Category: Family Life
The day-to-day juggle: kids, marriage, and everything in between.
Beginning of February – New beginnings
February 1 through 14
Brandi started with us full time on Feb. 1. All has gone well so far. She seems to be hapy and we’re happy to have her. It’s wonderful to find a young person who has some ambition and common sense. She’s really enjoying getting outside with the boys when the weather cooperates. They lay down really well for her too. Certainly better than Chip and I!
All is good with Synxis. More training. Verdict still out on my new boss, so we’ll see. Accounts are now being turned over. Starting tomorrow we should be moving forward with me handling them. Going to Dallas for the customer forum and to start meeting people the week of Feb. 22. That will be good for everyone!
Girls arrived on 2/12. It’s always fast and furious. Kaitlyn really wants to come here for high school and her dad is full of resistance. I have heard so much that doesn’t surprise me. My advice and requirements to Kaitlyn were a). Commit for at least a year and b). I’ll help you with anything you need, but you need to be painfully honest or it won’t work. Her dad is now taking her to a psychologist which I’m sure will be a fight until the bitter end for me to get information. I will keep trying though. It’s very difficult when her dad’s history has been to be so controlling. Nothing much has changed there. It’s unfortunate, because all th rest of us pay the price. I predict that we’ll be in front of our judge again for Kaitlyn to talk about where she wants to be. I just want her to be happy.
Child support has started this month. I admit, I’m exceptionally bitter since John got off scott free for 5 1/2 years due to my generosity. Hopefully karma will continue to be good to me. However, it isn’t starting well with him “deciding” (and yes, he can really do that) to garnish my wages, even if I have no history of non-payment. That means we have to run all payments through the court system and continue to have them involved. All because he just can. The hardest part for me is that I’m not fighting him on anything. Not fighting back, not being horrible about it. In fact, I’m probably still not being anal enough about times, visits, calls, etc. I just don’t have a guilty conscience. Just like I don’t have trust issues in my new marriage after the 7 affairs in 6 years that my ex-husband had. I just OK with most things that make sense to me. What does not make one bit of sense is that while I have been nice, accommodating and lenient, I have paid the price both financially and emotionally with losing almost everything as it relates to the girls. It’s a tough, bitter pill to swallow. I just hope and pray that karma stays in my corner. I’m attempting to write their dad a letter and ask him to work directly with me on child support, but I expect that will fall on deaf ears. It’s really beyond sad for me.
On a much more positive note, today is Valentines Day. The 9th that Chip and I have spent together. Today it is filled with kid stuff which is fine with me. There is amazing joy in this house when we’re here with ALL of our kids. Each day we’re together is a gift. Everyone, whether we’re doing something together or the kids are doing their own thing, feels the harmony I think. It makes me feel complete. At this moment, behind me I hear Chip playing games on the Leapster with Ryan and he is squealing with joy. Gillian is talking to herself and playing with her Webkinz on the computer. Kaitlyn is on the sofa and has Gary on her lap. Ben is next to daddy and acting like the little engineer I predict he will become. Me and the sprout are blogging and sharing coffee this morning. It’s still a struggle with this pregnancy for me. Tired, tired, tired. It’s all good because the little guy is healthy. We’re working on names right now. We like Patrick and I really like Carter (Chip isn’t all onboard with that one). Sean was on the list, but I don’t like how it sounds. We’ll see. We’ve got time.
Later today the girls and I will make chocolate covered strawberries to celebrate Valentines day. Gillian and Kaitlyn also asked to go geocaching with Chip. I’m so happy that the girls love him so much. He’s very good to them and I’m proud of that. Very proud. Perhaps it’s just one of those days, I don’t know. I feel an amazing amount of love and gratitude today.
End of January/Very begin of Feb. – Baby thoughts and struggles
It’s a new month. Little boy in the tummy is moving around more and more each day. I’m craving so many sweets, carbs and cheese. It’s really weird. Tired all the time. This pregnancy is hard and taxing. I’m not sure why. The doctors says it’s because I’m almost 38, work full time and have three 2 1/2 yr. olds. Hmmm. Maybe he has a point. Still not connecting with him. (January 25)
I’m constantly concerned with my weight. I had plenty to start with and struggle with sugar cravings. For all I do and have done to be an advocate for whole organic food, I’m sure not living it with my indulgence in Peeps, Rice Crispy treats and cheeseburgers. Just not good. I’ll continue to fight it. Maybe there’s some deep seated guilt or something going on in my mind that I just haven’t figured out yet.
Belly is popping out, I’m averaging about 8 lbs. of weight gain since the beginning. I’d like to stay at 10lbs, but will probably be more at the 15 lb. mark. That will be plenty I think. In order to do that, I’ll refer to my earlier comments…I need to get OFF the sugar train. I’m sure I’d feel better too. Add a bit of walking and I’d have it made. Time for action, but the energy is sure lacking.
