Monday musings

Right now...  I'm sitting here waiting for the power to go out.  Hurricane Sandy is kicking up quite a storm here and I spent the day getting ready.  Vegan chocolate cake, banana bread, 2 dozen muffins (half of them vegan,) and a loaf of bread in the bread machine.  Stuffed the big freezer to keep as much food as possible.  Took out the trash and did a load of wash (2 major feats when living on the 6th floor with three kids.)  Scrubbed the tub to fill with water, although sadly the drain plug doesn't hold water longer than for a bath.  But I did get a shower in a really clean tub after the WeatherMan got home.  And I did fill pots and pitchers.  And the crockpot.  There's a tiny part of me hoping that the power does go out because I did so much work today.  (But not really.) 

This weekend... wasn't much.  It rained.  There was story time at the library and downtown trick-or-treating.  (There was much better candy this year than last year.)  Sunday we stayed home after having been out in the cold and rain the day before.  That was pretty much it.

Some plans for the week...  stay dry!  Not that I'm looking forward to being cooped up with this bunch - between the full moon and the lactose in the potato chips they're a little crazy.  Hopefully all that will even out quickly.  But given the weather forecast and the sore tummy (and maybe a tooth?) I'm not planning for much beyond the basic this week.

If I find some time for myself... you know me, there are a million things I'd like to be doing.  I'll be happy if I can pick up my knitting.

I am grateful for... power, being out of the hurricane path, good health, snuggles, getting so much done today (even though my feet hurt)

Some prayer intentions... for all effected by Sandy... for patience... for sleep...  to move home...  for an end to hidden dairy... 

Something that makes me smile...

Mondayish Musings

Right now... I think the boys are crushing rice cakes and crackers and brushing the crumbs onto the floor.  In order to step on them.  But I'm not looking because right now I really don't want to know.  I've been up since just before 6 because that was when my presence was required to turn on the bathroom light and "keep a eye on me" for Littler.  Since thenI have been folding laundry, washing dishes, changing diapers, feeding the hungry masses, walking to and from the library, putting Smallest for a nap (only took two tries!) and now I think I hear her crying again.  Arg. 

Sure enough, she was awake and not pleased about it.  But now it is 8:24 and all three are in bed (their own) and quiet.  I am certain it will not last long but I am enjoying it.  By writing this post and hanging laundry.  It's not exactly my dream evening but we need dry towels and I just know if I think about what I would like it be doing let along pick it up the Smallest One will wake up.  And no one will be happy about it. 

And now it is almost 10 on Tuesday morning.  Smallest is napping, Littler is at preschool, Bigger is on the couch looking at a book and waiting for me to read more with him :) 

This weekend...  was beautiful.  The weather was gorgeous.  There was playing and story time at the library.  Sunday morning we walked to Mass and got the ultimate compliment.  A dad in the cry room with us asked me "how do you do it?  The boys are so well behaved."  :)  For the record, his son was 19 months oldas of that morning and made a mad dash down the center aisle.  Don't worry.  I told him I have fond memories of both boys running for it.  And the kids were also given little presents at church.  One of the ladies came up to us after Mass with a baby gift... and a book each for the boys.  What a sweet and smart lady - not only gifts for the big brothers but the outfit she got for Smallest is size 24 months. 

Some plans for the week...  lots of reading, some vegan baking, playgroup, a preschool field trip to the pumpkin patch, cleaning day at preschool, Halloween story time at the library, downtown trick-or-treating, Mass, and the farewell service for the man who runs all the child, youth, and family programs at the church where we go to playgroup (he's been assigned to his own parish in the next city over, we're very happy for him but also a bit sad for ourselves.)  It will be interesting to see how the boys respond to the Anglican service.  I've also set myself a goal of doing some core exercises at least 5 out of each 7 days.  I started last night - after the second time I put Baby Girl back to bed she slept long enough for me to finish hanging the wash up and to do plank, child's pose, plank, and she was starting to cry as I started downward dog.  Not much of a workout but enough to start getting my abs back! 

If I find some time for myself...  I probably would sit there, stare at the wall, and pick my nose.  Well, maybe not pick my nose but you get the picture.  I would like to get a ton of things done - knitting, reading, sewing, organizing, starting looking at things online for Christmas plans and gifts.  But that seems highly unlikely at the moment so I'll just take whatever I get and try to enjoy whatever I can anyway. 

I am grateful for...  vegan chocolate, sleeping in this morning, a wonderful library, a wonderful preschool, good books, naps, smiles,

Some prayer intentions...  for a special intention, to move home, for some good baby sleep in the evenings, for Mike as he sets out for his new parish,

Something that makes me smile...

Monday Musing

Right now... it's just about 7 but I doubt I'll finish this post in one sitting.  The sun is starting to come up and the boys have been up forever.  At least it seems like forever since Bigger was up when the WeatherMan left for work at 5:30 and I was up with Smallest during the night.  (This might not seem like "news" but I am making an effort to a)move her bedtime earlier in the evening, which while not a failure last night was not a riotous success either and b)keep her in her own crib for most of the night rather than bringing her into our bed whenever she wakes, again while not a total failure I was up much more than usual.  Although I probably would not have gotten up at all if she had not had a very loud and juicy sounding poop, loud enough to wake me up.  And then it took me nearly an hour to get her back into her own bed where she stayed for a whopping 45 minutes.  I am reminding myself that these smallish sacrifices should pay off with better sleep for her and therefore me in the long run.  Right?)  Needless to say, I am tired and I'll admit a bit cranky. 

