We had a superific Saturday. It could only have been better if the boy was here, but then we probably would have had plans....or a schedule....or something.
This morning started out with a cute little four year old wanting to snuggle and talk about what is on her birthday list. When I asked which was a bigger deal to her,Christmas or her birthday, she definitively said "my birthday." Shortly after this, I was joined by an equally cute 2 year old wanting to "nuggle" and when asked what she wanted for Christmas, she thought for a minute and then said "stickers."
That can be arranged.
Then this mom helped make two tents out of blankets so cartoons could be watched in style.
Tess worked with passion to put her clothes away and pick up her room. Then she just laid back and read her Nat Geo for Kids magazines and a library book. She finished off her morning playing Wii games.
I stayed in my pjs until noon, picked up K&J's room, and then worked on those projects that I usually walk by thinking "someday when I have time I will do that/finish that/clean up that/clean out that/fix that." You know the kind of project I'm talking about? Not anything significant, but feels good to know you finally got around to getting it done.
The girls and I made "guessing game soup" a.k.a. Vegetable soup, carved pumpkins, played outside, painted fingernails and toenails, and read books on my crazy comfortable deck furniture.
We ended the day by taking a walk/wagon ride/bike ride to my parent's house for supper and an evening with my brother.
You know it has been a good day when the four year old says "I had a great day today, mom" as I'm tucking her tired self into bed tonight.
I totally agree.
AND I got 5 loads of laundry done.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
*sigh*
Full time working mother-hood is starting to wear me down. Maybe today was just one of those days, but it seems like I am having more and more of "those days."
I sure do love my job. Yes, there are things about being gone every day that stink, but for the most part we are adjusting. It is a process, and we aren't there yet....but getting closer.
Things that make me want to scream/cry/shout/laugh/take opiates with alcohol:
(in no specific order)
-Tess's homework and general school work load has increased significantly. Actually, the homework is the same as last year, but this time the work is graded. not to mention that the subject matter is getting more challenging. While some of this I blame on the teacher, there still could be a more efficient way for us to manage when tests are happening, etc. Tess had a science test today, and we studied this morning while she ate breakfast. NOT COOL. Why didn't I know there was a test. Why didn't she tell me. It is such a fine line between what is an acceptable amount of responsibility to place on a 9 year old when it comes to managing her life. I know it is a learning process for her too, but where is the quality assurance/quality control? Who is managing me managing her? We clearly need to establish a better, more efficient system.
-With each female addition to the family, another load of laundry gets dirtied. We are forever needing jeans, or socks, or Halloween costumes. Yes, I just got Kate's costume out of the closet tonight and realized it was still dirty from when Tess wore it 5 years ago.
-When does the fun start? It seems like I come home, we eat supper, and if someone doesn't have to run to the next thing, we are doing homework, getting baths, picking up the toys, reading books, blah blah blah. I cannot believe it is almost November. I feel like my life is just slipping away while I watch.
When I was home during the day, I could get all the mom-stuff done and then focus on the needs of others in the evening. BUT that isn't my life now. I go to work, come home, and have to get mom stuff done and meet the needs of others in a tenth of the time. My bitching and moaning as written above are just things that crossed my mind today and leave me wondering what to do.
Needless to say, I have some adjustments to make, some delegation of tasks to assign, and some reality sandwich to eat. Maybe someday I will be able to just let it go.....although that has been a lifelong dream of mine that has yet to come to fruition. And I know what you are thinking. YES I do have a partner in this and he is riding the roller coaster we call our life right beside me....... and we are doing what we can to keep from barfing on each other from the ups and downs, twists and turns.
On a positive note(FINALLY, right?)
I handed out 760 Tootsie Roll midges to the 100+ Head Start kids that came to our office in costumes today. It was as fun as it sounds.
I sure do love my job. Yes, there are things about being gone every day that stink, but for the most part we are adjusting. It is a process, and we aren't there yet....but getting closer.
