Crabby Wednesday

I'm finding myself completely exhausted and crabby today, although I'm not really sure why.

I'd rather just lose myself in the computer today rather than deal with the kids.

This, in itself, is not a great sign. Miss A's crying is already on my nerves and IC's defiance is just too much - and it's only 11 am.

I told the kids yesterday we'd probably go to the pool today, but I don't want to.

Then tonight, is Miss A's last ragball practice and IC's last baseball game.

Miss A has informed both grandmas that she doesn't really like ball, although she told Daddy she liked it.

I chalk it up to the fact that she's 4 and doesn't really know what she wants to like yet.

Both IC and Miss A want to take gymnastics-so now I need to check into the cost. It would mean driving to York once a week, but I think sessions are only about 6 weeks at a time, so we'll have to see.

Tonight after the game, IC is going to Grandma J's for the night, and then I will take Miss A there tomorrow afternoon so she can stay overnight tomorrow night. This is what works for Grandma, she's busy this month often.

Ok, whatever. My MIL is always busy. And she wonders why I don't have her babysit the kids much.

In reality, my kids don't get babysat a huge lot and yes, my mom does the most, but she's available.

I did manage to get the bathroom cleaned today and the remainder of the laundry caught up.

Of course, that leaves all laundry baskets full to fold AGAIN and I still have the floors to vacuum or mop.

Sigh.

I did try to get the kids to start some lessons this morning, but that didn't work. IC's practicing of guitar was like pulling teeth and now the kids are past the playing-nicely stage and into the naughty-wrestling-running-around-the-house in circles stage.

I'd like to just crawl in a hole and stay there, but I guess I should at least make some sort of food for dinner.

Blech.

A Visit to the Dentist

I'd love to say that I am ready to put my feet up-well, I'm ready, but the rest of the house isn't.

We started this morning with a meltdown-Miss A did not want to get up at 7, in which many bouts of crying ensued. Through that, E slept on the rocking chair.

You can imagine just how much fun it really was to get kids going this morning. We definately need to improve in this department-we were pretty good during school, but have gotten pretty laid back this summer.

Anyway, after much work, we were on our way to drop E off at mom's before heading to York, with a small stop at the donut shop. :)

We dropped IC's camera films off at Walgreens to developed, when I discovered that IC had a hole in his shirt. He was adamant it didn't bother him, but I didn't like it.

Since we had a few minutes, we quick decided to stop at Pamida across the way. On IC's attempt to slam the van door shut, it jammed, leaving a near 2 inch gap open.

This, I decided, was NOT good.

I ended up changing my back appointment and driving to the car dealership a little ways away to see if it could be fixed.

After about 20 minutes, the mechanic was able to get the door shut, but the track is bent and she said the door saggs a little, enough to drop it out of the track and make it hard to move. It's going to take a little to fix it, but she was able to make it so we could make the door work for today-so after that we didn't open or touch the door.

And yes, the mechanic is a "she"-complete with black hair with bright pink highlights, barely visable tattoos, a nose ring, eyebrow ring and multiple ear rings, but she was really nice.

So, after that, we went back to Pamida to get IC a non-torn shirt, then headed to the dentist. Both kids got glowing reports, though the dr. will watch their teeth for crowding like mine and a gap in the front. My teeth cleaning went well, though my teeth are still a little sore.

After that, we headed to Walmart (of course!) and got supplies, plus a bigger bike for IC. Lil' stinker is now going to be riding a 20" bike. He's not going to be little for much longer!

Then, it was to eat. IC wanted KFC and Miss A wanted McD's and I decided we could try Wendy's. That went pretty well.

Back to Walgreens for pics before catching up with my mom and dad at another dentist's office. Dad had to have a crown put back on his tooth, so I met mom and E in the parking lot and we headed to Pamida for a couple of minutes.

Back to the dentist office found dad meeting us outside. Since I'd rescheduled my back appointment, I had another 1 1/2 hrs to wait. Mom and dad graciously offered to take the kids back home w/them while I waited in town.

This worked well, I finished my wait and got my back adjusted in peace and quiet today-that was a nice switch.

Home then after grabbing milk at the store, to put away stuff and rearrange the van seats for the best way to get around using the one door for the time being.

Picking the kids up from mom's was commotion as always, then it was baths and eventually, bed. Wonderfully, mom had fed the kids for me-yay!

