Tell All Tuesday

My random thoughts for the week:

• I cannot wait for election day to be over... I hate all the commercials, phone calls, fliers in the mail. I dont read or listen to any of it. I find that I am not really concerned about political issues, though I guess I should be.
• I hate if people have a question, they dont just come to you...why go to someone else if you have the answer. vent over.
• Why am I the only one who knows how to load, run and empty the dishwasher? frustrating.
• My Fantasy team is getting better... won again this week. Though- it wasnt much of a win since my opponent didnt change out her players who she had on a bye. But- a win is a win, so I will take it.
• Had my cavity filled last night. I really hate going to the dentist. It was just awful... the novocaine started working when I got home... a little too late.
• Hunter needs a new cell phone. His screen broke and now he cant see texts. To the world of a teenager, I think he feels like his life is over until he gets his new phone. He has this phone for almost a year before breaking it... I feel bad, but he's paying for half of his new phone.
• I think Hunter is getting straight A's. I cannot wait for his report card to come out. He worked really hard this quarter and even took a few advanced level courses. It's getting to the point where I can't even help him with his homework as some of it is more advanced for what I know. Thank goodness for calculators!
• My babies are getting big! Hunter is really off in his own little independent world. Owen talks up a storm and is in a total mommy phase and Quinlin just moved to her big girl car seat...more on that tomorrow.

Halloween (Picture Heavy)

We had such a great time this year for Halloween! It started for us on Saturday night as we had a party to go to. Costume ideas were hard to decide this year. We didn't want to spend a lot of money, but wanted to have a decent costume too. We went through our costume bin and Sean found his costume

then he found what should be my costume...

I didnt really want to be a mini Darth (scary that I actually fit into one of Hunter's old costumes). I had planned to go with Jennifer and Kelli as Chilean Miners. So- for the first time since Sean and I have been a couple, we were not a couple costume.

Before the party- we posed for a group shot. Darth, Jennifer, me, Owen and Kelli.

At the party- complete with shovel and birds on our shoulders.... I didnt realize then that Kelli and Jennifer didnt turn their headlamps on...I wonder if I blinded people with my light? We had a great time. Jennifer, Kelli and I tied for 3rd place. 2nd place were Chilean Minors- they wore head lamps and had a chili on their shirts with the number 17 on them since they were minors (haha- underage). 1st place was Dick in a Box... the Sat Night Live Skit with the boxes around the waist. What made the costumes funny was that in the box was a picture of LeBron... classic! We also played LCR twice and Sean won both games... money tree of winnings below:

On actual Halloween, we had such a nice day. I made Tara's chili recipe and added a beer to it- an IPA but I dont remember what we used, just to give it some extra flavor. It was fabulous. Sean's siblings came over with my niece, so that was fun. Hunter left us about 5pm to go trick or treating with his buddy. Quick pic of costume:

and then we tried to pose the babies for pictures...

This was going to have to do- a 26 month old, a 16 month old and a 9 1/2 month old dont do well for group shots. Off we went:

Owen was in heaven staring at all the suckers...

Of course...Sean had to dig out his costume and walk around... "Hung Like a Horse".

Happy Halloween!

16 and Pregnant

16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom are my guilty pleasures.... I enjoy putting the kids to bed and curling up under the covers and watch, in peace, these shows... I dvr them, I watch them when they are a rerun and I have nothing else to watch (rare, my DVR is so full). The premiere of the new season was Tuesday night.... did you watch? The highlights for me:

[1]He wore a jumpsuit to their wedding and they had their honeymoon at the racetrack

[2]Condoms were under the sink...was she condoning sex by even teaching her how to put it on the cucumber?

[3]they named the baby Brody- a combo of Brooke and Cody

[4]they wanted to buy a prefabbed barn to live in- though after seeing one, it was kind of cute.

[5] at 26 weeks she complained she wasstarting to get big and was uncomfortbale- not big at all. Suck it up.