Things that make me want to scream/cry/shout/laugh/take opiates with alcohol:
(in no specific order)
-Tess's homework and general school work load has increased significantly. Actually, the homework is the same as last year, but this time the work is graded. not to mention that the subject matter is getting more challenging. While some of this I blame on the teacher, there still could be a more efficient way for us to manage when tests are happening, etc. Tess had a science test today, and we studied this morning while she ate breakfast. NOT COOL. Why didn't I know there was a test. Why didn't she tell me. It is such a fine line between what is an acceptable amount of responsibility to place on a 9 year old when it comes to managing her life. I know it is a learning process for her too, but where is the quality assurance/quality control? Who is managing me managing her? We clearly need to establish a better, more efficient system.
-With each female addition to the family, another load of laundry gets dirtied. We are forever needing jeans, or socks, or Halloween costumes. Yes, I just got Kate's costume out of the closet tonight and realized it was still dirty from when Tess wore it 5 years ago.
-When does the fun start? It seems like I come home, we eat supper, and if someone doesn't have to run to the next thing, we are doing homework, getting baths, picking up the toys, reading books, blah blah blah. I cannot believe it is almost November. I feel like my life is just slipping away while I watch.
When I was home during the day, I could get all the mom-stuff done and then focus on the needs of others in the evening. BUT that isn't my life now. I go to work, come home, and have to get mom stuff done and meet the needs of others in a tenth of the time. My bitching and moaning as written above are just things that crossed my mind today and leave me wondering what to do.
Needless to say, I have some adjustments to make, some delegation of tasks to assign, and some reality sandwich to eat. Maybe someday I will be able to just let it go.....although that has been a lifelong dream of mine that has yet to come to fruition. And I know what you are thinking. YES I do have a partner in this and he is riding the roller coaster we call our life right beside me....... and we are doing what we can to keep from barfing on each other from the ups and downs, twists and turns.
On a positive note(FINALLY, right?)
I handed out 760 Tootsie Roll midges to the 100+ Head Start kids that came to our office in costumes today. It was as fun as it sounds.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Things I don't want to forget
Jane-isms:
She has learned the ditty "nanie nanie boo boo...stick your head in doo doo" and loves to sing it at the most inappropriate times......like the Walmart bathroom that echos and usually has someone trying to doo doo.
awkward.
When I asked her what doo doo is?
"I don't know"
Her new favorite movie is Marmaduke. She now breaks out into the movie's catchy theme song from waaaaay back.....
"Who let the dogs out?!" and then barks "Woof, Woof, Woof Woof Woof" or expects us to do it.
Dinner time at our house can get loud. When Jane has had enough she just shouts "Hey! Be Quiet! Stop Talking!"
and we usually do
The other day I was wiping her rear after a diaper change and picked a fuzzy off her buns. She asked what it was and I told her a fuzzy, to which she asked "Oh, like a caterpillar?"
how does she know that?
One funny(that I can think of this minute) from Kate:
Jane is going to be a pirate for Halloween and I picked up a pirate kit at the store, complete with a hat, eye patch and hook to wear on your hand. The other day I caught Kate, with the hook on her hand, using it to scratch her rear.
Yes, it was as funny as it sounds.
Tess stuff:
Got a 100% on her language test. Not rocket science, but a difficult test topic for 3rd graders. She is assigned a book report about every 3 weeks and she has done great on them thus far. We even had a discussion on what plagarism is and she knew! I had college classmates that "didn't know" that! wink. wink
Tess and I shopped for a recital dress this weekend at Macy's. It is so hard to find a nice dress for girls her age. The choices are hoochie and fru-fru. There is also the third choice of over-priced.
We bought an over-priced dress that looks fantastic, makes her feel pretty, and brings her JOY.
SOLD.
(Luckily Kate likes it too....cause she's going to have to wear it and then it will be Jane's)
Remember the Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey from Saturday Night Live?
I read this one the other day and thought it was "appropriate" for Halloween. Actually to me it is funny any time.