This weekend... was typical.  Did some grocery shopping.  Did some laundry.  I am so far not impressed with the WalMart brand oxyclean - 2 soaks and washes of poopy baby clothes and still they're poopy.  I'll try once more and up the scoops, hopefully that will do the trick.  Did some reading and a little knitting.  Did some sorting and reorganizing.  Made some applesauce and apple crisp. 

Some plans for the week... help Smallest with getting better sleep (I think she's been getting over tired in the evening and that's been hurting us too.)  Cleaning day at preschool (and I should really schedule a cleaning day here too but know I just wont be as motivated so I'll be making do with the little bits as I get to them.)  Making lots more applesauce and apple crisp.  Lots of the usual reading, snuggles, coloring, outings, and hopefully very few fits.  But that last bit I know I have little real control over so we'll just have to do what we can. 

If I find some time for myself, I would like to... work on some of the many projects floating around in various stages and those just being dreamed of.  But that's pretty much a dream right now so I'll just take whatever snatches of moments I can to knit and read.  Maybe I can get some cutting done for a little project with some applique... 

I am grateful for...  sunshine, boys who made their beds this morning, plastic cups, Mr Rogers, apple trees next door, someone else washing dishes, a knitting project that has very short rows, a few moments of quiet to finish this post :)

Some prayer intentions... a very special intention, for an end to dairy sneaking into my diet and making Baby Girl mis-er-a-ble, to get all the apples used up before I go crazy, for a huge yard...

Something that makes me smile...  because I need it today.

And sure enough, I'm finally finishing at 1:15. 

Tuesday Musings

Right now...  I'm laughing a little because I signed on to write this post and saw that Nadja posted it today too.  I guess it's just one of those weeks there too. 

This weekend...  was nice.  Went to Mass on Saturday night and then for dinner at Rib fest.  Unfortunately it was halfway through my delicious scalloped potatoes that I realized that I should NOT be eating them.  I've figured out that dairy and eggs are what make the Smallest One so uncomfortable so I have been working my butt off to cut them out of my diet.  (Plus soy and corn but to a lesser degree.  Lesser mostly because they are in freaking everything.)  The tasty potatoes set back my dairy-free-ness and now I'm back to square one (and she's back to being gassy and having slimy poo.)  Can you believe it takes about 3 weeks to get all the milk proteins out of your system?  Ugg.  Sunday the WeatherMan was at work and Little Miss was crabby so we stuck to home. 

Some plans for this week... we are getting ready for a road trip of epic proportion.  First we're off to Pennsylvania for my brother-in-law's wedding.  While we're there we'll be seeing the WeatherMan's family.  And I'm hoping going to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.  They have dinosaurs and live animals and a children's museum and butterflies and it looks awesome.  We'll be celebrating Littler's 3rd birthday while we're there too (although that's not really until next week.)  Then from there we'll head a little northwest to visit my hometown.  And while we're there we'll celebrate Littler's birthday (again) and Smallest's baptism.  But I'm really getting ahead of myself, that's all next week.  But it's all part of this road trip with THREE SMALL CHILDREN!  Pray for me!

If the stars somehow miraculously align and I have some time for myself... who am I kidding, that wont be happening.  But I am packing my nook and my knitting for in the car.  And I'm hoping to be hanging out with some friends.  So it's good. 

I am grateful for... being able to take such a trip, for being finished with my meds (no more daily shots!), for lists, for the Internet (to search for vegan desserts and to comparison shop for a new camera), for Signing Time. 

Some prayer intentions... for a safe, smooth, easy going road trip.  For no hidden dairy or eggs.  For a calm, easy going baby while traveling.  For no potty accidents in the car.  For finding an abundance of soy and corn free vegan snacks.  To move home.  For peace in my day.  Now, is that all too much to ask?  ;-) 

Something that makes me smile... 

"No Mama, it fits." 

Monday Musings

Right now...  The boys are at the park and I'm eating some breakfast and watching Olympics.  Brazil just won their first gymnastics medal - gold!

This weekend...  was nothing special.  Watched lots of Olympics, read lots of books, grocery shopped, went to Mass, a growth spurt for the baby girl and therefore much time tethered to the couch for Mama. 

Some plans for the week...  the WeatherMan is going back to work later in the week so I need to get organized for starting my day super early and being on our own till bedtime.  I think we're going to Zellers to see if they have any pack'n'plays left because ours is busted... it's a long story and I am not happy but what can you do.  Maybe they'll have some bouncy seats too...  Anyway, it's a big week of getting back to normal.  Or finding our new normal might be a better description.

If I find some time for myself...  I would be amazed.  I'm pretty much gonna be just trying to keep my head above water this week.  But I'm hopeful that I'll be able to get organized and figure out some ways to declutter the apartment (because the mess makes me anxious and anxiety makes me crabby and crabbiness makes life no fun for anyone.)  And finish the sleeves on the sweater in progress, I only have about 8 rows total so it should be doable.  But we'll see. 

