Today is Jason and I's 4 year wedding anniversary and it's 10:30 and I'm sitting on the couch eating cold pork chops in my pajama's watching last night's American Idol alone. I rarely have pity party's for myself but today I was just at my wits end. Jason and I haven't gone out on, around, for or even the same month for our anniversary since our 1st anniversary in 2008. This year we were supposed to finally get to go out, we were supposed to last year but Augie had a febrile seizure the morning we were supposed to go out, and now we aren't. Jason has had his City pool tournament which continues into this weekend when my parents were supposed to come up to watch the kids. Of course if his team wins at 1 they play at 6 which would mean we wouldn't go out to dinner. My parents have been out of town for two weeks so coming up to "maybe" babysit isn't really ideal when they need to leave first thing in the morning Sunday. So I suggested they come Friday instead but my step-dad's flight doesn't get in until late so by the time they would get here we couldn't even go out to dinner until after 9. So I told my mom tonight just not to worry about it, the whole weekend is just becoming to much of a pain.
Although I am the one that canceled for the weekend I'm still extremely disappointed. Jason had to work late tonight so the kids and I went to the grocery around 5 to get a special anniversary dinner for me to make. This is when I talked to my mom and told them not to come. Before we had left for the grocery I promised Augie we would rent "The Wolf Movie" (Alpha and Omega) from either redbox or the library, well in the middle of the grocery I found myself fighting back tears and Augie and Addie were both whining so I let Augie have the gourmet Bob Evans mac and cheese and then at checkout we bought "The Wolf Movie." So as I sat at the table with the kids eating our mac and cheese and apple dinner, I cried. I more like sobbed, and it was the funniest thing, because no one asked me what was wrong, no one even noticed. So I cried harder, I cried because I spent to much on mac and cheese, because I broke down and bought a movie just so I didn't have to go to the library because I just wanted to go home, and I cried because once again I wasn't going to be able to have a night alone with my husband.
Once I quit feeling sorry for myself, I timed out dinner for Jason and I to eat, as I was taking the stuffed pork chops out of the oven he called to let me know that he was on his way home, but his manager had asked him if he could meet up with him, so he was coming home to change if that was ok. I said it was fine, honestly the night was a bust anyway. So he swooped through and left again and I cried. Although my anniversary brings so much joy and happiness it also brings back a lot of pain and raw emotions. Now, I don't want you to all think Jason is some type of jerk, had he known I was crying all night he wouldn't have left. But he needed to go, he needs a promotion and we need that for our family.
On my wedding day my dad didn't walk me down the aisle. It wasn't that he is dead, he wasn't sick, we weren't not on speaking terms, my dad chose not to. On the most important day of my life (up to that point) my dad committed the un thinkable parental sin, he didn't choose me his daughter he chose himself. My parents divorced when I was 8 and my mom remarried to my step-dad Randy when I was 11. I think it's fair to say that Randy raised me. I don't have a bad relationship with my dad, and I saw him growing up. It was never where he had us every weekend and Wednesdays but we saw him on holidays and sprinkled days in between. When I got engaged I knew that I wanted both my dad and Randy to walk me down the aisle together. It wasn't really a choice to me, it was that I loved them both and appreciated them both and although I never would have asked to have to have two dad's that's what I was given and I wanted them both to share that moment with me. Well when I told my dad that he didn't see it the same way and he said he wouldn't so on my wedding day he didn't walk me down the aisle, he didn't tell me that I was the most beautiful person in the whole world, he didn't dance with me he was just there.
And so tonight, the loneliness crept in and I looked at Addie and I just cried. I cried that she will never have to feel that, that she will walk down the aisle on the arm of her poppa on her wedding day and that throughout life he will always choose her.
But in the end of my pity party night, my husband came home, he cuddled in and aside from life's disappointments I had a great anniversary present earlier today when I watched our babies smiles, the babies that have brought Jason and I closer than we ever could have imagined when we said I do.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Ahhhh Rewards
I was able to redeem my Swagbucks for a $5 amazon gift card for the first time, and I'm only 100 away from my next one! I also received my first Ebates check today for $19.66. So if you haven't signed up for either you realy should because it's free money. Also with Swagbucks I set my iPhone search engine to this site so whenever I use the internet on my phone I just use the Swagbucks site, I usually win anywhere from 7-28 swagbucks a day.
Happy Monday!
Happy Monday!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Without a Lense
The other night we were in the midst of a 2 year old meltdown. Of course it was right before dinner which would make dinner result in a battle of the wills and an un-enjoyable time for all. As Augie began to yell louder and Jason's tone became sharper and shorter I looked at them both and said "go outside and run...don't worry about a coat just run" Augie quickly grabbed his hat and gloves as did Jason and they headed to the back yard. As dinner sat on the table getting cold I saw them playing in the backyard and went for my camera. I took a shot and then looked at it only to find that through the window the picture was grainy and gloomy and the colors seemed dull. The picture was not at all a representation of what I was experiencing as I watched. I put down the camera and picked up Addie instead and just watched. I got lost in them running and laughing and smiling. What ever was making Augie so upset jut moments before seemed to have completely disappeared. All of the anxiety and frustration that was in Jason's voice because of a crappy day at work was gone. As I stood there watching my boys and holding my girl I thought, this is a moment I want to stay in forever. I want to always remember what I am feeling right now and wrap myself in it whenever I can. We stood there for awhile watching and it felt like the most intimate time with my family that can never be taken from us. For those moments I didn't think of anything, no bills, no laundry, no lack of sleep, I just thought that I'm the luckiest person in the whole world and I wouldn't change a thing.
