Loads of Fun

We’ve been using our brand new front load washer and dryer for over a year now and I’ve got to tell you I LOVE THEM. I actually don’t mind doing laundry any more because walking into our NEW utility room it feels like walking into my own personal laundromat, minus the rolling baskets and lined up chairs.

Of course I still hate folding and putting away laundry, but that’s another story.
If it is possible to truly adore your home, then I have it.

I actually enjoy doing laundry now because my laundry/mud room is so neat and organized. Mike worked really hard getting it to work.It's one of the only rooms in the house that we have mastered. I'm loving the storage bench and long row of hooks that keep all our shoes, backpacks, and jackets tucked away. I have three busy children in sports and activities so, this room is definitely serving it's purpose.
I know, I sound a bit crazy to blog about such a thing.

need my whine

so, i like to drink wine.... to anyone that knows me, this is no news. but what you may not know is that I don't drink for myself...that would be selfish.

I do it for one simple reason...to keep my entire family happy.

okay...that may be a little dramatic, but you get the drift. I do it for my sanity and let's face it, without that, EVERYONE in this house would be miserable. I believe the role of mother, driver, maid, and chef is the most under appreciated job in the world. And with being under appreciated, comes a little...okay, a lot, of bitchiness. you hardly ever hear the words "thank you" or "please." you are just expected to do "it." whatever "it" may be. and what sucks is that if you think this way or dare say it out loud, you seem ungrateful for the opportunity to stay at home with your kids...which is not the case. I've been a stay at home mom and a working mom and don't feel like I missed out on much either way. And a mother's job is not only in her house!!! but...sometimes you can't help but feel like the hired help, without a paycheck or sick days ofcourse.

Sometimes, just knowing that my refreshing glass of wine is waiting for me, is the only thing that gets me through the day. When I am surrounded by laundry, dishes in the sink, and screaming kids....yep, a chilled glass can go a long way. No one tells you how hard it's going to be...being a parent. all you hear is all the great things~and don't get me wrong, there are MANY!
But sometimes a little something at the end of the day, really makes my day =)

A Latte to Learn

To know me is to know that I love my occasional Starbucks coffee. I keep within a budget in order to fulfill my love for it. With every sip, I revisit a talk with a friend, the change in weather, the current season, or the memories of coffee brewing at home while I was growing up.
Yes, my Starbucks has gotten me through some really difficult and very happy times in my life.
So, you can see why I was fascinated when I came across this book:
‘How Starbucks Saved My Life” by Michael Gates Gill.
I thought for sure it must be either a love story…two people who met and fell in love at Starbucks or better yet always crossed paths at Starbucks but never met…until they did.
Yeah, this title can mean many different things and my mind was wandering but, I was not expecting what the real story of the book was.
Michael Gill learned mostly about himself during his employment at Starbucks, and his lessons (not about coffee) are very translatable to all of us.
At one time in his life, Mr. Gill was the epitome of success. He was raised in the high society of New York, living in fancy apartments and going to private schools. In his own career as a senior advertising executive, he traveled widely, rubbing shoulders with the creme De La creme, including, quite literally, the Queen of England.
Then everything came crashing down around him. Without warning, he was fired. It turns out, neither past performance, experience nor contacts meant anything. Mr. Gill was expendable because of age and his own poor choices left him without his family or future job prospects. Most tragically, he lost all of his self-worth.
His story is an inspirational one based on how he came to be hired by the world’s largest coffee chain, the chain associated with competence and customer satisfaction, is instructive — but not as much as what he learned his first year on the job. These days, however, he's traded his thousand dollar suits for khakis and a green apron for a job as a Batista at Starbucks. But Gill says he couldn't be happier.
Losing his job turned out to be a gift in disguise.
It was within the world of Starbucks that he began really to see other people for who they are. He saw how people overcame obstacles that would have defeated him and saw how hard “simple” jobs can be. Just showing up on time, when you have no car and need to live in a decent place. He learned that this took a lot of effort.
This book reminds me of the kitchen and housekeeping staffs of large hospitals, the aides that are repeatedly late, or nurses whose need to leave on time is obvious. Their lives are ruled by time.