I am grateful for...  a baby who gains weight and sleeps, boys who are helpful and lavish in their kisses for their baby sister, the WeatherMan, chocolate, sunshine,

Some prayer intentions...  for a calm week,

Something that makes me smile...

It didn't last long but it was impressive.

Monday Musings

Right now..  the boys are getting out of the tub after a trip to the sandy park.  I need to find some more breakfast and get dressed before the fire alarm is tested in half an hour.  The Smallest wardrobe critic declared I should not be wearing yoga pants by spitting up on them. 

This weekend...  was ordinary.  Books and dishes and hanging around.  Baby 3.0 did the amazing and both went  to sleep and stayed asleep for a nap in her pack'n'play each day.  Her brothers did no such thing.  Yesterday's nap, in fact, was very nearly 3 hours!  Now if we can just get bedtime going the same way...  Yesterday we also got to Mass.  I think in the last 6 months we've watched more Masses on EWTN than we've actually gone to.  It was good to be back.  And of course everyone was excited to see the baby.  And of course give some advice ;-)  One lady who has been watching the boys since we moved here almost 4 years ago commented on how well behaved they are and said we should just keep having babies because they turn out so well.  Another told me to take it easy, if she had it to do again she would leave the housework.  I've said it before but our parish is really lovely. 

Some plans for this week...  more of the same :)  Reading, walks, playgroup, making rock turtles, continuing our afternoon p'n'p naps, a trip to the consulate in Toronto to file for Smallest's birth abroad (sounds so exotic, doesn't it?)  I need to do a test run of the Ergo before we go. 

If I find some time for myself...   hahaha!  There is much I would like to do but I think I'll be happy with reading, blogging, and knitting for now.  All things I can do while nursing or with a sleeping babe in my lap.  And the planning (dreaming?) of projects for when I get some more time (whenever that might be.)

I am grateful for...  a pretty easy going baby who sleeps...  boys who love their baby sister (at least they haven't packed her bags to send her back yet)...  beautiful weather...  the WeatherMan taking the boys out in the morning so sleeping beauty and I can stay in bed...

Prayer intentions for this week...  for continuing sleep success, for outgoing  job applications, for an easy trip to Toronto,

Something that makes me smile...

Monday Musings

Right now...  all is quiet.  The boys are off at the park.  I'm sitting on the couch with some juice, the computer, my knitting, a book, a couple lists, and sudoku on my nook.  ADD much?  I'm trying not to think about everything that needs to get done because it's a lot.  I've gotten a few things taken care of and maybe once I finish this I'll go put the dishes away. 

This weekend...  was pretty typical.  Nothing special going on, just playing and reading, watching too much TV (I am not looking forward to a couple months from now weaning the boys back off so much TV but I guess we'll just deal with that when we come to it) casting on another project and grocery shopping, eating ice cream and thinking about all the stuff that needs to get done (or at least that I think needs to get taken care of, the hospital paperwork and installing the car seat might be the only ones that are really, truly urgent.) 

Plans for the week...  Since top of the list is to have this baby my plans are pretty baby centered :)  That and snuggling my boys as much as I can stand it (which might be a challenge given how much they like to squish the belly, how uncomfortable that is, and how freaking hot it is.)  The crazy part of me is "planning" to finish this latest cast on, the very popular puerperium cardi, but I'm pretty sure that's my totally hormonal and irrational brain playing tricks on me and is not really likely to happen.  And there are of course things like car seats, paperwork, laundry, hospital bags, clutter...  time will tell what actually gets done.  And I'm good with that.  At the moment anyway.   

If I find some time for myself... hahahahahaha!  The time I have for myself I tend to worry about the things that need to get done, especially if I can't do anything about it (car seat... pack'n'play...taking out the trash...)  I'm trying to find a balance, getting done what I can and resting as much as I can.  It's hard not to let the lazy creep in but at same time it's hard not to try to get everything done all at once.  Kinda funny, huh?

Some prayer intentions...  for the arrival of this little one.  For no fights in the delivery room as we try to name the poor child because right now we got nothing (the WeatherMan wont even discuss it yet!)  For easy adjustments to life with a newborn.  Is it too much to pray for a "pocketbook baby," ya know with a nice easy-going temperament, content to just hang out?  ;-) 

Something that makes me smile...  one of the things we needed when we were shopping this weekend was diapers for Littler.  He's getting better with using the potty but given what all we have going on we're not pushing it.  So when we put the giant box of dipes into the cart he started to pitch a fit: "No!  No diapers on me!"  OK dude, that's fine.  "You don't have to wear them, you can use the potty instead.  We'll just take them home and you don't have to use them." 

Well, we got home, had lunch, and he was sent to the bathroom to wash up after thoroughly enjoying some watermelon.  Next thing I know, Bigger is yelling from the bathroom "Mom!  Littler's got poop!"  I'm thinking oh no, he's taken off his diaper and dumped poop on the bathroom floor.  Again.  So I hustle down the hall.  There is Littler, sitting on the potty, grinning like the Cheshire Cat.  No poop on the floor but a big party in the bathroom for poop in the potty.  (If it weren't for the coming baby we would be pushing the potty training thing a bit but at the moment the added stress, not to mention potential for regression is so not worth it for any of us.) 

