I'M BEAT

As I write this, I can't help but feel sorry for myself & admit that I'm beat...completely worn out! This is due to constantly being on the go and lack of sleep. I need a day off...I'm not sure how or when that will happen with how busy we keep our lives...I guess I can rest when the kids are moved out...maybe!!

One of the reasons why I'm so beat is my inability to say NO! When someone needs help with something, I can't say no...whether it is taking on an extra kid for the afternoon, a need for a volunteer for a project or something at work...I'm a sucker. Here's a great example from this week. I got a phone call asking me to co-chair the Teddy Bear Tea for Festival of Trees in November. I love the Teddy Bear Tea. Allie & I enjoy the entertainment, food, singing, Santa & of course the teddy bears...I love that event. Knowing full well that I have way too much on my plate in the fall, I still said YES!!
What?? Am I insane?? No, I just can't say no!!
I am already stressing about how I will be able to co-chair the Hansen carnival, be PTA secretary, continue on the Hansen fundraising committee, help with the PTA book fair, be the Popcorn Kernel for Scouts, lead Scout troops, get both kids to soccer games/practices, get Allie to dance, get Jake to football, get both kids to religion, get ready for Allie's dance recital, volunteer in my kid's classrooms, keep working at Hansen...This of course, doesn't include any meetings, playdates, parties, family commitments & so on. So let's add the Teddy Bear Tea...to my plate...DUH!!! Did I mention all of these events are from September to November???? No wonder I'm beat!

On a different note...things are quiet here this morning. Both kids had friends spend the night last night. Jake chose Paul & Allie chose Olivia. We took the crew to the OP for pizza and then came home to watch Alvin & the Chipmunks. All of the kids were asleep by 11:00 and they slept in until 7:00 this morning. Not bad. Scott was going mildly crazy...too much silliness and constant talking for him. He doesn't enjoy being around kids like I do, he is learning though!

Friday in the wee hours of the night, we got hit hard with thunderstorms. It rained 4.74 inches in less than 24 hours. Over 3 of those inches came overnight. So, I had scared kids in my room & then of course I couldn't sleep due to the thunder & HEAVY rain. Scott spent from 3-4 a.m. watching the pit of our sump pump...just to be sure that it didn't overflow. He said that the water kept rising & rising. He even bailed some bucketfuls out, just to be safe! In the end, we were lucky & didn't get any water in our basement, unlike many other people in the area. We did have a lake in our yard & a small river as well. Scott is looking into have some work done to the yard to take care of the standing water...it is just too close to the foundation for our comfort.

The kids were able to enjoy a couple of nice days early in the week. We even got in 2 of Allie's soccer games & a practice for Jake. So far, his game for today is still on. It will be the first one of the season since the other 2 were cancelled.

I took a half day personal day on Thursday to go with Allie's class to see Winnie the Pooh at the Children's Theatre. It was cute. I enjoyed getting to spend time with her class.

Talent Show auditions are pretty much over. Just a handful to see in the next week or so. Now we start the scheduling process. We have 52 acts for the K-3 day and 25 acts for the 4-6 day.

Next week brings Allie's last 2 soccer games, Jake's 2 soccer practices and one make up game and a regularly scheduled game too, Jake's last night of religion, Allie's dance class, volunteering in Allie's classroom, Talent Show practice for both kids, Godfather's night, fundraising meetings & kick off's and Beach Day at school.

The kids activities are set for summer. Jake is playing baseball, which will involve more games than in the past. Allie is playing softball. Both kids are taking swimming lessons this summer. Jake opted out of golf...says he'll play with his dad. Allie wanted to take golf lessons & I said she needed to get out with Dad first & see if she likes it! We will of course get waterpark passes again this summer.

I'll post some pictures after Jake's game today...if it doesn't get cancelled for the 3rd week in a row.