Full Circle
A few days later Addie and I went to a Senior Apartment complex to help out Uncle Scot. I'm not sure we were that much help but we definitely brightened a few peoples day. Most of the residents rarely see their grown children and grandchildren let alone a stranger's 9 mos old. While one of the residents was waiting to be seen Addie and I were talking with her about various things. She was in her 80's blind in one eye because of a brain tumor that had resulted in them removing a large portion of her brain. She was as sharp as a whip. She was telling me about her two children a boy and a girl, she looked at me and said " I remember when they were 6 and 7 and we lived on a farm in Missouri, we raised goats, I was in the kitchen making dinner and the kids were playing in the yard with their father, and I thought to myself this is the best time of my life." She proceeded to say " I remember that so vividly and I think of that memory often...these really are the best years of your life." I wanted to start crying right then and there. It's times like these that I know God exists, although her age and medical history and everything else should make her forget she is still wrapped in that moment. A moment so intimate, so personal that only true,selfless, love can create. She still has it to comfort her and that made me smile.
Full Circle
A few days later Addie and I went to a Senior Apartment complex to help out Uncle Scot. I'm not sure we were that much help but we definitely brightened a few peoples day. Most of the residents rarely see their grown children and grandchildren let alone a stranger's 9 mos old. While one of the residents was waiting to be seen Addie and I were talking with her about various things. She was in her 80's blind in one eye because of a brain tumor that had resulted in them removing a large portion of her brain. She was as sharp as a whip. She was telling me about her two children a boy and a girl, she looked at me and said " I remember when they were 6 and 7 and we lived on a farm in Missouri, we raised goats, I was in the kitchen making dinner and the kids were playing in the yard with their father, and I thought to myself this is the best time of my life." She proceeded to say " I remember that so vividly and I think of that memory often...these really are the best years of your life." I wanted to start crying right then and there. It's times like these that I know God exists, although her age and medical history and everything else should make her forget she is still wrapped in that moment. A moment so intimate, so personal that only true,selfless, love can create. She still has it to comfort her and that made me smile.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Never Ending
It's midnight and I still have hours of work a head of me. The days just seem to fly by and there really just aren't enough hours in the day. I have written some great posts in my brain over the last few days and I really hope that I can put them into writing on here to share with you all, fingers crossed.
Lil miss has been fighting a nasty virus and she has been screaming about 18 hrs a day for the last 5 days so it's been a littl stressfull to say the least. And Augie decided that he is ready to use the potty. We have been on the self lead no pressure potty track and sure enough he decided monday that it was time. Wow, I had no clue how time consuming it would be, especially when I'm busy doing something and I hear a "Momma I gonna go poop on the potty" and I have to drop what I'm doing to go assist. Ahh he's growing way to fast.
Back to work, and I hear a baby stirring, will catch up soon!
Lil miss has been fighting a nasty virus and she has been screaming about 18 hrs a day for the last 5 days so it's been a littl stressfull to say the least. And Augie decided that he is ready to use the potty. We have been on the self lead no pressure potty track and sure enough he decided monday that it was time. Wow, I had no clue how time consuming it would be, especially when I'm busy doing something and I hear a "Momma I gonna go poop on the potty" and I have to drop what I'm doing to go assist. Ahh he's growing way to fast.
Back to work, and I hear a baby stirring, will catch up soon!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Can't Hardly Wait
So a few days after the conversation with the store owner I received an interesting message on facebook. Facebook is such a funny little place. I received this message from a guy that I grew up with.
Hey Christy do you remember me? The last time I remember speaking to you wwas in eighth grade I believe. Our lockers were in the same hall and I think we were even in the same art class. After that you kinda dissappeared as I did too I suppose. High School was more of a blur for me, don't remember much at all...I regret that so much, I really regret not knowing where you and other went. Have you ever seen that movie with that young guy who had a crush on Jennifer Love Hewett since grade schoool and finally at the end he lets her know even though its too late? That movie reminds me entirely of you believe it or not. All throughout school, including highschool you were an 11 in a 1-10 rating system, maybe the dimples I dont know, but regardless the only one in your class. The only one that I regret not letting know what was going on in my head. But....it's good to see you are doing good, a family and happy. No kids for me yet, in fact I got a late start, this August I am transferring to Columbus State for the Vet Tech program. Anyhow.....this is already long enough so I had better say bye. Just crossing things off my bucket list for some closure. Dont take it the wrong way or get freaked out though. :)
Now I must admit I was flattered. I mean lets face it, when you are parusing with kids all day and you can't even remember the last time that your husband complimented you, to get a note like this did make me smile. I do remember who he was, could I pick him out of a lineup maybe. I still haven't responded, which I feel really bad about. But I feel like a response could go one of two ways. SO I wanted to solicit your alls advice!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Where to begin
As I stated earlier it has been a crazy, busy week. Addie got tubes in both ears on Thursday and did great during surgery, but she did have a double ear infection as to be expected and now she has a cold or something. I'll probably take her back to the pedi tomorrow because she has been battling a 101-102 degree fever for the past day or two along with not sleeping. (Which will probably turn this one post into 3 or 4) Along with tubes it is also March Madness and yes I fill out the brackets and love to follow along. I actually won one last year and was really hoping for a repeat this year, but after tonight that is looking very improbable.
On to the new chapter in my life. As most of you know I was laid off from my job as Director of Operations for 2(3) Aveda salons last April. I was a lucky person whereas I absolutely loved my job. Not to say it didn't have it's moments but for the most part it was great. I probably never would have left but I truly do believe that all things happen for a reason. I was 6 weeks shy of having Addie when I was laid off and unfortunately we only had 2 weeks to prepare for my new unemployment status. I must admit I was kind of on the cocky side and a bit naive to all of the "it's impossible to find a job" hype and I honestly thought I would find one. Well I have yet to find one, I have extinguished my state unemployment benefits and have now moved on to the federal extension. Because I have been able to get little side jobs, I claim that on my weekly benefits and it makes my unemployment last a little longer. I am still actively looking and have applied for over 300 jobs at this point and have received 3 call backs. Yes that is correct 3 so I'm batting a .01% average.
But truth be told I'm kind of living a stay at home mom lie. We honestly can't afford it. There was a reason that I was planning on going back to work after Addie was born and we do struggle week to week. Now we aren't scraping the bottom of the barrel but if we want to do anything extra there is no money there. So I have been praying, jotting, applying, brainstorming ect... for some type of way to make a steady income from home. When voila my friend Melissa calls.
