Mom is here

My mom came to stay for a couple of days. She and her husband (Dave) are staying tonight and then tomorrow. They probably thought my house was out of control (and yes, I'll just admit this now - my house is out of control - I don't have a set schedule for anything. Dinner is never at the same time and usually very sporadic as in one day it will be a 4:30 and the next it will be at 7).

Nicholas was whiny and wound up all at the same time. He wouldn't go to bed. Nathan pooped and was stinking up the place. She and Dave played Phase 10 with the twins and Anthony. Then they went to bed before the kids did (oops). I think the kids were just so excited to see them and that we had company, which we don't get very often. I have to work tomorrow. And they are going to run around and visit my aunts and then head to Amanda's drama thing. So they should have a full day. And even though I will be at work, I shouldn't have to worry about entertaining them.

Oh and something funny - my mother cleaned my kitchen floor - on her hands and knees. That was nice and kinda weird all at once. She kept asking me what she could do to help me. I kept telling her not to worry about it. But then while I was doing the dishes, she said give me an old sponge and a bucket of soapy water and I'll clean the floor for you. I was like okay, here you go.

awww, what a guy!

Amanda still needs a few things for her costumes and I was going to take her tonight, after she came home from drama club practice. Rich went out to run some errands and calls me. He tells me not to take Amanda out tonight. He will do it, since the roads are bad and he doesn't want me to drive on them. Isn't that sweet?

Earlier, the kids were up to their usual sheningans (fighting with each other, screaming at each other, and picking on each other). I was going to tell Rich that I finally had enough and couldn't take it anymore. On my way to the bedroom where he was doing some on-line business, he comes out and tells the kids to sit on the couch, because he was going to have a talk with them. Did the man read my mind or what?

It's funny how the little things mean so much. Sometimes more than the big stuff!

mommy needs a time out

really bad!!!

I am stressed out - I have a sick little boy, who certainly is not acting very sick! He is tearing up the house, fighting with his little brother, getting into everything, and making messes in every single room of the house. I asked the older kids to help out, when they got home from school and of course they couldn't be bothered. Rich is in bed sick so no help from him. I wanted the older kids to take the little ones downstairs to the family room and play with them. Just to keep them occupied for a little while so I could think straight for a few minutes (and plan dinner). I am even more frustrated that they wouldn't help, because in the meantime, they made even more of a mess.

I am at my wit's end!! I think after I take Zachary to his game tonight, I'm dropping him off and having Amanda babysit. And I am going somewhere, just by myself. Maybe I'll go to Barnes and Noble and pick a book to read and just sit in utter silence in the store! Or maybe I will go window shopping at the mall, but that might be a little loud and maybe crowded. Or maybe I will go hide in my room, with some ear plugs and sleep. Or maybe I will just grab a magazine and sit in my car and read it.

All I know right now is that I am getting a migraine headache and I really feel like crying! My house is trashed and I don't even know where to start in order to clean it.

Something cute

The sickies in our house finally made their way to Nicholas and he is sick. Poor little guy! When I got home from work on Sunday night, he had a fever. So I gave him tylenol and some other medicine, and kept him home from school today. The medicine must have kicked in today, because that little man was wound to the max this afternoon. At bedtime, I told him to go to bed, while I was busy with some other things. About ten minutes later when I went to check on him, he wasn't in his bed. He wasn't under his bed or in his closet either. I started to panic a little bit. I knew he was sleeping somewhere because I didn't hear him talking. But I didn't know where in the house he was. I knew he wasn't in the livingroom, because I just came from there. And I knew he wasn't in the kitchen, because I would have seen him go in there from where I was in the livingroom. He wasn't in the bathroom, or the girls' room. So on an off chance I looked in my room. At first I didn't see him. Then I looked again and saw the blue from his pajama pants. He was and still is on the floor covered up with blankets and pillows on my side of the bed. I left him there, because he is heavy to begin with and because he has never really slept in our room before. I mean there were occasions when he was sick or scared, but not very often. So it was kind of cute to see him laying there on the floor. Poor little guy!