Now, there's dishes from the dishwasher to put away and laundry to fold AGAIN-maybe I'll make them wait until tomorrow-they aren't going anywhere anyway-unfortunately.

Monday Should be a Day of Rest, too.

I'd like to say that I got to rest today, but sitting down to type at the blog right now has been most of my rest time.

This morning, I got the girls up and at 'em-in an attempt to get a little more routine going for the first get-up-and-go. It only 1/2 worked.

After IC got ready, I helped him on and off with guitar practice before we all headed to town to take my 2 photographs for the art display during the 4th of July.

Back home to deal with naughty children before dinner.

After dinner, my mom came so that I could mow-the grass was rather tall and then I played outside with the girls for a little bit.

After some quality sidewalk chalk time, it was time to take them in and clean them up enough before Miss A's practice.

It's her 2nd to last practice (yay!) tonight. Wednesday is the last game for IC and Miss A's last practice, both practically at the same time (of course).

Then, it will be on to the next project-the 4th of July celebration in town and swimming lessons.

Fun, Fun.

Tired Sunday

I'm pretty tired today.

I got IC started on his first lesson today, though we didn't make it through the whole thing, we can finish it later (one good thing about DVDs).

AFter Daddy got done with chores, he wanted to try out his new fishing Wii game he got at Cabela's yesterday, which kept the kids busy while I made dinner.

I worked on general clutter clean up during E's nap, but wish I would have got more done-it doesn't look like I did very much.

Daddy and Miss A went fishing at the nearby creek mid-afternoon, while IC stayed home and whined about his headache.

He snapped out of it later on, and the kids all got a ride on the 4 wheeler and IC got to practice baseball w/Daddy.

It's actually getting past the normal time for baths and supper, but I'm stumped on what to make-hope something comes to mind pretty soon!

Saturday's Day Trip

At the archway.

Mannequins showing the story.

Daddy explaining some history stuff to IC.

Getting closer to more modern times.

Taking a break at the drive-in theater.

At the soda shoppe.

The big bridge outside of the archway, looking at the big fish.

The big Maze-Daddy's view from the watch tower while we went through the maze.

Stamping our passports at 1 of 4 "forts".

Kearney's Cabelas is quite small compared to others we've been to, but the big brown bear at the doorway was impressive enough.

IC's new guitar-don't let the expression fool you-he was very excited!

We got an interesting start to our day trip. We got all the way through town before realizing that we forgot a gift card to Cabela's and turned around to go get it at home.

Then we headed to Kearney. First, we ate at Runza-IC's suggestion. Then, we headed to Yanda's Music Store to get IC his electric guitar.

Yep, a real one. Crazy, I know.

We would like him to take piano lessons, but he's been on a guitar kick since he was about 3. So, I got a homeschool course on guitar lessons and we are giving it a try. We got a kit w/guitar, strap, soft cover case, tuner and small 15 amp-we are all going to learn along the way!

We also looked at piano keyboards, but weren't terribly impressed with the selection. We are going to research a couple of other stores to see what there is.

Next, we headed to the Archway Monument. That was neat, I thought. It went through the history of basically the west and you rode an escalator to the top of this bridge (inside of it) and listened to a guided story/lesson through headphones.

Also at this place is a huge bridge you can go on and feed huge fish in the river and a Trailblaze Maze where the kids and I went through and got stamps at 4 "forts" in the maze before getting to the end. It was hot out there, that was the only unfun part.

After that, we stopped at Runza to have ice cream cones before heading to Cabela's to look around. We were able to get a fishing Wii game, some fishing weights, and a couple of camping scrap embellishments with JJ's gift card.

After that, it was time to go home and nearly 7 before we all got in and unpacked and later still, 'til we ate and it was 9 before the older kids got to bed.

Despite the heat, it was a pretty good time and I'm glad we went together as a family.

Now it's time to watch the DVD that came with the guitar, so we can work on tuning it, fold clothes and hope the kids all crash before midnight, since they all took naps on the way home!

Burnin' on a Friday

I need sleep. So, this will be short.

After an arguement w/IC this am over not listening, I took him to his friend's birthday party at the daycare center (after dinner and gifts and fun, they were headed to the pool).

I did MANY loads of laundry the past 2 days, but they unfortunately, are not folding themselves, so I must work on them soon or we will be living out of the laundry baskets the hard way.

I picked raspberries today, after forgetting them the past several days-oops. Luckily, I didn't have too many that were past picking time.