Mr. Gill didn’t change much — except his attitude. But that made all the difference. Instead of contributing to a stressful workplace, he found himself in an environment where appreciation of customers and fellow employees was important. He came to take pride in his accomplishments, even becoming the store’s best bathroom cleaner. His past snobbishness had accomplished nothing except to defeat other people.

The individual store in this book has much in common with an individual nursing unit or clinic. What does a book about Starbucks have to do with nursing? If you say, not much, you would be wrong. In each case, if everyone does not pull together, much can be lost: customers, patients and employees. Some managers have great gifts, bringing out the best in everyone. Some employees are the same. They pull their weight, help others and always look out for the general good.Others don’t. They create a hostile environment in which no one thrives. Mr. Gill shows how people of completely different backgrounds, abilities and motivations can come together and create something worthwhile.
With all this said, I think that everyone should read this book. It could open your mind to things that you never knew existed.

I've Got A Plan

So, I sat down to plan out the week's menu and "to dos" for every day of the week, trying to get back to a normal schedule. With Fall activities starting, homework, and holidays: time gets away.
Although, I manage to meet all my deadlines, go to every kids practice, help the kids with their homework, run my errands, and have a home cooked meals together as a family..... I can’t seem to understand how some things STILL never get done. How does that make any sense?
My solution: schedule everything!
How crazy does that sound? But it works. At least for me. A typical page in my calendar holds a spot for lunch because sometimes I get so involved in all my chaos that things get over looked.
It's already August, my kids are in school, and soon…..the weather will be cooling down and I need to start thinking about Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas-
Oh. My. Gosh. This year is not going to be CRAZY after all!!!

Third Time, No Charm

This is my third time to send a child to kindergarten. And while some experiences are easier once you have already been through them, I can honestly say that this is not one of those. Sending number three to school was just as hard as it when my two oldest went to kindergarten.
Kindergarten is hard because it marks the end of an era, the baby era. No more mommy and me play dates, shopping trips at 10am, and snuggling in bed for naps at noon. By the time a child goes to kindergarten, they feel the need for independence. Despite all the preparation I've done, a wave of emotions hit me all at once.
Just like when Sydney & Naty started kindergarten, I felt those same words and emotions pouring out again……
Did I prepare him enough? Will he make friends? Will he be picked on? Will he eat all his lunch?
The first couple days of school have been busy and big sisters have been very helpful. Over breakfast, you can hear big sisters explaining lunch room procedures, recess, and anything else they could to make their brother feel comfortable. I just smiled knowing they would be there to take care of him during the day. But, it didn't make me miss them any less.
By the third day of school all I got when I dropped them off was a simple wave goodbye. So when I got back home, I just had to sit for a moment. And then memories of the last five years seemed to hit at once.
Their first smiles.
Their first steps.
Their first words.
Their kind heart and compassionate spirit.
And now I had another first to add to the list.
Their first day of school.
How could we be here already? All three kiddos are in school, and it came too fast!
Have we really given Ethan what he needs to be successful?
Because now, everyday, he has to rely on his own thoughts and decisions without our supervision. It’s his first real step towards independence. And my first real step towards letting go.
Now I was home alone (with hubby) with just random thoughts and memories of my children and it made me sad. So I decided to make myself busy to help make my day easier. But, When I put Ethan's shoes back in his cubby...tears, when I picked up Naty's dirty laundry....tears, when I vaccuumed Sydney's room...tears!!! It took all of me to patiently wait for the school day to end, the afternoon walk seemed longer than usual...I just couldn't get there fast enough! Then I wondered if the kids would be just as happy to see me as I was to see them. What would I do if they weren't? All I got this morning was a hurried 'see ya' and a quick wave. When the school bell rang and the kids flooded through those big glass doors, here they came running. smiling. happy. happy to see me!!!
Guess what? They really missed me too!!!!

