My To Do List:

Pack for the weekend -DONE
Finish the laundry (see above) - DONE
Clean the kitchen
Haircut for Grace - DONE
Haircut for Me
Packages ready for the Post Office
Balance the checking account (ain't gonna be pretty)
Clean off the computer desk
Clean off the breakfast bar
Movies back to the store? - DONE
Finish binding on YBR quilt
Small Group tonight? - NOPE
Email Sunny - missing class on Sunday - DONE
Do lesson for today
1pm prayer for Patty - DONE
Clean the bathrooms - 2 OF 3
Thank you notes from Christmas mailed
Baths for the kids tonight

Update on yesterday's blog - Mindy didn't get going in time to go to the craft store, so I didn't even need to tell her about the car seats not being here.

Joe called at 5:50 pm last night and asked if his phone was here, I said yes and he only said, "Well, I'll stop looking for it then." He got home all fired up about work and I made him eat first. When he had eaten, he was a bit more rational and was at least talking in a normal tone. The evening went OK - Joe did put out the garbage and recycle bins and then went to bed.

I need to learn more about blogging. I want to learn about the comments and how to get the different templates. Maybe next week...

I was busy quilting yesterday. I need to finish up today. Good thing is that it looks pretty good :o) Hopefully, the coffee will kick in soon. I switched back since Chai Tea has so much sugar and creamer is much less in the calorie department. The caffeine isn't great for me, but I need something to kick start my day today!

I've become mean mommy again. Grace's attitude was out of control - so much so that my neighbor commented on it - and I cracked down again! She's gotten more time outs (and a few spanks) in the last 3 days than most of the last 4 months. Believe it or not, but the whining has almost stopped and she has stopped complaining about stuff all the time. We are still working on the obedience thing - tell me "No" and you get a spank (yes, ONE swat) AND a time out. I had to spank her at the neighbor's on Monday - shocked the neighbor :o) I try hard not to discipline them in public, but she was refusing to clean up the mess she made in someone else's house...Mean Mommy!

Tristan is doing well in his big boy bed. He doesn't have a bed rail and hasn't fallen out of bed yet. We switched out the toddler bed (and Grace's mattresses) on Sunday. The mattresses are a story in themselves.

I realized yesterday how long it had been since I blogged and I need to catch up from last week!

Tuesday night (20th) my uncle called and said the mattresses were now in the way of the contractors and we needed to come down and get them. I had that scheduled for the previous Sunday, but Joe had to work late and I had to cancel. Anyway, I spent most of Wed. searching for someone that had a truck we could use to drive down and get them. Out of desperation, I emailed my mom and asked if she could help out. She called me back and it ended up that she wired us some money to rent a pickup. We got the money, rented the truck, drove to Seattle and (finally) met my aunt to get the beds. Then, we had to find a bathroom, buy snacks and rope to tie down the load and drive home again. Total trip was 3:45 pm to 8 pm... We got home, put Tristan to bed (he crashed in the car) Grace picked up her toys and put her PJ's on and we unloaded the truck into the garage. I called my mom to let her know that the trip was successful and we called it a night.

We were due to return the truck Wed afternoon, but Joe didn't get off work in time to drive all the way home, get the kids and drive back with me to drop off the truck. He didn't leave me the car seats, so I was stuck at home WITH a second vehicle and still couldn't go anywhere... So, I called and let the rental place know we would be keeping the truck another night.

Thursday - Joe worked until about 3 pm and came home so we could return the truck. I made it right on time (4:45 pm) and then he got lost in the car (with the kids) and I waited at the rental office. I finally had to call him and talk him to the shop. Silly goose had driven to his work and couldn't find the shop from the other direction.

This is the same man who drove by a post office everyday for 2 months while we were dating and used that as his excuse for not writing to me. He really didn't see the PO there.

Anyway, after we dropped the truck off, we headed back to his work to pick up his watch from the jeweler (new battery) and to get cheesecake for Small Group. We killed some time looking around and headed to Lynn's.

Small Group was OK. I still get frustrated over the lack of planning they do. We had decided on a study last week and now it's all been changed. Joe was going on 20 hours of being awake and I was ready to head home right after the "official" stuff was done, but we ended up staying and playing the DVD Pop Culture game I got Joe for Christmas. This would become an issue again on Sunday. I had to drive home (about 11 pm) and everyone else slept in the car.

Saturday - we went into town to get Joe's driver's license renewed. It had expired in Oct. and neither of us had realized it. Then we tried to go shopping - back to Fred Meyer, then Target, Storables and Cost Plus. That only took until 2-something. We had planned on going to Game Night at the church, but it started at 5:30 pm and we were tired of wasting time. On top of that, it was snowing when we got to the house. We rented 2 movies instead and stayed home - Seabiscuit was excellent, even the kids watched it and Out of Time (with Denzel) I haven't watched yet. Joe moved the DVD upstairs to our tv and watched it alone while I put the kids to bed and watched tv downstairs.

Sunday morning we were up early for church. Joe let me "sleep in" (his idea, not mine) until 7:45 am (haha!) - when Grace got up. By 8:45 he was freaking out that we were late... He did make breakfast for us though. We got to the church on time (imagine that!) despite the argument in the car on the way there and he had a good class, but I was "late" getting out of mine. The service was good and then things headed downhill fast. We didn't go to the Soup Fellowship and I didn't confirm plans with our Small Group people that we were still meeting to pick out a study after church. For the record, neither did he. So instead of running back in and checking on the meeting time, Joe drove home - all the way complaining about how disorganized they all are and how none of them have any long term goals for the year... When my phone rang after we got home, I made him talk to Adrian and explain why we weren't at the bookstore.

