1560 Oscar Party

Lance and I had a blast meeting friends of 1560 at the Tasting Room last night. The station hosted an Oscar Party for six couples. The food was good, the company even better and the show, well, the company was awesome.













Double Rods

Valentine's Day

The start of my day...Eggs in the shape of a heart.

And the end of my day.

Despite the CBs below, our day was nice. Squirt's nasal surgery went well, supposedly we're/he's fine, but we will see in about two years. Lance surprised me with breakfast in bed. I stopped by Pete's for filet for dinner. Glad to celebrate US. Thanks, Hallmark.

Pissed because they were kicked out of the dining room.

Worthless Wednesday

This morning I woke up to a sleeping baby! She was so sound and peaceful, and I realized she hadn't had her 5 am feeding. I was ready to celebrate because this would mean that we were on our way towards getting some sleep. Then I looked for her bottle and it was nowhere to be found. I prayed I had just forgotten to get it out of the fridge at 3ish, but knew my prayers wouldn't work in this case. Nope, Lance had fed her. It was so nice to have that extra sleep, but at the same time a cruel joke for me to think we would soon return to a normal life.

I dropped Squirt off for his monthly orthodontist appointment. I love this place, I can drop him off and they take him to school. I'm not forced to subject my kids to other patients at 8 in the morning, I don't miss my workout and they give Squirt a ride to his school. It's a perfect arrangement except when they screw up his appointment. Turns out he needs an appointment when nobody else is in the office? I know, this sounds super freaking creepy, so he missed class this morning for nothing and has to return. But this time, I get to go as well because there is no way I can leave him all alone in the office. Supposedly, the ortho doesn't like to be distracted for whatever procedure they are doing this month, but I am positive my little ones will be more distracting than his other patients ever would have been today.

Another day of freezing weather means another missed swim lesson. This time, the swim coach called early to confirm I wasn't bringing Goose to his afternoon lesson so he didn't have to go to work and wait on us. Technically, they weren't closing the place until right after Goose's lesson so I'm screwed again. Drives me insane to waste this money.

Since I had extra time after school today, I bathed the kids at 4:30 thinking I'd have them in bed by 7. They went to bed at 8:30.

And last, Lance dressed up for me today, but changed before I got home. What was the point?

I Don't Date My Patients

The nominations for the Oscars were announced Tuesday morning, and I can rest easy knowing that nobody as bad as Sandra Bullock will win an Oscar this year. It still drives me crazy knowing that she won last year. And while I'm sure she's nice, and I admit to liking her in Crash and While You Were Sleeping, she so didn't deserve an Oscar for that POS she did last year. It was almost as bad as Julia Roberts beating Ellen Burstyn years ago.

For whatever reason we STILL haven't made it to The King's Speech. I'm going to assume I'll love it and Colin Firth, and so I can safely say that my biggest problem is that Ryan Gosling wasn't nominated. He is so damn good.

Baby Z is six weeks today which meant two things for me. First, I got to see my OB on Wednesday, and second, I am back in business at the gym. I honestly don't know which one I was looking forward to more. With such high hopes for both, there had to be some disappointment and there was. On Wednesday, despite being so excited to see me, my doctor didn't take the bait when I said we should make plans to get together. I know, it was a bold move on my part, but she sounded a bit sad when she stated how we won't see each other for another year. Dinner plans only made sense to me. She even bought Baby Z a gift. How many babies do I need to have before I strike a real friendship here???

Then there was the gym, I went back today ready for Body Pump. I got sidetracked visiting Lance at Nick's Place so I decided I would catch a later class. Only they cancelled the class. Then as I was reactivating my membership, I got charged 12 bucks to cover the rest of the month. Four freaking days! Now I am annoyed that I didn't just go on Monday. Although they probably would have charged me for one day. Regardless, I managed 3.5 miles before quitting. Not bad after six weeks off, I think.

And while I have been really missing Chelsea lately, especially since she has been a baking queen, I guess it's a good thing she doesn't live close by while I'm trying to shed the rest of this baby weight. Let those 20 year old co-eds gain the weight. But for my birthday, I want something really good.

It would appear that Lance and I will be making a visit to Goose's school next week. It seems some classmate is picking on him. To be honest, I'm not a fan of this kid, he is THE KID everyone wants to be friends with and is already a jerk, if you can call a 6 year old a jerk. And I can since that kid is picking on my kid. I am hoping that Lance can take care of this before I have to go Nicki Grant on the kid.