Monday Musings

Right now...  The sun is shining, the birds are singing (and have been since ungodly early), Littler has tried to have 2 screaming matches with me already, and it's only 7:15.  I'm sitting in the squeaky glider, Bigger is rocking the foot stool and crashing his head into my knee while I attempt to eat my breakfast (zucchini bread and a super tart kiwi) and attempt to write this.  It's shaping up to be quite a day.  But I did manage to get a shower in, that's saying something. 

This weekend...  was long.  It is hot.  The WeatherMan was on the night shift (4 straight nights in fact.)  Littler has decided that pitching screaming fits is a super way to get what he wants.  Sadly for him it never works.  And sadly for me it really hurts my ears.  We used to joke in high school that the fire alarm was designed for the deaf to feel it and his shrieks are just the same.  I hope this is a very short phase. 

Plans for the week...  it's Bigger's last week of preschool - he is the Helping Hand on Tuesday and Thursday is "graduation."  (Note to self: remember to dress cute.)  I have an OB appointment and need to pick something things up at the store this afternoon.  (Note to self: do NOT forget the berries for preschool or the new mop, having spent some time on the kitchen floor with screaming and/or crying children this weekend I can attest to the fact that this place needs mopping in a bad way.)  I have some projects to start with the boys and of course my constant works in progress, which desperately need attention. 

If I find some time for myself...  sleep, I would sleep.  I have been so drained lately that I need to catch up.  And of course my knitting is currently stalled because I have been simply too tired to do battle with unknitting 2 rows to see if I try again I can get the pattern right.  And of course the three sewing projects sitting by the sewing machine just waiting for me to have time for them too.  And some writing - I have a few posts rambling around in my head but no brain capacity to sit down and write.  My dreams are big. 

I am grateful for...  showers, fans, chocolate, an excellent public library, Mr Rogers, salad, fresh fruit, bedtime. 

Some prayer intentions...  a variation on the same theme.  Not sure which way I really am hoping for this one to go, it's rather complicated. 

Something that makes me smile.... 

And he couldn't even appreciate that the kitties were hanging out with him (for once) because he was asleep.  And yes, feel free to read that either way.  Both are accurate. 

Monday Musings

Right now...  we're enjoying a quiet day.  It's Victoria Day so pretty much everything is closed - I am still not used to that.  But it makes for a quiet morning and an easy walk to get eggs and butter (and ice cream for a treat after dinner... and cereal for a treat for the boys... and a Gatorade for me) since just about everyone else was home, sleeping in.  Now we've had lunch and the boys are watching good ol' Bob the Builder while I get some things done.  Like blogging and casting on.  I should be cleaning the bathroom, it really really needs it, but I'm having a break.  The bathroom will still be there later ;-) 

This weekend...  was beautiful.  The weather has been gorgeous, we got to the farmer's market finally and to the park for a picnic and the boys to play yesterday.  The WeatherMan is still mostly stuck working weekends but at least we were able to make it to Mass yesterday.  And more miraculously the boys behaved really well.  And there were pretzel goldfish at the store.  I'm so glad we can get those here now :)  It really is the little things in life. 

Some plans for this week...  I have an OB appointment tomorrow, I can't believe I'm already into the every-2-weeks schedule!  It's just irritating when it takes longer to get there and park than the actual appointment.  Oh well, can't really be helped.  There's also a cleaning day for preschool so that'll be fun or at least make Littler happy - he loves that he gets to go along too and play at school while the grownups clean.  I'm hopeful this lovely weather will hold and we'll get down to the waterfront.  And we should be able to get to Mass again this coming weekend, Lord willin' and the creek don't rise.  And no one gets sick. 

If I find some time for myself...  make some knitting progress, make some sewing progress, just sit still with my feet up and no one pestering me. 

I am grateful for...  helpful boys, warm sunshine, sleeping in (because if I don't have to get out of my bed before 6:30 or even, believe it or not, 7 that is sleeping in around here,) ice cream in the freezer, a mostly clean kitchen :)

Some prayer intentions...  my special intention has been tweeked a little, maybe I was being too specific.  My novenas didn't result in what I wanted but what I was praying for was a means to an end.  Anyone have a really good novena to St. Jude? 

Something that makes me smile... 

For no reason other than that sometimes they just make me smile.  Although I think he was showing me that it wasn't his hand he was putting up my shirt but just a finger.  Stinker.

Monday Musings

Right now... it is still too early.  The boys had a nap yesterday (thank you Nascar!) and so didn't settle down until 8, asleep around 8:30.  Then they were up and wrestling on top of me before 6am this morning.  Then while I was in the bathroom they helped themselves to the brownie from Daddy's lunch box.  Now I'm drinking my tea and blogging.  And they are playing nicely.  Well, they were until I typed that last sentence. 

This weekend...  the weather was gorgeous!  Saturday the boys and I went to story time at the library - this coming week is the last one, I hope they'll start a new session for the summer.  Then we moved some furniture in the living room around.  A neighbor is moving and gave us an entertainment center.  I'm loving the extra storage space and just the freshness of rearranging things. 

