School Daze :)

Yesterday was the first day of school here at Casa Diva. 4th grade for Miss Lyss, 1st for Jake. She, of course, was beyond thrilled to be going back- school is one of her favorite things on the planet. Where she gets it? No idea! LOL He was reluctant, and after last year, who can really blame him. But, we were positive and encouraging, preparing him for the changes in advance, and we made it into the building with him all smiles.

This year marked the year of Jonas in our house, in the form of backpack, lunchbox, T-shirt, notebooks and jewelry. I admit, I rolled my eyes, but as a protest formed on my lips, memories of a neon orange lunchbox, as well as a hot pink and turquoise backpack flashed before my eyes. I shut my mouth and watched her get that look-you know the one- and had to grin. If she's lucky, she'll grin like that about those boys in 20 years.

Jake went SpongeBob.. again. He's reliable with it, at least-he has had a SpongeBob backpack every single year. But he likes it, and who needs an argument over that? It makes him happy, it makes us happy. And he's always eager to show off the new one. LOL

We got a note today that Jake is in the first grade regular class FULL TIME! That is HUGE, and something I had expected to happen later in the year, or maybe when pigs flew, to be perfectly honest. LOL But it marks a change, in the way he is seen and the attention that is paid. And? Not only is he in the regular class full time, he is in the class with the kids who are further along academically. That proves something to me- what he's capable of really isn't being ignored. Huge, huge steps. Both kids are happy and enjoying school, so far, and are excited about the things they're going to be doing this year. Major bonus, and something to give me a little room to take that deep breath I'm not finding these days.

Everything else... is still everything else. I wish I knew what to think, say, feel... I wish it were different, had been different, in a lot of ways. I always have. But it wasn't, it isn't, and it's very hard for someone like me to wrap my head around things happening as they are. Is it the right thing? Objectively, I can say absolutely. As a mom, a wife, a woman, complete with all those emotions... I honestly don't know. I have a lot of things on my mind, and I don't trust a lot of my feelings, or anyone elses'. No one is 100% selfless. No one in this particular situation is 100% open. And I don't say that with malice, I say that with my own hesitation and an understanding of everyone elses' involved. But I also know that everything happens for a reason, and we are not in control, we are not the ones with the real plans. So, I may not put my trust in anyone else, but I'm laying it at His doorstep and saying, ok. I get it. I've asked for guidance, for signs, and I have to trust what I've gotten back. It really isn't about me. It's about being the person I'm needed to be, for my husband, my children, and the others involved.

Sorry it's been so long, but my head has really been elsewhere lately. Lots happening, lots going to happen, and not much I can say without the veiled crap I have to work with right now. LOL Add to it, the PC crashed and I'm on J's laptop-which i HATE, btw- until further notice. But, I'm going to hang around this time I think. At least for a minute ;)

How was back to school Internet? How's things?

The One Where She Has a B-Fest

It's that week around the blog, folks. Yeah, THAT week. The one where all everyone should know is to hand over the chocolate, smile, tell me everything (including me) looks terrific, and back away. Slowly. Still smiling. But not too brightly, because then I'll wonder what the hell you're grinning at.

Even on a good day, I'm moody. On a not so good day... you can guess how that goes. I can find a reason to bitch about ANYTHING during this week, and chances are, you'll get to hear about it, Internet. Why? Because now, after all this time, we're just that close. I've told you about the cookie issues, I've told you (repeatedly) about my boys. Why should I hide this bitch inside, when really, all women have one. Some hide her better than others, but we all have one. And what is the one thing that can unleash that bitch like no other?? I'm assuming every single female that read that just had the same answer. Men. Sorry, guys, but it's true. And not just our own men. No. It can be any man, from your friends' men to men you don't even know. Why? Because men have the Open Mouth, Insert Foot illness. Never met a man that didn't have it on occasion, and I probably never will.

Now, this isn't a man bashing post, or me trying to say that only men say inappropriate things- not at all. But, there's nothing else on Earth that I've found capable of making a woman as crazy as a man does. It's probably vice-versa, which is how this whole chemistry thing seems to work with the opposite sex. You know, that whole can't live with 'em, can't kill 'em idea. : )

Right now, I'm just edgy and easily irritated. I don't want to pick up the clothes that can't seem to find the hamper, or do the dishes that no one knows how to rinse off. I want a massage, a margarita, and that chocolate I mentioned. And as for that whole "Gee, is it that time of the month or what?" Say this instead, guys- "You look gorgeous. Here is some candy." Then just go away somewhere for awhile. And pick up your damn socks!

Hangin In, Hangin Out, Hangin On......