Took the girls to the swimming pool today to play and meet up with IC. No major falls (yea!). Actually, E didn't want to play in the water much, she either wanted to constantly jump into the big pool into my arms or play beside the baby pool. It was HOT, especially the sidewalk!

We went home to eat before heading to the local scrap store for a sale, as she is going out of business, basically due to a divorce. I had a good conversation w/her while her daughter and my 3 played well together.

It was rather late when we got home, so the big kids didn't get to bed until 9:30, but that's ok. Did realize too late that IC's got a sunburn today. Whoops.

Tomorrow is our trip to find IC a guitar.

Should be interesting.

Thursday's Wild Time

This morning, I stumbled my way around as about 1:30 early this am, E fussed for what seemed like forever.

When she came down this am before 9 am, looking for her blankie, I'd figured out at least a little of the problem.

Since it was still dirty in the wash, I did what I could at the time-I quick grabbed the leftover pieces from when I'd made her blankie and sewed her a new one! It doesn't look quite the same and the sewing was a little pathetic, but I was in a hurry and it did the trick-she was soothed.

It took until 10 am to get everyone ready for the day and then we headed to town to the bank for IC to pull $50 out of his savings to help pay for his guitar that he's getting. He wants to play it, and is not sure about playing the piano, so he's going to give it a try.

AFter that, we headed to the dr. for an appointment for me-a recurring rash has me puzzled. Dr. J thought it was probably excema and rx'd a cream to help during outbreaks.

That was a very quick appointment, so we stopped at the grocery store for chicken from the deli and milk.

After dinner, and Wii, it was time to get ready for the pool.

There weren't a huge lot of kids there, which was a little surprising, but the kids had a good time. Both the girls wanted to play more in the big pool and of course, Bouncing B was there also.

The scary part came when I was on the east side of the pool w/E and Miss A was on the west side of the pool w/B and IC, was climbing up the slide, and fell off the second step backwards. She landed on her back and luckily had on a life vest, which saved her from severe injury. She ended up with a bad scrape on her elbow and a little scrape on her head. The one pool manager, Kim, happened to be right there and scooped up Miss A and took her poolside to the baby pool, then she bandaged her owies and gave her some good attention, which helped.

Soon after that, Miss A was ready to go back to the pool, although I nixed the slide for the rest of the day.

We played until 4:20, then packed up and went home, ate a light supper, IC changed and we headed to IC's makeup game w/Bruning that was rained out on Monday.

There were several soggy places still in the grass, so the girls came home w/muddy and sandy feet and bodies.

On the way to the field, Miss A started running in the parking lot and wiped out on the rock-skinned her other knee and hand.

When it rains, it pours.

Bouncing B came w/Grandma and Grandpa J tonight, so that was annoying.

But we survived, IC did fine at the game and we are all cleaned up and the older 2 are doing the bedtime up and down the stairs. Hopefully, it will quiet down soon and E will hopefully head to bed before midnight tonight and sleep ALL NIGHT!!!

One can dream, right?

Wow, it's Wednesday

This is E's new love-a piggy back ride from her big brother!

Painting pictures to enter at the county fair.

Meet "kitty"-our resident barn cat, well-loved and very sweet.

Miss A at ragball.

We started this day a little different than planned. IC got an invitation to a birthday party this Friday last night, necessitating a trip to medium city for a gift. Of course, you can NOT go to Wal-mart for just a gift if you live a 1/2 hr. from one, so we picked up various other supplies.

At check-out, the kids wanted to do the self-check out thing. IC was all doing well, but we had a few hang-ups and probably totally annoyed the self-check out lady. Ah-well.

After that, we had to run to the grocery store, as I only found 2 gallons of distilled water at Wal-mart and JJ asked for 6. I was able to find the rest at the grocery store before we headed to eat.

We started at McDonald's but I am plain SICK of Shrek junk and they were REALLY slow today, so I suggested we try Burger King.

Ok, they are a little more expensive, but the kids ate well and yes, the toys were stupid, but that's just typical, isn't it?

After dinner, it was home to unload the stuff, lay E down since she was sleeping, and let the big kids do some painting for the county fair. I am not ready to deal with an E mess, so I had been waiting for a good time to undertake this mess. And I had the kids undertake it outside to reduce the clean up at least a little bit.

By the time they were done, E was up. It still took me forever to get things put away, just because I had to clean this up, help someone get a snack, etc, etc.

