Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Jon & Kate Plus 8

I used to be a fan of this show, but I'm finding it hard to watch anymore. Okay, that's not exactly a true statement. I find myself watching for different reasons now. Being the mother of multiples, I was obviously interested in "just how did they do it?!". I can go off on a tangent here on just how they do it...let's see...a personal chef, donated EVERYTHING, free all-expenses paid trips, people to do their laundry, people to fold their laundry, people to mow their lawn, but that's not my beef. First, who knows how much of that is true, and second, you should be allowed some perks when allowing a filming crew in your home to document your family's private moments for all to see.

What gets me is Kate. How she talks to her husband really makes me sick. The whole Mother Hen role really gets under my skin. She pecks and pecks and pecks at every little damn thing Jon does. HE IS A GROWN MAN. YOU ARE HIS WIFE NOT HIS MOTHER. AGAIN, NOT HIS MOTHER. I know several couples that, for lack of a better term, have assumed these roles. Hey, I guess it works for them. I certainly shouldn't judge, but then I'm not tuning into them every Monday evening. And I know, I know...if it bugs me so much, why do I tune in? Um...I don't know. I just do. It's like a car crash. I just can't look away. Did any of you see the Greatest Moments and Embarrassments episode? Every time they called her out for something, she turned it on Jon. Heaven forbid she just suck it up and admit she was wrong. The poor guy had to sit there while she tore him another one. AGAIN. She'd admit she didn't handle it well, but it was his fault...and if he knew better...(and this one she says all the time) if he loved her, he wouldn't act that way. Blech. Poor guy.

And then the kids. The poor kids. Let them be kids! They can't get dirty...she has a massive meltdown if they get anything on their clothes due to the HOURS she says she spends getting stains out (I may only have three, but I find this hard to believe)...she threatened to throw away one of the boy's lovey's b/c he got gum on it, and was SCREAMING, "three year old's DON'T CHEW GUM!!!!!!", when someone else (who also got a speaking to from her) gave it to them while babysitting. I could go on and on, but if you've seen the show, you certainly don't need a recap from me.

Anyway, she's just really getting under my skin. There are a dozen other things that bother me, but you can read them all for yourself. Here is a website Aunt Jodi's (Aunt Jodi being Kate's brother's wife who USED to babysit the kids until they had a falling out recently) sister has started...

"Truth Breeds Hatred"

Again, who knows how much of it is true, but I really wouldn't be surprised.

Here's another interesting website...

Gosselins Without Pity

And the family's...

Six Gosselin's

I know they have spoken out about the back lashing they've been getting lately. They had a message posted to their viewers on their website last week, but it got pulled down after a day or two. I know it's got to be hard to hear people saying negative stuff about your family, and I feel bad slamming them...or her rather...but when you put it all out there for the world to see, you have to know and accept that people will judge. With all the negative press that's been circulating, I can't help but wonder how long the show will last. I know its ratings are through the roof right now, but at some point it's got to be time to send the film crew home and live a normal life. The kids themselves are becoming pseudo-celebrities, and as a mom, I just don't see that as being a good thing. But then...those free trips to Disney, free tram rides through the zoo, and private shows with Elmo sure would be missed.

Monday, July 28, 2008

At least she's learning it somewhere

Me: Come on, guys. Get your flip flops on, we're going outside.
AR: Yeahh! Guess what's outside, mom?
Me: What?
AR: Literally batting her eyelashes and twirling her hair... Air. And air is so beautiful.
Me: Yes...yes, it is.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

And she's only four

AR sleeps every night with a pink and white stuffed puppy named Penny. As I was tucking her in tonight she realized she didn't have her in bed with her.

AR: Mom, I want to go get Penny.
Me: I'll get her. She's downstairs. As I rush off to get her I hear AR screaming, "I want to get her! Not you!" but in a rush to get her to bed I continue on.

As I hand her Penny...
AR: MOM! I told you I wanted to get Penny! Not you!
Me: I'm sorry, hon, but we need to get you to bed. Trying to divert my sweet Princess' anger... Now do you want to carry her up or do you want me to?
AR: I want to! Mom, I'm so mad!
Me: Here we go... I know you wanted to, sweetie, but I heard Penny calling for me to carry her up. She said she wanted me to bring her to you. The best I could come up with. At least I was trying.
AR: MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!! Penny is not a real dog! Penny is a toy, mom! A toy! Stomps off to bed..... Mom, I'm so mad at you right now.