Well, you can see I've changed the blog. again. I put a poll over there to see what you guys like better, so give me some feedback. I had a couple people tell me it was too hard to read with the dark background, so i thought I'd go plain again for awhile and see what happens.

We had a decent 4th weekend, even though Jim had to work. We went to see "Wanted" Saturday afternoon- left the kids with their grandparents and had an afternoon to ourselves. that, I'll tell you now, is a rarity. An enjoyable one. Especially when you toss in a good movie, which "Wanted" definitely is.

That movie kicks ass! Action from start to finish. Add in two of my favorite Hollywoodland people- the always superb Morgan Freeman, and the chick I'd contemplate switching teams for , Angelina Jolie, and I was all set. The premise is a good one- there is a secret society of assassins, called The Fraternity, that have been following what they believe is Fate, for hundreds of years. Add in the son of a murdered assassin, plot twists that you really don't see coming and the best action, fight sequences you will see ALL summer.... and you have a movie that is hitting my DVD shelf the second it's available. Trust me, we very rarely buy DVD's these days, and when we plan on getting one... both of us... immediately? It's a good movie. Of course, I watch Noggin all day long, so.....

I don't know about the rest of you, but I have never seen such a wet summer. It's been storming and raining since May, and still coming. Terrible weather for keeping your yard mowed and trimmed. The rain keeps it soggy, damp and growing like wild. It also allows for mud puddles, which means mud tracked on my (usually just cleaned) floors. Yeah... not diggin the summer weather this year. It's either storming or so hot you can't enjoy being outside in it. Good times, gooooood times.

Things are okay though. I'm still doing my inner clean-out in the countdown to thirty, and I keep finding out new things, or unearthing old ones, about myself. It's been interesting, to say the least, but it's nice to find out nice things to know rather than just knowing the flaws. Although that's a good thing too- people who don't know their flaws are usually pretty obnoxious, LOL. Because they think they don't have any, maybe? Or just don't see the flaws you do as flaws? something to ponder, I suppose.

I have been toying with the idea of posting some of my writing here. Some of my poetry, parts of my novels, that sort of thing. What do you think? Would you want to be bored from your skulls reading that sort of thing?

Hope everyone had a fabulous 4th and did all they planned to, even with the ridiculously, obscenely high price of gas. Did I mention it's obscene? 'K, just checking.

The Intro -aka Reasons To Read, Or Avoid This Blog (Re-Post)

I thought, since I have some new readers, that I would re-post the intro from waaay back in January, when I started blogging. I will edit the parts that have changed, lol.

Hello all of you in Blog World. Since this is my first post, I thought I’d do a brief intro as well as a warning of sorts to those of you who enjoy reading people’s blogs. And there’s nothing wrong with that- it’s interesting to get a glimpse into someone else’s world, and I do it as much as I can get away with. : )

First off, like my profile says, I’m 29, have 3 kids and am a full time mom. I have two daughters, oldest 7 years, youngest 7 weeks, and one son, who turns six today.(now 8 years, 7 months sunday, and six for more than a day, lol.) I also have a husband and a small menagerie of cats. I’m an animal person, to a fault, and the menagerie is ever growing, to my husband’s (at first) chagrin, (followed by) abject horror, & (replaced finally with) threats upon my well being should I attempt to add another furry creature to this household. Ever. At any time. In the future. Did I mention EVER? (we have four more cats. haha)

I can be pretty long winded, so when I blog, don’t expect short and sweet. Well, ok, don’t ever pop in expecting sweet. I’m not a shiny happy person, even on a good day, and some days I’m really a bitch. But I’m honest and opinionated, and unapologetic for my views on the world, including my household and the way it’s run. Sometimes it runs smoothly, and other days I’m left wondering why it is like wrestling with wild animals to get anything done. (this is all still true.)

I’m starting out with comments open and I do welcome any opinion, feedback, etc. But, if you send me hate mail, I’m going to post it. In it’s entirety. No matter who you are. And expect incessant mocking, ridicule, and perhaps a profanity laced response. On a good day. And right now, there are few of those- right now is a haze of sleep deprivation, adjustment, and wondering when the hell these so called “baby blues” will go away. Because just when you think they have…. (they did)

Anyway, that’s my first blog. It’s not always gonna be savvy or sassy in here, humor filled or even entertaining. But it will always be real, always be honest and always be where I’m at when I’m writing. Like my life, this blog promises to be a friggin roller coaster… so strap in. (did you?)