FIFTHS DISEASE, SCOUTS, 1ST COMMUNION & BIRTHDAY PARTIES

It has been a long week. Talent Show auditions started this week. The kids and I spent each day after school watching kids audition for the Talent Show. Next we it is much more of the same.

Allie woke up Tuesday morning (Spring picture day) with extremely red cheeks. I didn't think much about it until my friend mentioned it looked like Fifths Disease. Sure enough it was. Turns out I had it a week ago (achy joints is the disease in adults) and I exposed my kids, Mandy's kids & everyone I came in contact with over the past 2 weeks. Jake came down with it mid-week and Ben got it on Saturday. We aren't sure but think that Scott, Dad & Mike may have had it too (all had extremely achy joints). We had quite the scare too, it is harmful to pregnant women who aren't immune & I exposed Kim. After waiting a couple of days, the results of her blood tests showed she has had the disease & wouldn't get it again. WHEW!!

Jake had 2 Scout meetings this week. We had a Pack meeting all about owls. The boys learned all about owls & wildlife conservation. We also celebrated Earth Day at Hartman Reserve with canoeing, fishing, hiking and looking at various wildlife. The boys loved it despite the mud & flooding at Hartman.

We had about 4 inches of rain on Thursday & Friday. Our backyard flooded & I must have checked our basement 30 times to make sure we weren't getting water. Thank God we didn't! The rain did cancel Jake's soccer game again this week. The field was under water.

We had a weekend full of celebrations. Ben turned 4, Maddie turns 1 and Jake made his 1st Communion. Michael, Kim, Mandy, Mike, Ben, Maddie, Mom & Dad came up to celebrate. We had a cook out on Saturday night & celebrated all of the events with cake! Today we went to Mass & watched Jake receive his 1st Communion. I can't believe how old he is!!

This week brings more Talent Show auditions, tree planting at school for Earth Day, dance (Allie), 3 soccer games (both kids), 2 soccer practices (Jake), volunteering in Allie's room, a field trip for Allie (& I get to go) and Religion.



Jake's Cub Scout den...Nicholas, Sam B, Will B, Jake, Paul, Will B, Will R, Sam R & Aidan
An owl from Monday's Scout meeting

The cakes from our parties this weekend (Jake's cross, Maddie's "1" and Ben's cake)
Ben blows his candle out
Maddie enjoying her cake
Jake with Father after his 1st Communion

Jake fishing at Hartman Reserve during the Earth Day celebration
Kristin, Paul & Jake canoeing at Hartman
Still canoeing
Scouts at the Hartman
Jake holding a snake at Hartman

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY!!

I'm sick of the rain. It has rained for 2 days straight. Last night it rained so hard that we had a small moat forming around our house....I thought about ordering a boat to get out. The good news is that our new sump pump kept up & we didn't get any water in our basement. I'm almost certain that our old pump wouldn't have kept up and we'd be dealing with our basement under water for the 3rd time. I was quite nervous & checked the pump over & over again.

The rain has now cancelled both of Jake's soccer practices and Allie's soccer game this week. Jake has a game scheduled for tomorrow, but I wouldn't be surprised if it gets cancelled. Typically they don't cancel for rain, but with the ground being SO saturated they just might. I'd guess the boy's soccer cleats would absolutely destroy the wet fields. I hope it does get cancelled, the thought of sitting in the cold, wet weather makes me sick!! I'm definitely a "fair weather fan".

Jake's Talent Show group got together this week to practice. They did really well. Allie's group finally decided on their song. If they go through with it, they will look really cute.

In other BIG news...Jake is now wearing deodorant. It seems WAY too early to me, but it was getting to be a necessity!!

I went with Jake's class to an opera. I wasn't too excited about it, but agreed to go. It was FABULOUS. It was the 3 Billy Goats Gruff & was a comedy opera. The kids loved it & the adults were amused as well. I'd love to see it again!!

