Friday, August 28, 2009

One Week In

Am I feeling any better about Goose and school? To be truthful, not one bit. I can't get over this "Day of the Week" thing. They spent an entire week on the days of the week! They even made a book about the days of the week. Once Goose told me that they were working on a book, I was starting to feel a bit better about the whole thing because I started thinking of what I would do for this project with him. Until today when he brought the book home. The day was typed on a piece of paper, and the kids drew a picture on each page. That's it! I won't be saving this book as a reminder of his first week of school. In fact, nothing that he brought home is worth saving, not even for a scrapbook. I still have no clue what they are doing with my son for 7 1/2 hours each day. NO FREAKING CLUE.

I managed to talk to the teacher for a bit, and all I got out of her was that he has been assessed. He knows all his sight words; already knew that. It does sound like most of the kids are reading and that makes me happy. I would rather Goose be playing catch up, which I don't think will happen, than for him to be the smartest kid around.

I know this is only the first week of school, but I hate it and can't help but feeling he would be better off at home. Plus, I wouldn't have to go through a bunch of trash paperwork every day. I hate clutter and all this paperwork is just another reason to add to the list against school.

Monday, August 24, 2009

How I Spent My Day

Working Out
Drinking
Reading
Being Mad
Playing Soccer with Baby Hulk
and missing my Goose.

Was it worth it? Well, I wasted a bottle of good wine on being sad. I come from a long line of grudge holders, so being mad at people seems normal to me. I finished a good book and had a great workout at the gym and with the Hulk. When I went to pick up Goose, I asked him what he learned today. He told me the Days of the Week. Are you kidding? My two year old knows the days of the week. I kept badgering him to tell me something he learned and he said some song in French. It can only get better, right?

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Xanax, Anyone?

If anyone doesn't believe that I'll be taking Xanax tomorrow they don't know me AT ALL. I hate to even type that for fear that one day Lance will run for office and then his wife will be accused of being hooked on prescription drugs and then it's all over for him. But seriously, I have a lot more skeletons to worry about that this.

To say that I am heartbroken over sending Goose to Kindergarten is an understatement. Every night before we fall asleep I ask Lance to let me homeschool Goose. This has been going on since April. I almost had him convinced, but then he decided that we needed to give this school a try. Of course, I know that we can always pull him out of school and that this school is a great opportunity for Goose, but I know that there isn't a great chance I will homeschool him again. And that makes me want to cry, something I don't ever do.

For every positive people keep telling me about sending him to school, I can come up with ten negatives. Part of wanting to homeschool is not being ready to send Goose to school. I have always admitted that, but I also truly believe I am the best teacher for him right now. We had such a great time this past year. He has learned a Kindergarten curriculum and loves learning. We didn't work too much, but enough to keep him eager for more. Today we did one last report together, and now I'm getting ready to empty my book bag. I won't be needing it anymore.

Lance says he will keep an open mind, and I promised the same. It doesn't mean I won't be bitter all week long, but I will try and trust the man I chose to be the father of my children. At church today, the second reading was from our wedding...St Paul telling wives to be submissive to their husbands. I guess this is my chance to follow through on that. We'll see how that goes...

Friday, August 21, 2009

Back To School Lunch

We have done so much this week in my effort to have a bit of fun before school starts next Monday. Today we had our back to school meal with all our kids! We took the kids to the Rainforest Cafe and had a blast. Kobra loved the animals and each time they started moving, he turned to look. Baby Hulk was a bit scared of the animals and was way more interested in the food than the animals. Goose was busy telling everyone that he starts school next week. Squirt and Jessica played it cool. Here is our family picture...almost everyone is smiling and looking at the camera! It only took the waiter two shots for this photo!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Super Saints- The Assumption of our Blessed Mother

There is one thing the kids will remember from today, and I hate to admit that it was the cupcakes! Each child was so sweet thanking me for today, but most especially the cupcakes.