[6] she wore a pink sweatsuit at her baby shower

[7]I like the mom "I should not have to pick up a breast pad ever". I did like when she said I'm trying to help you learn how to be a wife and mother, and for you to be a husband and a father.

Loved every second of it... Brooke seemed to have a very supporting family... Unlike April, the mother of Catelynn on Teen Mom... Anyway- I will hopefully blog some recaps here and there throughout the season. Classic stuff- really!

Looking forward to the weekend! I am off of work today- hoping to get a good cleaning done on the house and get a jump start on the laundry. The kids are at daycare so I can really dig in. Aside from that, we have a Halloween Party to go to tomorrow night and Trick or Treating on Sunday. Have a great weekend!

Big Enough for Two!

Look what Quinlin's big enough to do- walks in the wagon with Owen! She is getting so big, so fast! Owen looks a little pissed his sister is riding with him stunned to be sharing the wagon with her. He's used to the double stroller, but I think because he cant see her, he doesnt realize she's there... I still love our double stroller though (posted about here) and hope to get a ton more use out of it...even when Owen outgrows it since it can be a single too.

One more day until the weekend...and I dont work tomorrow. yippee!!!

Make that a Double

So we took Quinlin to the doctor last night where she was diagnosed with croup and an ear infection- a double ear infection actually. I'm glad we took her in- she's such a happy baby and the barking cough in addition to the ear tugging had us concerned. Her last ear infection resulted in a rash we think to being allergic to amoxicilin. So- our pediatrician put her on a z-pack. we'll see how it goes and if it clears the infection up. We were up all night- she was either coughing or squirming. I finally went in at 3am and gave her a sippy with water which she very much enjoyed. She started cooing and singing- I was so scared she was going to wake her brothers. As much as I wanted to go back to bed, I wanted to enjoy the time with my daughter- just her and I. I think I layed down about 3:45am, but of course, couldnt sleep.

Now on to Owen- we brought him back to the doctor with Quinlin because he still had his runny nose and cough. he was put on the antibiotics from his ENT but didnt get a full dose because Sean left if out and I threw it away assuming it was ruined since it says to refrigerate. So- his runny nose and cough came back since he didnt get the full dose prescribed to him. So- back on antibiotics he went for what she described as chronic rhinitis.

I lined up my parents to spend the day with Quinlin and went about my morning this morning dropping Owen off at daycare. I brought the antibiotic forms and the note from the doctor and they told me Owen couldnt stay. He needed to be on antibiotics 24 hours before bringing him back. I was pissed. I understand rules and guidelines... but I was pissed. One- I have brought him before in this exact same situation. Two- because I could have easily not told them that he was even on antibiotics. Three- he had been at the daycare- with no problems with his little runny nose...Four- his nasal drip was clear- not green- causing infection... Five- he already got two doses of the medication. Just a frustrating morning. I left there in tears, threw him in the car, drove home, dropped him with my parents and finally got to work- 45 minutes late. I am grateful my parents were over anyway, pissed how the daycare handled the situation, pissed that I didnt think he would be turned away, pissed I woke him up when he didnt have to get out of bed, pissed I had to go to work, pissed I was going to be late.

I think I'll have a drink....make that a double.

Tell All Tuesday

My random thoughts for the day:

• Quinlin is sick.... I was a bad daycare mom and sent her to school today. She has a barky cough and was pulling on her ear. I gave her motrin and am waiting for her pediatrician's office to call me back to get us in for an appointment. Guilt.
• Annoyed with said pediatrician office. You call to schedule an appointment, yet the scheduler wont talk to you. You are then forced to verify your personal information just to get thrown into a voicemail anyway. I now sit waiting for a call back...it's been 20 minutes so far. Yet- they tell me when I first call that I may not be able to get in. But- they wont schedule you until 8am the day of anyway for sick visits. I could scream.
• Hunter is the slowest movie creature on this planet. I watched him make his lunch this morning... I swear, he was putting lunch meat on his sandwich one in slow motion and two, piece by piece. I dont know how he makes the school bus every day.
• My fantasy team still blows yet managed to muster a win this week. We're now 2-5... I sat Britt on the bench and cost me 40 points...
• The Browns won though- fantastic game played by defense and special teams!
• Pediatrician just called back... appointments for 7pm tonight. relief.
• Super excited for 16 & Pregnant to start tonight. Yet- where will I have the time to watch it?
• frustrating day at work and I have only been here for 40 minutes. Lets hope the day gets better.