Melissa and I met in Lamaze class and we had our first babies 3 days apart, I had a boy (obviously) she had a little girl 3 days later. We stayed in touch after class and then after the babies were born met with another girl from our class for weekly walks until sadly she moved. We have remained friends and get together about twice a year, we also found out we were pregnant for the second time around the same time and this time our babies were 4 days a part, she had another baby girl on a Monday and Addie was born that Friday. Well I have always thought that our friendship and our chance meeting had a purpose. The reason I say chance is because I delivered at OSU but decided to take my class through Riverside not OSU.
So here's the fun part, I am so excited that I have become an Arbonne Consultant with Melissa. We are diving into this adventure together and I am so hopeful for what the future brings. If you are wondering what Arbonne is, it's a great botanical skin care line that is all natural. There products range from baby care to anti aging, make-up to vitamins. With my salon experience and working with Aveda I feel like this is something I'm very passionate about as well as have some contacts. I'm really excited to go on this journey and am optimistic that it will provide for us a source of income that brings us to a more comfortable place.
I will definitely be updating you all on my progress, but don't worry I won't be converting this into a sellers blog, although I will be sharing things as they come up. And of course if you have any questions for me about the products or want to hear more or be one of my guinea pigs and help me host a workshop I would be more than grateful!!
On to the new chapter in my life. As most of you know I was laid off from my job as Director of Operations for 2(3) Aveda salons last April. I was a lucky person whereas I absolutely loved my job. Not to say it didn't have it's moments but for the most part it was great. I probably never would have left but I truly do believe that all things happen for a reason. I was 6 weeks shy of having Addie when I was laid off and unfortunately we only had 2 weeks to prepare for my new unemployment status. I must admit I was kind of on the cocky side and a bit naive to all of the "it's impossible to find a job" hype and I honestly thought I would find one. Well I have yet to find one, I have extinguished my state unemployment benefits and have now moved on to the federal extension. Because I have been able to get little side jobs, I claim that on my weekly benefits and it makes my unemployment last a little longer. I am still actively looking and have applied for over 300 jobs at this point and have received 3 call backs. Yes that is correct 3 so I'm batting a .01% average.
But truth be told I'm kind of living a stay at home mom lie. We honestly can't afford it. There was a reason that I was planning on going back to work after Addie was born and we do struggle week to week. Now we aren't scraping the bottom of the barrel but if we want to do anything extra there is no money there. So I have been praying, jotting, applying, brainstorming ect... for some type of way to make a steady income from home. When voila my friend Melissa calls.
Melissa and I met in Lamaze class and we had our first babies 3 days apart, I had a boy (obviously) she had a little girl 3 days later. We stayed in touch after class and then after the babies were born met with another girl from our class for weekly walks until sadly she moved. We have remained friends and get together about twice a year, we also found out we were pregnant for the second time around the same time and this time our babies were 4 days a part, she had another baby girl on a Monday and Addie was born that Friday. Well I have always thought that our friendship and our chance meeting had a purpose. The reason I say chance is because I delivered at OSU but decided to take my class through Riverside not OSU.
So here's the fun part, I am so excited that I have become an Arbonne Consultant with Melissa. We are diving into this adventure together and I am so hopeful for what the future brings. If you are wondering what Arbonne is, it's a great botanical skin care line that is all natural. There products range from baby care to anti aging, make-up to vitamins. With my salon experience and working with Aveda I feel like this is something I'm very passionate about as well as have some contacts. I'm really excited to go on this journey and am optimistic that it will provide for us a source of income that brings us to a more comfortable place.
I will definitely be updating you all on my progress, but don't worry I won't be converting this into a sellers blog, although I will be sharing things as they come up. And of course if you have any questions for me about the products or want to hear more or be one of my guinea pigs and help me host a workshop I would be more than grateful!!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Busy Week
I have so much to share with you all about the excitement of this past week and new direction life is taking me. I will post more tomorrow, but in the mean time I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weather.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Little Bonuses
I'm sure by now you are all signed up for Groupon but I just got an e-mail that I have $40 groupon bucks good towards any purchase. I LOVE free money!!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Check out CheckPoints
Funny story about this post! Yes I have this app, I haven't blogged about it because I'm not really in love with it. But I didn't post this, Augie did!!! He loves playing with my phone and thinks that this app is a game so he somehow got to the referal page and one of the first e-mails in my phone is the e-mail for this blogger site. Ahhhh technology.
Hi!
Just wanted to tell you about CheckPoints, a cool Android and iPhone app that lets you earn prizes like gift cards, airline miles and gadgets just by checking out cool products.
Let's say you are going shopping...fire up CheckPoints and see how many points you can earn in nearby places. Earn maximum CheckPoints by scanning products at your favorite locations.
We will both get bonus CheckPoints if you sign up using my code:
crbertolo2
Get the app at http://www.checkpoints.com.
Have fun!
Hi!
Just wanted to tell you about CheckPoints, a cool Android and iPhone app that lets you earn prizes like gift cards, airline miles and gadgets just by checking out cool products.
Let's say you are going shopping...fire up CheckPoints and see how many points you can earn in nearby places. Earn maximum CheckPoints by scanning products at your favorite locations.
We will both get bonus CheckPoints if you sign up using my code:
crbertolo2
Get the app at http://www.checkpoints.com.
Have fun!
Plum District
Here's another Daily Deal site called Plum District, right now if you refer two friends you get a $10 gift card to California Pizza Kitchen!! Yummy, here's my referral link.
Thanks Allison!
Thanks Allison!
Monday, March 14, 2011
My (not so) Ordinary Life
I find my life to be pretty boring, which I'm totally fine with. Well as boring as life can be with a 2 1/2 year old and a 9 mos old. But sometimes I realize that the things that happen to me on a weekly sometimes daily basis aren't really of the norm. It usually isn't until it's brought to my attention that I stop and think "oh, that doesn't happen to everyone?". On friday one of my friend's who I used to work with came over for pizza with her husband and daughter. Jason started telling the story about a conversation I had last week with a local shop owner.