      Sunday we actually made it to church!  Since Christmas the WeatherMan has had to work every weekend but about 4 - one of those we were away and the other three someone was always sick.  So it was so good to be there and the boys behaved SO well.  I was amazed.  It hardly even took any bribery.  ;-)   And we lucked out since it was also the CWL spring bazaar so we got a chance to chat with people we haven't seen in months and have some goodies.  The ladies at the bake table even gave us a small carrot cake to bring home.  Come to think of it, there's a chance that had something to do with our late bedtime last night...  Anyway, after lunch we walked to get milk and eggs (and Coke since it was on a really good sale.)  Then it was time for the Nascar race.  And naps for all the boys :)  The WeatherMan was the first out, followed by Bigger.  I was about to put Littler down on the couch with them after he fell asleep rocking with me when the WeatherMan woke up and moved to nap in bed.  :(  I was going to go sew for a while but the sewing machine is in the bedroom.  So instead I surfed the interwebz and then put the shawl I'm slowly knitting back onto the needles.  After the boys were in bed for the night I knit a row to see how I'd done.  I'm thinking I pulled it off but a couple more rows will be the test. 

Some plans for the week...  getting a bunch of stuff out of my bedroom.  I have a confession - I have a horde of empty boxes in there.  Like 10.  All good sized, sturdy.  Most even have lids.  There's a little crazy voice in my brain holding out hope that we'll move soon and I'd just kick myself if darn it, I just threw out all those boxes yesterday.  So I need to either find stuff to fill them with or get rid of them I think.  There's also a bunch of stuff waiting to go to Value Village.  Other than that it's mostly a week of same ol' same ol' - housework, laundry, park, playgroup, preschool.  Bigger's class is having a Mother's Day Tea on Thursday which will be fun. 

If I find some time for myself this week...  I think I'll take it as my chance to escape and join the circus ;-)  In reality I'll work on the shawl and the patchwork for the baby sleep sack.  And make a pair of shorts for Bigger since I finally got the pattern traced. 

I am grateful for...  beautiful sunshine, leftover quiche for breakfast, moments of relative peace, independent play, piles of books.

Some prayer intentions for this week...  the same special intention.  I'm feeling a little hopeless on it but it's not a no until it's a no.  And even no might be not so much no as not now.  (I just don't like that answer very much, I much prefer to get my way of course.  Who doesn't?) 

Something that makes me smile... 

Monday Musings

Right now...  I am sitting on the couch, watching Antiques Roadshow and then at 10 Hawaii 5-0.  I don't usually stay up that late, can't might be a better description.  But tonight is a crossover with NCIS: Los Angeles, to be continued there tomorrow night.  And I do love NCIS.  I'm thinking about what a long day it has been.  After a long week.  And how this will be another long one.  And thinking about what I should eat for a snack...

This weekend...  was long, did I mention that?  The WeatherMan's work schedule has been all messed up and kinda ridiculous and I am exhausted.  I know he is too after working 6 night shifts in the last 9 days.  So today we drove to Niagara Falls to do some errands.  We were supposed to have a picnic and see the Falls but one errand took about 2 hours longer than anticipated and it started raining while we were in the grocery store getting our lunch fixin's.  I nearly cried comparing prices - $2.19 for milk!  Chickens for $0.88/lb!  $3.25 for Haagan Dazs!  Eggs 10 (dozen) for $10!  To give you an idea of prices here the best I can get for milk is occasionally on sale for $3.99 but most of the time it's 4.29, chickens were just on sale for 1.99/lb, Haagan Dazs is typically between $6-7, and eggs go on sale for 1.99/doz.  I SO want to move home!  But it occurs to me that maybe that is one of the "whys" for moving here - to get us thinking about our food budget and menu and to get us away from the packaged/processed foods (because we just can't afford them if nothing else!) 

Some plans for the week...  oy, housework.  Lots of housework.  Catching up on sleep, I hope.  Catching up on projects, I hope.  Lots of reading with the boys.  The boys have been asking to paint too so we'll be doing that.  I'm also planning on finishing my BSJ and ripping back and fixing the shawl I'm working on. 

If I find some time for myself this week...  I want to finish up that sewing I intended to do last week.  Because my goals of keeping to the Kids Clothes Week Challenge feel seriously flat since I was basically on my own with the boys from son up to son down, which is from sun up till sun down.  And there wasn't much energy left at that point.  Plus I finally got some tracing paper today (a week later than I was hoping) so I can finally start tracing patterns for making shorts for Bigger.  And I found a pattern for a patchwork baby sleeping bag and the boys helped me pick fabric for it.  If I can manage to get it washed I can start working on that too. 

I am grateful...  to be into the third trimester and mostly feeling pretty good.  For toast.  For bedtime. 

Some prayer intentions for this week...  to move back home. 

Something that makes me smile... 

We are one of those families who pose their kids with props for photos and take photos of them with all kinds of signs and whatnot when we travel.  And by "we" I really mean the WeatherMan.  Seriously, you should see some of the stuff he did with poor Bigger when he was tiny.  The kid is gonna look back at his baby photos and want to strangle us. 