I soon sent the kids out to play while I finished up. IC somehow got JJ to stop working for a little and play a little ball with him. I helped out for awhile, then E begged to go see Kitty, so the girls and I headed to the barn. IC joined us for a little.

By that time, I was in a dilemma for dinner, and Mom showed up to go see Miss A play ragball. So, I took E in to wash off the mud and change our clothes, and of course, the air-conditioner guy showed up! The a/c froze up on us this am, so he came to readjust something or other.

Soon, I got the other 2 in to clean them up, the a/c guy left, and I worked to heat up leftovers and make a side dish for supper.

After that, we headed to Miss A's practice and JJ also joined us. She had a good practice and did well, so that was good.

Next, it was back home to get cleaned up and kids ready for bed.

IC's been really mouthy lately and obnoxious-having a hard time figuring out what to do with him. Then Miss A turns around and tries a lot of the same thing. Now, E has figured out some of that stuff, too, and it's just not good. It's so hard to know what to do when they act that way, as I want to nip that sort of stuff in the bud.

I'd be lost without my kids, but sometimes, I just don't know what to do with them!

Tuesday's Twist

Well, today had an unexpected twist to it.

It started with kids getting up, and basically doing the annoying wrestling/half fighting thing. I was working on something mid-morning in the office, when E started crying and of course, IC comes to tattle that Miss A had whacked E in the eye with a necklace. The necklace had a small piece of wire attached to it.

E proceeded to cry a lot and I got worried. After about 10 min, she'd finally calmed down enough so I could see. After a lot of phone tag with the dr. office and the eye dr. office-I got her an appointment with the eye dr. at 1 pm.

Good thing it wasn't an emergency.

That whole ordeal pretty much messed up the whole morning.

After dinner, we headed to the eye dr and found out E has 2 superficial scratches on her cornea.

Ouch.

She'll be on eye antibiotic drops for about a week (4 x's a day-ahhh, yea, that should be REAL fun, NOT!) and she was not supposed to go to the pool today.

Well, that messed up that plan.

On a whim, I called mom and asked if she was busy today-by luck, she wasn't. She volunteered to come babysit E while I took the other 2 to the pool, since I'd promised them yesterday.

Well, it turns out, E didn't want to take a nap after all that, but crashed at 4 pm-then Miss A woke her soon after we got home at 4:30.

I tolerated almost 2 hours at the pool, but without E to entertain, I was bored after 1 hour.

To top it off, Miss A chose to go in the big pool the whole time. Every other time we've gone, I've barely gotten her in the big pool before she was running to the baby pool. E, on the other hand, loves the big pool and wants to be there.

Go figure.

After we were home, I buzzed IC's hair before showers and baths. During that time, I didn't hear the phone, apparently and got a message that IC's been invited to a birthday party Friday.

I have no idea what to get this boy, and we may have to run to medium city tomorrow to get something, since our town has very little in kids' merchandise.

After supper, I had the kids do lessons for awhile, as they've been getting into trouble if they aren't kept busy.

Now, after the older 2 are in bed, you guessed it, we are in yet another tornado watch and a thunderstorm is headed our direction.

Our weather alert has gone off more times in the past week than in the past year! We've had storm warnings and rain almost every night for OVER a week.

I'm a little sick of it.

What can I say? I like my rain without the attached storm and threat of tornados!

Monday

It was quite a Monday. We had yet another storm overnight and another almost inch of rain.

This is making for some rather soggy conditions.

This morning, I got the kids up and at 'em and we headed to town for a quick trip to return videos to the library, drop off a payment for a bill and pick out my dishwasher.

Home to start dinner, laundry, etc.

About 3:30, my new dishwasher arrived and it was completely installed about an hour later.

I am looking forward to starting it to wash dishes instead of standing at the sink washing everything by hand.

After the guy who put it in left, I cleaned the kitchen floor before joining the hooligans outside in the sweltering humidity. By that time, they'd soaked JJ's clothes that he'd had laying out on the cement that he'd used before dinner for weed-eating. (He gets pretty green and messy when he's running that thing).

This, of course, made him fairly unhappy.

I don't know if it helped, but both Miss A's practice and IC's baseball game were postponed tonight due to the soggy field conditions. Miss A is still supposed to have practice on Wed as usual and IC's game was moved to Thursday.

I was actually relieved that things were not going on tonight, as they were at the same time across town from each other.