what to do, what to do

I've complained about my mother before. I'm so glad she doesn't read this, she'd probably get mad or upset, but I need somewhere to bounce stuff off of and this seems to be the place. At any rate, Amanda is in the drama club at school (I know - perfect fit, huh?). They are getting ready to put on a production. It is at the end of the month, beginning of next month. Amanda loves her grandmother, and since she's close enough she invited her to come and watch her in this play. My mother said that since her husband, Dave has an appointment in Pittsburgh (which is a little more than halfway between her town and ours), one day close to the play that she and Dave would like to come and watch Amanda.

In the past, they have stayed at other relatives, my sister or brothers and a few times in a hotel. But this time, they would like to stay here, with us. Rich isn't exactly thrilled with this, because he doesn't like my mom. Mainly because she treated me so badly and because she called him an asshole once, in front of the kids (this was about 6 years or so ago). I told my mom that our house was trashed and that we needed to replace the carpet, and we didn't really have that much space, etc. But she is still interested in staying here. So I told Rich tonight and he said he would consider it. I don't want there to be any tension, while they are here. But to tell the truth, I think I might like having my mom come. Just because I kind of miss her. I mean, she doesn't get to come here very often. But then again, she has proven time and again, that she doesn't want to visit with us for very long. She basically uses my house as a pit stop while she's in the area.

Now maybe she's trying to change that, I don't know. So I'm feeling weird, by the whole thing. I don't know what to do. Like I said, I kind of want her to stay, just because I think it would be nice to have a little company. The kids don't get to see her that often, and I think they might enjoy it. Plus, it might help Nicholas and Nathan get to know her. The last few times she was here, they ran the other way. They just don't know her very well. It's almost like a stranger situation. And in a way, I'd rather they spend the night in a hotel room. Because, I don't feel comfortable having people over when our carpet is all messed up (Note to self: if you ever have to buy another house, do not buy anything with light colored carpet!). I'm just conflicted over the whole ordeal. I mean, I don't really have a choice, because they are coming here, but still... I don't know!

exciting news

Most people know that I love the show Jon and Kate + 8. I always feel inspired after watching the show. I'm jealous of Kate's organizational skills. Her house and family run like a fine oiled machine. I know it's a tv show and so I'm sure she's more diligent about keeping her house clean, but I wish I could keep my house clean like that. It's inspiring to watch her take on eight kids.

At any rate, I have always wanted to meet her and her family. Her, mainly - just because I want to pick her brain and get some ideas, etc. I was looking at their webpage and saw that they are going to be in a town near me. It's not until October, but I can wait....I think. I'm excited. I think it would be neat, if they brought the kids with them, but I don't count on that happening. And like I said, even though I love their family and think the children are gorgeous, I really want to meet Kate.

Look-A-Like

I thought this was cool, if it works, it's a look a like meter, to see who your child resembles more. Of course, I can't just do one kid, I have to do them all, LOL! It's funny, because I have people tell me all the time, how the boys look like Rich. Now I guess, it's kind of true. I had an inkling that Amanda looked like me. And the twins looking like both of us, is kind of fitting. Enjoy!

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Free family history - Trace family tree

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family reunion - Family web site

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family tree template - Geneology

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Genealogy software - Pedigree chart

Amanda's Birthday

Today was Amanda's 15th birthday! I'm feeling really old. I was thinking today, that when Amanda is a senior in high school, Nathan will start kindergarten. Kind of funny when you think about it.

I hardly ever punish her for anything. Because she is basically a pretty good kid. There are times when she drives me absolutely bonkers, but most of the time, she is very helpful, considerate and fun.