*Note Jason is a funny guy, well he thinks he is funnier than he is, but he has a dry humor and he is always messing with people. I get his humor so when I tell you his comments don't think he's a total jerk!
What did she just ask?!?!?
Last weekend I stopped by a local shop that the kids and I frequent, I had dropped one of Addie's toys in the parking lot and they had it there. I typically go during the week and talk with one of the owners but the other owner works on saturday and was there when I stopped by. I have met her a few times but I wouldn't know her if I saw her at the park like I do the other. For our conversation I'm just going to refer to her as SO (store owner).
SO- "hi there! Look at you, how did you lose all the baby weight? you are so skinny."
Me (taken a little off gaurd) " thanks, chasing the two kids around"
SO- "Oh come on, you don't eat" nudging me "I mean none of us do!"
Me (doing an awkard laugh) "So, I'm hear to pick up a toy we left"
So "By the way did your husband come in last week with your son?"
Me- "No, wasn't him"
SO " Oh it looked like your little boy...be honest are you way better looking than your husband"
Me (puzzled and a little in shock) " Umm what??"
SO -"like did your husband marry out of his league with you? This guy I saw that I thought maybe was your husband, I thought wow I bet she gets what ever she wants because he definitely married out of his league, he was not attractive. So be honest are you better looking than your husband?"
Me (spying the toy on the counter) " No, I'd say that my husband and I are on equal ground...oh there's our toy, well it was great seeing you again, take care!!"
SO- "You too, nice talking with you!"
I walked back to the car thinking, did I really just have that converation?!?!? When I got back in the car I started laughing, Jason asked what I was laughing about, so I filled him in on the conversation I had just had. When I finished my story he responded "Equal? You said equal? You married way out of your league with me!" (with a smile) I smiled and said "Yep I sure did, old man, I sure did." (Jason is 8 years older than me.)
*Note Jason is a funny guy, well he thinks he is funnier than he is, but he has a dry humor and he is always messing with people. I get his humor so when I tell you his comments don't think he's a total jerk!
What did she just ask?!?!?
Last weekend I stopped by a local shop that the kids and I frequent, I had dropped one of Addie's toys in the parking lot and they had it there. I typically go during the week and talk with one of the owners but the other owner works on saturday and was there when I stopped by. I have met her a few times but I wouldn't know her if I saw her at the park like I do the other. For our conversation I'm just going to refer to her as SO (store owner).
SO- "hi there! Look at you, how did you lose all the baby weight? you are so skinny."
Me (taken a little off gaurd) " thanks, chasing the two kids around"
SO- "Oh come on, you don't eat" nudging me "I mean none of us do!"
Me (doing an awkard laugh) "So, I'm hear to pick up a toy we left"
So "By the way did your husband come in last week with your son?"
Me- "No, wasn't him"
SO " Oh it looked like your little boy...be honest are you way better looking than your husband"
Me (puzzled and a little in shock) " Umm what??"
SO -"like did your husband marry out of his league with you? This guy I saw that I thought maybe was your husband, I thought wow I bet she gets what ever she wants because he definitely married out of his league, he was not attractive. So be honest are you better looking than your husband?"
Me (spying the toy on the counter) " No, I'd say that my husband and I are on equal ground...oh there's our toy, well it was great seeing you again, take care!!"
SO- "You too, nice talking with you!"
I walked back to the car thinking, did I really just have that converation?!?!? When I got back in the car I started laughing, Jason asked what I was laughing about, so I filled him in on the conversation I had just had. When I finished my story he responded "Equal? You said equal? You married way out of your league with me!" (with a smile) I smiled and said "Yep I sure did, old man, I sure did." (Jason is 8 years older than me.)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Zoku
So I'm officially in love with my Zoku! I'm not quite sure why I didn't use it before but we now use it daily. We haven't made anything exciting yet other than apple juice pops and mango/guava pops but it is one of the best part of our days. I know it might sound silly because you may be thinking "just freeze some juice in the freexer" But there is something about having only a 10 min wait time that makes it really exciting for a toddler, plus they are perfectly shaped popcicles!
Check back soon for a video of us using our Zoku.
Check back soon for a video of us using our Zoku.
Swagbucks Update
So I started using the Swagbucks website on February 23rd and 18 days later I already have earned 465 Swagbucks which I think I will redeem for a $5 amazon gift card to go towards diapers. It was super easy so pretty much like free money. There are all sorts of things you can do like find swagcodes, watch videos or do a daily poll but I took the easy way and just used the search engine. Yep that was it, so instead of using Yahoo I just typed my search in Swagbucks instead. So if you use the computer at all I recommend it, because it's really that easy. They have a ton of prizes as well so I may just save up, I haven't decided yet!!
Thanks Allison!!
Thanks Allison!!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Exception to the Rule
On Tuesday the kids and I went to the Zoo. We spent 5 hours there!!! Augie is obsessed with animals and would live there if we let him. But while we were at the zoo we went into the indoor food court by Africa. It's typically the only one open off season and although I had packed lunch for the kids, I hadn't packed myself any. Strollers aren't permitted in the food area and I was thinking as we were heading there how I was going to fanagal (sp?) the kids and the tray and all those random things. The thought went through my head "well no one is here, I'm sure they wouldn't care if I brought the stroller in" and I even thought about maybe writing the Zoo a letter about during off season allowing strollers in, or putting a sign out when it's ok. No I "know" I wouldn't have gotten in trouble by breaking this rule, but I'm a rule follower and I parked my stroller outside. I ordered my food, got the kids situated at the table and then the nice guy just brought me over my food so I didn't have to get up. As we were eating a few tables over there were 3 moms with their 5 little ones talking about this that and whatever. We were close enough that I could hear their conversations, the first mom had gotten their first and then her friends showed up. Someone brought up the no stroller policy and here was her response " Oh, I usually just bring mine in, I mean what are they going to do, tell me a mom of two little ones that I need to leave it outside when I'm by myself, sure, I mean come on." I kind of thought about her comment the rest of the time at the zoo. When you are at the zoo for that long with out another adult to talk to you have conversations with yourself about things such as this!