"If you are wanting to sue someone, go to the store and get a little skeleton. Go throw it in the person's yard and say their ants ate your baby."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Prepare yourself for some pictures of my crazy-cute kids in costume.
She has learned the ditty "nanie nanie boo boo...stick your head in doo doo" and loves to sing it at the most inappropriate times......like the Walmart bathroom that echos and usually has someone trying to doo doo.
awkward.
When I asked her what doo doo is?
"I don't know"
Her new favorite movie is Marmaduke. She now breaks out into the movie's catchy theme song from waaaaay back.....
"Who let the dogs out?!" and then barks "Woof, Woof, Woof Woof Woof" or expects us to do it.
Dinner time at our house can get loud. When Jane has had enough she just shouts "Hey! Be Quiet! Stop Talking!"
and we usually do
The other day I was wiping her rear after a diaper change and picked a fuzzy off her buns. She asked what it was and I told her a fuzzy, to which she asked "Oh, like a caterpillar?"
how does she know that?
One funny(that I can think of this minute) from Kate:
Jane is going to be a pirate for Halloween and I picked up a pirate kit at the store, complete with a hat, eye patch and hook to wear on your hand. The other day I caught Kate, with the hook on her hand, using it to scratch her rear.
Yes, it was as funny as it sounds.
Tess stuff:
Got a 100% on her language test. Not rocket science, but a difficult test topic for 3rd graders. She is assigned a book report about every 3 weeks and she has done great on them thus far. We even had a discussion on what plagarism is and she knew! I had college classmates that "didn't know" that! wink. wink
Tess and I shopped for a recital dress this weekend at Macy's. It is so hard to find a nice dress for girls her age. The choices are hoochie and fru-fru. There is also the third choice of over-priced.
We bought an over-priced dress that looks fantastic, makes her feel pretty, and brings her JOY.
SOLD.
(Luckily Kate likes it too....cause she's going to have to wear it and then it will be Jane's)
Remember the Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey from Saturday Night Live?
I read this one the other day and thought it was "appropriate" for Halloween. Actually to me it is funny any time.
"If you are wanting to sue someone, go to the store and get a little skeleton. Go throw it in the person's yard and say their ants ate your baby."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Prepare yourself for some pictures of my crazy-cute kids in costume.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Parent Teacher Conferences Part 2
Okay, here is what really happened at the conference. I was hesitant to blog about it, thinking it was just my interpretation and not Andy's, but last night we about peed our pants laughing at ourselves.
In our defense, we are normal, I think, in the fact that we want to make a good impression to others. Don't all parents want the secret of their ineptness at parenting to stay....a secret? We acknowledge that we are practicing on Tess, but we don't want the whole world to know. That might involved the three little letters I hear a lot at work.
DFS
We probably could blame this on Tess (not recommended by most good parents) If she could have a few more problems in school, maybe we wouldn't have to talk at all. We could just nod our head and mutter "uh-huh" and "okay" possibly even a "yes, we understand the consequences."
But NOOOO. She has to be all good and smart, so the total time the teacher needs to talk to us is about 2 minutes and 47 seconds. The rest of the time is left to us to fill with playful banter and such. Here are some samples of the stupid things that came out of our mouths.
example 1
We were looking at paperwork describing a test that the kids take to determine something about reading and language skills...and Tess scored a crazy high number which the teacher showed us in a findings sections at the bottom of the page. I wanted to know what the "normal" or average score should be to which she showed us clearly depicted on a graph on the same page. I immediately felt stupid because if I had looked at the graph I would have seen the average compared to Tess. My husband, on the other hand, says "You see, my analytical mind went straight to the graph for the information instead of reading the findings below."
YOUR WHAT? I about fell out of my chair to the floor.
example 2
The teacher shows us some scores from Tess's math grades and is telling us that she is "well above average" and gets special math work with the cadet teacher. Instead of just nodding my head and mumbling "okay" I have to go on some rambling speech about our philosophy of grades and math and how to solve world hunger.........good grief.