I managed to survive Lance's trip without getting in a bad mood or yelling at the kids. Even when I got upset, I held it together. Now to behave like that all the time...I am very happy he's home though and can't wait to see what he does to thank me for letting him go out of town so soon after Baby Z was born.

Happy Birthday, Baby

There wouldn't "Life in the Men's Room" without the head of this household. And today, January 21, we celebrate the man that made it possible for me. Happy Birthday, Baby! I wish I had something as awesome as last year, minus me stumbling drunk, planned for you, but I don't. I'm sick, getting worse by the minute, and tired. The sick will pass and so will the tired, soon I hope. And while we still won't party like rock stars, for which I am sure you are grateful, I promise a great celebration. Until then, I offer you my love, my devotion, a three day trip to the Senior Bowl, a clean house and gaggle of kids. You are the love of my life, and I am so grateful you were born today.

If you aren't feeling much love though, take a look back and remember how sweet I was when I gave you 40 reasons. Then remember you are leaving me with FIVE kids while you go watch football.

Married to the Best

As if I didn't already know this...Congratulations to my talented, amazing husband. You are most definitely the best! I love you. Wish I could give you something besides a congrats and a gaggle of kids. Would a nice date work?

A Proposal

The Baby Hulk proposed to me yesterday. Even Goose hasn't done that. He made my heart melt.

After telling Lance the story this morning, he started asking the Baby Hulk who was prettier: mom or the Barefoot Contessa, mom or Rachel Ray. The real test came when he said mom or Giada. His answer: I'm not going to tell you. I guess I am happy that BH is smart enough to remain silent and that I am at least prettier than the other two. Lance's actions show that he is still jealous over Goose's overwhelming love for me though.

The Name Game

The biggest question since last week is now "have you thought of any names". The answer is no. First, Lance hates this game more than any other what-if type of game. The bargaining I have to do to get him to play is out of control! Someone yesterday told me the baby would be here before I knew it. Maybe so, but we won't be playing that game until probably November. And here is the thing, we won't be telling anyone our thoughts on the name anyway. Sure, there are about two friends I might tell, but usually, I just give names I know we won't use if really pressed. I am sure most can guess how I feel about people's opinions on a potential name for my baby. Right, I don't care. And mainly, I have no desire to hear a negative opinion about a name I like. Generally, if you wait to announce a name at the baby's birth even the rudest people keep their mouths shut. I can say that Mary Helena is out. I so want to name a baby after the Virgin Mary and St. Helena is one of my favorite saints. Lance just laughed and said no. So mom, when you don't have a baby named after you, it's Lance's fault! He says being named after the Virgin Mary is too much pressure. Whatever, but he does get to choose too, I suppose.

Better and Better

I started celebrating my birthday today,and it was perfect. First, I went to lunch with Marivi. We never go to lunch without our children so today was a huge treat for us. I love having the kids around, but it was so nice to be able to sit and talk without interruption. Marivi gave me a beautiful memory book highlighting our friendship over the past twenty years. I always thought my hair got frizzy after having kids. After looking at some of the pictures, it appears I've always had this problem. I also got some awesome Snoopy stuff, which makes me smile every time I look at it. And then there is the cake. She made a perfect birthday cake for me. I can't say there is much left of it!

Chelsea came over this afternoon bearing sunflowers for me! The family went to Sushi, where the boys mostly behaved. It was fun visiting and discussing her current dating situation. It's pretty cute watching the boys with her and Kobra actually told her he loved her and gave her a hug.

And lastly, my mother's day painting from Lance arrived in the mail today. It is a beautiful piece of art with tons of symbolism. I love it and am amazed that my husband had someone create a piece of art just for me. The artist took the time to get to know who I am and then created this piece. Thank you, baby for my gift. You are the best, Lance.

Love Note

I was finally able to scan some pictures from our wedding to share. I don't really feel old, but then I realize that my wedding pictures have to be scanned because the photographer used actual film and well, I feel slightly dated. This week was supposed to be the perfect week and has turned out less than that. We have Goose's eye problem, Squirt's nose acting up more than usual and crappy weather. But this is what life is all about. It's not always movies, massages and romantic dinners. Not when you have a family. And there is nothing I would rather have than my family. The family I have because I married a guy named Lance. A guy I heard on the radio and decided I needed to meet. The guy who sent me an email the night we met and has been with me since then.