I'm interested to know your all's thoughts. My take is this, given her reasoning then wouldn't we all be an exception to the rule. Which would make the rule null and void because it's a no stroller rule, and although I know that kids of all ages ride in strollers at the zoo the median age is probably 3 and under. And if we all decided that this rule doesn't apply to us, the whole purpose of the rule which I'm assuming is to make the indoor seating more accessible, would be a nightmare because it would be overcrowded by strollers. I'm always by myself when I'm out and about with the kids and am always having to get creative so when people make comments like this it just rubs me the wrong way. But I definitely want to hear your thoughts too, even if you are a rule breaker!
I'm interested to know your all's thoughts. My take is this, given her reasoning then wouldn't we all be an exception to the rule. Which would make the rule null and void because it's a no stroller rule, and although I know that kids of all ages ride in strollers at the zoo the median age is probably 3 and under. And if we all decided that this rule doesn't apply to us, the whole purpose of the rule which I'm assuming is to make the indoor seating more accessible, would be a nightmare because it would be overcrowded by strollers. I'm always by myself when I'm out and about with the kids and am always having to get creative so when people make comments like this it just rubs me the wrong way. But I definitely want to hear your thoughts too, even if you are a rule breaker!
The Roller Coaster
I sometimes feel like everyday is like a roller coaster that I'm riding on but I'm not at an amusement park instead I'm at home, in my mini-van or who knows where else. I also never get off the roller coaster and I must admit sometimes I get a little motion sickness. Yesterday was one of those days where the highs and the lows were making me dizzy and periods of euphoria were smacked down by feelings of frustration and anger.
Our day started out fun, we went to this great paint studio called Gallery 202 and met some friends for a play date. Class was over by 11 so we decided to go to McDonald's with one of our friends since it was too early for a nap. Of course my nap theory backfired and Augie decided to not take a nap and Addie just slept in the car. Once we were home and I realized that no one was going to take naps I decided we would take a trip to the Grocery to pick up my Dry Cleaning. It was around 3. Once we got in the car I quickly realized that I didn't have my wallet. I scoured the car, ran inside looked everywhere and then remember that it had fallen out at McD's and I had shoved it into my pocket. I got the kids back into the house amidst a 2 year old over tired melt down and called McD's. Of course they kept putting me on hold so I finally decided to get everyone back in the car and drive the 25 mins to Westerville. I got a hold of McD's en route and they hadn't found it, I thought I probably had lost it in the parking lot so I scoured the parking lot and still no wallet. On my way back I called to cancel all of my credit cards.
Side note; I decided whoever designed the whole canceling of credit cards wasn't thinking like someone who just lost their wallet. My credit card is through my bank and when I called and followed the prompt it gave me the following options...Press 1 to report your debit card, Press 2 to report your ATM card, Press 3 to report your Credit Card and so on. It should just give you the option to Press 6 if your whole wallet is gone!!! So once I picked one option then it asked me for a user id. Huh???? What user id? so I just pressed 0 (a few times) it then said please enter your account number. I know some people have this memorized but I don't so I pressed 0 (a few more times, a little harder) All I wanted to do was to talk with someone! Then of course once I did get a live person I had to verify my last deposit, which apparently I was $5 off so that didn't work, so I had to verify a transaction. Now I'm sure there is a good reason for all this. I kept thinking "hmmmm if I stole(found) someones credit card why would I call and cancel the account for them!".
But anyways after getting transferred to cancel my other cards it was done and we were back home. The cards were cancelled and I was hanging my vest up in the closet when I saw Augie's crayon/marker bag on the floor of the closet, and there in the bag was my wallet. It must have fallen out when I hung it up the first time. And even though I looked in the closet I didn't see it the first time. Go Figure.
Fast forward 2 hours to dinner time, I had gotten all of the dishes done while I was getting dinner ready and decided that we would eat on paper plates. It's so annoying to get all of the dishes clean and then have 2 sink fulls after dinner. It's a vicious cycle and I was just over it yesterday. Jason gets home 2 hours late because he had to work an hour over and then had a chiropractors appt, which when I've had a long day every min he's late is a min too long. So he gets home the kids have already started eating and I put his fettuccine on a paper plate and he starts giving me grief about serving noodles on a paper plate. Saying something about the paper absorbing the sauce yaddy yaddy yaddy. I quickly responded that I just didn't want to do dishes and that I was over it. Then he of course jumped down my throat about his bad day at work and we ate dinner in silence. Then he decided to check out. Now I consider myself fortunate that when Jason needs some alone time he goes to Target and TJ Maxx but man it really got my blood boiling last night. Checking out is totally not even an option for me. I'm always checked in!!! There is never a moment, an instance, a second where I can just throw on my coat and say "I'm going out". Just to leave the house by myself it takes planning, preparation, making sure everything is set up for my departure. You would think I was going on a mini vacation just to run to the grocery by myself. I guess I just don't get it. I know it goes back to how we are wired but still, he has NO CLUE what it is like to have a crappy day and not be able to show it. I know that you shouldn't always put on a front for your kids, but I do, nobody wants a grumpy momma.
So that was my roller coaster yesterday, ups and downs, flips and races, hoping I at least get a flat stretch today.
Our day started out fun, we went to this great paint studio called Gallery 202 and met some friends for a play date. Class was over by 11 so we decided to go to McDonald's with one of our friends since it was too early for a nap. Of course my nap theory backfired and Augie decided to not take a nap and Addie just slept in the car. Once we were home and I realized that no one was going to take naps I decided we would take a trip to the Grocery to pick up my Dry Cleaning. It was around 3. Once we got in the car I quickly realized that I didn't have my wallet. I scoured the car, ran inside looked everywhere and then remember that it had fallen out at McD's and I had shoved it into my pocket. I got the kids back into the house amidst a 2 year old over tired melt down and called McD's. Of course they kept putting me on hold so I finally decided to get everyone back in the car and drive the 25 mins to Westerville. I got a hold of McD's en route and they hadn't found it, I thought I probably had lost it in the parking lot so I scoured the parking lot and still no wallet. On my way back I called to cancel all of my credit cards.
