So I keep having this recurring dream, well, for those of you who knew me when I was a student, it is really quite a nightmare. But anyway, what happens is this...

I am in school, sometimes, it is high school, sometimes College, or a "dream-like" combination of the two. I am frantically going about my schedule, and school like business, but I have this overwhelming feeling that I am missing a class somewhere. I either can't find the room it is offered in, or I just can't seem to

 remember it, and I have no way to get a class schedule. Last night, the missed class was art. It goes on a whole semester, and I just KNOW that my grade is a big fat F. I cant even get in touch with the teacher to explain. I can't seem to find the office to "drop" the missed class. It all seems so stupid, but I feel so burdened and oppressed in my dream about it. For some reason it feels like my life is falling apart in the dream. I was so sure it was real last night. I was so relieved to wake up. 

What does all this mean? I don't know, probably some leftover obsession from trying to get perfect grades in school, but more than that, I think it speaks to my somewhat subconscious insecurities on not having it all together.

I desperately cling to routine in my home, and when it is out of whack, ahem....SUMMER...I feel all discombobulated. I need to start with a fresh slate and get my family on a good schedule, especially as the "start" of our homeschooling year looms ever clos

er. I know we have an impending move coming, sometime early to mid-fall. So, I really need the routine to be our saving grace.  I NEED this routine, which not only includes the day to day, but MENU PLANNING!! I have gotten a good menu plan this week, which doesn't just include random meals, it involved some good planning, with quick, different and yummy meals. It has made me happy.

On to other things...

I have been a laundry machine for a week straight! We had a lice scare. Yes, I said it, LICE!!!! If that is not a 4 letter word to moms, I don't know what is! We had a little birthday party for my little 3 y.o. princess

, and a mom called the next day to let me know that they were infested. AHHHHHH. Boy, oh, boy!! You did  NOT want to see the freak out session that ensued after that. I know it is not her fault, and really I didn't blame her, but seriously??? AHHHHHHHHHH. Every thing that could go into the washer, did. Every kid has had their hair checked like 3000 times. My husband is SOOO sick of me asking him to check me. I admit, it is totally gross and humbling to ask, but to my relief he never found any. I used homeopathic stuff on my daughters head, who to my utter HORROR, told me that little friend had done her hair with her "infested" hair things!! OH GROSS. Anyway, she was all shower capped and being "treated" before we went to bed that night-for 4 hours. "just in case" you know? Then she had to be meticulously combed for another hour. She has rather thick and long hair. For good measure, I doused my head with Olive Oil, a very messy process, I assure you. I didn't want chemicals on me do to breastfeeding the babe. I was also shower capped for about 3 hours. Well, I felt better after that, but every once in a while I get obsessed again. 

Okay, now that I have shared that with the world....

So, we are having a big 30th Birthday Bash this weekend. My Hubs and I are both turning 30 this year(i really don't need to re-hash the fact that I already turned 30 do I?), and instead of having 2 different parties, we decided on a funky 70's style (our decade of birth of course) Party. We, or shall I say, I, have been obsessed with planning. Hmmmm...there seems to be a theme of obsession today. I will have to ignore that, no need to go poking around in my psyche.

 Anyhoo...everyone is dressing up in 70s clothes. It will be funny to see what everyone comes in. We are having prizes for best costume, and Brian and I have some fun ones picked out...actually, they are vintage, both of them. I think it will be fun. I got goody bags of 70s candy, so I hope that goes over well, and I am making good ole fashioned "mix cds". That is right. Mix cds. So, more on this later. 

Back to the Menu Plan

Well, I did in fact make Eggplant Parm yesterday for Father's day, so this is a day late, but really who cares? I have to make soooo many easy crockpot meals over the next few weeks because my 3rd is going to be having swim lessons daily at 5pm. Hopefully this will not lead to a lot of take out or crappy meals. But hopefully, the crockpot will help with that.

So anyway...

Sunday--Eggplant Parm

Monday--slow roasted pork

Tuesday--Corned Beef in crockpot

Wednesday--Chili

Thursday--leftovers

Friday--Chicken Terryaki with Shredded lettuce

Saturday--

Hello again friends!