Was it love at first sight? No, I just thought he was hot and funny and different from what I had had. Someone worth taking a chance on, a chance to look forward and not back. Life isn't always easy for us, but there is no one else I would rather share life's joys and frustrations with than Lance. I never thought any guy could measure up to what I wanted. I remember somebody telling me to pray that my St. Joseph would come my way. I prayed and waited. And waited and waited. Then prayed some more. He was so worth the wait. I guess after a week like this, which wasn't terribly bad just not what we expected and extremely worrisome with Goose, at the end of the day, I am happy to fall into bed with you, Lance. Thank you for being my St. Joseph, thank you for my children, thank you for still missing our lost ones and grieving when I can't do it and thank you for the love and care you give me. I love you so very much.

Houstonian Pictures

The reception staff heard about Goose's eye problem (and our extra guest) and sent him some cookies!

We always return to the Houstonian to have the same meal we served at our reception. Really, it was good that Goose was along for the hotel stay so he could capture this picture of us in the ballroom!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the best man I know. It is a privilege raising these kids with you. Most of the time. Others I'd just like to sell them. Lance, I say it all the time, you are truly the best person I know. The fact that you are an amazing father makes me love you even more. You are the leader of this family no matter how hard it is for me to accept at times, the wise one, the forgiving one, the loving one and the silly one. Thank you for all you do for us.

St. Joseph continue to intercede for my husband and my family and for all fathers!

Trophy Husband

Today my baby brought home the MVP trophy from the Rockets Houston Media Classic. 1560 has won four years in a row! This year was even better because Lance and Johnny Harris have worked so hard to be in shape for this game. Not only does my baby look super sexy to me, he feels great and is able to play like a teenager again. Okay, maybe not like a teenager as he actually had to stretch and tape up before the game, but he did manage to snag that trophy today! Congrats to my husband and to 1560 for killing the competition. Again. Double Rods!

Lofty Goals

A friend invited my family over for the weekend, and Lance is already stressed about it. He is worried about the kids in someone else's house. Keep in mind, my kids are really neat. Goose is the one who walked into somebody's house and said he couldn't play because it was too messy. All of my kids pick up after themselves. Are they perfect, far from it, but I'm not that worried about the boys messing up someone's house.

I feel like I have created this monster that is so stressed about things being out of place and people coming over and messing up our house. It's fine when I was the one who hated people coming over, but now it's Lance too. I finally told him that I wanted to start living. The people who we are staying with are as neat and clean as me. They have social gatherings ALL. THE. TIME. Now I'm not going to start having people over all the time, but I do want to start living and not worry if something breaks or if the house gets messy. I can always pick it up.

So yesterday at Super Saints, there was a little boy who was running around without his diaper. And he peed on the carpet in the playroom. And guess what? The mom didn't care. She knows I'm a stress case about kids running around my house, but she wasn't going to get stressed because shit happens.

Lance wanted to know if I was still sure about my new stance on living.

I Did It Again

Last week a friend from the swim club told me about this book. It's basically about being intimate with your husband, why you should and the benefits to you and your spouse. I told Lance about it and he was all, "ORDER IT IMMEDIATELY". With four kids that we lovingly refer to as cock blocks, we're searching for any ideas to keep up our energy and not just pass out the first free second we have. So I ordered the book tonight. Anything for my hubby, right? Except I also ordered seven other books for the kids' library. My 15 dollar purchase just turned into a 92 dollar purchase. I am so dead. This book better be ALL that.

The Kind of Parent

Should I feel bad that I just lied to my three year old about losing the coconut M&M's? I don't. Didn't he see the package Stacy sent was addressed to ME?

Me hiding candy from my kids for selfish reasons as opposed to "it's bad for you" reasons should come as no surprise. Lance and I routinely buy food, especially desserts and take it to our room and eat by ourselves.

Something tells me I am not getting anything on Sunday from my kiddos. And that is fine, my kick ass husband has asked an artist to create a piece just for me based on my past year. I hope it's not all black!

OMG!!!

Really, this post should be another Note To Self because I know better.

Paul is in town because one of our high school friends is turning 40. The party was family friendly so I planned on everyone attending. Then the Baby Hulk got sick. He started puking Tuesday night and has puked once a day since then. And yes, we have been going slow on gatorade and dry toast. Lance left the show early yesterday because he felt bad. By the time I left to get Paul at the airport last night, he had puked his guts out. Lance was pretty bummed because I quarantined him to the bedroom with the Hulk and he wouldn't be able to go to the party with us. You know, the surprise party which was the purpose of this short trip for Paul.