Side note; I decided whoever designed the whole canceling of credit cards wasn't thinking like someone who just lost their wallet. My credit card is through my bank and when I called and followed the prompt it gave me the following options...Press 1 to report your debit card, Press 2 to report your ATM card, Press 3 to report your Credit Card and so on. It should just give you the option to Press 6 if your whole wallet is gone!!! So once I picked one option then it asked me for a user id. Huh???? What user id? so I just pressed 0 (a few times) it then said please enter your account number. I know some people have this memorized but I don't so I pressed 0 (a few more times, a little harder) All I wanted to do was to talk with someone! Then of course once I did get a live person I had to verify my last deposit, which apparently I was $5 off so that didn't work, so I had to verify a transaction. Now I'm sure there is a good reason for all this. I kept thinking "hmmmm if I stole(found) someones credit card why would I call and cancel the account for them!".
But anyways after getting transferred to cancel my other cards it was done and we were back home. The cards were cancelled and I was hanging my vest up in the closet when I saw Augie's crayon/marker bag on the floor of the closet, and there in the bag was my wallet. It must have fallen out when I hung it up the first time. And even though I looked in the closet I didn't see it the first time. Go Figure.
Fast forward 2 hours to dinner time, I had gotten all of the dishes done while I was getting dinner ready and decided that we would eat on paper plates. It's so annoying to get all of the dishes clean and then have 2 sink fulls after dinner. It's a vicious cycle and I was just over it yesterday. Jason gets home 2 hours late because he had to work an hour over and then had a chiropractors appt, which when I've had a long day every min he's late is a min too long. So he gets home the kids have already started eating and I put his fettuccine on a paper plate and he starts giving me grief about serving noodles on a paper plate. Saying something about the paper absorbing the sauce yaddy yaddy yaddy. I quickly responded that I just didn't want to do dishes and that I was over it. Then he of course jumped down my throat about his bad day at work and we ate dinner in silence. Then he decided to check out. Now I consider myself fortunate that when Jason needs some alone time he goes to Target and TJ Maxx but man it really got my blood boiling last night. Checking out is totally not even an option for me. I'm always checked in!!! There is never a moment, an instance, a second where I can just throw on my coat and say "I'm going out". Just to leave the house by myself it takes planning, preparation, making sure everything is set up for my departure. You would think I was going on a mini vacation just to run to the grocery by myself. I guess I just don't get it. I know it goes back to how we are wired but still, he has NO CLUE what it is like to have a crappy day and not be able to show it. I know that you shouldn't always put on a front for your kids, but I do, nobody wants a grumpy momma.
So that was my roller coaster yesterday, ups and downs, flips and races, hoping I at least get a flat stretch today.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Popcicles Umm Never Mind
Jason bought me a Zoku Popsicle maker 2 years ago for Christmas. I have to be honest I had never actually used the Zoku that I just "had" to have. I was already to make them a few weeks ago when I pulled it out of the freezer and much to my horror the Zoku was leaking this weird blue fluid. I called Williams Sonoma and told them about my oozing Zoku and lucky for me I wasn't the first one to have this happen to them so they gladly would replace it for. So I decided last night I was finally going to make Popsicles and chocolate pudding pops sounded like the perfect choice. The Zoku has to freeze for 24 hrs before use so we had been hyping up the creation of the fudgecicles for a whole day. Early into the Popsicle making we ran into a little snafu, I'm not sure if you have ever made pudding but it's 5 min pudding and although 5 mins seems like a long time it's really fast when you are trying to let your 2 1/2 year old help. The pudding was thickening as Jason was trying to pour it into the machine, here is the conversation that transpired.
Me "you are supposed to put the sticks in first, then pour"
Jason-putting the first stick in then pouring "it's dumb they tell you to put the stick in first...this harder than it looks the pudding is really thick...we're going to do this poppa's way" filling first then putting the stick in the next 2 molds
...10 long minutes later
Me "Popsicles are ready!!!!!"
Augie "Yay, chocolate, yay!"
Me "hey hun" pause "they won't come out"
Jason "I'll try" tries all 3 unsuccessfully then claims and old finger injury. (yes I'm serious!)
Me- reading the directions titled Help My Popsicles Won't Come Out "if you insert the sticks after you pour the Popsicles will not come out...de-thaw,clean, dry completely and then refreeze for 24 hrs"
Thanks dear!!!!
We will be attempting Juice Pops tomorrow night. To be continued...
Me "you are supposed to put the sticks in first, then pour"
Jason-putting the first stick in then pouring "it's dumb they tell you to put the stick in first...this harder than it looks the pudding is really thick...we're going to do this poppa's way" filling first then putting the stick in the next 2 molds
...10 long minutes later
Me "Popsicles are ready!!!!!"
Augie "Yay, chocolate, yay!"
Me "hey hun" pause "they won't come out"
Jason "I'll try" tries all 3 unsuccessfully then claims and old finger injury. (yes I'm serious!)
Me- reading the directions titled Help My Popsicles Won't Come Out "if you insert the sticks after you pour the Popsicles will not come out...de-thaw,clean, dry completely and then refreeze for 24 hrs"
Thanks dear!!!!
We will be attempting Juice Pops tomorrow night. To be continued...
Monday, March 7, 2011
Chicken Noodle Soup Go To
Everyone needs a go to or a staple recipe. This recipe was given to me by Jason's grandma, the first time I saw her whip it up in under 5 mins I was in awe and then once I tasted it I was in love. So here it is from my kitchen to yours!
Grandma B's Chicken Noodle Soup
What you need:
Grandma B's Chicken Noodle Soup
What you need:
- Rotiserree Chicken-meat pulled off
- Carrots Sliced- how ever much you like I always have baby carrots and cut up about 10 or so.
- Celery Sliced- your choice again, I do about 3 stalks.