Then comes the kicker...

AR: She reaches out, rubs my cheek and says...But I still love you, mommy. I'm mad, but I still love you.

Priceless.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Randomness

You know what drives me nuts? The space invaders in classes at the gym. You're in your spot, they're in their's, and as the class goes on they slowly make their way into your space, pushing you further and further away from whatever spot you chose...and probably chosen with good reason - under the fan most likely or within good view of the instructor.



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I once read somewhere that 4-year olds ask an average of 400-something questions a day. So I guess that means I have an average of 1,200 questions thrown at me a day. Yea, that sounds about right.



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I've been contemplating getting a cleaning service. I seriously feel like a robot on auto-pilot most days. Not the mommy-part so much, but all the in between, before, and after stuff. Picking up, putting away, laundry, wiping up, dusting off, laundry, sweeping, vacuuming, dishes, laundry...and the list goes on and on. We've been go go go lately, and it's so hard to keep up with the everyday house stuff. Thing is...the kids will be starting kindergarten next Fall ('09), and I don't want to have to stop having a cleaning lady once I have one - and I know once the kids are in school full-time five days a week, there's no way I can justify even to myself paying someone to do what I can do myself. I know...I'm a broken record. If I go back in this blog, I've "contemplated" on getting a cleaning service time and time again. But a girl can dream, right?

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I've fallen into a bad habit that pre-parenthood, I swore I would never do. Separate meals for us and the kids. I'm doing Weight Watcher's and RD works most evenings, so I'll do my Lean Cuisine meal, salad, whatever, and I'll make the kids mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, etc. That I guess is okay; but the nights RD is home and I make a MEAL, I'm usually still making them mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, etc. SJ, God love him will eat usually whatever we put in front of him, but SA and AR are pretty picky, and I usually just don't want the fight, so I give in. I've finally decided enough is enough and I'm trying to stand my ground. I made spaghetti tonight. Kid-friendly, right? SJ, as expected, gobbled it up, and to my surprise SA did as well. AR...forget it. She pouted and repeatedly demanded chips for dinner. Yes, chips. We said no and refused to give her anything else. For the remainder of the evening, and from her bed, she was crying saying she was hungry. She couldn't sleep because her stomach was growling, etc. This killed me. I felt so bad, but I know I need to put a stop to playing the short-order cook. This is night one, let's hope I stay strong in the meals to come.

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I recently joined a book club. There are several of us girls in bunco that are always sharing our thoughts on the books we've read, we finally decided to make an official night for this each month. Our first book is "A Million Little Pieces". I am having the hardest time getting through this book. First, I hate his writing style. It reads like this...

Warren speaks.
How are you.
I speak.
I'm fine.
Are you sad?
No.
Want to go to dinner?
Yes.
We walk.
I'm not hungry, but I go anyway.
We enter the cafeteria and it is crowded.
Even though I'm not hungry, I eat.
I eat.
I eat.
I eat and eat until my stomach is about to burst.

It annoys the piss out of me!!!!!!!!!! Then...it doesn't help that I saw the guy on Oprah and didn't like him. For those that don't know...he wrote this memoir, then it turns out to be mostly fabricated. Oprah called the author (James Frey) out on his overly-embellished stories, and left him stuttering and looking like a complete idiot. That stuck. I went into this book not liking the guy, and knowing he made much of it up, has taken away the shock of the story. I read mostly fiction anyway, so I don't know what it matters, but...it is what it is. Can't wait for our next book!

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I've eaten way too much this weekend. I swear I feel the skin on my ass stretching.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Two Thumbs Up

Watch out, world, I saw two movies in one weekend! Friday night I went to see Mama Mia and Saturday night, RD and I went to see The Dark Knight. They both far exceeded my expectations.

I was looking forward to Mama Mia, but having never seen the live production, going into it it was just another movie to me. I LOVED it. I'm not a fan of "shows". I've seen Wicked, The Lion King, The Sound of Music, among others, but it's not something I like to make a habit of. I drag my feet the whole way to the door, but admittedly I usually end up enjoying the show.