I like that they are on different days mid-week.

Anyway, tonight IC decided to practice baseball-he hadn't practiced all week, but thought he should do it today.

Okey Dokey.

After practicing with him, in which Daddy decided to join us for a little also, & Miss A getting a few practice swings with her bat and ball-we went to visit the resident barn kitty.

She was happy to see us.

It was hot and miserably humid, so we went in early to clean up, supper, etc.

The kids were fairly naughty, deciding to jump off the couch, and they do know better than to do this.

Let's just say I was not happy. I made them sit on the mat for a time-out (in seperate areas) and then they had to clean up the toys in the livingroom.

After that, I made it bedtime-now if I could just figure out what will keep them in bed, we'd be set!

Happy Father's Day

It was a rainy, cloudy start to our morning.

I had all the kids up by 8:30 to give Daddy their Father's Day gift of 2 t-shirts-one Star Wars and one Scooby Doo. JJ didn't say anything to me, but I got the impression he wasn't terribly impressed.

For someone who doesn't give me ANYTHING on Mother's Day, I was a little unhappy.

Anyway, we got ready and headed to church this am. JJ ran sound and I sang a song. I got several compliments and more than one person asked JJ if he was proud of me, he didn't really respond to that.

Real nice. I don't think JJ could give me a compliment if he tried.

He's actually been fairy grouchy on and off today-don't know what the deal is.

After church, we went to medium city to TacoBell/KFC. JJ loves tacos, and the kids did pretty well eating their chicken.

Back home for E's nap and the kids have been playing Wii while JJ took a nap. I am trying to work on the mess in the office, but have been using my time maybe not so wisely on the computer.

Unfortunately, the computer is addicting-checking blogs, facebook, email, etc.

Ok, time to do some actual work before E is up and wanting to be carried everywhere.

Tractor movin' and Berry pickin'

THIS is the tractor
that was in an obscure part of the yard
that has now ended up in the main part of my yard
that will be in the way of mowing, should my father-in-law not move it.

These are the raspberries,

that I picked today,

for the 1st of many pickings

that will happen in the next couple of weeks.

This morning we headed to town to take the recycling in, get inflatable tickets from the bank for the 4th of July event, go to the library, and get groceries. (All before 11 am!)

We actually had not been to the library in a LONG time, as every time I go, the librarian is RUDE. But, she was actually nice today-no wonder we are in a tornado watch tonight!

The kids picked out books and videos, in which they got to watch a couple of the videos today.

This afternoon, my mom was able to come so that I could mow, again.

My FIL now has this pet project of getting this old 3010 tractor running that's been sitting in the yard, in capable of running for YEARS.

Last year, he got his old Model A tractor running, so apparently, he needs another tractor to tinker on. I just don't know why he had to move it into the middle of MY yard that I mow regularly. JJ had to pull it with his tractor across the yard, since it doesn't run at all.

We picked the first of the raspberry pickings today. I didn't realize they were getting ready until I glanced over when I was mowing. There's a lot of foliage this year, but I don't know that there will be an overabundance of berries, as we had trimmed the branches all down this spring before it started raining.

It's been raining a lot, so it's been nice not to have to water the gardens yet.

The kids got to hang with Daddy some this afternoon-something they've missed lately. IC got to spend some extra time w/Dad, a very good thing for him. They hung out with him while he worked on the combine, also.

It was very humid and hot today-although this morning had started out very comfortable.

E and I visited our resident barn kitty this afternoon, named, "kitty." She's a long haired calico, dumped at my mom's house, that we took home since the other cats at mom's had basically ostrasized her, for reasons only known to the cats. She's a nice kitty, and the only one we have had in a LONG time.

Tomorrow, JJ runs the sound at church while I sing a solo. Mom is not coming, which is the first time she's ever actually blown off my solo. She only maybe missed one other when she was sick. I had told her about this one, but she's having company for dinner tomorrow and apparently, that's more important, I guess.

So, I am not sure what the plan will be tomorrow after church-guess we'll just wait and see.

Is It Naptime yet?

It's been another full day of cramming things needing to get done in the morning, and then going to the pool after E's had an hour nap, then coming home to cleaning up, supper, etc. I am so ready for a nap!

This morning, I did more laundry, stripped and changed the kids' beds, had the kids do some lessons and tried to teach IC how to tie his shoe.

The tieing didn't go swell, let's just say. I've had to learn how to tie right-handed in order to teach him and it's hard. He still didn't get it.