Today, was on of those bad days. She wanted to take pictures of herself for her MySpace page. All she had to do was ask me. But what she ended up doing made me rather mad. It made me mad, not because she took pictures of herself, but she went into my room and got into my dresser drawer where I kept the camera. If she would have asked I would have told her it was fine. But the fact that she went in my room and rifled through my stuff, pissed me off. I know it's a stupid, petty thing, but it's not the first time she did it.

So what ended up happening? She apologized and I dropped it. I always drop it. It makes Rich mad that I let them get away with everything. Maybe if I had done something the last time she did it, she wouldn't have done it this time? I don't know. I guess I'm too much of a softie.

Anyway, she's 15 and I'm feeling like an old mean hag today! Nice day, huh?!

Feeling warm and fuzzy

Honeymoon trip (2004)


Wedding Day (1992)



Since today was Valentine's Day, I'm feeling warm and fuzzy. And I think I'll share something. Lately, Rich has been trying to tell me his feelings, which isn't very easy for him so he will start to tell me something, or go around trying to tell me something and without him actually getting all the words out, I know what he's trying to say. I realize that even after 15 years and me being a pain in the ass, that the man still loves me. I mean really loves me. And it makes me feel good. One of our songs is When A Man Loves A Woman. Rich will tell you he likes Percy Sledge's version over Michael Bolton's. Of course, Rich is NOT a Michael Bolton fan, LOL!

Whenever I hear the song, I drop everything I'm doing and just sit and listen to it. The more I hear it, the more I think that song pretty much sums up our relationship. No matter how badly I treat Rich, he would still do just about anything I need him to. He would and has given up things for me. Mainly, when I wanted to stay home with our children, Rich was trying to go to grad school. He gave that up, so I could stay home. He did eventually get his masters degree, but only after he had gotten hurt working at a job he hated, where he got hurt, threaten, crap and piss thrown on him, listened to criminals say shit about his family and himself. He did that for me and our family. No one asked him to, he just did it, to make me happy.

I guess you can say, I'm realizing how lucky I truly am. And I think I should stop being selfish and foolish. And realize that I have what some girls only dream about. Here's the lyrics to the song, in case you were wondering, or didn't know what I was talking about.

When a man loves a woman
Can't keep his mind on nothing else
He'll trade the world
For the good thing he's found
If she's bad he can't see it
She can do no wrong
Turn his back on his best friend
If he put her down

When a man loves a woman
Spend his very last dime
Tryin' to hold on to what he needs
He'd give up all his comfort
Sleep out in the rain
If she said that's the way it ought to be

Well, this man loves a woman
I gave you everything I had
Tryin' to hold on to your precious love
Baby, please don't treat me bad

When a man loves a woman
Down deep in his soul
She can bring him such misery
If she plays him for a fool
He's the last one to know
Lovin' eyes can't ever see

When a man loves a woman
He can do no wrong
He can never own some other girl
Yes when a man loves a woman
I know exactly how he feels
'Cause baby, baby, baby, you're my world

When a man loves a woman.....

When we had planned on getting married, it was clear that my mother wasn't going to pay for much of anything (she didn't pay for my sister's either - my dad made the money, but my mother controlled it). So Rich had told me, that he wouldn't be able to pay for everything, he just didn't have the money. He gave me a choice and whatever I decided he would pay for and go along with. I could have an engagement ring, a honeymoon (wedding at the courthouse) or a wedding (a nice one in a church). I picked the church wedding. I wanted the memory of a wedding with pictures and everything. So that is what we did. About five years later, he bought me a diamond ring as an engagement ring. About twelve years later, we went on a trip, just the two of us. And that was our honeymoon. He might not have been able to give it to me all at once. But he has been making up for it ever since.

Yeah, I think I'm lucky. Very, very lucky!