That was Andy's turn to almost fall out of his chair to the floor.
example 3
Andy starts talking about being a Watch DOG last year(when dads come and help out during the school day in the classroom etc) and how he can't do that anymore because "she took a full time job" and blah blah blah............
That was when I about PUSHED him out of his chair to the floor. Thanks for throwing me under the bus, dude.
It really was only a 15 minutes conference time, but felt like an eternity. Last night Andy brought up how he was sorry he said the thing about the Watch Dog, to which I admitted I felt like such a babbling idiot myself. We both started re-playing the conversations and had a good laugh at how stupid we sounded.
We also decided that next year we are making index cards with appropriate, short answer questions we can ask during an awkward silent spell....because clearly neither one of us can be trusted with small talk.
In our defense, we are normal, I think, in the fact that we want to make a good impression to others. Don't all parents want the secret of their ineptness at parenting to stay....a secret? We acknowledge that we are practicing on Tess, but we don't want the whole world to know. That might involved the three little letters I hear a lot at work.
DFS
We probably could blame this on Tess (not recommended by most good parents) If she could have a few more problems in school, maybe we wouldn't have to talk at all. We could just nod our head and mutter "uh-huh" and "okay" possibly even a "yes, we understand the consequences."
But NOOOO. She has to be all good and smart, so the total time the teacher needs to talk to us is about 2 minutes and 47 seconds. The rest of the time is left to us to fill with playful banter and such. Here are some samples of the stupid things that came out of our mouths.
example 1
We were looking at paperwork describing a test that the kids take to determine something about reading and language skills...and Tess scored a crazy high number which the teacher showed us in a findings sections at the bottom of the page. I wanted to know what the "normal" or average score should be to which she showed us clearly depicted on a graph on the same page. I immediately felt stupid because if I had looked at the graph I would have seen the average compared to Tess. My husband, on the other hand, says "You see, my analytical mind went straight to the graph for the information instead of reading the findings below."
YOUR WHAT? I about fell out of my chair to the floor.
example 2
The teacher shows us some scores from Tess's math grades and is telling us that she is "well above average" and gets special math work with the cadet teacher. Instead of just nodding my head and mumbling "okay" I have to go on some rambling speech about our philosophy of grades and math and how to solve world hunger.........good grief.
That was Andy's turn to almost fall out of his chair to the floor.
example 3
Andy starts talking about being a Watch DOG last year(when dads come and help out during the school day in the classroom etc) and how he can't do that anymore because "she took a full time job" and blah blah blah............
That was when I about PUSHED him out of his chair to the floor. Thanks for throwing me under the bus, dude.
It really was only a 15 minutes conference time, but felt like an eternity. Last night Andy brought up how he was sorry he said the thing about the Watch Dog, to which I admitted I felt like such a babbling idiot myself. We both started re-playing the conversations and had a good laugh at how stupid we sounded.
We also decided that next year we are making index cards with appropriate, short answer questions we can ask during an awkward silent spell....because clearly neither one of us can be trusted with small talk.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Parent Teacher Conferences 2010
Tonight we had PT conferences with Tess's 3rd grade teacher, Ms Quackenbush. She's nice enough......but let's talk about Tess.
Another year of us wondering how she is truly doing in class and another year of us coming home with accolades to the point of gushing about our first born.
Seriously, it's kind of embarassing, so stop already.
(not really. I'm a total liar. I love love love hearing that my child is having a successful school year. I also know that we are so blessed to have a healthy happy child.)
Tess is reading, spelling and doing math "well above average" and her testing scores, where they test how many words she reads per minutes, how well she comprehends the material, blah blah blah were crazy high.
We discussed that she hurries through her work and doesn't check her work closely. We discussed that she is "so close" to getting a 100% on her math facts test but keeps missing 1 or 2( it's a test of 100 simple addition/subtraction problems). I even took several of her homework papers to ask questions that we could NOT figure out why she missed points. Let's just say we got "schooled" on ball park estimates. lordy I hate math.