We headed out to the pool around 2:30, stopping in town so that I could tell the appliance store which dishwasher I wanted.

Unfortunately, they closed at noon today. (Boy, that must be rough.)

So, I'll have to keep washing dishes every day for a few more days.

We spent from 2:45-4:50 at the pool. E LOVES the BIG pool and Miss A loves the baby pool-go figure! E even went off of the slide once. She wanted to do it more, but I wouldn't let her since I didn't have someone to help her slide down while I caught her.

Then I stopped at my local scrap store for a few things. I had contacted her earlier to see if she'd be around. She's currently going through a difficult divorce w/custody battle, so she's not home a lot and not at the store much right now. It's a tough situation.

After the usual, the kids begged to watch Toy Story 2, which I'd taped off of the Disney channel the other day, so I am letting them stay up a little later to watch it all.

I can only hope they will sleep then ALL NIGHT tonight!

Thursday

Emotionally, it's been a tough day today.

This morning was filled with lessons, in which IC actually HELPED Miss A learn her letters.

He then proceeded to fight with her about an hour later.

The kids have ignored me a lot lately, and being called a "mean Mommy" by Miss A AGAIN today, just kinda made things break. Not to mention, JJ getting mad at me because he wants me to pick a dishwasher and I really don't know what to pick.

I don't want to spend too much, but want to have a nice one, but they are all kinda the same basically. I don't know.

Anyway, after E had been down for about an hour, I got the pool stuff ready and we went to town.

We stayed there about 2 hours and then I stopped at a couple of places in town to quickly look at dishwashers while the kids were eating snack in the car.

Home then to clean up and supper, etc. Of course, we are in another storm watch until 1 am (a common occurance when it's hot, which it is, by the way). IC is mad because we are past the alloted time for TV and he wants to watch a movie.

I'm not sure what I'll do about it. I still have all that laundry from last night to fold-I just didn't get to it yesterday, plus another basket of laundry added to it.

I find myself too exhausted at night to do anything after the older 2 are in bed except to crash on the couch/recliner. I am not getting ANYTHING done during the day at all. It's all a little discouraging and frustrating. My desk, half of JJ's desk, the top of the TV entertainment center, my kitchen counter, china hutch are all a mess.

I did get the kids' rooms picked up yesterday, but I still need to change the beds and figure out how to seperate the girls' room so each have a little place of their own. I wanted to put up a curtain between their beds, BUT we have a slanted roof on the only side it works to have the beds, so I don't know what I'm going to do.

You may think they are a little young to worry about each having space of their own, but there are times when they need it, or at least, Miss A thinks she does.

I looked at my garden earlier today-ick! Things are growing (except the peas, they were sort of eaten by the rabbits and the beans aren't growing too well) including the weeds. Sigh.

And it's hot-mostly muggy and uncomfortable right now. Miserable for pulling weeds.

There's my lament for today-not too exciting. Pretty much like most of our days.

Tuesday's pool fun and more baseball games

It was another busy June day.

I got up a little late this morning, and started doing laundry and working on cleaning the kitchen floor. IC lost his Wii priviledge, so he worked to earn it back by cleaning the toilet (swishing the inside), and he and Miss A worked at cleaning the mirror in the bathroom and closet. She worked since she'd lost her TV priviledge earlier this week.

Then we went upstairs and picked up toys and put away clothes.

So, they did a good job and after dinner, we headed to the pool for a little fun. I called a friend for IC, which made him estatic, to meet us there and they had a good time.

Then, it was time to drag the kids home, in which E fell asleep, get the next diaper bag ready for IC's baseball game, and have IC change clothes.

At 5 pm was pictures of the team. Then, we headed over to the field for playing another Strang game.

JJ came and after a short while, took Miss A to her practice at the field across town.

By 7 pm, IC's game was done and we headed to Miss A's practice to pick her up, while JJ headed to a church meeting.

JJ's father said that Bouncing B hit her head or something at the pool today, but that was after we'd leftthe pool and that's all we know. Who knows if we'll actually find out what the real story is. This is the child who gets dropped off at the pool EVERY day UNATTENDED and can't hardly swim. My BIL is an idiot. Truly. He's actually not a dumb person, but I think in general, totally clueless in common sense at times. It bothers me (can you tell?) that he does this.

Anyway after the game/practice, the kids and I headed home to clean up and eventually send the kids to bed.

