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!

The Best Laid Plans

Things don't always work out the way we plan. I know this about life, but still get disappointed when things don't go the way I want. Today is my wedding anniversary. The day I committed myself to the man I love. Forever. We spent a few days at the Houstonian, the hotel where our wedding reception was held. We had appointments for an afternoon at the spa at 1:30 today. The babysitter arrived at 12:30 so we wouldn't be late. Afterwards we were going to the Faberge exhibit, then to Little Bigs for a quick dinner.

It didn't matter. Goose's eye has not improved in five days despite being on medicine since Sunday night. I talked to the pediatrician who informed me that he had been prescribed the wrong dose of medicine so we needed to up the amount. BUT he still wanted Goose to see an opthamologist immediately. At the same time, my mom was trying to get out of the house. She didn't get very far because it seemed like her battery was dead. We charged it, but then it just completely stopped before she got anywhere. Bye-bye spa, Hello waiting room, hello drive out to Kingwood to get mom to her side of town.

I was just commenting on spending time alone with each child and how great that is. I think Goose's special time is up after the past few days. I'm kidding, sort of. The only free time we had from Goose was at our anniversary dinner last night. He agreed to stay home as long as we picked him up afterwards.

In the end we can always reschedule our day at the spa. We had to make sure there weren't any problems developing with Goose's vision. With kids plans change all the time. At least Lance and I spent the day together even if it was at the doctor's office. In sickness and in health, right.

Prayer Request

Goose has an eye infection that doesn't seem to be getting any better. He is very uncomfortable and has already made a trip to the ER on Sunday due to this. He is very upset by his appearance and it breaks my heart. He wears sunglasses all day and won't look at himself in the mirror. He has managed to tag along at our Houstonian getaway. Not too much of a CB! Please keep him your prayers for a speedy recovery. Thank you!

Daybook~ Happy Anniversary

For Today...June 27, 2010

Outside my window...it's summer, and we are enjoying every minute. It is so very hot and humid in Houston right now, but I love being able to spend time with all the kids. And the kids love being outside despite the weather. Which means I am spending a lot of time outside!

I am listening to...Everclear.

I am wearing...green shorts and a blue shirt with flip flops.

I am wondering...why all Catholics don't go to church on a regular basis. I know it sounds judgemental, but it drives me crazy. And makes me sad. It makes me wonder how many people are just Cultural Catholics and those that try to practice their faith. Like me, who now needs to get to confession for being a judgemental witch.

From the kitchen...I'm doing pretty good on getting real meals on the table. We are happy about that around here. I also made a blueberry coffee cake last week. So good and so easy. It was gone in a day.

On keeping home...it's time for a deep clean. I've been putting it off, but no more. Wednesday is the day.

To be fit and happy...I have a sick kid, which means I am not working out this week.

I am thankful for...my mom and dad who are making the next days at the Houstonian possible for me and Lance to celebrate our anniversary. Thank you so much guys!!!

I am praying for...my little boy who has a massive eye infection. We're not sure what it is, but it is not getting better. We're off to the ER soon to get some answers, I hope.

To live the liturgy...We had Super Saints last week and had a blast. We saw some old friends and the boys talked about Jesus' unending love for them all week. I am noticing that Goose is so interested in the Eucharist now. I am trying so hard to say the right things about this so he doesn't wake up one day and say, "I never knew that", like I did.

From the learning rooms...still looking for that Globe pen. I have even offered a money reward, but so far nothing. My mom bought Goose the globe a couple of Christmases ago and was iffy about it. This has turned out to be a great gift for the entire family. We're still reading and exploring ideas we find in our stories. Last week, we learned about the Unicorn Tapestries in a Magic Tree House book, then looked them up online. We found out where they were made and where they now hang. Goose is anxious to see them in person. Maybe in a few years.

One of my favorite things...spending alone time with each boy. They so deserve time alone, which isn't always easy.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• a quick (hopefully) trip to the ER
• the Houstonian to celebrate our anniversary for a few days
• spa day on my anniversary and Faberge exhibit at the museum
• lunch
• Austin for the 4th, assuming I have healthy kids

No pictures to share just yet...will have lots of wedding pictures on my anniversary!

