Just Another Day in Paradise

Ever just had one of those days, weeks, months? It has been a whirlwind around here lately sucking up any chance of typing my own blog and severely cutting into even my reading time! I have missed you, my blogging friends, and for the two or three of you who have actually noticed my absence, I hope to get back to my old ways soon!

I have considered catching you up on dance recitals, testing, Dr. appointments, VBS, surprise beach trips...but, frankly, neither of us have that much time!

So, let's just look to today! Sorry, this could quite possibly become a whine fest. You see, last week was VBS, the compilation of weeks of craziness. THIS week was supposed to be quite, calm, serene. We would spend it at home, recuperating, swimming, enjoying the fellowship of friends.

Yesterday was NOT calm, it was filled with laundry, a trip to the library and a lot of time bonding in the bathroom due to tornado warnings. BUT today...today was REALLY going to be calm, all I had to do was grocery shop!

Well, I walked out of the house this morning and had the begeebees scared out of me when the painter Tigerfan had hired was standing at the garage door! He didn't want to wake me (Ha!) so he was trying to get Tigerfan to call me and tell me he was here...didn't work out that way! We got him settled got the puppy pottied and kenneled (yes, I am still bitter about that) and I got the kids working on Math while I matched coupons to my grocery list. Just as I was about to walk out the door with the two youngest, Baseball boy decided he wanted to join us.

I would like to say I eagerly awaited his help. That would be a lie. Because, ya'll, he gives new meaning to the the word aggravator. He delights in it. The more he aggravates, the more it empowers him. It is a sickness, really. And who does he glory in aggravating the most? Dancer. Why? It is SO easy!!! I have used the words of my wise mother, "Ignore him and he will stop," to no avail. He badgers, she screams, he picks, she fusses, he touches, she throws herself on the floor as if the very skin has been seared off of her body! And then, when I am at my wits end...when I have threatened, punished, placed one foot over that slippery slope of insanity...I will not so kindly inform him that he is driving EVERYONE crazy and then HE begins the crocodile tears. Why doesn't anyone like him, why do we think he is annoying, why does everyone pick on him! We are so dis functional in our own special way!

And so, I grudgingly left for the store, coupons and list in hand. By the time we were home, we had discovered that we had forgotten the puppy food (which now that I think about it isn't necessarily a bad thing...no food, no poop, hmmmmm), had not been able to purchase blankets for the boys' beds, and one other thing that at this moment I can't recall!

Anywhoo, I wanted to put groceries away, the children wanted lunch. So, they decided to "help" by preparing their own lunch. In the kitchen I was trying to put groceries away in. There is really nothing like putting things away with a screaming 17 month old, a whiny 6 year old, a 9 year old who thinks he is Emeril making fruit salad and a 12 year old who is being "cool" by standing in the middle of the kitchen trying to throw grapes up and catch them in his mouth. Once the screaming stopped (mine, not the baby's, he didn't stop) and I had the children fed and the groceries put away, I sat down for a little bloggy break. I totally got connected to the internet before the painter came down to inform me we needed more paint.

No, problem...I'll take the youngest two and go get some. Only it was storming again...so the others wanted to go to. Yeah, MORE bonding time! We got to Lowes where Tigercub had a major diaper blow out, got the paint returned home. The dog pooped in the house and when I called to make FB another Dr. appointment for his ear, they informed me I needed to come THIS AFTERNOON! Oh, good! Another trip into town with four children. Good times!

And so, I quickly type this before waking the baby (grrrrr) and going on yet another journey. Aw, the joys of parenthood. Tigerfan and I had a few blessed days alone on the beach this weekend and the thing that is sticking with me the most is how EASY it is with just the two of us. I'm not saying they aren't worth it...it was just so easy!

Well, I'll stop whining now, but please say a little prayer for Football boy if you get a chance. At 12 years old, most children have outgrown ear infections but he has not. We are having a hard time getting rid of this latest one and only have one more antibiotic option before we have to consider tubes again. It has been rough for a boy who wants to swim and hang out with his friends but has two deal with earplugs etc. how was this for random and whiney. Hope to be back soon and to be by your place as well!

Would You Believe...

Yes...we have ANOTHER leak. This time in the electrical box to our well. We have no water and thusly no air (again) because we have a water source heat pump! Ya know what they say, "when it rains, it pours...."

We will be relocating to the in laws for the evening. If you think of us, say a little prayer, I am just about at the end of my rope with leaks, plumbing repairs, etc.

Hope all of you are doing great and I'll be back when we have water!

Reasons I haven't been blogging

For the precious two of you who asked:

Why haven't I posted in a week? Well, remember the old saying, if you can't say something nice...That is where I am this week.

It isn't any one thing. It is a hundred little small things that on their own are no big deal, but all bottled up in one moment in time...they are kickin' my tail.

Here is a little sampling:

1. Science Fair week. Not only am I teaching 15 5th graders how to do a project for the very first time, I have a child who has to do one as well. I have not been as organized as I should and have not been as "hands on" as I should have been with Football Boy, thus making the past week a little crazy. I take full blame, it is my own fault.