Time to work on baskets of laundry-the never-ending job.

Tuesday's Varied Musings

I'm not sure what to label this day-this morning I got up after E fussed at 6:15 and looked at some things on the computer. I'm in a search for something for the kids' chore chart. I've looked at chalk paint, dry erase/chalk boards (expensive) and dry erase paint. Not sure what I want to use.

Anyway, I got the kids up at 8:30 and we did get going to town by a little after 9, not too bad really.

I ran several errands, stopped at the church to practice my solo for Sunday, and got groceries.

Of course, the kids at the grocery store acted like they'd been released from a 11 yr jail sentence, even though they'd gotten to play in the church nursery while I was practicing. It was rather frustrating.

Then, home for dinner and the older 2 played Barbies TOGETHER for a short while before working on a dot-to-dot book for IC and a drawing book for Miss A. E just got up from a 1 1/2 hr nap and is playing with her current favorite book by Sesame Street.

It will be eating cold meat and cheese at 4:30 for a VERY early supper before heading to nearby Shickley for IC's baseball game.

This is my hometown and I still dislike going there. I've had more than one bad memory there, so it's tough not to be apprehensive about going.

No stoning will occur, just people who can say things in a backhanded way that can be construed as indirectly a jab at you. Or they'll just say something nasty about you behind your back-whatever works for them. I actually didn't do anything scandalous as a teen or an adult, but was not popular and missed having the "right" last name.

My hometown is not that far away-20 minutes tops, but I prefer to stay in our current town. I pretty much like it, most of the time.

On another note: the girls have been fighting a lot lately. I am working on an idea for seperating their room via curtain for times when they need to be seperate from each other. Now, if I could just keep them from fighting over the same thing ALL the time. If one has something, the other wants it.

It's annoying and sometimes, I fear I'll lose my hearing with the screaming that occurs.

Or at least, my sanity.

Really, I never screamed like that as a kid.

I also didn't have a little/big sibling, either. Makes a difference, as JJ tells me on a constant basis.

E learned a new word last week, "hor-e" (AKA horsey). Now instead of everything being a cow, it's a horsey.

Ah well-she knows a ton more words than IC and Miss A ever did at her age. She's also much more adventurous, but will still want to be picked up often. It's crazy how much she's changed.

All 3 have changed a lot-and continue to keep growing! I hope IC will stay in the same clothes for awhile, as he's been eating like crazy lately.

Now it's time to try to get a little something done before it's time to go. Since mom's on the way, I will pick her up at home on the way to the game-at least, she can help keep the girls entertained for an hour during the game!

Monday's Cherries

Today is another day of naughtiness. I wanted to go to town to get milk this morning, but the kids just didn't get ready in time, so we stayed home and they proceeded to test my patience.

I wanted to get them working on lessons-that didn't happen, either.

I spent a lot of my time working on a couple of things this morning and early afternoon and didn't really accomplish anything today.

Ah well.

The older 2 picked a few cherries off the tree today, since they are ripe. They were supposed to pick an ice cream bucket full, but they didn't get that accomplished, either.

Now, they are playing outside for a short while until supper and going to Miss A's ball practice.

I'm hoping they will behave better soon-otherwise, I may send them to boarding school!

Sunday's Trip to the Museum

We awoke this morning to wet and dreary. Unfortunately, the kids were all dreary today-in a dreadful sort of way. The older 2 haven't been good since they came back from Auntie E's-I guess all that good behavior needed to be rebalanced with the bad behavior.

Sigh.

So, this morning the kids did lessons for awhile, to keep them out of trouble and no, we weren't good and went to church. Sorry.

After that, they played awhile with Legos until Daddy came in from chores.

He looked up the Hastings Museum on the internet and we decided to go.

So, I got the kids to change to nicer clothes and packed the diaper bag and we were off.

First, a stop at McDonald's to eat and then the museum. The kids were loud, the older 2 picked on each other when they were within 2 feet of each other and E wanted to run everywhere.

We saw the exhibits and went to the planetarium show on space, which was interesting. There were lots of taxidermied animals, insects, sea creatures, rocks and crystals, old money, old cars and vehicles and old "stuff"-lots of different things. It was very interesting.

We left about 5, went to Walmart (of course!) for some batteries for my camera, and then to Valentino's to eat.

Home to clean up and put older kids to bed.