New Month, New Attitude! Part 2

I told ya June was turning it around, didn't I? Yes, oh yes I did! School is now officially over (with Miss Lyss nabbing a few awards at the ceremony and moving along to 3rd grade) and Jim got himself a new job! Better hours, better pay- and consistent- with overtime! It works out really well for the summer schedule, not too awful for the rest of the year... and there's no more wondering when things will look up. The economy here is in a terrible place, and even the longest standing businesses, factories, etc., are minimizing, closing, filing bankruptcy..... I feel so awful for the people struggling for work. It's awful trying to keep your head above water and stay on top of everything when you don't know from one day to the next if you are still going to have a job. We need a change.

Speaking of changes.... I hear that today is the day Hillary will concede. I'm not going to say a lot, because politics and religion are two topics I know better than to preach (nobody's right, nobody's wrong) but again, I'll say June is kicking off with a wink and a smile.

Not to mention, I'm still in a tizzy over these guys right here. Yes, this will be a normal thing. Just nod and smile, guys, nod and smile.

June, my love.... keep it comin!!!!!

New Month, New Attitude!

OK, first, let's do a recap of May. Jim's layoff. Foot injury. Assorted animal issues (ranging from kittens being dumped here to the cold that managed to sweep through all of our cats, leaving a trail of pissed off animals at having noses and eyes wiped and cleaned.) Jake's school issues, then his school letting out. Prepping for Alyssa's school to let out. Taylor's shots. The flu that rendered Jim practically immobile for almost three days. Some issues that left me wondering how I could make him immobile and not get caught... A chunk of the ceiling crashed into our house on the last day of May... and seriously, I don't make this shit up. I wish I did....

But now... now it's June. A new month, new hopes, and new time. Summer has definitely arrived, complete with humidity carrying thunderstorms. But, BUT- all is well. And not just because I'm a bubblegum popping, metal mouthed 12 year old trapped in a 29 year old woman's body. OK, maybe partially, but still! Things are turning around.

Health is better. Alyssa's last day of school is tomorrow. Work should be rolling back around this week. (I hate layoffs.... I absolutely hate them. Vacation is nice, because he doesn't have time enough to get bored. When he gets bored, he gets in the way. lol) And yesterday... yesterday, he did the nicest thing I think he, or anyone, could have done for me.

Anyone who's been reading here for the last little while knows I have a slight affection (raging, raging obsession) for these guys right here. And it seems that in October, these gentlemen will be visiting the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. So, I sort of (desperately, desperately) wanted to see about nabbing a ticket or two and heading on over there. I'd had some cash set back for a rainy day (cheap seats) and that was gonna be that. Jim, however, upped the ante a little and nabbed me a better seat. Without my asking, because I honestly don't care where I sit as long as I'm there, ya know? So, as of 10:12 yesterday morning, yours truly is the proud ticket holder for the 10-3-08 concert at the Q. Stoked does not even cover it- and if you've never had a thing for a group, band, singer or some such celeb ish person, you just won't get it. My friends don't. My family doesn't... but they love me anyway. And put up with the possible overplaying (repeat, anyone?) of Summertime, the new single (yep, that means go find it and check it out.. like here)

So, things are looking up- and not just because I get to relive my childhood (the good parts anyway). A new month is a new start.... and June rolled in with a wink and a smile. May is always a bitch, and she smacked us down pretty harshly this year. Now we're past the iffy weather, the spring to summer transitions and all the other ish that May tossed at us. We can kick back and enjoy our summer. Kool-aid and bare feet, water guns and that shrieking laughter you just can't pass up.

Here's to June! To walking on both feet, barefoot in the grass with your kids! To clear eyed kittens and men going back to work (and getting the hell out of my house!!!) And to getting a moment... whatever it is... to smile like you haven't in ages.

A Quick (rather than tell you every teeny tiny detail) Recap!

I have been a bad blogger. Bad reader, commenter, etc. I have. But, I have this whole blog built free thing happening, so I try not to feel too badly about it. And feel badly about it anyway. :)

The thing I've noticed about keeping up with things- be it blogs, message boards, sometimes even emails and returning calls- is that just when you're rolling along, getting everything into a system that works for you, BAM! Life happens. And sometimes Life happens hard. And then you have to step back, survey the damage and or chaos, and move from there. Not always pleasant... usually really UNpleasant... but something that just has to be done.

I've been lurking, but not posting. Reading but not commenting. But things honestly have me drained at the moment and it's been rough keeping up. School just let out for Jake, Taylor's decided now's the time to start teething, and Jim's been home for a couple weeks now, waiting to be called back to work. It's been... stressful... to put it mildly. At times, it's been Dear God, I Should Take up Drinking In the Afternoons. Cause being alone with my husband is great- for a time. Then we start to irk each other- especially since he messes with my daily routines. Which, in turn, messes with the baby's daily routines. We know how this goes. Although, it's nice to have him home sometimes, too. Ya know, when Taylor takes an afternoon nap? Heh.