Mama Mia was funny, touching, and a whole lot of fun. There's a scene where she sings "Slipping Through My Fingers" to her daughter as she helps her prepare for her big day. I challenge any mother out there with a daughter to keep from crying during this scene. Then the next scene is Meryl Streep singing, "Winner Takes it All" to Pierce Brosnan (who is a horrible singer btw, but so gorgeous you just don't care) on the beach, and the waterworks returned. I wish someone would've warned me to bring some Kleenex. Who knew?!

The dork that I am, I rushed out Saturday morning and bought the soundtrack. The kids have been dancing and (mimicking my) singing right along with me. It's been a lot of fun.

Then lastnight was the big night. SA's big night that is. We were going to see The Dark Knight for him. Sure, we wanted to see it, too, but truth be told, it was our duty as Batman's biggest fan to go where he could not. There's been hype for months, and I've gotta say, it didn't disappoint. Heath Ledger was phenomenal in it. Oscar-worthy? I don't know about that. But he did steal every scene. It was long, and it was weird, b/c there were several times it seemed like it was over, then it just kept going. Had it not been for my very full bladder, I wouldn't have minded. And I've promised SA that when he's a big kid like me, I would gladly watch it with him. And sweet boy that he is, he's promised to hold my hand when I get scared. So sweet.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Wasting My Breath

RD was watching the Homerun Derby the other night, so I should have known better than to speak. I was talking to him, or at him rather, for a few minutes when I noticed he still had the glazed over look in his eyes he gets when he watches anything sports. It's amazing he wasn't drooling. Really. Anyway...I said,

Me: You're not listening to me.
Me: RD! You're not listening to me.
RD: Looking dazed... Wha?
Me: Seriously, RD. I've been talking to you...standing two feet from you...and you haven't heard a word?
RD: I'm watching the game.
Me: Y...e...a...you can still talk. Did you hear any of what I said? How can you not hear me?
RD: If you want to say something to me, you need to say my name first and then I'll know you're talking to me.
Me: BLANK STARE
RD: Returns to game
Me: You're kidding, right? You're the only one in the room! Who in the hell else could I be talking to?
RD: BLANK STARE
Me: Nevermind.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

On Today...

Michael Caine (edited...I originally put Keaton...oops!) and Morgan Freeman were on the Today show this morning promoting The Dark Knight. The kids walked in and saw a picture of Batman (Christian Bale) standing behind the Joker (Heath Ledger) and froze. I had to rewind (gotta love DVR!!) and pause so they ALL could just STARE...


shoes 007


Then, of course, SA couldn't watch without being geared up...


shoes 008

July 18th can't come fast enough!

Shooze

AR and I went out and bought ourselves some shoes yesterday.


shoes 001
AR's incredible deals from Target.


shoes 002
AR's shoes from Famous Footwear


shoes 003
Mama's shoes from Famous Footwear


We went out to get shoes for her, but I couldn't walk in and not get something for me now could I? ;) I'm loving my new orange sandals!!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Beautiful Sunday in the yard

July 2008 123

July 2008 141
SJ

July 2008 138
SA and AR

July 2008 143

July 2008 132

July 2008 145

July 2008 165

The Dark Knight




SA: Mom! Mom! The new Batman scary movie is coming out! Can I see it?
Me: No, honey, it's for grown ups. It's too scary, sweetie. It's not for little kids.
SA: But you know what? You and dad can see it. Then...then you can come home...you can come home and you can tell me all about it. Right?
Me: That's right. We'll do that. I'd like to see it.
SA: Oh good, mom! Oh good! That's great! Are you excited to see the new Batman scary movie?
Me: Oh, yes. Can't wait!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Things they say...

Me: (For the 10th time) SA, put on your jammies NOW.
SA: Stop it, you crazy egg!

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Driving to school, a brightly painted Charter Cable bus passes us...

SJ: LOOK! The Scooby bus!!!
SA: Hurry, mom! Catch it!
AR: Is Daphne in there? Mom, I want to see Daphne! Hurry!

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SA: Mom, what did you do when you were a kid like me?
Me: I played with toys.
SA: What kind of toys?
Me: Dolls. I loved dolls. And I also liked Hot Wheel cars like you play with.
SA: That's neat, mom. Hugs me. I like that.

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Putting the kids to bed, RD working night shift...

SJ: Mom, I don't want daddy to be at work.
Me: I know, honey, but he'll be back in the morning.
SJ: But he won't be here while we're sleeping. He won't be here to protect me. There's bad guys and monsters...and he won't protect me.
Me: I'm here, sweetie! I won't let anyone get you.
SJ: Looking worried and not at all convinced.
Me: Mommy will protect you. Isn't mommy okay?
SJ: No.