Party Time

It's Saturday which means there is birthday party for the kids. I'm a fan of weekday birthday parties. This works for us because we have some summer birthdays. It cuts back on the amount of people that come to the party and most important, husbands don't have to go. Let's be real, NO HUSBAND wants to attend a children's birthday party. Maybe their own kid, but it stops there. During football season, I don't want to go to birthday parties either. I will never understand the dads at parties while their favorite college team is playing. Moms don't need dads with them, it's just something they bitch about until the dads agree to tag along.

Today was going to be different. ALL the kids are going to the party because it's a swim party and there is a bouncy castle. There is no way I can watch all the kids with that much going on today. I figured I was safe asking Lance to come since it's summertime, and I have never asked him before now. WRONG. The USA plays at 1:00 today. Guess who is going to the party alone? I understand, but since I don't like soccer, today's game doesn't matter to me. I know, I must the be the only person who doesn't care about soccer right now. Lance even compared his desire to see the USA play to me watching TX-OU. Right. He can watch the game, but I'm not buying that comparison. It's not like he keeps up with soccer except every two years.

Ring, Ring, Ring

Banana Phone

An Inspired Meal

Last week, I went to see my doctor who I dearly love and would drop any of my friends to be her BFF. I think most women who have babies fall in love with their doctors. Clearly, I am no exception and seem to have fallen harder due to all the time I have spent with her. In fact, Lance is always telling me that I can't keep having kids just to become friends with her. I've tried it, four kids, five miscarriages and she has yet to invite me over to her place. Well, there was that one time two years ago that while 8 months pregnant I picked up bamboo at her house so I could have the kids make a fort with it. It was her suggestion that I use it for the boys, and I was all, "where do you live" as if I didn't already know from previous stalking. Her house is lovely, not that I was invited inside.

I feel like we have this connection, but maybe that comes from having someone looking at your most private part that isn't your spouse. So, the point of this besides making me sound like a freak who is in love with her doctor is I was talking to my doctor and asking about her daughter who is home from college. She proceeds to tell me that despite her busy schedule like leaving for work at 6 in the morning and being head of this and that in the hospital, she cooks at least three days during the week, plus the weekends. Like real meals. Fancy meals. She told me some of her menus and how much her daughter has missed her cooking while away at school. I was completely impressed and used this opportunity to invite myself over for dinner. She says anytime, but what does that mean? Am I getting a real invite soon? Maybe if I have another baby she will bring me a meal? Now, that's an idea!

Okay, so the real point of this post was that I was so inspired by her cooking that I actually made a real meal tonight. Chicken piccata, roasted potatoes and broccoli. I think my family could get used to me cooking again.

Music Time

I love living in Houston because there are so many opportunities to expose the kids to the arts. For the past two days, the children and I have enjoyed performances at Miller Outdoor Theater. Yesterday, young children from throughout the city performed on various instruments. There was one girl who was six years old playing the violin. Goose could not get over the fact that someone his age was playing the violin. Today we saw the symphony. The boys picked out the various instruments and recognized some of the more popular classical songs.

I really like exposing the boys to classical music, opera, plays, musicals and art. Do I think they are going to love all of it? Probably not, but they can sit through at least forty-five minutes of an hour performance without fidgeting too much and can talk about the music afterwards with me. I would love for one of the boys to really get into classical music and especially opera because my best friend has a library of music that would make most jealous. One of my kids has to inherit this one day!

So far this summer we've seen a musical and an opera, in addition to the last two days of music. Goose liked the opera a "little-lot", which probably means not at all, but that is okay. I am just happy that he is exposed to things like this at an early age. So despite the unbearable heat, we will continue to flock to this wonderful outdoor and free theater the rest of the summer.

Weekend Review

This weekend was fabulous. After a long week during which I barely saw Lance, I decided we needed a night to ourselves. We fed the kids a real meal, (not frozen chicken or mac-n-cheese), and put them to bed. (Not Squirt!) We waited thirty minutes for the young ones to fall asleep then took off for our date. We decided on Bistro Don Camillo since it was close to home and they had recently been on Southbound Food. The food didn't disappoint. We even saw someone there who went after hearing about it on Southbound Food. It was so nice to just sit and relax with my hubby especially since I knew he would be gone for half of the next day.