That's okay because you should have heard how much these kids know about our Blessed Mother. It makes me so happy to hear young voices talk about Mary with such love and knowledge. I am so proud of these moms for sharing their faith with their children in a way that the kids understand. And these children were not just spouting off facts, they spoke about Mary with such love in their hearts. We had our coloring page, made holy cards and painted a beautiful sun and placed an image of Our Lady on it. Afterwards, we all prayed a decade of the Rosary together. Then came the cupcakes!


Sunday, August 16, 2009

Proud Wife

Two years ago, Lance was waiting out his non-compete clause. He had been off work for almost the entire summer and was more than ready to work at 1560 The Game. He'd be paired with his former cohost and able to work with some of his best friends who had moved across the country to work at 1560. The results have been great and I am so proud of the chance he took in accepting a position at 1560. The following article came out this past weekend. I'll be at the Mug awards alongside the best sports host in town. Congratulations Lance, and the rest of the crew at 1560. You make me proud to be part of this team. Double Rods.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6573601.html

Friday, August 14, 2009

If I'm Cranky

Let's count the reasons I'm cranky these days...could it be the surly teenager in my house? Could it be the fact that I have to send my five year to school for almost eight hours a day and I don't want to? Could it be the cute but whiny two year old who constantly tells me what he doesn't want? Or could it be the one year old who has been sleeping through the night since he was 3 months, but now wakes up and can ONLY be consoled by me. If dad walks into the room, he goes into high gear and starts screaming, hitting and kicking until I come rescue him. Cute? I don't think so. He is on the fast track to last on the list in this household. Right now, he is holding me hostage when I should be at the bookstore having a coffee with my husband. Every other child is cooperating with my plan, why can't he???

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Super Saints- Saint Lawrence

Super Saints met early this week to discuss St. Lawrence. The kids were way more interested in playing today, but they still managed to color a picture, make holy cards and help with making sack lunches for people in need. Saint Lawrence cared for the sick, poor and abandoned. In an effort to show the children how they can help people, we made a sack lunch to deliver to the homeless that we encounter all too often on the streets of Houston. Each child was able to help in some way, whether dropping chips into a bag or making a sandwich. Each family took a couple of bags to deliver. Hopefully, the children will learn how important it is to help everyone and to treat them with respect.


Saint Lawrence, pray for us and those in need. Help us to be loving and see Christ in everyone we meet. Never let us look at someone with disdain due to their state in life. Help us instead to be loving and caring to everyone.

Super Saints- Saint John Vianney

Last Friday, Super Saints had another successful week. We discussed Saint John Vianney and the importance of priests. The kids had a beautiful coloring page to complete that some of the parents wanted to do on their own. The kids also made holy cards and thank you cards for our parish priests.
We hear a lot these days about a shortage of vocations and it makes me sad to think that some areas don't have a regular priest and that things will only get worse and that those of us in larger cities will soon feel the effects of this shortage. What can we do? Pray for vocations and talk about vocations with our kids. We all want our kids to be successful, but too often successful means one thing: financial security. We should also want our children to seek God's will in all they do. I hear tons of people say they want their sons to be fathers and not priests. I understand this, but most of all I want God in the lives of my children. I want them to seek His will, not my will. So if they are called to the priesthood or marriage, doctor, lawyer, etc. I only want them to seek God's will first.

Squirt has already told me that he asked God if He wanted him to be a priest and God said no. I am so proud that he even asked.

All my boys love our parish priest, Father Troy Gately. I think a relationship with your priest is vital for encouraging children to be open to a vocation. Father Troy has been there for our marriage, baptisms, confessions, celebrations of First Holy Communion not to mention just being a good priest. I am so thankful for him and hope he is there to celebrate the rest of our sacraments whether they are weddings or ordinations.

Saint John Vianney pray for us and all parish priests. Help us to encourage vocations in our families and support our priests.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

UGH

For some reason I can't seem to get my daybook post to space properly. It is driving me crazy, but I don't know how to fix it. Sorry.

Daybook- The Countdown Begins

Outside My Window~ Sunny and humid, trying to keep my plants alive in this heat.