The biggest concern the teacher had about Tess? and I quote...
"Sometimes I have to remind her that she isn't the teacher."
no kidding.
Sometimes I have to remind her that she isn't the mother.
Then we both discussed how we also use her teacherly/motherly characteristics to our advantage to get her to "help" us get things done.......
Another year of us wondering how she is truly doing in class and another year of us coming home with accolades to the point of gushing about our first born.
Seriously, it's kind of embarassing, so stop already.
(not really. I'm a total liar. I love love love hearing that my child is having a successful school year. I also know that we are so blessed to have a healthy happy child.)
Tess is reading, spelling and doing math "well above average" and her testing scores, where they test how many words she reads per minutes, how well she comprehends the material, blah blah blah were crazy high.
We discussed that she hurries through her work and doesn't check her work closely. We discussed that she is "so close" to getting a 100% on her math facts test but keeps missing 1 or 2( it's a test of 100 simple addition/subtraction problems). I even took several of her homework papers to ask questions that we could NOT figure out why she missed points. Let's just say we got "schooled" on ball park estimates. lordy I hate math.
The biggest concern the teacher had about Tess? and I quote...
"Sometimes I have to remind her that she isn't the teacher."
no kidding.
Sometimes I have to remind her that she isn't the mother.
Then we both discussed how we also use her teacherly/motherly characteristics to our advantage to get her to "help" us get things done.......
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
STUCO
This mother is SO proud. My buttons are busting with pride.....and fat.....but mostly pride.
On Monday evening Tess told me about Student Council Representative elections being held on Tuesday, and that those wanting to be elected needed to have a "speech" ready to say to the class. Monday night was not one of my better parenting moments. Tess and I ended up having a battle royale for a good part of an hour, then spent another hour doing the "I feel like....." "I'm hearing that you feel......." "Tell me how this made you feel......" post argument stuff that this nerdy mom likes to do. All said and done we ended the evening back on track. Turns out 9 year olds can have bad days just like adults do. huh.
Long story short(too late) we never got to work on a speech like I had told her we would do. In fact I completely and totally blew it off. Never even remembered it, until I came home from work yesterday and found this in her bag......
"Hello 3rd grade! My name is Tess "make you happy" Martens and I have some reasons to elect me as your class representative. 1. I will make sure everyone has an opinion on big class decisions. 2. I will also give respect to everyone. 3. I don't have many rules or regulations and always try to do my best. So vote for Tess "make you happy" Martens for class representative."
She won.
*sigh*
My baby is the student council representative for Ms Q's third grade class and had to be at school early for her very first meeting this morning.
On Monday evening Tess told me about Student Council Representative elections being held on Tuesday, and that those wanting to be elected needed to have a "speech" ready to say to the class. Monday night was not one of my better parenting moments. Tess and I ended up having a battle royale for a good part of an hour, then spent another hour doing the "I feel like....." "I'm hearing that you feel......." "Tell me how this made you feel......" post argument stuff that this nerdy mom likes to do. All said and done we ended the evening back on track. Turns out 9 year olds can have bad days just like adults do. huh.
Long story short(too late) we never got to work on a speech like I had told her we would do. In fact I completely and totally blew it off. Never even remembered it, until I came home from work yesterday and found this in her bag......
"Hello 3rd grade! My name is Tess "make you happy" Martens and I have some reasons to elect me as your class representative. 1. I will make sure everyone has an opinion on big class decisions. 2. I will also give respect to everyone. 3. I don't have many rules or regulations and always try to do my best. So vote for Tess "make you happy" Martens for class representative."
She won.
*sigh*
My baby is the student council representative for Ms Q's third grade class and had to be at school early for her very first meeting this morning.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Miner news is major
The rescue of the miners in Chile is miraculous, no? I am so thankful and inspired by their story. I teared up this morning listening to one of the men report how he "learned how to pray and became closer to God" during this ordeal.