Monday Musings

Right now... the boys are laying on the couch watching a toy train DVD.  It's been a wild morning.  Some mornings they're just off the walls, ya know.  I'm enjoying a little quiet.  I'm a little amazed at myself for finishing a second post today.  Too much stuff running around in my head I guess.  I'm also still in my jammies even though it's after noon.  I have an OB appointment this afternoon and am waiting for the WeatherMan to get up (he came off a night shift at 6 this morning) so that I can get a shower and get dressed.  Outside it's windy and a little rainy.  But at least it's not snow.  Although the boys did just announce that it's snowing so maybe there are some fat wet flakes mixed in there.  Fun.
This weekend... was productive.  I can't believe some of the stuff I got done.  Lots of stuff organized and put away.  A little reading done.  Lots of reading to the boys.  Lots of hockey watched - go Flyers!  A few recipes tried out to give me some easy things to eat this week (potato soup and rice-a-phonie, in case you're curious.)  Both turned out well and both reheat well too.  The soup is especially good with some leftover ham in it. 

Some plans for this week... trying to get more stuff done?  I'm not sure I dare to hope my productivity will continue.  I am trying to take part in a challenge I found on a blog - to work on making kids' clothes an hour a day for 7 days.  You can check it out here if you're interested.  I figured since I can count sewing and knitting time I might be able to do it.  And if nothing else it's worth a shot.  There's also a duty day at preschool this week.  That's always fun. 

If I find some time for myself...  nothing out of the ordinary- nap, read, knit, sew.  The WeatherMan's work schedule is really weird this week so I'm not really counting on that much time to myself.  At least not at times I have any energy or motivation to do anything. 

I am grateful for...  having a spare phone since ours died last night.  Library books.  Potato soup.  Comments on my posts, it means so much to hear from people who are reading :) 

Some prayer intentions for this week... a very special intention.  I don't think I can say more except that I am onto my third novena for this. 

Something that made me smile...

Monday Musings

Right now... I'm up.  The boys were in and on me before 6.  Bigger is having apple slices and cream cheese.  Littler is waiting almost patiently for the WeatherMan to get up so he can have peanut butter with his apple slices. 

This weekend... wasn't anything special.  Took the boys to story time at the library on Saturday morning.  Watched lots of hockey on TV.  Actually went to mass yesterday.  That was not entirely a success but we went and that counts.  Can I just rant about that for a moment?  I hate cry rooms.  The church we visited yesterday has one of the worst - horrible acoustics so it's super loud in there and painted on decorative "bars" on the window.  I always feel like I've been shunted into a cloister, like we're lepers or something.  Add to that the toys and books and the boys think we're there to play.  We do not bring our boys to church to play or to run around.  Yes, they are extremely out of practice when it comes to sitting in mass and yes a whole hour (or more, like yesterday) is more than I really expect them to sit still.  But if there is a "playroom" and other kids running around outside of course they are not going to want to sit quietly.  Uhhggg.

Some plans for this week...  get all the stuff done that got neglected last week because of work and other scheduling changes.  Finishing up the shawl I'm knitting and the quilt top I'm sewing.  Blood work for me and the WeatherMan.  A preschool field trip.  Hopefully spending lots of time outdoors.

If I find time for myself...  I think I'll take a nap.  I suppose my knitting and sewing are really plans for myself so there's that.  Some reading would be nice. 

I am grateful for...  sunshine, happy noise, mashed potatoes, boys who are becoming friends, novenas, friends who are praying for us, ginger ale and coke, good books. 

Some prayer intentions for this week...  for a very special intention.  To pass my glucose test today.  And not throw up in the process.  (That orange glup on an empty stomach is just begging for trouble.) 

Something that made me smile...

My wee Gene Kelly :)  Makes for one happy dancer mama.  I want to get him some tap shoes so bad but I am certain our neighbors would not have the same appreciation. 

Monday Musings

Right now... it is actually quiet.  The boys are out playing the what is left of the snow.  Bapa is out running an errand.  Fava is still in bed (the lucky duck.)  And I am sitting at the table with a cup of tea and the computer.  But I'm really thinking about my need for a shower, a nice hot steamy shower. 

This weekend... was nice.  Saw lots of friends who I rarely see (thanks to being home visiting rather than home where we live.)  Got to eat lots of good food (mmm, hot open veggie from the Autumn Cafe, seriously the only way veggies should be served.)  Got to church for the first time since Christmas (between work schedules and sickness it's been EWTN for us every week.)  And have been trying to recover from a cold that hit me once we got here. 

Some plans for the week... get over this cold.  Finally get some knitting and reading done - I can't believe I've been too sick for either :(  Try to get our apartment back into shape once we get home.  Do a little shopping today, Bigger needs some longer pants and I could use another pair of "out-going" pants.  And I need a new rice bag.  Or corn bag depending on what I find. 

If I can find some time for myself, I would like to... sleep.  It is very hard to sleep when we travel.  Added to that the hardcore hip pain I get sleeping on my side on the futon mattress and the fact that I can't breath through my nose.  Oh, and being woken several times a night by Bigger hacking in my face.  I'm tired.  And maybe I should add a new, sturdier body pillow to my shopping list...

I am grateful for... family and friends.  My body pillow, even if it is pretty far past it's prime.  Hot tea.  Moments of peace and quiet.  Vicks. 

Some prayer intentions... for this blasted cold to be gone!  For a safe drive back home. 

Something that makes me smile...