I am listening to~Baby Hulk and Goose fussing at each other. They are driving their scooters in the house because it is too hot outside. I can't believe I am letting them drive in the house.

To Live the Liturgy~Super Saints this week- We are focusing on St. Lawrence and making food for the needy. We had a great time last week and everyone was happy to be together again.

To Be Fit and Happy~ I have decided I need to change up my workout routines. I need something different with my cardio. I am not a huge fan of change, but I don't feel like my workouts are doing anything for me. Same thing this week.

I am thankful for~ my family. I love them so much!

From the kitchen~ Lance is making me a special meal tomorrow and tonight we're having bread and four kinds of cheese we bought today.

I am wearing~a blue and white skirt with a blue shirt and my diamond L pendant with white shoes! I bought two pairs of white shoes this summer, and Lance hates them both. He keeps reminding me that Labor Day is coming.

I am thinking~ of my grandmother that passed away last December. Today is her birthday. She would have been 99 years old. I love hearing the boys talk about Bisa and how she is in heaven.

From the learning rooms~ just some reading and the regular learning that comes from living.

I am praying~ for my friend Stacy's father who had a triple by-pass this morning.

On keeping home~ I want to always make sure the house is truly a home and that we are always loving and making good memories here. I've got the cleaning thing down, I need to focus on the other a bit. I think this is my goal for life.

One of my favorite things~ food and eating...HEB just opened a new store called Buffalo Market. It's a cross between Central Market and a regular HEB. This place is so crowded right now that there are traffic cops all day long. The parking lot was a nightmare, but it was so worth it.
A Few Plans for the week~ Yesterday I took Squirt and Chelsea to see the Terra Cotta warriors. I also bought my coffee table book while there, on sale!!! I am taking all the boys to see the trains on display from Disney's A Christmas Carol today. We have Super Saints tomorrow and then we'll relax the rest of the week. I have to buy school supplies, but I think I am avoiding that because I don't want school to start.
A picture thought I am sharing~ the boys were so patient on Sunday while we went furniture shopping. Thank goodness for these taxi cabs!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Put In My Place

I have been talking to Goose about confession lately because we have been talking about St. John Vianney, a priest who spent hours listening to confessions. I was trying to explain how important it is to tell God you are sorry for your sins. Goose said he understood and asked if I told God I was sorry for yelling at him (Goose). I assured him that I do, and he asked "every time?"

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

People Who Clap During Movies

I love movies. Every year, Lance and I fly to Chicago for an Oscar party. Now that we a lot of kids, I end up power watching all the Oscar contenders over a two week period. You can safely assume that I watch a lot of movies and I can promise you that there has never been a movie that I have been so moved by that I was inspired to clap at the end of the movie much less during the movie. I hate clapping at the movies so much that it can ruin the entire experience for me.

Tonight, Lance and I had tickets for a preview showing of Julie and Julia. A timely movie for us considering Lance's new venture. The movie was fine, Meryl Streep was fabulous as always. It amazes me just how great an actor she is. The only complaint I have was the audience. They laughed at everything. Julia Child had a great sex life with her husband, let's all roar with laughter and clap our hands. You can imagine what this crowd would have been like watching Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally.

Netflix, I love you.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

My Daybook- August 4, 2009

Outside My Window~ Sunny and Humid. It is just so muggy. I don't want to complain, but it is really miserable again.

I am listening to~Baby Hulk and Kobra yell back and forth at each other. I love this. It's as if Mason completely understands what Kobra is saying.

To Live the Liturgy~Super Saints this Friday. We have had to cancel the past two meetings due to a bout of pink eye in our house. Everyone is healthy this week, so we are having our friends over. Today is the feast day of St. John Vianney. Squirt and I are going to our church to see a production of his life. We'll focus on SJV in Super Saints as well, making cards for our priests telling them how much we appreciate them. I've been talking a lot about confession with Goose. He is really intrigued by the sacrament.