So, there it is in a nutshell- proof I'm still alive.... for now. And not drinking in the afternoons... yet....

Sunshiney Day

I will warn you all now, before you get too into this post, that it may be long. Very long, since I plan on trying to cover everything. So, read on at your own risk.

First, a very late Happy Birthday to Lyss, who turned eight last Tuesday. I'd planned on a birthday post, and still may put something up, but Tuesday was when Flu Bug decided to stop by unannounced for a long and unwelcome visit. Fortunately (for her) Alyssa didn't get sick until Weds. night, so her day was still very enjoyable. Eight was the year of Hannah Montana and High School Musical, a definite sign that she is growing up. A far cry from the Bear in the Big Blue House first birthday she had. I never thought I'd miss Bear, but I do. He was a good guy, a lumbering fuzzy sweetness that owned our house for almost three years, back in the day. I may buy a couple DVD's of Bear just so Taylor can have the Blue House experience. There was something so wholesome about it that is so lacking in a lot of what's on today. And Bear wasn't a jackass. He never talked to the kids like they were morons... or like he was. Ya know?

But, back to Flu Bug. Good ole FB hit Jake first, and he missed all the fun stuff at school last week. Egg hunts, treats, etc. He was pretty down about it, but no matter what the kid wants, you can't send him to school when he's been up 3/4 of the night decorating everything in sight with the contents of his stomach. Not a good aim, Jake. That's the one thing with him you can count on- you won't have to clean up the toilet when he misses it, because he never makes it that far. You will, however, be doing laundry at three in the morning, cleaning the bedroom floor and tossing him in the tub. Fun stuff. Fun. Stuff.

The next few days are a haze of laundry, Lysol and wondering what the hell we did to deserve it all. Seriously- we all got sick. Weds night started with Alyssa at a little after midnight, with me running right behind. We have one bathroom, so by three in the morning it was one in the bathroom, two hovered with plastic bags, and Taylor sleeping right through it all. The first, and only time she has ever slept through the night. A huge part of me was so thankful she did because I honestly don't know how I'd have taken care of her at that point- I could barely stand and the thought of her waking up and me having to lift her at all was in the back of my mind, and man it was a scary thought. Jim came home in the morning and I was all "Thank God you're here..." Which he didn't even hear, as he collapsed on the bed, saying he'd been puking at work. I managed a stream of colorful words at that and collapsed again. No one moved much that day, that's for sure.

And then it got scary, because Taylor started that afternoon. She wasn't fevered, crying or acting out of sorts, but she threw up a couple of times. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, could have had me forcing myself up and around any more than that. Alyssa and Jake weren't vomiting at that point (it always seems to hit them at night, then subside through the day) and they're capable of helping themselves to a snack, drink, etc., if they're capable of being up and playing some.

All in all, everyone had the flu. All of us threw up, a couple of us had other bathroom issues, and poor Taylor ended up with a diaper rash from pooping so much. Vaseline has been her best friend- a lifesaver! It coats without stinging, which is more than a diaper rash cream seems to do. No one truly slept in three days and the washer-dryer were on 24-7. Jim still has a cold. Alyssa is still picking at food. I'm pumping my bloodstream with more coffee than normal just to disinfect and clean like a crazy woman. Jake and Taylor are none the worse for wear, and neither of them really were, even when they were sick- one thing I can say about my kids, they're all troopers. It takes one hell of a bug to get them down for the count, and I think Lyss and Jake have been in bed not moving around sick maybe three times in their entire lives. Him with pneumonia once when he was three, ear infections and upper respiratory when he was one. Her with strep-tonsillitis in preschool, kindergarten and last year. I think they get that from my father.

Which leads me to him. For a little background, my dad is 81 years old. I was born when he was 53. Yes, I was a surprise baby. But, throughout my life, my father has managed to overcome some pretty tough medical issues. He has had several heart attacks, a quadruple bypass, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and a severe illness a couple years ago due to his gall bladder bursting without his knowledge. This led to various procedures that took until recently to actually finish up, including stints, draining, infection, surgeries, etc. It's been a long road, and before the last operation, late last year, he had to have a defibrillator. All of these have been very risky procedures and they lost him on the table a few times during the first operation for the gall bladder. Needless to say, my father is an extremely strong man. Always has been. He's as stubborn and bullheaded as they come, and I think he fights off illness with sheer force of will.