Now that is one heck of a test from the big guy upstairs!
But here is my real reason for this post. I am hearing and seeing all the "money deals'' being thrown at these men.......movie deals, book deals blah blah blah
How about someone offer them a lifetime of FREE MENTAL HEALTH CARE?
I see a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in their futures.
I'm thinking that would be a something they could really use.
Now that is one heck of a test from the big guy upstairs!
But here is my real reason for this post. I am hearing and seeing all the "money deals'' being thrown at these men.......movie deals, book deals blah blah blah
How about someone offer them a lifetime of FREE MENTAL HEALTH CARE?
I see a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in their futures.
I'm thinking that would be a something they could really use.
The Secret is out...finally!
I have big news. Huge news. Super-gigantic-ginormous news.
I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT.
Prayers answered.
God is so good.
I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT.
Prayers answered.
God is so good.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Absent mom
yep, that is what someone called me this morning.
Andy got held over at work today for mandatory overtime. We found out that he wasn't going to be able to come home about an hour before I was supposed to be at work.....approximately 30 minutes before I needed to leave.
SO I got to go in late and do the MOM thing. It was like riding a bike.....sort of.
I took Tess to school and Kate to preschool. While there was no applause when I drove through the circle drive at Tess's school, I did get a HUGE welcome at Kate's school.
Turns out people miss me....or at least noticed I wasn't coming around as much. One mom, however lovingly I'm sure she meant it to sound, said "hey there absent mom!"
*ouch* dagger to the heart
anywhooooo
I got to see where Kate puts her backpack, she told me the names of her classmates, and each of her teachers got to ask me "Kate is really different than Tess isn't she?" HA! That's an understatement. She's not different in a bad way for sure....but different. And that's a post for another day.
Two more hours of getting to play with my Janey and Andy called saying he would be home soon. Here is the creepy but cool thing about this whole situation. Just yesterday I was thinking that I should take a day off and just hang with the girls....you know, do the routine stuff that isn't part of my routine anymore.
nope, not kidding. I wished for it and it came true....sort of.
GEORGE CLOONEY!
explanation in another post.
Andy got held over at work today for mandatory overtime. We found out that he wasn't going to be able to come home about an hour before I was supposed to be at work.....approximately 30 minutes before I needed to leave.
SO I got to go in late and do the MOM thing. It was like riding a bike.....sort of.
I took Tess to school and Kate to preschool. While there was no applause when I drove through the circle drive at Tess's school, I did get a HUGE welcome at Kate's school.
Turns out people miss me....or at least noticed I wasn't coming around as much. One mom, however lovingly I'm sure she meant it to sound, said "hey there absent mom!"
*ouch* dagger to the heart
anywhooooo
I got to see where Kate puts her backpack, she told me the names of her classmates, and each of her teachers got to ask me "Kate is really different than Tess isn't she?" HA! That's an understatement. She's not different in a bad way for sure....but different. And that's a post for another day.
Two more hours of getting to play with my Janey and Andy called saying he would be home soon. Here is the creepy but cool thing about this whole situation. Just yesterday I was thinking that I should take a day off and just hang with the girls....you know, do the routine stuff that isn't part of my routine anymore.
nope, not kidding. I wished for it and it came true....sort of.
GEORGE CLOONEY!
explanation in another post.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Homecoming 2010
Bailey aka Bai and Barry
Four of my five daughters........missing my Samantha(I really do miss you girl!)
Bailey and her friend Tanner Weekend pics of Jane
Jane making pizzas.........cheese pizzas
an apple a day keeps the doctor away! I came downstairs and found her sitting on the table. Notice how many apples she has sampled.....not to mention that the juice box she is drinking is apple juice!
We put out Halloween decorations on Saturday. This jack o lantern plays a spooky song and then the black cat jumps out at the end. Jane has made us listen to this song one bazillion times this weekend. She even will say "here it comes!" towards the end of the song, and then scream and laugh. This reaction you see in the picture? She does this every time.Date Night......Surprise Surprise Surprise
All last week I was looking forward to a night out with Andy.