To Be Fit and Happy~ I have decided I need to change up my workout routines. I need something different with my cardio. I am not a huge fan of change, but I don't feel like my workouts are doing anything for me.

I am thankful for~ our smoker and Pete's Fine Meats. Michael, who runs Pete's, is the greatest guy around. He is so helpful and provides the best meat in Houston.

From the kitchen~ Goose wants to make blueberry pie and pumpkin bread. Nobody is complaining. Maybe that is why my workouts don't seem to be doing anything right now.
I am wearing~a blue skirt and white shirt and my new diamond L pendant!

I am thinking~ that I never want to send my kids to school. EVER

From the learning rooms~ We continue reading Magic Tree House books which is a great way to work in some geography. I guess I need to slow down a little if Goose is about to go from 1 1/2 hours of school to 7 1/2 hours of school soon. He won't know what hit him.

I am praying~ for patience, more on that later.

On keeping home~ I want to always make sure the house is truly a home and that we are always loving and making good memories here. I've got the cleaning thing down, I need to focus on the other a bit.

One of my favorite things~ grandparents that live in town.

A picture thought I am sharing~everyone knows I make my oldest two kids dustbust after they eat. Now Baby Hulk wants in on the action.

Monday, August 3, 2009

My Birthday Dinner

The best part about my birthday is that it never seems to end. This past weekend, I celebrated my birthday with Cindy, Terese and Carter at Mia Bella. The food was spectacular. And the company even better. I have no idea what we talked about except my oldest son, see entry below, but we had a great time. At one point Cindy thought it was already 10:30, but then realized it was only 9:30. We still didn't leave until 11:15. We can talk for hours and hours inside a restaurant and then talk for another thirty minutes in the parking lot.

Thanks for a great birthday dinner, guys! I love you all!

I do remember something we decided...I am going to South America and Terese is taking care of the kids!

Ice-Age vs. G-Force

Should there really be a difference to a fourteen year old about which of these movies to see? I don't think so, but MY fourteen year old threw the biggest fit because we picked G-force instead of Ice-Age for our family movie this past weekend. I mean, really, what fourteen year old cares about either of these movies? They are both PG and both received below average ratings, not that ratings had anything to do with his aversion to seeing G-Force. So Squirt doesn't look as ridiculous as I thought he was acting, I will say that he is dying to see Ice-Age because he has seen the other two Ice-Age movies, and he wanted to see this third one. Good reason, just go another day. The little kids had already seen Ice-Age, and I wasn't about to pay movie ticket prices for a movie they had already seen.

My oldest was so upset about this and threw such a fit that he is now without his cell phone, laptop, iron gym, guitar and camera. We had had such a good week, being super patient and enjoyable all around, but when he couldn't suck it up for the two hours total it would take to go to and from the movies and then said the following, "I am fourteen, I should be able to see what I want", well, the week didn't end well.

I was just so disappointed in his behavior, the pouting, the back talk...I'm also disappointed in the grown-ups behavior as well.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

The Food Wars

Last night, Lance made pork chops and rice for dinner. Everyone was happy except Goose who doesn't like rice. Because you know, he has had so much rice in his five years of life. As in he has NEVER had any rice since I stopped feeding him rice cereal. Lance made him put one bite of rice in his mouth because we have a rule that you have to try everything on your plate. (Such mean, unreasonable parents.) Goose proceeded to cry and leave the rice in his mouth for more than ten minutes. Frustrated, pissed, and furious, I finally sent him to bed vowing that he would eat the rice for breakfast. Has anyone else used this move before?

I was calm for nine of the ten minutes last night, then finally lost it on minute ten. I really don't mind if Goose eats peanut butter and jelly every day for lunch, but he has to eat what we make for dinner. We went through this same thing earlier this week when I tried to hide broccoli in his spaghetti sauce. He finally ate his food that night after everyone else was done and liked it. I reminded him of that experience during his fit last night, but nothing worked.

This morning, he had rice and pork chops for breakfast and loved it. No fussing at all.