2. My home organization dreams in theory are going well. I am planning, doing my house blessing, doing a "small thing" each day...and still, my house is in total chaos. I am not sure why, but I am pretty sure it is my fault.

3. Son #2 is screaming for attention as is evidenced by his almost non stop recitation of every show and commercial he has seen on T.V. ever! I should take time for him, I should listen and laugh at his stories, I should enjoy his humor...instead, I brush him off or pretend I am listening by inserting the occasional "Oh!" or "Uh huh..." and walking away without a clue about what he just said. He is showing signs of middle child syndrome. It must be my fault.

4. Dancer is struggling with reading. She just isn't "getting" it. I have had nine hundred thousand conferences with her tutorial teacher. I am her home school teacher. I cannot seem to help. She is losing confidence, I am losing confidence (this is a post in itself!). Instead of spending extra time helping her, she keeps getting pushed aside because of Science Fair, big kid tests...I am failing her...and when she can't read, of course it is my fault.

5. I hurt my ankle a few weeks ago and took an exercise break while it healed. I used that opportunity to eat anything that couldn't get up and walk away. I have now stopped drinking my water, messed up my diet, and can't seem to drag my hiney out of bed to get up and get back into my routine. I have no motivation...my fault.

6. I am doing an incredible Bible Study with a group of incredible ladies and yet I feel like I am just going through the motions. Merely studying so I can check it off my to-do list and pat myself on the back, but I have no passion, I cannot seem to have a complete conversation with My Heavenly Father without my mind wandering off to who knows where. I am in a slump, and I KNOW it is my fault.

7. I have a head full of questions and conflicts about sermons, Bible Studies I have been a part of...things that seem to contradict one another, and I can't seem to figure out what I really believe and where I stand. I am right in the middle of one of those "I need to find myself" moments, but seem to be frozen in the "Maybe someone else will find me and tell me where I am" stage. I feel sure that all this confusion is all my fault and would be all cleared up if I would pray more, study more, read more, talk more...

You see, it is nothing, really, and yet it seems to be everything and while someday soon I am sure I will see funny moments in all this, right now, I just can't. Right now, I am tired, I am sad, I am frustrated, and all I can do is whine. I have done enough online whining in the past year and I really do not want that to be what this blog is. So, I have been quiet. Truly, I have been so busy that I haven't had time to even sit and think about what to post if I did...but I know this, too, shall pass and thank heavens that "joy comes in the morning."

Thanks for letting me vent...I promise, no more whining. I'm still trying to visit your blogs and I'll be back when I can play nice!

Runaway Train

Ever feel like you were on one? Speeding by everything and unable to stop! That is life right now. I know, it is the same for everyone else out there, they just handle it better than me, but at this moment...I JUST WANT OFF!

I will do my darnedest to keep up with everyone this week, but things are CRAZY! We leave Friday to head to sunny (or not so sunny) Orlando, FL to spend Thanksgiving week with Mickey and Friends! Us, and about 3/4 of the rest of the country as far as I can tell!

Now, to all you laid back, easy going folks that sounds like loads of fun. But to an uptight, early Christmas shopper, it means.....AAAAAAAGH! I only have 3 days left to finish Christmas shopping so that I do not have to step foot in a retail establishment after Thanksgiving. And people, it just AIN'T gonna happen!

We are almost done with the kids and most of hubby's family. I have NOTHING for my family. Or for teachers. Or for the people who work for my husband. Or for my husband!

This week, we need to make a hygrometer, a barometer, and a weather vane for F.B.'s science fair project so we can begin as soon as we get home. One of my good friends is beginning to sell Premiere Jewelry and her first party is tonight. I have homeschool and tutorial (which I am behind on my grading by about 2 weeks). We have Angel practice on Tuesday and Thursday night, church on Wednesday, a birthday party and dance on Thursday. On Thursday B.B. also has his county fair day to end his Charlotte's Web unit. He must dress up, enter at least two contests, one of which must be the baking contest and we are signed up to bring...something, I can't remember what. The same day, Dancer has her Thanksgiving Feast. She must dress up as an Indian and bring napkins and rolls. Tigercub is supposed to bring toys and money to make a Christmas shoebox and F.B. has a Spanish presentation in which he must bring props and dress up like a pilgrim.

We leave Friday morning to begin the trek to the land of the mouse, so on top of all of that, I must pack, do laundry and try to find my house. Tigerfan wanted to get the Christmas tree set up as well. So it was done when we returned. Not going to happen! He also had a MARVELOUS idea last night that sometime in Dec. we should host a holiday Open house for our friends. I LOVE the idea, but all I can think of is How? When?

So, is anyone else already frazzled this early in the season? Any words of hope or advice? Or perhaps the number to a nice peaceful place with padded rooms and happy little pills? Either will do nicely.

I will try to be back this week with something profound or at least less whiny, hope everyone has a great week!

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Purple Diva. Your gift is supposed to be in the mail! I forgot it when I went into town, just to add to the wonderful day/weekend you already had!

Blah, Blah, Blah

I've got the blahs. It is probably directly related to a little monthly visitor I am entertaining right now (I know, WAY too much info.)but still, I am feeling blah.