A New Beginning

The first day of school came and went......
Sydney is now in her last year of elelmentary school and she is turning into quite the little woman. Naty is enjoying the fact that she is not the youngest or the oldest kid in her school. I think this suits her well because she used to always being in the middle. Ethan is still at the age where he enjoys having mommy by his side, while still trying to be a big boy (he's in kindergarten, you know!). Since it is Ethan's first 'real' school experience, I will walk him to class everyday and give him a huge hug.
I enjoy the beginning of a new school year. There were pencils that needed sharpening, nerves to unjitter(mostly mine), special snacks, warm smiles, and brand new backpacks to fill with schoolwork. Photos taken on front lawns, at desks, and in front of classrooms. Old friends and teachers to wave to and new friends to be made. Brightly decorated bulliten boards are welcoming and remind me of my school years!
With each new school year, it brings new beginnings, fresh starts, goals to set, and challenges to meet. My kiddos are very excited. Nothing makes me happier as a parent than to know that my kids are enjoying school.

Meet The Teacher

Last night was our Elementary schools meet the teacher night. This is the first time that all my kiddos will be in school. It was a very overwhelming experience.
Ethan, my youngest, will be starting Kindergarten this year. Seems like only yesterday, I was bringing my little man home and now I found myself packing his backback with school supplies and showing him the ways around the school. His class will be directly across from his best buddy, Parker's class, so I'm sure they will help eachother get to and from class and I know he will enjoy being a big boy now.

Sydney is starting fifth grade so this will be her last year in elementary school and I am glad that she will share the halls with her brother and sister before she moves on to junior high. This year she will switch classes four different times and will have to learn how to get used to having multiple teachers. I am sure that this year, as she like to put it...her and her friends will 'rule the school'. She is growing way too fast!

Naty is going to third grade and will be facing the dreaded taks testing and she worries a little about it. I am confident that she will be fine, she has a great head on her shoulders and is very book smart: advanced in reading and math. She is fortunate to have her best friend, Lilly, in her class again this year. They saw eachother last night and picked seats right next to eachother. Lilly and Naty have the kind of friendship that will last forever, BFF's as they call it, for sure!!!
This year will be quite an adventure for our family. With my work schedule and Mike's fire schedule, we will still be able to walk our kids to school, go on field trips, juggle between three different class parties, and still have days to ourselves for errands and alone time. It's an adventure that will take some getting used to but one that I am looking forward to =)

Seriously????

You know it is going to be a bad night when:

There is no one at home to make you a lunch.

Your latte girl at Starbucks is on vacation and the new girl has no idea how to make your drink and you have to explain 10 million times and she still screws it up!

There is no parking when you get to work so you have to take a hike to get there.

There is standing room only in the waiting room and the families look like vultures at you when you walk thru the door.

The first thing you hear when you get to the unit is "Really we aren't dumping on you."

And when you pitch in for take out your order is the only one messed up.
Aghhhh, I knew I should have called off! haha

FireDad

This post is dedicated to my hubby. Michael worked super hard to finish five years of college while being married and having a baby. Life was a struggle in the beginning. My parents, being the best anyone could ask for, helped me by being Sydney's caretakers while I worked long hours and Michael went to college. We were all so proud of him when he graduated and became an architect. He did what he could so that I could be a stay-at-home mom while he worked. But, after 10 years in this profession, the economy was against him, he was layed off, and the hunt for a new job was a difficult one. For every architect position, if there was one, there were at least ten people applying for it. After a few months of searching, he had to make a decision about his career. He had to weigh the pros and cons of going back to school or settling for an unwanted job. I am glad that he isn't one of those people who looks for salary versus happiness. He is the type of man who wants a good career but also one that is rewarding and still allows him to be while home with his family. He doesn't sacrifice family time for money, no salary can beat that.