No huge plans for the weekend. Next week looks crazy. Talent Show practices start after school each day & since I'm a chair I have to be there for them. Allie has dance pictures next week, Jake has 2 soccer practices & a soccer game, Allie has 2 soccer games, both kids have Scout meetings, Jake has religion, I volunteer in Allie's room and we have a busy weekend planned too.

A SPRING-LIKE WEEKEND (AND MORE)

Wow, what a nice Saturday we had. It was such a beautiful day! The kids and I went to Nana & Papa's house. Allie, Mandy, Nana & I went to Kim's first baby shower. We had a nice time & Kim received tons of wonderful gifts. Jake, Ben & Papa spent the entire day outside enjoying the gorgeous weather. They were out from 11:30 until after 8:00!! Allie joined the kids after the shower & we all walked to the park. It was a great time. When the kids came in (after dark) they were filthy...and exhausted.

Tonight was parent's night at dance. We got a glimpse of Allie's recital dance & the group looked good. Allie was asked to perform a "solo" part during the group performance. Those who know Allie know that she isn't graceful...I'm not sure how this solo ballet performance will turn out!!

Other events from last week include Jake's first soccer practice on Friday and sleepovers for both kids on Friday night...yes Scott and I were able to be alone!!

This week brings 2 soccer practices and a soccer game for Jake, 2 soccer games for Allie, a PTA meeting, volunteering in Al's classroom, a field trip with Jake's class, Religion class, Talent Show practice for Jake's group and First Communion pics for Jake.

Allie at her dance class
Allie hopped on Jake's back during "freeze dance"

Ben, Allie, Maddie & Jake
Allie on the monkey bars
Jake & Nana on the monkey bars
Allie, Mandy & Nana...that piece of equipment was one that I played on when I was little. Note Jake pushing Maddie in the swing in the background
All tuckered out...Jake, Ben & Allie

Allie with her crazy hair.
Allie sporting her crown.
Allie & friends at Jr. Jazzercise. She is in the white shirt/black pants.
Allie & Mr. Reader, the bear that the Star of the Week gets to keep at their house.

Jake's Mohawk on crazy hair day. How UGLY is that??
Jake, Paul & Adam at the skating party.
Allie & Jordyn at the skating party. Allie has some mouth piece that glows in her mouth.
Allie & Arianna at the skating party.Nicholas, Aidan, Paul, Will, Sam & Jake learning bike safety for Scouts.

NOT MOTIVATED

I'm not really motivated to write tonight, but it has been a week & I know if I don't get something written another week will be gone! So, here is a brief wrap up of our week.

• Allie was the star of the week at school. She got to have a bulletin board up all week lined with pictures of her family and friends. The week was all about her...which is really the way that she likes it!!
• The kids had crazy hair day. Jake needed a haircut & so we allowed him to have a Mohawk for the day. It was dyed green! It was a hit, but cut off shortly after he got home. Allie opted for colored pig tails.
• Allie celebrated her summer birthday at school. She walked around all day with a crown on & made several comments to teachers such as "Is my crown straight" and "I've waited so long for this" and "this is the best day of my life". I baked Pillsbury break apart cookies for her to take to school as a treat. I had another mom come up to me & ask for my recipe because her daughter thought that they were to die for!! We laughed pretty hard about the fact that I cheated & didn't make them from scratch!
• All of the Brownie troops at Hansen took part in a Jr. Jazzercise class after school one day. The girls had an awesome time dancing while exercising.
• We got more snow the other day. This brings Waterloo's total to 53.9 inches for the year...the 4th snowiest on record. I certainly hope that we don't get anymore snow!!
• Hansen held the annual skating party. The kids enjoyed themselves. Jake really got the hang of roller skating & Allie didn't do as well. That is strange because it was the opposite last year!
• Jake's Cub Scout den had a bike safety meeting. I'm not sure any of the boys listened, but they had a great time riding bikes together and messing around.
• This week brings Allie's dance class, volunteering in Allie's classroom, 2 soccer practices for Jake, religion class, Godfather's night, a Talent Show meeting, a carnival meeting, and a fundraising meeting for me. A busy weekend in store as well...these are the weeks that I wish I didn't work OR I wish that I had a cleaning lady!!