And all last week I was secretly dreading where I was going for my night out with Andy.
The plan was to go to the KU vs MU hockey game at the new Independence Event Center.We had considered alternate plans to go to the Royals game(free tickets) but much to my dismay had decided to go with the Hockey game. We were going with a group of his fire department buddies and it was going to be an "Okay" time.
"Okay" meaning I only watch hockey during the Olympics........ when USA is playing......... for the GOLD.
Did I mention it was date night? An evening out with 20 other people is not my idea of a date, it's a group outing. Definately not a date. Which is funny considering we hardly ever get a chance to go out.....so I should be thankful, right? Anywho......I frumped my way through changing into KU stuff, and we headed to beautiful Independence, MO. Except as we drove by Kauffman, and I sighed an audible sigh, the truck magically took the exit towards the stadium.
Surprise Surprise Surprise.
My man had been planning to take me to the game all along! He got the tickets and even picked out my Royals attire and hid it in the truck! How I love this man!
We had a wonderful kid-free evening. Bruce Chen pitched his first complete game, we sat in several different seats, and even stood out on the party deck when the Ray's right fielder bobbled several hits to the outfield. Heckeling is fun when you aren't being examples for your kids! Yesterday morning, Andy even saw us on television during a highlight reel!
Awe-some!
With my sweetie's arm around me, we watched the fireworks from the upper deck, and I swear they blew up every last one they had. The night out at the ball park ended perfect when we pulled right out of our parking spot and didn't even have to wait to exit the stadium......a bonus for showing up late is that you park in the back of the lot! :)
Thank you Kansas City Royals for a great game.
Thank you Andy Martens for the surprise date.
And all last week I was secretly dreading where I was going for my night out with Andy.
The plan was to go to the KU vs MU hockey game at the new Independence Event Center.We had considered alternate plans to go to the Royals game(free tickets) but much to my dismay had decided to go with the Hockey game. We were going with a group of his fire department buddies and it was going to be an "Okay" time.
"Okay" meaning I only watch hockey during the Olympics........ when USA is playing......... for the GOLD.
Did I mention it was date night? An evening out with 20 other people is not my idea of a date, it's a group outing. Definately not a date. Which is funny considering we hardly ever get a chance to go out.....so I should be thankful, right? Anywho......I frumped my way through changing into KU stuff, and we headed to beautiful Independence, MO. Except as we drove by Kauffman, and I sighed an audible sigh, the truck magically took the exit towards the stadium.
Surprise Surprise Surprise.
My man had been planning to take me to the game all along! He got the tickets and even picked out my Royals attire and hid it in the truck! How I love this man!
We had a wonderful kid-free evening. Bruce Chen pitched his first complete game, we sat in several different seats, and even stood out on the party deck when the Ray's right fielder bobbled several hits to the outfield. Heckeling is fun when you aren't being examples for your kids! Yesterday morning, Andy even saw us on television during a highlight reel!
Awe-some!
With my sweetie's arm around me, we watched the fireworks from the upper deck, and I swear they blew up every last one they had. The night out at the ball park ended perfect when we pulled right out of our parking spot and didn't even have to wait to exit the stadium......a bonus for showing up late is that you park in the back of the lot! :)
Thank you Kansas City Royals for a great game.
Thank you Andy Martens for the surprise date.
Happy Happy JOY JOY
I am alone in my house.
I have been alone since 3pm and I am just waiting for the phone to ring and tell me it is about to end.
Drat.
The grandparents surprised the girls and took them to Carolyn's punpkin patch this afternoon and gave me the choice to go along or to stay home by myself.
Alone.
Believe it or not, it was a tough decision. Since I"ve started working M-F, I take my time with the girls very seriously.....or should I say, I take the quality of our time together very seriously. As in, lots of laughing, loving and FUN. I've been a single parent this weekend, and I know kids need a break from parents just as much as we need a break from them. So I beat myself up for about 1 minute and then chose to have them go without me.