- Onion Diced- I use about a 1/2 a bag of frozen diced onion.
- 8-12 cups of Chicken Broth or Stock- I use L.B. Jamison's Soup Base. It is my ultime favorite, I use it in any recipe that calls for chicken broth or stock. It's 1 tsp per 8oz of boiling water and I always like to throw in an extra tsp.
- 1/2 a box of Acini Di Pepe noodles- I buy the Giant Eagle brand.
- Salt, Pepper and Parsley Flakes.
- Bring 8-12 cups of chicken stock to a boil in a large stock pot add carrots,celery, chicken, onion, salt, pepper and parsley flakes. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer (low/med) heat.
- Simmer for about 30 mins until veggie's are tender.
- While the soup is simmering, cook noodles as directed.
- Put a scoop or two of noodles in each bowl and pour soup over. Serve with bread and we like to sprinkle fancy parmesean or ramano cheese. Enjoy!
Club Bravo
I'm going out tonight with some friends to celebrate one of the girls recent engagements. They just opened a Bravo about 10 mins away so we are heading there. I was wondering if there were any coupons out there that I could use. Don't worry I texted my friends to make sure they didn't mind! I went to Bravo's website and noticed they had a spot to sign up for Club Bravo with just a name, e-mail, b-day and anniversary day I was done! Within a minute I received a coupon for a free appetizer, that I will be sharing tonight with my friends!!
A little update, I have gotten an overwhelming response since my friend post and I just wanted to say thanks and for those of you who are struggling as well I realized that sometimes you just have to put yourself out there vulnerabilities and all and good things will happen.
A little update, I have gotten an overwhelming response since my friend post and I just wanted to say thanks and for those of you who are struggling as well I realized that sometimes you just have to put yourself out there vulnerabilities and all and good things will happen.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Bath Time
I'm a bath girl, I always have been, Jason says I'm part mermaid. So to unwind I take a bath, before Augie I took a bath every night. Before Addie I took a few baths a week now I take a bath a month. I decided to take a bath the other night. Addie had fallen asleep at 7 and Augie was content with Jason watching a movie so I decided it seemed like a great time. I drew a bath put some Beautifying Composition in it, grabbed my Good Housekeeping and set off to bath land. I didn't get one foot in before I heard Addie wake up and start screaming. Running to her rescue was her Poppa who loves her dearly but after 6pm she hates. I decided to let them work that out and take my bath still as I sat down I realized it was totally luke warm which to me it might as well been cold. I like HOT baths really HOT baths. So I'm sitting in my cold bath listening to the tranquil sounds of Addie screaming and Jason trying to calm her when in walks Augie with his "wormie" also known as a draft stopper door pillow. He sits next to bath and starts asking questions "momma what's that? are those your boobies? momma wutch you doowee?" Then his eyes lit up and he said "momma I know, you need bubbles!!!" So there I was sitting in my cold bath, listening to Addie scream (Jason had given up trying to talk her out of her screams at this point) and Augie was blowing bubbles at me for ambiance.
It. was. fabulous.
It. was. fabulous.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Aveda's Best Kept Secret
I was going through my medicine cabinet the other day and I thought I would share with you my all time favorite Aveda product ever!!!
Beautifying Composition
It's a versatile oil that everyone should keep in their medicine cabinet. Some of my favorite things are:
- It moisturizes extremely dry skin, I used it daily when I was on accutane and it did wonders.
- If you get sunburned or a little pink apply before bed and you will wake up the next morning not burnt and you won't ever peel.
- Put it in your bath for moisture and a light airy scent.
- Use it to give yourself a scalp massage before your shower or bath. It will moisurize a dry scalp plus scalp massages help promote hair growth.
Do you have any products that you can't live without and you use multiple ways?
Same Difference
Yesterday we were on a mission to buy Brown Bear, Brown Bear. We had every other Eric Carle book except for this one and Augie, who is obsessed with books, kept informing me that we didn't have it. So as we were getting ready to leave, I had just put my scarf on when we had this conversation:
Note: I have learned that I have to repeat back to Augie everything he says, if I don't he will continue to repeat himself until I do. Yes, I usually have to do this every conversation we have.
Augie "Momma you wook pritty"
Me "Aww, thanks Augie you think momma looks pretty"
Augie " No, momma you wook wike a piggie"
Me (deflated) "Oh, I look like a piggie??"
Augie " yes, you wook wike Pigwet, he wears a scarp too"
Note: I have learned that I have to repeat back to Augie everything he says, if I don't he will continue to repeat himself until I do. Yes, I usually have to do this every conversation we have.
Augie "Momma you wook pritty"
Me "Aww, thanks Augie you think momma looks pretty"
Augie " No, momma you wook wike a piggie"
Me (deflated) "Oh, I look like a piggie??"
Augie " yes, you wook wike Pigwet, he wears a scarp too"
Unexpected Response
First I want to thank everyone for their encouraging comments and messages. My intent was not to make anyone sad I just wanted to bring light to a subject that obviously a lot of women deal with. So thanks for listening.
Second in my quest to de-clutter and make money I have began walking around the house with my iphone camera taking pictures and posting to craigslist. I decided to put my Kate Spade Diaper bag up for sale that I only used a handful of times. Of course the first and only inquiry I have received was from a non-profit Catholic School wondering if I would want to donate it to their silent auction and then write it off as a donation on my taxes next year. I gently declined and explained that if the situation was different I would definitely consider but given that I lost my job and we are trying to make money where we can I would be unable. I also suggested that she call a salon or spa if she hasn't already, because we were always donating products and services. Well I didn't expect to hear back from her and then the next morning I received this e-mail:
Second in my quest to de-clutter and make money I have began walking around the house with my iphone camera taking pictures and posting to craigslist. I decided to put my Kate Spade Diaper bag up for sale that I only used a handful of times. Of course the first and only inquiry I have received was from a non-profit Catholic School wondering if I would want to donate it to their silent auction and then write it off as a donation on my taxes next year. I gently declined and explained that if the situation was different I would definitely consider but given that I lost my job and we are trying to make money where we can I would be unable. I also suggested that she call a salon or spa if she hasn't already, because we were always donating products and services. Well I didn't expect to hear back from her and then the next morning I received this e-mail:
I totally understand. I am unemployed as well. Not to get into your business, but I used to be a case worker for children’s services: So I want to make sure that you have hit everything that you can apply for to get items you can get to help you in this time. Unemployment will help, but make sure that you have applied for WIC. As well as calling 211. There is a website that 211 will give you to research as well as ODJFS.com you can all also call or get online to St. Steven’s community house. They will help with formula and diapers. Call JOIN and they will be able to refer you to other agencies for formula and diapers. There are many agencies that will be able to give you a can of formula here or there. And if you go around to collect those in additions to the WIC you will not have to worry about buying those. Plus, the agencies will help with diapers, the two main costs with infants.