"Look, we be kitties!"  - My parents cats like to sit on the stairs and keep an eye on things.  So in pretending to be cats of course the boys had to take their spots on the stairs and peek through the rails like the kitties.  I can't wait till Littler stops substituting "t"s for k sounds.  Such as "toca tola."  You can figure out what "kitties" sounds like in our house. 

Linking up to join Nadja and Sofia on this sunshiny Monday morning :) 

Monday Musings

Right now... we have been up too long.  Bigger joined me in bed around 4, followed by Littler around 4:45.  It wouldn't be so bad if Littler came to snuggle and sleep like his brother.  But he prefers to annoy the pants off me by putting his hand up my shirt and rubbing my tummy.  Makes me freaking crazy, tired, and really gets my day off to a very poor start.  And the boys are wild.  Too many days trapped in a small apartment will do that to them, I don't blame them. 

This weekend... was only technically a weekend.  The WeatherMan worked and it has been wicked cold so we played with playdoh, read stories, knit, watched Cars 2 and hockey, and generally ran around and around and around through the apartment.  I am really glad that apartments are designed with the kitchen and living room making a big circle - just have to keep the path clear and you have your own indoor preschool track. 

Yesterday Littler also kept his diaper dry all day.  I'm not entirely convinced he's really ready for this since he did poop in it and not say anything (after pooping in undies the day before, hence keeping his diaper dry and not undies dry.)  But I figured if we're trapped at home thanks to the cold we might as well give it a shot. 

Some plans for this week... Nothing much.  Hopefully getting out of the house at some point.  I think I have a duty day at preschool.  I'd really like to finish up some projects in progress but somehow that always ends up at the bottom of the list.  I'd also like to see a couple bags of stuff off the the thrift shop but again doesn't always get done as soon as I might like.  And of course we're nearly out of fruit so there will need to be some grocery shopping done at some point too.

If I find some time for myself... I will finish the blocks for the quilt top and sew the top.  I will read and knit.  I will sit on my bum eating ice cream and watching Harry Potter.  A girl can dream, can't she?  :)

I am grateful for... abundant heat (it's 79* inside with two windows open and the humidifier running.)  Chocolate chip cookies.  Sleeping (mostly) through the night (even if we wake up far to early for even my "morning person" preferences.)  Blogging. 

Some prayer intentions for this week... for patience and slowing down.  For moving home. 

Something that makes me smile... Sadly we haven't gotten to Mass since Christmas :-/ But watching on TV yesterday Littler heard "redemption" and told us "dump truck, he say dump truck." Nothing like making things fit into your own two year old world view :)





Monday(ish) Musing

Right now...  it's Tuesday.  Opps.  I thought about this post yesterday if that counts for anything.  But finally got a chance to sit down to type today.  Oh well.  Bigger is watching a Thomas the Tank Engine story after eating lunch and before going to TAKE A NAP.  He may not agree yet but I am pretty sure that it is necessary.  We've been up since 5, you see.  I could use a nap too.

This weekend...  was a very typical weekend.  The WeatherMan worked Saturday day shift and Sunday night shift so the boys were a bit out of whack.  And that is why Sunday night was the worst sleep we had had in days - both boys were up multiple times and I kinda caved and brought Littler into bed to snuggle at 5.  It wasn't entirely caving though since his brother had already helped himself to my bed and Littler knew very well that he was not in his own bed and therefore could be found in Mama's bed. 

Some plans for the week...  we WILL be getting out the bigger clothes for Littler this week.  I know it has been on the to-do list for several weeks now but I don't always get much say in the physical labor that is accomplished around here.  I can't wait to get him in the new-to-him clothes.  I am so sick of looking at what is out now - some of it he has been wearing for a year I swear.  Bigger still needs some bigger things too.  Again it's been on the list for a while but my excuse explanation is the same - I don't always get a lot of say in when car required errands get done.  Luckily even though he has been eating like a horse ("but Mama, I'm hungry!") he hasn't noticeably outgrown anything. 

If I find some time for myself...  I will finish the quilt top I'm working on!  It's so hard to get time to sew since I have to keep putting the sewing machine away.  The extra set up and clean up time it takes really makes me lazy about sewing.  I'm plotting trying to work out the logistics to set it up full(ish) time in the bedroom but we'll see.  And of course reading and knitting but that's nothing surprising.  ;-) 

I am grateful for...  so much.  Books to read, yarn to knit, food in the fridge, boys to snuggle and chase, a bed to fall into at the end of the day.  There is so much to grumble about and I am a big grumbler but really I know we have it pretty good.  While the grass is always greener there isn't really much we're lacking, in the  grand scheme of things :) 

Some special prayer intentions...  for a friend having surgery tomorrow.  For sleep.  For

Something that makes me smile...  I ate pumpkin custard for lunch, one boy is napping, the other boy should come home from the library asleep in the stroller, and that leaves me with some time to put my feet up, drink another cup of tea, knit, and read.  And ignore all the housework that needs doing :)  God bless us, every one! 