It has been awhile. These last few weeks have brought much change to our family. We have since seen the big ole' moving van come and go, said good-bye to our first home, and moved into our "new" but temporary one. My son 'graduated" from preschool, we made a week long trip to Kentucky to see family, and my son turned 5! (oh yeah, and--I turned 30). 

Okay so turning 30 wasn't that bad. I mean, 30 is the new 20 as they say. Lol. But seriously, it was a wonderful day(or week!). My WONDERFUL husband, being the fabulous love that he is, took me to this GREAT fine-dining Mexican restaurant in the city(as my brother says, an oxy moron. hehe). EVERYTHING we put in our mouths was to "die for". I could seriously eat Mexican food (fine dining or not) 7 days a week. I love it. I mean REALLY love it, like maybe my roots are not as Irish - Italian as they would have me believe... The next day after my birthday, my husband had set up a SURPRISE tea party at a tea house for me. Most of my sister in laws and local friends were there. It was sooooo wonderful. I will have to post some of the lovely "hat" pictures we took. If only I would have had a nice outfit and make up on. Oh well, it helps with humility I guess. 

Two days after the big shindig, my son graduated from preschool. It sure is hard to believe he is in K now. I guess homeschooling has the benefit of not needing a break in there. Although, for sanity reasons, we certainly will be having one. 

The next weekend, 2 days later that is, we, as the gluttons for punishment we apparently are, set out on a week long trip to KY. It ended up being a 13.5 hour trip including stops. Not so bad actually, what, with the purchase of our dual screen dvd players. It went quite smoothly, and I felt very thrifty indeed, when we pulled up to the travel plaza, pulled out my Trader Joe's Cooler bag, and made my family PB and Js, apples, and string cheese. It was quite nice not to drive all day on a stomach full of Roy Rogers(GAG ME). Anyway, this particular trip to KY was very fun. My mom, being cute like she is, set up a cupcake party for Aidan and his two KY cousins(and his siblings of course). 

We attended this affair after a wonderful morning at this awesome YMCA water park. 

Who knew?? I mean, our Ys offer nothing of the sort!! So after this we had the cupcake party. The next day, Aidan's actual Bday...we headed to breakfast with my dad, which was oh so yummy. Where of course I met my secret love. And really, lets be honest, it is not secret at all. I am undoubtedly a coffee addict. I love it, and it loves me. So there. By the way, that is really my coffee too. That's right, people, I took a picture of it. So. Anywho....we headed to the zoo later with my mom. We rode the tram, and the merry go round and the train(which actually derailed a week later....sooo scary. That kid was definitely flying around the track. He hurt several people, I am thankful it wasn't us!) It was my kids first trip to the REAL zoo. They had been to a small zoo near us, but never to the real one. They saw the tigers, lions, zebras, elephants, etc. Of course my nearly 3 year old had a facination with the animals "butts." I know, what kind of mother am I?? But I will say, those animals must be trained to stick their rear in your face...seriously.This one was just funny.

So after a long day at the zoo, my sister and mom surprised me with  a great time at, you guessed it, a mexican place. 

My whole family was there, including grandma's and cousins. It was such a treat.

                      

                                                                         Me with my 2 Grandmas.

My mom and I also got to spend the day together Friday. What a special day. Not only did I get to spend the whold day with my mom, I got the whole day off of mom duty too! We had coffee...first thing...obviously!(sleep was quite elusive all week!)

Then we went to lunch at this cool cafe...darn it, my mom had her camera, and we didn't take any pictures. All for the better I guess since my makeup bag disappeared mid week. Then we went to Louisville Stoneware, because I like that stuff. and I decided I want a whole set of it(mismatched actually). The only thing is, I am going to have a rob a bank to get it! It is OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive! Oh well. Then we went shopping and got a pedicure. We ended the day at the Melting Pot with my sister. There is something about cheese and chocolate---could be a girl's best friend!! Well, it is good anyway. Silly us, we didnt take ANY pictures of our girls day or night. Oh well.  I guess we have the memories.

Sunday we headed home at the crack of dawn. We were all exhausted by the fun week we had. And as sad as it was to leave, it sure was good to get home. 