I was so excited to make it to my Bodystep class on Saturday. I LOVE this class and have missed it so much since the instructor started working a new job during the week. She wants me to come in at 6 in the morning to workout with her, but I'm not sure I have it in me to do that and still deal with the kids ALL. DAY. LONG.

We went to our friends Clint and Shea's 40th birthday party Saturday night. I met Clint and Shea through Lance, and I love that I've managed to become friends with them on my own too. I think they feel the same way. We don't see them nearly as much as we should, but we have managed to catch a few dinners over the past six months and I'm hoping we continue this trend. I really like that they want to hang out with us, and not us and our kids! The party was fabulous with incredible food. Shea's mom is an amazing cook and is always willing to give out recipes, too bad my stuff doesn't come out quite the same!

We had a quiet Father's Day: got up, went to Mass (amazing sermon), then saw this fellow walking through the neighborhood leaving Mass. Can you believe it? The lady we talked to says there is also a male that runs around with this chick!

We spent the afternoon with my dad and brother, my other two favorite dads. The grilling was awesome as usual, and the kids came home exhausted. My dad even shared the special dessert I made for him. He still has a third left for himself, but I know he was watching us to make sure we didn't eat too much.

My highlight of the weekend...My Goose learned how to ride a bike. A girl bike, a midget bike, but nonetheless, A TWO WHEELER! I am so excited for him. He was so proud of himself and so were his brothers.

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!

Fruitables= BAD

Goose and the Baby Hulk have been asking for an orange burst all day. I finally told them if they had a fruitable, (juice box that contains a serving of veggies), they could have one. Goose took one sip and said he would rather have a bowl of broccoli. The Baby Hulk gulped his down, but still got stuck with some broccoli for his afternoon snack.

Solution?

After Lance found me like this earlier, he had a talk with Baby Hulk and Goose about last night. Goose was very clear: he wants to sleep with me and plans to continue to do so. Unable to deal with a wife who wants to sleep all day and is cranky, he told the boys they must sleep in their own beds. Since it was mom they wanted, we thought pictures might help them feel like I'm right next to them. Hopefully, this solution will last.

Mom's Company

Last night, I woke up to find Goose snuggled in bed with me. Actually, I didn't really notice because he is smart enough not to make any noise when he comes to my room. If he doesn't wake me up, I can't send him back to his room. Gifted, this child. The Baby Hulk isn't quite as smooth. He came to my room to find Goose already next to me. And started crying. Loudly. If Goose had seen this scenario, he would have pushed the offending child out of the way or gone to the other side of me. Not Baby Hulk. Finally, I told him just to snuggle on top of me, but then realized how dumb that was. So off I went to the lower bunk bed to help the Baby Hulk fall back asleep and not wake up a third child. (Actually, a third was already awake feeling like he was going to puke.) I had not been in the little boys' room very long when I heard the thump thump of foot steps and someone climbing up the ladder. Then I heard more movement going back down the ladder. Finally, Goose asked if I could sleep with him in his bed. Turns out he left MY room in search of me so we could still sleep together. After getting Baby Hulk back to sleep, (no easy task as he is a talker once he wakes up), I got Goose to sleep and returned to my room. The only problem, the person I was supposed to be sleeping with had already left for his show. Sigh.

Moody Gardens

I took the boys to Moody Gardens today. BY MYSELF. Okay, it wasn't that big of a deal, but I can say that I won't be doing a short beach vacation by myself and the boys. First, it's a little difficult trying to watch two that can swim and want to go EVERYWHERE and two others that want to just wade. Second, I hate beaches. Why do I always forget this fun fact? Last summer we took a vacation to the beach, and while I loved the company and the history we were able to see, the beach part was just so-so. I can't stand sand. So much so that I literally used ONE towel today just so that the rest of the towels I brought didn't get sandy.

Besides me being OCD about sand, I have to say that today was nearly perfect. For both me and the boys. There are days when I look back and am so sad at how I've behaved as a mother, but not today! I am so happy that despite things getting a bit hectic a couple of times and the Baby Hulk throwing a screaming fit, I held it together and it showed in how everyone behaved. I was so proud of how everyone got along and listened to me. I love days like today and it shows that I can be that mother that my boys deserve and that I so desperately want to be.