My list of things I want to do is about 27 items long. The reality of what I did is embarassing. I spent probably 10 minutes just trying to decide what to do first! I started out trying to go to Hallmark(I only get to go about twice a year these days) but was disappointed to find out they had closed early. Next I went to the dollar store to pick up some masking tape.......$20 and 30 lost minutes later, I had masking tape and some other odds and ends that called to me from the store shelves.
AAHHHH look at how fast the time is going, I thought to myself as I headed back home and switched another load of laundry. How boring. Next I putzed around the house doing nothing focused, just random stuff, and thought, Good Grief Sarah, you could be doing this with the girls here!
When it came time to fix something to eat, I realized I could eat what ever I wanted.....no one else to care about or cook for. Rejoice! Taco salad and beer, yes please!
Now I am sitting on my new deck furniture, in my Sluggie(yes, I got a Royals snuggie from the game yesterday without even going!) and typing this post. Any minute now the girls will be back and our Sunday night groove will be back in full swing. I do kinda miss the girls. Actually, I have been thinking about them in some fashion pretty much since they left. Wondering what they are doing, if they are having fun, if they are being good and thankful like I reminded them to be before they left. I've even been surfing the internet for Christmas ideas for them. It may be October but this girl is ready for some Christmas shopping!
So when they are here, I wish for time alone. Now that I am alone, I am spending it thinking (and writing) about them.
Time alone is wonderful.
Time with my girls after I've been alone is going to be even better.
Thank you Loren and Linda for this gift of time by myself.
But next time could you give me more notice, so I will have my list of "want to dos" already prioritized?!?!
I have been alone since 3pm and I am just waiting for the phone to ring and tell me it is about to end.
Drat.
The grandparents surprised the girls and took them to Carolyn's punpkin patch this afternoon and gave me the choice to go along or to stay home by myself.
Alone.
Believe it or not, it was a tough decision. Since I"ve started working M-F, I take my time with the girls very seriously.....or should I say, I take the quality of our time together very seriously. As in, lots of laughing, loving and FUN. I've been a single parent this weekend, and I know kids need a break from parents just as much as we need a break from them. So I beat myself up for about 1 minute and then chose to have them go without me.
My list of things I want to do is about 27 items long. The reality of what I did is embarassing. I spent probably 10 minutes just trying to decide what to do first! I started out trying to go to Hallmark(I only get to go about twice a year these days) but was disappointed to find out they had closed early. Next I went to the dollar store to pick up some masking tape.......$20 and 30 lost minutes later, I had masking tape and some other odds and ends that called to me from the store shelves.
AAHHHH look at how fast the time is going, I thought to myself as I headed back home and switched another load of laundry. How boring. Next I putzed around the house doing nothing focused, just random stuff, and thought, Good Grief Sarah, you could be doing this with the girls here!
When it came time to fix something to eat, I realized I could eat what ever I wanted.....no one else to care about or cook for. Rejoice! Taco salad and beer, yes please!
Now I am sitting on my new deck furniture, in my Sluggie(yes, I got a Royals snuggie from the game yesterday without even going!) and typing this post. Any minute now the girls will be back and our Sunday night groove will be back in full swing. I do kinda miss the girls. Actually, I have been thinking about them in some fashion pretty much since they left. Wondering what they are doing, if they are having fun, if they are being good and thankful like I reminded them to be before they left. I've even been surfing the internet for Christmas ideas for them. It may be October but this girl is ready for some Christmas shopping!
So when they are here, I wish for time alone. Now that I am alone, I am spending it thinking (and writing) about them.
Time alone is wonderful.
Time with my girls after I've been alone is going to be even better.
Thank you Loren and Linda for this gift of time by myself.
But next time could you give me more notice, so I will have my list of "want to dos" already prioritized?!?!
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