I’ve also stayed on my the depression medication the longest with this pregnancy. I’m not sure why that is. I have a few theories….this was a surprise…there’s so much more stress in my life…and there’s more I suppose. I’m conflicted as to whether to take better care of baby and quit or just do the right thing for me. I really need to give that more thought.
I’ve ordered a crib, a bouncer and a swing. Makes me wonder why I gave away all the stuff we had. Oh, I don’t know…maybe because I thought we were done? Probably! Any way it will be fine. I think we’ll turn grandma’s room into baby room and then I hope to turn the loft into our office and make our old office a guest room. We’ll see. The finances aren’t there right now. I’m still stirring the pot with new online businesses to make more money, but again…energy isn’t there, but I’m working on it. I think I’m my own biggest critic. Actually I know I am.
Until next time…
End of January – Little boys growing up
I can’t believe how fast these little guys are growing!
We have a new ritual…Watching the Disney movie “Cars”. The boys just love it. I was as surprised as anyone that they actually are interested in it. One evening we took out “couchbed” and I made a batch of popcorn! HOLY COW! They loved it. Had a fantastic time. So did mommy and daddy. We finished the movie after they went to bed. It was too funny. Our first family time. It’s wonderful. I love it.
All the little guys are using semi-full sentences. Like “Watch Teletubbies” from Ben and “Daddy do it” from Gary and RyRy still talks the most “Uh-Oh phone”. “Ready eat” is pretty common from both Ben and Ryan. Gary tends to drag out his words adding more syllables.
Ben is far more out of his shell, talks some. Ben tends to cry more to communicate his wants or speaks in one or two words. He LOVES the Leapster game and they all really fight over it. They also like our old cell phones. Gary and Ryan fight and “trade” often. Gary and Ryan also use the phones and say “Take a picture”. Ryan also says “Get up” and both Gary and Ryan say “Open gate” and “Go outside”.
All of the boys are sitting at the table with no trays and eating with utensils a good amount of the time. Ryan and Gary LOVE Bacon and meats. Ben on the other hand is our carb boy. All of them like corn, Pirate’s Booty, Cheetos and hot dogs. Mac and Cheese is a fave too along with any pasta with red sauce. We’ve graduated from sippy cups with handles to “new cups” and plastic plates with Monkeys on them. We still had a few from when Kaitlyn and Gillian were little, so on occasion they eat off of a Barbie or Power Puff Girl plate. I don’t think it will cause too much damage.
As for movies, they still like shapes, but are really into Teletubbies and watching YouTube videos while we eat. They like Laurie Berkner “5 days old” and “Family”. They hear it so often, they like to even sing along. Gary loves to have “iPod on”. All the boys love their sister’s when they’re here. They tell the girls “come in Gill Gill” or “KK do it”.
Gary is obsessed with accessories. He loves glasses and shoes. We joke often that maybe he’ll be a fashion designer…
Ryan is still very particular about clothes. He still loves stripes and red. Bat shirt is less now. Sometimes it’s not fun when he doesn’t like what he has to choose from, but we make it through some morning fits to get him dressed.
All 3 boys have had trouble over the last 6 months at least with constipation. That seems to be going away. Thank goodness! I was beginning to think we needed to buy stock in the Miralax company.
Video of singing and popcorn eating…along with images.
January 25 – so much activity and change….
Just starting the second week of the new job. Lots of new stuff. Many webinars and webex meetings. I love it. Equipment is here and appears to be working fine. Connected with the new boss. She seems very nice. A former TravelCLICK employee. We had met before, but are pretty much acquaintences. Ironically Natalie brought us together. Can’t believe how over the last 10 years the people I’ve met and worked with have been key in situations as time has passed. It’s all good. It reminds me NEVER to burn a bridge if it can be helped. Hopefully the good job trend will continue. It feels so good to start new things. Really using my mind and learning. Getting the office together too. I’m really happy for that too. Tax time is around the corner, so we need to get organized anyway. Hopefully the numbers will work in our favor.
Received a notice of delinquency from the child support division. I know, I know…Happy New Year to me, right? Gotta love former spouses. What a jackass he is!
My mom also came to us in the last few weeks and let us know she actually wants to have her own life! She has done so much for us. But yeah, she totally deserves to live her life. She’s been doing for us and everyone else since my dad’s death in October of 2007. I’m proud of her strength. I’m proud of her toughness. We’ll be fine…more than fine. She’s got many, many years to live and should be happy, happy, happy. Everyone does.
So the first thing I did was put an ad out on Craigslist. I received over 10 responses in the first 24 hours and I posted the ad at 10p. Brandi was the first to answer. I immediately felt good things about it. She came over on Monday afternoon, and then we decided her first day would be 1/25/10. Unfortunately she got sick and I sort went into a panic. Really there was no need for it. She came and began her first full week on 2/1/10.