There are pictures in a post above this one.

HAPPY EASTER

We had a nice, quiet Easter morning. The kids slept in until 7:45 or so. That isn't typical of our kids on a holiday morning. I'd guess that they were tired from our trip. They went through their Easter baskets and gathered up all of the hidden eggs. They had chocolate bunnies for breakfast...a great Easter in their eyes. Scott was in charge of supper (his choice) and he grilled yummy marinated steaks, seasoned potatoes and garlic bread for dinner. He even made a salad. It was kind of nice for me to not have to any of the prep work!!



The kids running down the steps ready to hunt for eggs
Jake finds an egg
Allie gets a new diary in her basket


The kids trying out the shades that the bunny left them
Allie empties eggs...they were full of jelly beans
Jake emptying eggs too
Jake eating his breakfast
Allie eating her breakfast

MALL OF AMERICA

We took the kids to the Mall of America for a quick Spring Break getaway. There wasn't any sun or sand...instead we battled snow to get there. We left on Friday morning and ran into snow about the last 30 minutes of our drive. It was pretty slick & hard to see, but we made it!!

We checked into our hotel and went over to the Mall. We grabbed a quick lunch at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Factory. It was good as always. We then went to the amusement park in the mall, which is now Nickelodeon Universe. There were several new rides since the last time we were there (when it was Camp Snoopy). Allie is our little daredevil and rode every ride possible. She got in a lot of bonding time with Scott riding the big rides. Jake isn't quite as fond of the big rides, so he stayed back & watched his sister tackle the big ones. We spent several hours at Nick Universe and had a nice time. We left around 9:00 and went back to the hotel for a late dinner and then off to sleep.

We got up early on Saturday morning and grabbed breakfast at the hotel. I let the kids swim for awhile in the hotel pool before we went back to the mall. We went to Underwater Adventures at the mall (a big aquarium). It is a great little aquarium, the kids got to touch baby sharks and sting rays in a touch a touch pool. The kids enjoyed watching the sea creatures swim all around us when we walked through the tunnels of fish. Allie insisted that the sting rays were smiling at us.

After we were done exploring the aquarium, Allie and I went to Build A Bear while the boys went looking for tennis shoes. Allie chose to build a hot pink bear with silver flecks of fur. That was her souvenir. Jake opted to wait to pick out anything until we stopped at the outlet mall on the way home (he spotted some new basketball shoes there). We had a bite to eat at the Rainforest Cafe before leaving for the outlet mall & then home.

Our little trip was no Florida or Mexico...but it was still nice to get away as a family. Something we don't do often enough. We are looking forward to another mini vacation this summer when we go somewhere with my high school friends (the Dells, Chicago, Mall of America, St. Louis & Adventureland are on the table). Florida with my family is the following summer...plans are slowly coming together for that trip.




Allie tracked down every person that was dressed up at the mall. This is Sharky from Underwater Adventures. We caught him wandering around the mall. She also found a Moose & a Bear from Build a Bear that I didn't get a pic of.
Here is Allie with Sponge Bob at Nick Universe.
The kids are waiting to ride the Ghostblasters ride
Jake in LegoLand. We wandered over there while Scott & Allie were on a roller coaster
Allie & Scott are on this coaster. Front row, right side.
Allie & Jake on a ride

Allie with her smiling sting ray
A shark swimming over us in the tunnel
Jake & Allie by a beaver at Underwater Adventures
A big, old lobster

My little treasure
Jake being goofy
The kids petting sharks and stingrays
Allie at Build A Bear
Allie with her new bear

Allie with Cha Cha the frog at Rainforest Cafe
The kids outside of Rainforest Cafe
Allie making a wish into the alligators mouth at Rainforest Cafe