the wonderful and amazing "Moms" in my life for coffee, conversation and a great speaker who talked about ways to strengthen your marriage. It felt like he was talking to ME! I really needed to hear his words and I am thankful that I made it to this meeting. (of course I had a hundred excuses of why I couldn't go, glad that I didn't fall for my own tricks). I really need to get to my homework and then head off to the gym (of course there will be laundry to fold in there too) so... I am off...

Hopefully we can finish up some projects and I can take pictures for you all to see all of the work that has been going on here... until then...