But he is sick again, and they are running tests. We don't know yet what's happening, if anything, but each time is a little harder, for everyone. Because he is getting older and his body is less and less likely to bounce back. And I'm certain he is tired, because everyone gets tired of fighting sometimes. Especially when it's a constant barrage of doctors, tests, machinery and diagnoses that are never quite right, or take care of the whole issue. I'll post more about this when I know more, but for now, everyone's thoughts and /or prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Moving on, away from illness and hard thoughts. The house is still taking shape, but we've done some more cosmetic touches here and there, before and after the flu, that are making a world of difference. Replacing a shower curtain really does redo an entire bathroom, especially a small one. Adding a bath mat does, too, especially when the color goes with other things you have around the house to decorate with that just don't fit anywhere else anymore. Instantly, you have a brand new bathroom. Which actually looks pretty... and even has a theme! Yup, I am actually easy to please with stuff. When it seems to fall into place without even thinking about it, because the whole bathroom was a fluke. Seriously. It may look planned, but nope. We've also added a new doorknob, and fixed the dryer filter, which was killing us slowly. It was taking all day to dry a load of clothes, and sometimes even then it wasn't finished. I'm now completely caught up on the laundry, and can do up to eight loads a day if need be. Yes, we had that much to do, we were having to wash 3-5 items at a time for a while there. Add to it the last week of washing and re-washing bed linens, pj's, etc., it was a vicious laundry cycle.

So, that's what's been happening at mi casa these days. It's been a long winter, all the way around. But today- today the sun is out, the sky is blue and the kids are healthy, back to school.... and I am slowly regaining the small portion of sanity I am allowed to have. I will post some pics of Easter and the b-day stuff when I finally upload the eight hundred million pictures on my poor camera.

I hope everyone has been healthy and happy, and those of you who celebrated Easter had a wonderful day, be it a spiritual one of a chocolate fest. : ) For me, I missed my paczki this year- I love me some custard filled paczki and could not find it. : ( Ah well, the strawberry did ok... heehee.

So, run out and enjoy some sunshine if you have it! I'm off to prepare for the kid invasion that is after school. And the begging for more... please more... candy from the baskets.

Happy Valentines Day!!!!

Happy Hearts Day, Internet!! Here's to all the love and snuggles your heart can handle~ I'm being spoiled today. Flowers, wine and movie night! Yay!!! That promises plenty of cuddle time, although for me there is never enough of that.

So, go indulge yourselves in some chocolate, and enjoy the day, and especially your sweetie!! Have a terrific one!!!

Mate Speak

“Um, hon…” = I am about to do, say or attempt to do or say something that is really going to piss you off.

Comics Anyone?

For those of you that are into comic books, you should check out the Comics section here.
There’s a message board, reviews, etc., for anyone into comics. they also have movies and other entertainment sections, but I’m a little biased for the comics- my handsomely bearded husband writes over there!

The Intro -aka Reasons To Read, Or Avoid This Blog

Hello all of you in Blog World. Since this is my first post, I thought I’d do a brief intro as well as a warning of sorts to those of you who enjoy reading people’s blogs. And there’s nothing wrong with that- it’s interesting to get a glimpse into someone else’s world, and I do it as much as I can get away with. : )

First off, like my profile says, I’m 29, have 3 kids and am a full time mom. I have two daughters, oldest 7 years, youngest 7 weeks, and one son, who turns six today. I also have a husband and a small menagerie of cats. I’m an animal person, to a fault, and the menagerie is ever growing, to my husband’s (at first) chagrin, (followed by) abject horror, & (replaced finally with) threats upon my well being should I attempt to add another furry creature to this household. Ever. At any time. In the future. Did I mention EVER?

I can be pretty long winded, so when I blog, don’t expect short and sweet. Well, ok, don’t ever pop in expecting sweet. I’m not a shiny happy person, even on a good day, and some days I’m really a bitch. But I’m honest and opinionated, and unapologetic for my views on the world, including my household and the way it’s run. Sometimes it runs smoothly, and other days I’m left wondering why it is like wrestling with wild animals to get anything done.

I’m starting out with comments open and I do welcome any opinion, feedback, etc. But, if you send me hate mail, I’m going to post it. In it’s entirety. No matter who you are. And expect incessant mocking, ridicule, and perhaps a profanity laced response. On a good day. And right now, there are few of those- right now is a haze of sleep deprivation, adjustment, and wondering when the hell these so called “baby blues” will go away. Because just when you think they have….

Anyway, that’s my first blog. It’s not always gonna be savvy or sassy in here, humor filled or even entertaining. But it will always be real, always be honest and always be where I’m at when I’m writing. Like my life, this blog promises to be a friggin roller coaster… so strap in.