We enjoyed the Aquarium and Palm Beach, then stopped at Whataburger on the way home! A perfect ending as far as I'm concerned! The Aquarium was small, but fine. It's hard to really enjoy aquariums after seeing Shedd and the Atlanta Aquariums, but the boys had fun and actually read a lot of information about the various sea life. The beach was fun, but I must admit that within ten minutes I sent Lance a text asking when I could leave. I lasted an hour longer than I thought I would. The boys really had a great time and were so appreciative of this outing.

Not a great picture, but I thought it was kind of cool.

My two penguins

I knew I had four kids!

I think this means we had a great day!

My Daybook~ Summertime

For Today...June 13, 2010

Outside my window...it's almost dark outside. And the weather doesn't completely stink right now! It was a beautiful day, and we took advantage at the pool.

I am listening to...Baby Hulk yell for me. Soon I'll be listening to the baby crying. Clearly, BH has no interest in sleeping right now.

I am wearing...black longhorn shorts and a white t-shirt.

I am thinking...about how hard it is to take the BH and Kobra to church sometimes. I've talked about Baby Hulk and his scream cries; it happened tonight at Mass. I literally had to put him outside the door and step inside so I could listen to the readings. Most people wouldn't do that, but listening to him scream would have only made me mad. Then Kobra didn't want to sit so he started fussing. When Lance would try and bring him back to sit with us, he would yell, "NO". I am not a fan of nurseries for children because I think kids need to learn how to behave during Mass, but sometimes these two drive me crazy. Thankfully, these incidents don't normally happen at Mass.

I am wondering...what is going to happen to UT. I've been going back and forth with my brother on this, and it's stressing me out. I want to know if we're moving to the PAC 10, (so not interested in going to play in Arizona!) or the Big 10 or staying put and possibly adding a couple of new teams to the Big 12. Hopefully, this week will offer answers and soon!

From the kitchen...lots of fresh fruit. I love summer fruits, and my fridge is packed with healthy snacks right now.

To be fit and happy...I'm fit, I work out five days a week, I just don't look it. Oh well.

Around the house...I don't know how it happened, but somehow we didn't go through Squirt's folders the last day of school. We ALWAYS do this at the end of each year. This way we don't have a lot of crap and useless papers taking up space. Squirt and I carefully go over each subject and decide what to keep. He usually keeps a few more items than I would like, but we also go through "old" papers as well and he usually tosses a bunch wondering why he kept it in the first place. I am also getting rid of excess toys and clothing. Part of me wants to sell some stuff, but that really isn't me. I will be making a huge run to the donation center this week.

I am praying for...all of my babies and for a relaxed summer.

I am thankful for...my amazing hubby and his values. His motto is to always ask himself if his kids would be ashamed to see him act a certain way. He is not perfect, but I never have to worry about him doing or saying something stupid when I'm not around.

From the learning rooms...you didn't think Goose would get a break did you?! I took the Globe out today so we can check out where each team in the World Cup is on the globe. Kobra promptly took the "pen" that comes with it and we have no idea where it is. We'll do a unit on Soccer and pick a country to study. We're reading and doing some math as well. I am so excited to have my star pupil back home.

To live the liturgy...I haven't hosted Super Saints in a few weeks. To be honest, I really needed the break, but the boys have asked the past two Mondays about their club so we are on this week. (Assuming I get it together and call everyone tonight.) This month is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We got our craft from last year out, and the boys were happy to them again. We're learning about the 12 promises and discussing our favorites. We'll also focus on St Anthony of Padua and Sts. Peter and Paul, my favorites, this month. I've also been trying to start "explaining" the Eucharist to Goose. We've found two really good books that he really likes.

Kobra this week...this kid can't stop talking. He cracks me up. He is bossier than ever now that he knows his words!

One of my favorite things...old music. Since Lance was gone last night and the kids were asleep by 7 pm, I spent the night going through old CD's.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• Super Saints
• Moody Gardens in Galveston, I think
• swim lessons
• dr appt
• haircut, do I dare??
• pedicure
• lunch date
• Clint and Shea's 40th birthday!

A picture thought I am sharing...

Why am I paying for swim lessons again when all he does is hold the wall???