At least they didn't sit in front of the TV all day today and they might have actually learned a little-it was a pretty good day.

(Despite the fighting and naughtiness!)

Garage sales and lawn mowers

Today, I drug the kids out of bed at 7 to drag them to a garage sale.

Literally, I drug them. You'd have thought it was like, 5 am or something. I dressed both the girls and it took until 7:30 to get them dressed and packed into the van.

Let's just say they were not motiviated.

I did find a few clothes for the kids and even a pair of jean for me. So, it was worth it.

Unfortunately, the kids have been naughty all day today. Mouthy, acting up-JJ attributes it to the impending storm that's supposed to hit us sometime this weekend.

I hope we don't have as bad as a storm as the kids' behavior. If we do, we are in for a bad one!

This afternoon, mom came so I could mow. Since I was nearly a week behind, it was rather tall. It took me over 2 1/2 hours to mow today!

To top it off, the cherries are ready for picking from the tree, but I didn't get around to it today.

After mom left, the girls were ready to go in, so I started getting them in to shower.

JJ joined us for supper tonight, since it had rained this morning and he wasn't in the field.

That was rather nice.

Soon, it will be bedtime for the older 2-hopefully they will go to sleep before 9:30-I keep telling them they wouldn't be so tired if they'd go to sleep after we put them to bed instead of staying up.

It's just a thought.

Back to Having 3 Again

The kids had a great time at their aunt and uncle's overnight. They went to a baseball game last night that their cousin M was umpiring, they went to Aunt E's church's bible school and came home with a plethora of stuff, and they got to see the baby donkey at her house.

E and I, on the other hand, were not terribly motivated this am.

So, my accomplishments were few before we left to go pick IC and Miss A up at the halfway point in the park in Wilbur.

Of course, the kids wanted to play on the equipment, so I let them for about a 1/2 hr, then I took the troup home.

Then after we unloaded stuff, we headed to the field where Daddy was for a little ride in the tractor while he was hilling corn. The kids went on 1 round.

Back home to play outside before going in to do our normal night routine.

Between not feeling the greatest today and not getting anything done, I'm a tad bit cranky tonight.

Maybe if I get some papers sorted after the older 2 go to bed, I will feel I haven't failed the whole day.

Or maybe I'll just veg on the couch and watch TV-better luck tomorrow.

An Afternoon At the Zoo

This morning was crazy getting ready to head to the big city. The kids and I met Aunt E and Uncle M at the Children's zoo for a little fun.

We got there at 1:30, a little early, so we first rode the train that goes around the zoo. When we got back to the start area, they were there waiting for us.

The kids had a pretty good time going around the zoo (it's fairly small-we were done in a couple of hours).

After that, the older loaded their overnight bags in my in-law's SUV and they left with them for an overnight stay. Their first at their aunt's and uncle's house and Miss A's very first overnighter.

I will meet them tomorrow at a town halfway between us to get the kids.

E was a little lost for awhile, asking "where'd Ann go?" frequently. But, she's fine now, watching a cartoon so I can post this while JJ's in the shower.

On our way home, E and I stopped at medium city to eat at McDonald's, and of course, make a stop at Wal-mart.

It was a quiet drive home and it's quite quiet now. E can make a lot of noise, but it's not near the amount when all three kids are around.

It's almost eerie, I ALMOST like it better when all three are home!

Game #2

It was a crazy evening tonight, as both IC and Miss A had ball at the same time.

The day was mundane, with the occasional naughtiness by IC.

Typical, really.

At 5:30, the kids and I left for nearby Strang for IC's ball game. I got to see 10 minutes of him play. Since he was 3rd to bat, I even got a couple of pics.

The girls and I then left to go back to our town for Miss A's ragball practice.

I left the camera w/JJ at IC's game and he got less pics than I did in 10 minutes! Grrrr!

Miss A has only a 1/2 hr practice, so she was done at the same time that IC's game was done. IC said he had a good time and was pretty thrilled to take his own bat for hitting tonight (I had gotten it by his second practice in May, but this was the first time he took it along anywhere). He said he got to hit 4 times tonight, and got one kid out on base, so I thought he did well and got some good experience.

Miss A, at least, did NOT mess around with any boys like she did last week. She was beside another girl who was a little more into going after the ball that were thrown to them, so Miss A didn't get a lot of balls tonight.

At least, the evening was comfortable and the sun got behind some clouds right at practice time.

Not a bad evening, overall.