Monday Musings

Right now...  it is 8pm, boys are asleep, I have my feet up, and am watching NCIS.  A major awesome about Canadian TV is getting to watch NCIS two nights instead of one.  Yes, it is not really necessary to watch the same episode two nights in a row but I do love NCIS :) 

This weekend... was funky.  I suppose that is really not unusual.  Friday was rough.  Saturday was better.  Sunday was nice - beautiful weather for walking to Mass.  The boys behaved decently probably due to the promise of going downstairs after Mass if they behaved themselves.  It was the Christmas bazaar so there was lots of fun.  We got a few books, puzzles, some cookies :) 

Some plans for this week...  get the next size box of clothes up for Littler.  Really.  It really really really needs to be done this week.  And a trip to Once Upon a Child for some sweaters and pants for Bigger.  I'd like to get plans together for Thanksgiving and Advent festivities.  And get Littler sleeping better - his sleep keeps backsliding for any number of reasons but I for one am ready for sleeping through the whole night as a regular thing.  We're off to a rough start but with any luck by the end of the week he'll get the message and start sleeping later. 

If I find some time for myself, I would like to...  sit on my bum, read, work on projects, and watch TV.  With any luck tomorrow I'll finish my first knit food and start another.  And I'd really like to finish the quilt top I'm working on, but there's a good chance that that is taking on too much. 

Some special prayer intentions...  for my mom on her birthday today and the first official day of her retirement.  For a friend and her mom.  For good nights' sleep. 

Something to make me smile...  tonight at dinner Bigger "didn't like" the squash and wouldn't eat it.  Then he said "this'll work" and put a pea in the squash and ate it.  :) 

Monday Musings

Right now... It is 10am and I've only been up for about 20 minutes :)  Someone was not interested in sleeping last night and so kept someone up with himself.  And now the boys just came home from running errands.  So I'm sitting here writing, listening to their adventures of the morning, and trying to figure out what all needs to be done today.  And I'm kicking myself for caving and taking the little non-sleeper out of his bed last night, it will just make tonight harder but I can only hanging into his crib and rub his back for so long or listen to his wailing and shrieking for so long.  So there it is. 

This weekend...  was typical.  Didn't get nearly as much as I would like to done but it was nice.  Saturday was the downtown trick-or-treating so I finished up the boys costumes quickly and we went.  The Bigger guy had a great time announcing all the costumes he saw - "hey, there's a puppy!" "hey, there's a fireman!"  "hey. there's Buzz Lightyear!" 

Some plans for the week...  I still need to switch sizes of clothes for Littler.  Today we have to get through Halloween and trick-or-treating.  Tomorrow is duty day at preschool.  I will be finishing my Dad's scarf and casting on play food for Christmas.  And getting together plans for Advent and Christmas is up there to since Advent starts in, umm, three weeks!  :) 

If I find time for myself...  I would of course spend it knitting, reading, and sewing.  I'm sure I'll manage to make myself some time for that :)  Challenge will be not neglecting everything else that needs doing ::dishes:: 

I am grateful for... sleeping in.  There is much, much more but at the moment that really takes the cake :) 

Some special prayer intentions... for someone to start sleeping, in his own bed, all night.  For patience and perseverance.  For a chance to move, preferably home but just a bigger place would be nice (would it be too much to include prayers for a yard, dishwasher, washing machine, and storage space too?)  For my mom in her last week before retirement! 

Something that makes me smile... 

Blogging makes me smile too.  I really enjoy putting down what's going I'm up to and seeing what other's have going on.  It's nice to have a community that I can be part of without having to get dressed for :)  And this morning I'm linking with Nadja at Patch o' Dirt Farm, who may or may not have also blogged in her jammies after a wicked early start to her day. 

Monday Musings

Right now ...  Joining Nadja this morning with Monday musings.  I've enjoyed her posts and thought it would be fun to chime in.  It's dark and I'm tired.  I was up with both boys during the night (not unusual) and Bigger wanted to start the day early (also not unusual.)  I figure we have probably another half hour - forty-five minutes till sunrise.  So I'm writing and enjoying my tea while the boys eat their cereal (also known as first breakfast, probably followed by second and some days even third breakfast.)  I am not thinking about the pile of dishes overflowing out of the sink that need attention. 

This weekend ...  Was nice.  Nothing major went on - watched some movies on TV, read some, finished the shopping, went to Mass, got milk, tried a new recipe.  Nothing special but it was sunny and the boys had fun and it was nice to have DH home for an actual weekend. 

Some plans for the week ...  Bringing up the next size up of clothes for the Littler Guy and going through the Bigger's clothes to see what he needs for the winter.  And then making a trip to Once Upon a Child to see what we can do about it. 

If I find some time for myself ...  I need to sew the blocks for the quilt top I'm behind in making.  And I want to have something new to show for the Yarn Along so I might be casting on something... maybe play food for the boys for Christmas.  I wont be so delusional as to imagine I'll take a nap if I find time for me ;-) 

I am grateful for ...  sunshine, big mugs of tea, boys who can occasionally entertain themselves without causing too much trouble, PBS and a TV smart enough to watch it,

Some special prayer intentions ...  to find not one but two small cowboy hats at this late hour before Halloween ...  to sleep through the night...  for a way home...

Something that makes me smile ...

The boys enjoyed climbing hardly off the ground in the tree in Nana's yard when we were there visiting.  Daddy even trimmed the branches that were in their way so they could climb easier.  They were just so amused and so proud of climbing.