He always thought about fire school but getting into a fire academy is not easy. You have to pass a series of tests, health screenings, and interviews just to be considered for the one and ONLY fire academy in this area. Not to mention the long line of applicants.

I believe that everything happens for a reason, especially when the thick envelope arrived in the mailbox congratulating him with the acceptance to the fire academy.

He is our hero. The kids are so proud of their father, we all are.

Stupid People

I am struggling to understand why stupid people tend to seek me out and display their stupidity regularly in my presence. I’m not sure I understand the motive. Ultimately, it only causes them humility because I am forced to laugh at them and feel sorry for them.Why is it that when someone does wrong, they continue to do so and involve their children in a negative way? And why do they bother to try to justify their stupidity?
GROW UP ALREADY!!!!
Ok! I'm better now =)

Nothing Like It

There is nothing like taking a little time from mommyhood, wifehood, labor&deliveryhood.Nothing like putting on makeup and my hair in something other than a pony tail. And getting dressed in something glittery that makes me feel good. Something to remind me of the person inside.There's nothing like a night to escape the madness with some really good friends, have some drinks, and laugh your pants off.The key to keeping sane is some times to do things out of the norm of yourself.....‘Cause you’re “no good” to anyone if you are no good to yourself.

Last night, twelve of us great friends went to Pete's Piano Bar for a fun adults night out. We sang, laughed, and danced together and it was a real good time.Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love being a mother, wife, and nurse but sometimes escaping for just a moment can be exactly what I need to enjoy those things even more.

Dream a Little Dream

We all have dreams.
You know which ones I'm talking about, those dreams that started when we were children. The early ones, full of wonder and hope. The ones that left a sparkle in your eye when you thought about them. For some, those dreams eventually disappear and things change. Your desires, your friends, your family, your self. Life takes unexpected turns and sometimes it makes you realize that your dream is not sustaining you.
So you do something about it:
You move.
You change careers.
You change friends.
You by a car.
I refused to be one of those people who settle for being everything they never wanted to be. If I saw that my life was headed in the wrong direction, I made a u-turn: if I met the wrong person, I kept my distance: and when I met a good friend, I was a good friend back. I knew my whole life that I wanted to be a mother and maybe a doctor or a nurse so I didn't let my husband's salary stand in the way of that dream. Don't get me wrong, when I became a mother, I devoted everything I have to my family and still do. But the hopes of becoming a medical professional never went away (and yes you CAN be both). I love people, and I love helping them. I have always had the dreams of love, happy ever after, the white picket fence, career, a great husband and children.... whatever it was, it was MY dream and somewhere along the way I started to see my dreams becoming a reality...graduation, marriage, children, a cozy home, and happiness.
So you see...dreams are much more than just empty wishes, with determination and an open mind.....some dreams really do come true =)

Need a Reason?

Missing Those Summer Days...already

It’s only August 2nd but, it seems like summer is over. The lazy stretched out weeks of summer are gone (snif snif) and I’ve got nothing to show for it. Not even a decent tan.
Our trip home to Florida was great and the weather was perfect. It was so nice to see family and have rainy summer days. Aside from the humiduty, the warm mosit air and 75 degree weather was anice break from the Texas heat!! By the time I got home, three glasses of wine wasn’t enough to manage my stress.
Clearly, the problem lies with me. Call me crotchity, but I find that I require a certain amount of quiet and sleeping hours to maintain my sanity. Some days there’s no such thing as quiet or sleep in my family.
I wish I could have stayed in Florida longer, but vacations can’t last forever. I'm just grateful that I was able to make two trips home this summer.
Moving on.
We’re home now and I am trying to finish my spring cleaning! Why do they call it that, heck I 'spring clean' all year long!!! Going through outgrown clothing and unmatched tupperware is an ongoing project. I'm trying to get my pantry stocked with lunch box items and get school clothes and supplies in order.....See? Summer really is over.
Maybe once the kids are in school, I’ll get something done.