Mother's Day!

I have been blessed with FOUR wonderful children, and a sweet and loving husband. My life could not be more full! Here are some pictures of the blessings bestowed on me today.

 

If you must know...

My 30th Birthday is coming up in 10 days. I prefer not to talk about it. BUT I love changing up the look and feel of my blog so there.

Decisions...

Well, we made a decision. And as soon as the decision was made, I felt a peace. Thank you Lord! We decided to go with the single. It was nice thinking of all those "ammenities" (clearly I cannot spell that word), but, alas, we went with what makes the most financial sense, the single, with plenty of storage space. Side note, I feel like I am on House Hunters on HGTV. Haha. My husband and I love that show, it is a go-to for us at 10pm if we are still up for a little TV. They always say things like: "Will it be the 3br with a lot of ammenities, or the 4BR with the extra storage?" Then there is the "Well, although they were all nice, we HAAAD to make a decision...EXAGGERATED PUASE...and we decided on...EXAGGERATED PAUSE 2...The 4br with the extra storage!!" Cut to happy family living in the new house.  Haha.  Anyway, It will be nice. Now that we have decided I am looking fwd to "settling in."  And by that, I mean living out of boxes for up to 6 months! 

As for the actual house hunting to begin...bring it on. Say a prayer though...we are going to need to use Wisdom and Prudence this week. The "builder" of aforementioned "dream home" is going to be contacting us this week to talk to us about the possibility of finishing the home. We need to make sure all things are in place for our own security and such. I am secretly (or not so secretly) hoping that it will work out. But I really truly only want what is best for our family. So, say a prayer if you will! Thanks.  

Oh, and check out this article my friend wrote. It is a good one!

What to do...

So, as an update to the seemingly never ending saga that is my life in the last few weeks...here goes.

I can't remember if I said that we were in the "market" for a short term rental or not, and quite frankly, I am WAAAYY too exhausted to click over to my last post, so I will repeat(or not) that we are currently looking for a short term rental that a)will fit my family of 6, b)will fit a houseful of stuff(furniture, clothing, toys, etc.)so that we do NOT have to pay the astronomical fees of storing with the movers, c)has an office or study area, that my hubby can work from home, d)will ACCEPT a short term lease for a price that doesn't require the selling of aforementioned children, e)in a family friendly neighborhood, f)all to be vacated, cleaned and available in 12, yes 12, days. You may be saying, "wow, that seems like a lot to ask." Well, it probably is, but it is what it is. As I like to say. We really need to find a place that meets these needs. We did not plan on having to rent a place like this. We were hoping that our new home would be ready for us in a timely fashion. But for now, it is uncertain if we will ever occupy that "dream" home that we designed. The builder will apparently be "contacting" us, the buyers, in the coming week(or so). So, here is the thing, what do we do? Do we rejoice because maybe possible said "dream house" will be built? Or do we run as fast as we can the other way, and in the meantime get to dreaming up a new dream? So, we are praying and trusting that either way, God will guide us in this decision. 

As for the rentals...we have 2 options. Both more expensive than we originally wanted to spend. One is a single home with a garage and basement, so not only would we have plenty of space to store everything, meaning we would no longer be paying for our self-storage place, but we would have enough space to store any furniture that doesn't have a spot in this temporary house. It has 4 bedrooms and a community playground right next to it. It is $75 less per month than the next place but remember, no more self storage--savings, BUT we do have to pay for trash pick up and lawn care(we do not have a mower--another story--so we either have to pay to have it cut or get a mower). The other option is a townhome in a really nice rental community. It has a pool and fitness center (with, get this, a TODDLER room with movies and such--that is awesome!!) 6 playgrounds around the area. It has only 3 bedrooms, but has a super nice family room and study in the basement. Additional storage down there too, but not enough for our other storage to come over. No dedicated parking, which can be a pain. Oh yeah, the kitchen is fantastic in this one. That is a biggie for me. But it is further away. WHAT TO DO!?!? 

I think we are realistically leaning toward the single, which is not as "nice" and doesnt have the nice ammenities. Hmmm... what would you do if it were you?