Hot or Cold

Man, this sick thing is getting to me! I mean really I think I'm going to lose my mind! So, tonight, I'm sitting in the kitchen making Sarah's valentine box when I get so cold. I mean FREEZING! I grab my coat, which was on the back of the chair and I put it on. How wierd is it to wear your coat in the house? Do you know how hard it is to make a valentine box with a winter coat on? After about an hour of freezing my ass off, I start to get so hot. I felt like I died and went to hell. So I rip the coat off as fast as I can. Debate whether to strip some clothing and just sit with sweat dripping of me.

Then I get cold again! Even the coat isn't keeping me warm. By the way, if I mis-type anything, it's only because I'm wearing my gloves while doing this. Seriously! I know all this is from this stupid cold that I have. I was like this all day yesterday too. I damn near wanted to pee my pants in the middle of the night, because I didn't want to have to uncover myself and get out of bed. I know too much information. Well too damn bad, this is my blog!

I don't know what option I'd rather contend with - hot or cold. Hot or Cold. If you're hot you can take some clothes off, if you're cold you can put some on. I know Rich and the kids think I've lost my mind running around the house with a winter coat and gloves with the hood up on my coat. I think I lost my mind too. Please take pity on me, God and help me get over this damn cold!

Sick, sick, sick

I hate being sick! I hate it with a passion. I knew it was only a matter of time, until I got sick, since everyone else was sick. Now to mention the fact that I'm this close (were talking inches) away from people's faces when I'm at work. And they sneeze and cough on you, so gross! Some of them actually think it's funny, others feel bad. And at home, sick babies want to crawl in my lap and be cuddled. And it's winter and there are germs everywhere. So I'm sick and taking antibiotics and hoping that I get better fast, because I hate being sick!

OMG The Funniest Thing Happened Today

So I'm trying to potty train Nathan, right? Oh my, I'm not sure he's ready yet. I think he grasps the concept and all that. He will even stay dry for long periods of time, But he will not poop in the potty. He ran into another room today and actually hid from me, just to poop, LOL! Then he did it again, only this time he took the pull-ups off and threw them away, and went to get another pair, hoping I wouldn't see him. That little bugger is sneaky! But that's not the funniest thing. I made him sit on the potty while I was making lunch today. I even put the potty chair in the living room so he could watch tv while he sat there. And what did he do? He fell asleep! Sitting on the potty, LMAO!! It was so freaking funny! I even took a picture of it! But alas, the picture came out blurry, so I can't share it, but oh was it ever funny!

one more day

I have to work today and then I have the next four days off, wooo hooo!! Can't wait! I have only had one or two days off in a row for a long time, and now I have a block of four off. I'm loving it!! I'm going to have the kids dig out the potty chair for tomorrow, while I'm at work tonight.

potty training

So I think the time is getting near for Nathan to be potty trained. I think I did a half decent job with Amanda and even Anthony, but the twins were so freaking hard to potty train. Rich ended up doing it with Zachary. In one day, no less! He just took him with him to the mall one day, and everytime he had to go, he made Zach go and viola, he was trained. Sarah was an absolute nightmare to train. The girl refused to do anything. Then I finally got her to pee in the potty, but she would never poop. I don't think she was trained until she was well over four years old. Nicholas was just as bad as Sarah. Rich did most of the work with him too. He bought little trinkets and wrapped them up and everytime Nick would do anything he would get a prize. Nicholas still has some bedwetting issues, that I honestly thought were related to his sleep apnea. But when his tonsils and adenoids were removed the apnea went away, and he still wets the bed some nights. Other than waking him up at various times through the night, I don't know how to fix it.

So now I think it's Nathan's turn. He is two and a half years old. It would be nice to get it done before he turns three. It would be so nice to not have our house smell like a public restroom. So I think in the next couple of days and weeks I'm going to test the water and try to see if he's ready. I surely hope so, because as I previously stated in another post, I am getting tired of changing diapers. I know that's kind of funny, since I do have to do that sort of thing at work, but at least I'm getting paid for that. I'm not getting paid to do it at home. And it's not easy having a two year old kick you in the mouth every time. Or flop all over the place, so that the diaper practically ends up backwards. And listening to him scream each time because he hates it is such a joy to hear. So I have a few weeks coming up, where I have some chunks of days in a row, with a few days here and there that I have to work, so I'm hoping, fingers crossed, to get the ball rolling on this potty training thing, again. One last time!