Weekend Recap/ Menu Planning Monday

First- we'll start with food because I like it! Inspired by orgjunkie.com, here is our menu for the week:

Sunday- family was on the own- I had dinner out with friends. More on that later.
Monday- creamy ranch chicken with egg noodles and broccoli
Tuesday- beef tacos
Wednesday- Sean and I are having steaks on the grill- the kids will have burgers
Thursday- family on own- I have dinner plans with my friend Linda
Friday- bbq chicken, roasted potatoes
Saturday- Halloween party

Pretty easy week menu wise!

Weekend Recap

I had such a nice weekend. I almost felt like my weekend started on Thursday because I had dinner out with my six closest girlfriends. We went to Winking Lizard and caught up with each other. between marriages, babies, boyfriends, dating stories, we always have so much to talk about!

Friday was a busy day at work. I came home and wanted to relax but the house was a mess. So- we picked up the downstairs and called it a day. Hunter cleaned his bedroom, bathroom, basement and basement bathroom in preparation for his buddies coming over.

My parents came over on Saturday for a little bit (they took Hunter to a play in the afternoon) and I did laundry all day. The greatest was from 1-3 when I had Hunter gone, Quinlin and Owen napping, and Sean napping as well. I sat in the living room and happily tried to catch up on my DVR. I think I have a problem when there are so many shows, and not enough time to watch them all. it was so nice to have peace and quiet and "me" time. Saturday night I went to Megan's for her 11th annual slumber party. It was low key this year- maybe about 15 of us, but a nice time. I decided not to slumber there- something about sleeping in my own bed- so I left about midnight.

Sunday was fantastic! A Browns win over the Saints (amazing defense and special teams game) and then movie night with seven friends. We saw:

Very cute comedy- a little predictable- but I very much enjoyed it. Even though I knew the premise of the movie, I couldnt help but cry when the babies parents die and the baby was orphaned. I hope to God that Sean and I live a long life together!!! Anyway- typical chick flick. Glad I saw it- I am not a Katherine Heigl fan at all (as a person) but love her in these kinds of movies! After the movie, we went to Bonefish Grill. Once again, it was fabulous. This time, I got the scallops and shrimp pan asian style. That was on my sampler platter from the first time I was there and I enjoyed it just the same. I came home, watched some Sunday night football- much more fun to watch now that I have more of an interest in other teams because of my fantasy team. more on them tomorrow for Tell All Tuesday.

Our busy week

Well- I knew going into it this week would be busy. Let's start with Sunday!

our photo shoot...The bee tried to eat the elephant.

Monday- the dentist. Ick. 1 cavity. To be filled in November.

Tuesday- Hunter's sports awards and choir concert. Doesnt he look cute thrilled to be going to a concert?

yep- the only one wearing a tie.... I came home and played with this:

Wednesday- a day to do nothing. A day to enjoy our kids and watch the Teen Mom reunion on my dvr...

Thursday- a cool day at work... could this be my new BFF?

After work, I went out to dinner with my 6 closest real BFF's.

Then there is Friday- busy day at work and then the weekend. Woot Woot!

Adventures in Table Food

See above? That is the menu the daycare provides for lunches.... After Quinlin turned 9 months, I told them it was ok to start her on table foods. I thought we would go into it slowly, but my girl (mind you 75% weight) loves food! and to eat! So- I started her last week and its been a breeze. She's getting a balanced diet while attempting to eat real food. I still have her on rice cereal in the mornings in addition to a banana or fruit, but other than that, she's in it full force.