You can also get babysitting to go and look for a job. It is a matter of looking and asking for the right agencies to fund it. So don’t get down with it.
And to be honest with you, even thought I have had to coupon beyond belief and watch every dime, I have had so much fun this last year with my children.
We will add you and your baby in our prayers and hope that things get better for you.
Chris
I just thought that was very sweet and wanted to share. I mean I'm just a random person on Craigslist and she didn't have to respond with anything. It's nice to know there are kind people out there.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Hand Me Down Over Load
We are truly blessed to get hand me downs for Augie, but they have been a little overwhelming. I've been reading Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui and have been working on getting rid of somethings in the house. I think I stated earlier that I'm expecting it to take about 6-9 mos to get through the entire house top to bottom. So I decided to tackle the bags, among bags, among bags of boys clothes sized 3-5 given to us from my sister and sister in law. Because in reality there is no way that Augie could wear all of the clothes given to him, and after sorting the clothes I realized that there is no way 5 boys could wear all of the clothes given to us. I found myself totally sounding like an old lady when I was going through the bags, I kept mumbling to myself " they need smaller closets, there kids should have to share a room, they should have 2 kids worth of clothes in one dresser, they have too much storage space". Now don't get me wrong I'm totally thankful but seriously there was a TON of clothes and all good clothes, in good condition, nothing was stained or ripped, everything was a brand name and everything was cute. So as I went through I had to pick and choose what to keep and what to give away. As I was going through the size 4 pants I started throwing the ones I liked into a storage bin. Once I was done with size 4 I looked up and realized that 38 pairs of pants it probably too many for Augie.
Yes, I gave size 4 pants away too.
After 2 hours and 8 bags I was finally through all of the hand me downs. I'm sending what I decided not to keep to my mom's friends grandson. My guess is that she will be able to pass the bags on to at least 3 more little boys.
The 3 full bags I'm giving away.
I was so excited to get this done, my house is feeling Feng Shui-ey already! Well not really but it does feel good.
Friends
Sorry that it's been a few days. The weekends always fly by and I spent all day Monday sorting through hand me downs, which is a whole other post in itself. I've been kind of struggling lately about friends or my lack there of. I'm interested to know how everyone makes new friends? I don't want to say I don't have any unfortunately for me most of my friends don't live in Columbus which I absolutely hate. I feel like I was very fortunate to have an amazing group of girlfriends growing up but we all live in different states and I long to have friendships like that as an adult.
When I was working all of my friends were from the salon, and although I still stay in contact with some, some of the ones I was closest to have since moved away. So I find myself weekly at a loss almost scouring for someone to invite me to hang out. Me as in Christy not me as in Momma to Augie and Addie. I'm the type of person who will hang out with anyone if I'm invited and I really don't have a problem inviting myself a long some times too.
I'm not quite sure why it has been bumming me out so much lately, it could be the weather, it could be because I tried to reconnect with a once close friend who I had a falling out with a few years ago and she congratulated me on the birth of Addie and then said the door has been shut and could never be reopened. (ouch), or maybe it's because I just saw a girls weekend on facebook that a bunch of FB friends went on and it made me sad that I don't have that. Regardless of the reason the lack of connection is still there.
I'm on a nestie chat board and have met some really great mom's through there but you know how sometimes there is a comfort of having a computer screen separate your realities? I find that I can usually pour my heart out to a computer screen and talk more candidly about every topic sometimes easier then I can face to face. I think it's because there is a comfort in the screen knowing that you don't have to see the recipients expression or see them the next day or see them ever.
Since I have come to the conclusion that everyone will not be moving closer to me I need to find some people in Columbus. Or am I just being silly, should I just be thankful that I have some really great people in my life and even though I only get to see them once a year be happy with that! I guess I have began to realize that I'm no one's best friend anymore and as juvenile as that sounds it still makes me sad.
When I was working all of my friends were from the salon, and although I still stay in contact with some, some of the ones I was closest to have since moved away. So I find myself weekly at a loss almost scouring for someone to invite me to hang out. Me as in Christy not me as in Momma to Augie and Addie. I'm the type of person who will hang out with anyone if I'm invited and I really don't have a problem inviting myself a long some times too.
I'm not quite sure why it has been bumming me out so much lately, it could be the weather, it could be because I tried to reconnect with a once close friend who I had a falling out with a few years ago and she congratulated me on the birth of Addie and then said the door has been shut and could never be reopened. (ouch), or maybe it's because I just saw a girls weekend on facebook that a bunch of FB friends went on and it made me sad that I don't have that. Regardless of the reason the lack of connection is still there.
I'm on a nestie chat board and have met some really great mom's through there but you know how sometimes there is a comfort of having a computer screen separate your realities? I find that I can usually pour my heart out to a computer screen and talk more candidly about every topic sometimes easier then I can face to face. I think it's because there is a comfort in the screen knowing that you don't have to see the recipients expression or see them the next day or see them ever.
Since I have come to the conclusion that everyone will not be moving closer to me I need to find some people in Columbus. Or am I just being silly, should I just be thankful that I have some really great people in my life and even though I only get to see them once a year be happy with that! I guess I have began to realize that I'm no one's best friend anymore and as juvenile as that sounds it still makes me sad.
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