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What's repeated several times a day, every day...

AR: Want to see how beautiful I am?

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AR: I really like those things on your belly.
Me: What things? These freckles?
AR: No, those things (pointing to my breasts).

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SA: Mom, my belly hurts! It's your fault, mom!
Me: MY fault? Why is it my fault?
SA: You let me have two snacks, mom. Now my belly hurts!

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SA: I am vengeance. I am night. I am Batman.
Me: I am scared.

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SJ's first joke...

SJ: Why did the puppy poop on his head?
Me: Why?
SJ: Because he was stinky!!!!!!!!!
All three kids erupt into laughter.

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Me: SJ, you get off that couch now and get your jammies or you're going in time out!
SJ: You send me to time out and I'm taking my shorts off!

Guess How Much I Love You

Every night since AR was about six weeks old I have sang the same song to her. She was very colicky when she was a baby and required constant holding, constant attention (some things never change!). I would sing different songs to her, but not being to up on my nursery rhymes, I soon made up my own song.

Guess how much I love you, AR, AR
You're so special to me, AR
You are the world, you're a special girl
Oh, how I love you, AR

Guess how pretty you are, AR, AR
The boys are already knocking at the door
Just to see your smile, drives all the boys wild
That's how pretty you are, AR

Guess how silly you are, AR, AR
You got your brothers laughing all the time
Just to see your smile, makes it all worth while
That's how silly you are
That's how pretty you are
That's how much I love you, AR

I have visions of singing this to her at her wedding. I love this song and love that she loves this song. She's sang along snippets of it with me a few times, but has recently been singing it with me start to finish. As she sings, she sits up in bed, closes her eyes, and sways back and forth. It's precious. Then when we're finished she claps her hands and says, "I did it! I did it!".

Well...as you can imagine...the boys ask why they don't have a song. How do you explain to four year olds the requirements of a high-maintenance baby? ha! It's as simple as them just not needing a song; she did. So AR has allowed us to share her song with the boys. Sharing her song to her means, we let them hear it, but I do try to work their names in now and then. :)

Thinking ya missed the point

As I was putting laundry away in the the boys' room, I hear SJ calling my name from the play room - over and over again. Going in to see what he wants...and seeing RD sitting four feet away from SJ...

Me (to RD): If one of the kids calls for me (which it's always "MOM!!" they're calling for isn't it?) and you're sitting RIGHT THERE, can you please find out what it is they want instead of me having to come from another part of the house to help?

RD: Was someone calling for you?

Me: (He must be joking. Please tell me he's joking.) SJ's been calling for me.

RD: What does he want.

Me: SIGH...He wanted his pants buttoned. You're right there. I'm just saying...it would be much easier.

As I'm walking away...

RD: Well, what are you doing?

Seriously. Keep walking. Just keep walking.

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Little Blessings

I'm feeling a whole lot of love for my kids right now. They're growing so fast. I find myself staring at them, amazed at how much they've grown, in both body and mind. They're so smart, so funny, and so darn cute.


We've got some family drama going on right now and I've been a bit down, but these kids keep picking me up. For all the stop that's...keep it down's...leave her alone's...knock it off's...you're going to time out's...I'm sending you a thousand I love you's.

You kids are amazing and don't you ever forget it!

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

I'm an idiot

The kids were all excited wanting to swim in our kiddie pool. I went out right after breakfast to fill it up. I peeked out the window close to an hour later to see how it was filling up (it's pretty big), to see that it was still empty. I hosed all the grass out from yesterday, found the perfect spot to set up, placed the hose in there...and forgot to plug it up. So I was basically watering the yard. Doh!

Soon, kids, soon! I promise!

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Bad Habits

Help me. Help me. Help me. I'm in a size 8. I've been in a size 8 for several months now...I must focus. Must focus. I've come too far to give up now. But with all the summer bbq's, birthday parties, pool parties...I find I'm slipping into many of my bad habits. I'll start back over tomorrow...I'll get back on the program after this weekend's parties...a few bites won't hurt. I've never gotten this close to reaching my goal...EVER. Now these size 8's are getting tighter and tighter...time to snap out of this cycle!

This is going to be a rough summer.