A friend asked me for good table food suggestions so I figured I'd put on here the things Owen ate at a year and also what Quinlin is venturing into:
Mini raviolis

Spaghettios
Morning star farms broccoli cheese bites or spinach bites
Fish sticks
Peas, carrots, squash cubes (in a microwave bag)
Chicken nuggets
Turkey lunch meat
Kraft crumbles- or cheese cubes in small pieces
Yogurt
I started PB&J at 13 or 14 months for Owen (but watched carefully with the peanut)
Pancakes
Waffles
French toast sticks
Bagelfuls
Apple sauce
Eggs are good (though Owen hates them- we keep trying)
Strained soup- see below about Quinny- the soups provide good veggies in them
Spaghetti
Toast
tacos- chicken or beef...cut into small pieces and eaten on a spoon to start

with Quinlin- she has gotten so far- chicken vegetable noodle soups- strained so she’s eating most everything but the broth
baked potatoes/mashed potatoes
salisbury steak
meatloaf
all fruit

Today on the menu at school for Owen and Quinlin is breakfast day- waffles, sausage, hashbrown, applesauce and milk. She should really like tomorrow too- chicken noodle casserole, green beans, peaches and milk.

I must say, one of the reasons we switched daycares, aside from the cost, was that the one we found provides breakfast, lunch, 2 snacks a day and is $400 cheaper a month (than if we would have stayed at Owen's old daycare. The food is such a HUGE advantage!

Tell All Tuesday

Random thoughts:

• I have so much to do! I am working on a huge project at work and it is taking over my world. I go to bed and dream about it, think about it, plan next steps. I love it...but cannot find a way to wrap my arms around the whole project to finish it. The good thing is- I kind of volunteered for this project. Anything to make myself more useful/valuable can only be a good thing, right? I'm waiting for my boss to come in today to check on my progress and let me know if I'm at least heading in the right direction. I think I am- and am, in fact, quite proud of what it is shaping up to be. It's art related, and because I work in the sports industry, this project is completely out of my expertise, but I'm getting there. I'm going to be an art pro before you know it!
• At home, I did not do any cleaning this weekend, aside from laundry. And- I'm ok with that. We spent the weekend at home, but my priorities were my children- all three of them. Hunter needed me because of his surgery, and the babies always need me, so my messy house can wait. I'm hoping to tackle something tonight. Once I get organized to a point, Sean said we can get a cleaning lady. Please let me get organized soon.
• The dentist last night wasnt that bad. I actually like him- and this is the first dental office I have been to where I dont get talked down to. One cavity- so could be worse. It just means I'm stuck going back in November. Yikes!
• I came home from the dentist and Owen was waiting for me- kept asking for me when I was gone. It totally melted my heart. I think his routine was thrown off a bit since I'm the one who always picks him up from daycare. So- it was nice to have some extra cuddle time with him.
• I missed out on cuddle time with Quinlin as she took a nap when I got home. So- I got to feed her her bottle at 7:45 and put her to bed. She decided she didnt have enough time with me and preceeded to wake up at 1:20am. Back to bed she went about 1:45 but I was up the rest of the night.
• Dropped Owen and Quinlin off this morning and Owen was especially clingy. I felt bad leaving. The guilt of being a working mom. Then more guilt as Sean told me about a co-worker (or someone) who has a 2 year old son who was just diagnosed with cancer. I cannot wait to pick my kids up today and hug them.
• Hunter is getting more and more independent. Has a sports banquet at 4:15 today and he is hanging out with his buddies after school at a local restaurant and then heading to his banquet (which I'll miss- again the guilt of being a working mom). I get to pick up the babies from daycare, run them home, pick up Hunter and take him to his choir concert. I wish I could be in two places at once.
• I cant get Adam Lambert's songs out of my head. Driving.Me.Crazy!
• Is it wrong that I love Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant? I'm incredibly excited for the new seasons to begin.
• My Fantasy Football team blows...
• The babies had their photoshoot with my friend Colleen Colleen Reed Photography and I am having trouble picking out which photos to get on a disc. They are all so good! Do you not die over this face?

Or this one?

Love them!