Basketball Camp

Goose and the Baby Hulk went to Rice basketball camp this week. I don't think there is anything cuter than Biddie Ball, especially the Baby Hulk. He was by far the cutest kid out there, including my other one. He was also the first to get in trouble for refusing the sit properly when camp started. He lost his ball during the intro talks because of his stubbornness. The boys had a great time all week. Unfortunately, the best picture I was able to take was of the child not participating in camp.

A Bit Too Curious

Is it bad that I'm passing my stalking/snooping abilities down to the next generation? I feel like I'm a mentor these days! Not that my protege needs much help, but I do have a few tricks up my sleeve that she didn't know about. I've been snooping since before you could type someone's name in Google and come up with all their information. Spokeo: old news to me. Anyway, I must say this week has brought back so many memories for me, and I've loved it. Especially because it netted such great results. Nothing like stalking to make you feel like you are on top of the world. Of course, then there are those times when you searched a bit too much and found something you didn't really want to find.

My stalking did have one really good result: meeting LZ.

Not Quite Wordless or Wednesday Photos

So very happy to see big brother!

Nothing weird about reading with a mask on, right?

My surprise purchase this month...my fridge has never looked so bare!

I will never complain about roses from my Baby! Thank you, Lance!

Oops

We had a huge storm this morning and a large branch fell from the tree in the backyard. Since the trash is scheduled to be picked up today, I asked Squirt to throw it over the fence. He did. He threw it right into our neighbor's yard. Nice.

Send The Check To...

Lance loves this blog because it's another outlet for me to vent. He doesn't have to hear all my complaints. All. Day. Long. Sometimes, I'll be talking to a friend and say something about my blog and realize that they don't even read it. "What's the name again?" And I get all offended, but really, that just means I can talk about them behind their back. So here goes the newest annoyance that has been bothering me for weeks.

Lance has been invited to an out of town birthday party. He received the email with all the info, which included the cost of everything and an extra $50 for another gift. It didn't say anything like "if you would like to contribute" or "he would like this, send what you can". Nope, just a specific amount assuming that all parties can go out of town, pay for a hotel, meals, gas and an extra gift. I admit, I'm cheap, but not when it comes to gifts. I go ALL out. Our Christmas budget for others is $2000 and that doesn't include gifts for each other. (We have kids, godchildren, friends, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.) BUT...I think this is so freaking tacky and presumptuous. Maybe as tacky as me stating my Christmas budget.

I admit that ever since Lance has received this invite, I have been bitching nonstop. Then came the final details email which upped the price of the contribution by five bucks. I almost wrecked the car when Lance told me. Of course, he'll contribute, we love this friend (and he isn't the one who made these arrangements so I'm not complaining about him) and after this weekend, I'll stop bitching. I promise. However, this weekend does screw over some key people with birthdays coming up. Sorry guys, your birthday money will all be spent this weekend. This would be Clint, Shea, the twins and my Godson. Maybe they should have sent me an invite with specific money requests.

Do I feel better about venting about this? Actually, I felt better last week at dinner when two of the guys who are also going and NOT CHEAP at all said the exact same thing without any prompting from me! Here's hoping LZ's friends don't read this blog.

Not A Donation Center

With four boys, there are A LOT of hand me downs in this house, so in theory I'm not against hand me downs. BUT...I draw the line at stained clothing and rusted out toys. I've done laundry at least twice a week since I got married so I will never run out of clean clothes. There is never a reason for people to give me stained onesies because I might run out with a newborn. I promise, I won't. When the boys outgrow their clothes, I sort through them, fold and organize them according to size and place them in the attic. When I finally pass these clothes on, if somebody wants them, they will be neat. I can't stand organizing clothes someone else didn't care enough about to organize. It's more work for me. Yesterday, I received dried out play dough and rusted lawn chairs. They went in the trash. Why do people think they are doing me a favor by giving me crap they don't want in their house anymore?

Memorial Weekend Pictures

Memorial Weekend with the extended family

Our Host

My boys loved their cousins!

Mom and five kids, I can handle that, right?

Who doesn't love Ice Cream?!

My beautiful crew at the greenbelt.

He wasn't sure if he liked getting his feet wet.