Have you ever noticed how weird ears look?

Lately, I've been trying to catch up on some of the shows I have dvr'ed. And I have been noticing how weird some people's ears look. Especially the men. Some have ears the stick out of their hair like foreign objects, or after thoughts. Some are really mis-shaped. And some are crooked or something on their heads. It's just weird looking. I don't know, but it's been giving me the willies lately, LOL! Not that I want anyone to go and cut their ears off or anything like Van Gogh. I just think lately I've been looking at them and thinking how odd they really are. I know, I know, I'm in a weird mood today! But seriously next time you think about it, look at people's ears and see how odd they really look.

I want be the "not me kid"

Seriously, the "not me kid" gets away with everything!! If you think about it, you can do all sorts of really bad stuff and get away with all of it, if you are invisible. The "not me kid" gets blamed for everything in our house, but since I can never seem to find them and catch him or her, they can get away with so many rotten things.

It seems that lately all the kids have been saying "not me" when asked if they have done something wrong. No one ever wants to fess up to anything. It's not like we are going to even punish them half the time, we just want to know who did it and why they did it. It used to be they would blame everything on who ever was the youngest. Nicholas would get the blame for drawing on the walls, opening all the soda cans and not drinking them, climbing up the shelves and throwing games on the floor, etc. Then it was Nathan. He was getting blamed for things he could not even physically do, like open pudding cups, or the door to the game closet, etc. He just doesn't have the capabilities to do those sort of things. Now this "not me kid" has showed up out of the blue. And he seems to do everything bad in our house.

I think I like it better when Sarah comes to us crying so badly she can't breathe, because she accidently broke a tree limb on a tree we were cutting down anyway. Or when she sobs about accidently kicking a ball and breaking a spotlight on our garage door. At least she doesn't blame it on anyone else. She will confess about anything and everything. And she barely ever gets in trouble for it, since she never lies about it. You would think the other kids would learn from her example and not lie and just tell us what happened, but instead they need to invent this "not me kid" and it's hard to tell who is telling the truth and who is lying half the time. So the "not me kid" gets the blame, until someone else confesses.

So yeah, I want to be the "not me kid" so I can get away with everything too!

Six more weeks of winter

Our beloved Pennsylvania groundhog saw his shadow this morning, so that means six more weeks of winter. Not that the groundhog actually predicts anything, the calendar says there will be six more weeks until spring arrives. But I guess the whole tradition just means it's going to be cold for another six weeks. Sometimes when it's cold outside, it makes me wish we had taken the plunge and moved to Florida when we had the chance.

Where does she get that from?

So today, I was bitching about Amanda being late for school - again. I mean, afterall they did have a two hour delay. She couldn't get ready in two hours?

I guess you could say like mother, like daughter. She acts like me most of the time, which is bad, considering all my bad habits. The worst of which is being ahem, late. Let's just say that I was late for my own wedding and leave it at that, shall we?

The next bad habit she has is waiting until the last minute to do things. Gee, I wonder where she gets that from?! Couldn't possibly be me, could it? She tells me today that she has papers and stuff do for the drama club and it's due tomorrow. I was shocked she waited so long. Why does she do that crap? You think maybe I need to take a look in the mirror? I mean afterall, Rich only asked me to mail the bills BEFORE we started getting late fees, again.

Now we are both supposed to be doing things to clean the house. And guess what each of us is doing at this very moment - yep, playing on the computers.

I think Amanda would probably be mortified if she knew all the things that she does, that I do as well. I guess my little apple didn't fall too far, huh?