My house is a mess. I don't care.

I have papers to grade and record overflowing. I don't care.

I have Christmas shopping that desperately needs to be done. Not even going there!

I don't want to play, I don't want to teach, I don't want to play mommy. I want to have a little pity party with lots of chocolate and Diet Coke and pouting.

But I can't. So, I am going to take a break from the bloggy world for a day or two until I can play nice!

Have a wonderful week!

Welcome To My Pity Party

**UPDATE**
It is now 11:00 p.m. I am over my temper tantrum. Tigerfan helped out a lot tonight. I did not make it to the grocery store so my kids will be on their own at lunch tomorrow. I will do strength training when I finish here and we convinced Baseball boy to make a nice Egyptian Crown with the promise to make the Nile River this weekend. I had a good cry and then Tigerfan and I nursed the wounds of our bad days by eating popcorn and M&M's. However, Tigerfan has forbidden us from eating on the new furniture. So, we laid a towel out on the floor, brought in 15 year old lawn chairs and sat in them while completely surrounded in brand new furniture! How can you NOT see the humor in that? Thanks for letting me vent tonight!

Recently, I had a comment on my blog that said I made motherhood look easy. I haven't stopped laughing!

I would hate for anyone to get an erroneous image of my Supermom status, so here is a picture into my day today. And folks, I am just keeping it real so forgive the lack of humor.

I got up at 5:10 a.m. That was 10 minutes late, that 10 minutes makes all the difference. I did my 30 min. of cardio, fixed breakfast and began my quiet time. Before I could finish, Tigerfan came down with baby. It was not yet 6:00.

Tigerfan informed me that Dancer was also awake and lying in my bed. That is NEVER a good start to the day.

I fixed Baby's breakfast and fed him and went upstairs to brush, etc. Dancer was still awake. She turned on the T.V. while I went to wake the boys who bounded out of bed in great moods ready to go. They dressed and everyone went down for breakfast. While they were eating, I read to them. A great and unexpectedly smooth morning. By 8:00 all morning chores were done, bathrooms scrubbed and school started on time!!!

We did our pledges, etc, Bible study and began math. Baby went to sleep, blah, blah, blah. Math was smooth but took FOREVER! Then the boys were ready to read. Baseball boy wanted me to read with him. Under the new table. Ordinarily I would have brushed him off but I committed this morning to slow down, enjoy this season of life...blah, blah, blah. So, I crawled under the table and we began. Until Football boy felt jealous that he did not have a fort. Which suddenly reminded me that I meant to strip the boys' beds this morning and wash the sheets (they always build a blanket fort in their beds when I do that). they immediately volunteered to go unmake their beds for me. They did. It took about 30 minutes.

Anyway, until lunch, things seemed okay. The children even helped make lunch. We read a little more while they ate, moods were good. The only thing missing was Tigerfan who had not been able to make it home for lunch yet. We began cleaning, the kids took a little break and played in their fort and I began to fix my lunch. However, about 5 minutes into eating , Baby started fussing--he needed attention. Then Tigerfan called to say he was on his way. By the time he got home I had played with baby, changed laundry, fixed his lunch and completely forgotten mine. We discussed a project he promised to help B.B. with tonight.

It seems that B.B. was supposed to build a model of the Nile River for tutorial. We had it assigned last week. Due tomorrow. BUT we needed grass seed and I didn't have any. I called Nana, she didn't either. Okay, I had to buy some. And I totally meant to. Before surprise visitors, last minute garage sales and furniture delivery. Now, it is due tomorrow--still no grass seed. Tigerfan saw the plans and balked a little on me. What was he supposed to do? I don't know. He is the one who said he had an idea!!!

Afternoon school did not go so well. We did not finish until 4:00! At that time I had 3 piles of laundry on the couch, supper to start, a baby to feed and then I went upstairs to find the sheets on the crib that I had just washed yesterday COVERED in p**p. Yes, covered! I stripped the bed, started more laundry and began supper.

At 5:00, I had not heard from Tigerfan so I called him. Supper is now ready but he is not even close to coming home for the night. I have not yet had a shower, the kids have been "cleaning" for an hour but when I checked I could not tell anything had been put away. I still have to go to the grocery store, do the Nile project, put sheets on the boys' beds, do strength training (hah!), Iron clothes, grade tutorial papers, feed my family supper and clean up the kitchen and hopefully go to bed. The refrigerator desperately needs cleaning, the house needs vacuuming and dusting. but those things will fall by the wayside again.

I am tired and frustrated and somewhere in the midst of it, I forgot my promise to slow down and enjoy things. I do not know anything funny my kids have done today and even though they have been sweet, I have hardly noticed. I am cranky with Tigerfan because he is cranky and he is not home yet. I know he is tired too and frustrated..but I am just being honest, I am irritated with him. For being late, for an unfinished project, for being grumpy. I realize that is totally a double standard..."supermoms" have that right!

So, tomorrow is another day...maybe I will enjoy it. Maybe I will find my sense of humor again. Or, maybe I'll just go to Australia!