November cont’d
More in November…
Work continues to be tense. A person I don’t particularly trust has come into my end of the sales department. Originally going to report to me but then that was pulled back. Now there is clear “marking of the territory” by this person. Don’t trust her farther than I can see her. Lots of poking around to see what it is I do. I have much hesitation about her when I take leave for maternity.
I still am not loving my job, another serious run in with the marketing department. Verbal attacks by the PR person. Caught VERY off guard. Defended myself, but we’ll see what happens. PR guy goes on vacation and his boss attempts a private apology. I’m very proud I stood up for myself and my skillset. May not matter though. This particular company may not be ready to take on a social media strategy. It’s frustrating.
Lots of morning sickness. I’m very tired all the time. It’s hard to keep up with the basics both at work and home. Thank goodness for the help and support from Chip, mom and the people in sales that actually believe in what we can do.
The boys are still growing like crazy. They are putting together 2 and 3 word sentences. Its just been in the last couple of weeks that they are all saying “I see you” and “I want…”. Ben is still the quietest, but he’s an observer. He does, however, do a much better job of sticking up for himself. He loves to jump on the sofa. They all do, but it’s Ben’s deal to start it.
Ryan is still the most vocal. He repeats EVERYTHING. He’s very particular too. Loves red clothes, especially if it has stripes. If he can’t be in control he freaks out in the morning. He says “Ry Ry’s ….” for whatever he has, wants or thinks is his. He does a wonderful job of trying to trade with his brothers when they have something he wants. It’s so interesting to watch them. Ry also loves the book “Ham” (Green Eggs and Ham). He flips the pages and then on Ryan’s timeline it becomes AH DONE. Ryan is strong willed and spends the most time in time out, but does well with it most of the time. He truly misses his ‘Nina Nina since she left us. Every girl in a magazine is ‘Nina. He asks “Where’s my ‘Nina?”. Super cute, but it makes me want to force her to come back.
Gary is super funny with his silent takedowns. When he’s getting picked on or pushed, he steps back and then gets back up for another round. It’s very funny to watch. Then he’ll basically tackle Ryan but not say a word. Ryan of course starts wailing, but Gary just doesn’t let up. Gary is still the most emotional too. His feelings are easily hurt and he likes to snuggle. It’s very sweet that Christina taught him how to eskimo kiss when she was here.
All the boys eat bacon and eggs like CRAZY. They can put down almost a pound of bacon. It’s insane. We’ll be seriously broke soon thanks to the boys eating. It’s all good, but we still crack up on a daily basis. We’re seriously worn out every single day…
Jeff got laid off from Les Schwab and lucky for Kristy and Jeff, she got a job at Khoury’s Market in Winnemucca. Hopefully things will get better. The last month has not been kind to them with losing out on a refinance and repossession. Makes me worry.
I’m still very restless and would love to do some consulting along with my job. So much to do so little time. Looking forward to Thanksgiving. Kristy and Jeff will be missed, but we’re happy to be hanging with mom and the Hortons.
Catching up – End of September through October
Sept. 25th Weekend
Finally a relaxing weekend at home. We started Friday a little rough with information on the Fair Play house and some decisions we need to make. They won’t be easy ones either. The last renters left just last Tuesday and we were only to Friday. More negative news from John…more child support/daughter visitation issues. Not fun. It really felt as though the ceiling continues to fall in. Somehow I try to see the good, but the negative stuff creeps in like mold.
Ben has been having serious trouble with allergic breakouts this week. A lot of really strange welts. Puffy spots all over his legs, back and butt. Poor kid. We’ve been giving Benadryl, but it keeps reappearing. I’m fine giving it and it definitely clears up. But seriously, every day? Hopefully we can pinpoint that. The thought is the wash detergent or maybe, just maybe its the weird diapers that I bought. Not sure. I have to call the doctor and schedule the 2 year old appointment so we’ll take a look at it then. It just can’t feel good for him.
Saturday brought a lot of college football, of course the Michigan game. Chip was in the “zone” with the boys and watching and then as soon as they went up for a nap, out to the “big room” he came to watch on the big screen. He was cracking, sighing and talking to the TV for better than an hour. Pins and needles later, UofM brought it home. The score was a tight 36-33. I thought Chip was going to have heart issues. Lucky for me it turned out alright.
In the meantime, Chip was off to Costco for essentials…soy milk (don’t ask), fishies (a.k.a. GoldFish), regular milk, cheese and….anyway, he was too late. So it was get the essentials and try again on Sunday. Sherri was busy seeding like about 101 jalapenos. Not really, but it was a lot. However I needed some extra stuff from the store, so I was waiting. Very mundane, I know.