Kobra showed a small sign this morning that he might have caught the virus, but I shrugged it off. Maybe not shrugged it off, I did ask Paul if we should leave him home. We decided that he was fine. After driving forty-five minutes and with two minutes to go, Kobra puked all over himself and the carseat. There we were in the driveway cleaning him off, hoping the birthday girl didn't arrive.

I left Paul and Goose at the party and made the trek back into the city while Kobra continued to puke. I got home, Lance took him and washed him off while I attempted to clean the carseat. What fun. Did I mention that it's humid in Houston now? Finally, things were settled at home and I drove back out to the party. Although Lance and Baby Hulk were both feeling better, I felt so bad leaving three sick boys behind. But I had to pick up Paul. Thankfully, the baby slept while we were gone. After sitting in traffic, which made my trip more than an hour, I finally got there and was ready to enjoy myself. I figured I'd visit for a bit, then we'd come home and get ready for our dinner.

Five minutes before we were leaving, Goose told me he didn't feel well. He then proceeded to puke all over me, the leather couch, and oriental rug. It was nonstop vomit. In order to save the beautiful furniture, I tried to "catch" it all in my dress. (I have three dresses from Nordstroms, this was one of them.) There was literally a pool of vomit in my dress. It was so bad, I had to take a shower at the party. As did Goose.

Here is the deal. I barely know the people who hosted the party, as in I just met the wife for the first time today. The husband is the brother of the birthday girl, a high school friend I haven't seen in fifteen years! It was "you're Nikki, right?" These two were so gracious to me and my Goose. I felt so bad for Goose, of course, but I was horrified at the thought of their house being contaminated by our virus and their stuff ruined.

After our shower, our hostess gave us some clothes to wear. Goose couldn't comprehend wearing clothes that were too big and asked for a different pair of shorts. I am not lying. The nerve of that kid, right?

I'm home now and everyone is clean (for the time being). I am trying to spray and wipe down everything again, hoping that I'll get my turn with the virus tomorrow as opposed to during the week and praying oh so hard that Paul doesn't catch our virus and take it with him to Chicago.

You think these people want their clothes back? I am guessing they never want to see or hear from us again!

House and Kids All in One Piece

I made it home from my weekend away from the family. It's the first time I have ever left home without someone tagging along. A friend from law school was in Austin for a conference so I drove up to see her. She laughed all weekend because of how many calls I made and received. By noon today, I had been on the phone three times despite having a two hour massage in that time frame.

What is funny is that I wasn't always like that. I remember thinking that I would always need to travel alone or have girls' weekends, but then I met Lance. And then I had kids. And despite how much they can drive me up the wall, I hate being away from them. Lance and I travel together twice a year, and I am finally getting somewhat comfortable being away from the kids, but it has taken several years. I don't see myself getting used to being away from all of them. Plus, everyone knows that I don't fly anywhere without Lance. That means any girls weekend has to be within driving distance for me.

The kids had a blast with daddy...milkshakes, bouncy castles, late bedtimes and probably more television than mommy allows. The baby didn't even come running when I came home today.

Thank you my dear husband for a couple of free days. I know this was the worst weekend I could have left. The draft and all...but you handled it. I love you!

The Power of Suggestion

My husband, the natural born leader...last week at mass, Father used an exceptionally long Eucharistic prayer during the Consecration. So long that Lance stood up thinking it was over. There was still about four more minutes of kneeling left. Over half the church followed him and stood up. (He kept asking why I wasn't standing, and I kept mouthing "because we're supposed to be kneeling".) The thing is we sit on the third to last row, center aisle, at the edge for an easy escape route in case Kobra acts fussy. It is amazing how he had half the church standing from that seat. I noticed that this week, Father recited the shortest Eucharistic prayer he could find.

The Old 97's

Our prom pose

I realize the top pictures are essentially the same picture, but I couldn't decide which picture I liked the best. So you're stuck looking at two pictures of me and my Baby. I call Kobra the baby, but Lance is my first Baby. Always!

The Old 97's concert did not disappoint. I loved the venue, and the band was awesome. Period. We even sat with Denise and Wally, longtime fans of my hubby's show. Denise brags about her sons and grandson as much as I do, so we got along really well! I can only say that when we have another kid, Rhett is on the short list for names. I don't think we're having another kid, but just in case, we are covered with another boy name. My only complaint of the night was that they didn't play my favorite song.

Denise and Wally

For You, Chel!