We did a few things around the house (like the bed switching) and I went to get some groceries (yet again, NOT my idea). By Sunday night I didn't want anything to do with him and he was commenting how he wished we hadn't fought 'cuz he wanted to come "see me". I told him he should have thought about that first...and went to sleep

Monday - I needed to get to the PO and so I took the kids down to the neighbor's and borrowed her van to run up to town. We ended up spending the afternoon and Joe finally called about 5:30 pm saying he had 30-45 minutes left. I headed home, cooked dinner (twice since Tristan ate so much) and Joe got home about 6:45 pm.

I'm tired of him working so many hours for free. He mentioned last night that he saw us more when he worked nights. Added bonus was that I had a car during the day :o)

We're planning to go to E & T's this weekend. Hopefully, we won't have a repeat of the last time we were down there. The boys got drunk, then sick all night. With one bathroom that got interesting. Grace got sick and I spent all night changing towels and bedding, doing laundry and checking that everyone was still breathing. Poor T had never seen E so drunk (and then sick), so she didn't have much fun either. Joe has informed me that they will be drinking, just not getting out of control again. We'll see. If it's a repeat performance, I won't be going again.

Well, I best get something done with my morning.

The kids are eating breakfast and are actually getting along today. I've got a headache and I really need to get motivated to quilt. I've got a quilt I need to get done, but I just have no drive to sit down and work on it.

Mindy told me yesterday that she doesn't like to come down to our house because Grace doesn't share her toys with Logan... I understand what she's saying, but she doesn't want him playing "Princess" anyway. We were supposed to go to the craft store today, but Joe forgot to pull the car seats out for me this morning. He even forgot his phone...

We're going down to Erik and Tara's house this weekend. We haven't seen them since before summer and haven't been down to their house in a year. Tara is pregnant and I really want to see her before the baby comes. I'm just hoping that Joe and Erik behave themselves this trip. We'll stay and watch the Superbowl with them and then drive home late Sunday night. I guess I should start planning what we will take with us.

Flo is supposed to graduate on Friday. I haven't heard anything from Racheal or Flo about it. Flo said she would be coming over for a few days when she gets her leave, but we will wait and see what happens. With the ice storm in the Carolina's right now, I don't know if that will delay anything.

I still need that vacation...

I'm tired. Everyone is in bed. I will be going there shortly. My headache is finally going away. Must have been the constant screaming and whining all day. Now it is quiet and I can to go to bed. See the irony?

I'm letting the kids watch the end of Peter Pan...even though it's past their bedtime. They have picked up most of the toys and been pretty good this afternoon.

Joe headed to bed after a couple of hours on the couch. He didn't get home from work until sometime after noon. We missed church and I had to cancel picking up the beds because he didn't know when he'd be home. He has to be back at work at 5am. I was upset about the way I acted when he got home - I didn't fix anything for him to eat and made him fend for himself. I made pancakes about 2 hours later and he didn't even say thank you... I don't feel bad anymore.

He did move the little TV downstairs into the sewing room for me today. I had to tape the cord to the carpet myself, but at least it's done. Now I can watch the news while the kids watch cartoons and there won't be a fight :o) I keep forgetting it's there though, like I just realized Cold Case was on and here I am on the computer... Gotta run :o)

Everyone knows that it takes longer to do things when you're in a hurry. So why does it take even longer when you have plenty of time?

I spent way to much time in the car yesterday. We left at 4pm and headed to the bank, (15 minutes) went through the drive thru without incident. And then things went awry. I needed to find a Western Union station and before the evening was over, I stopped at no less than 6 places and had to unload sleeping kids 2 times. Aerobics started at 5:30 pm and I was finally standing at the counter sending the payment at 5:45 pm. It took an extra hour and half to get that errand accomplished.

I got to aerobics at 6:10 pm and they were just starting the weights - by the time I got both kids BACK out of the car, inside into the sitter, changed clothes and gotten into the room, they would have been picking up to leave. So I sat in the car and cried instead and then headed to our bible study. That took 20+ more minutes to get back across town and I was right on schedule again.

I had to leave bible study early - missed out playing games because I had to get the car home for Joe to get to work. I drove home in pea soup fog and by the time I got home I was in no mood for Grace's delay tactics for bed. Thankfully, Joe took over and put her to bed. I talked to him for a half hour and went to bed, but got sucked into a old movie (Gaslights?) and had to watch to see how it came out. Of course, I was up until midnight again...

I realized that I didn't start the recording tape for Oprah before I left, so I missed that show and I forgot that 3rd Watch was on last night and didn't tape it either.

Tristan was up at 6-something this morning and I tried really hard to sleep until 8 am, but it didn't happen. So, I've checked email and QP, the kids have eaten breakfast and had their vitamins and I just want to crawl back into bed. I think I'll go take a shower and see if I feel better.

I should be tired. I went to bed last night about midnight, Grace had a nightmare about 4am and Tristan got up about 7:30am. Not too bad :o)

We had MOPS yesterday. The speaker did a demo/tips on having a spa day at home. Then we made bubble bath. It was relaxing and fun, for once :o) then Candy and I took the kids to McD's and let them play. We were home by 2pm and Tristan actually took his nap!

My day today so far:

~Up at 8am (watched cartoons in bed with the kids)
~Breakfast for the kids and I checked email
~Got dressed and rotated the laundry
~Joe got home
~I made pancakes for breakfast (again) and headed to Mindy's house - I still need to eat
~Shampooed her living room carpet and brought my cleaner home - she's had it for 2 months
~Joe went to bed
~Rotated more laundry
~Computer time and a snack

At 4pm, I need to head into town. I have to stop at the bank, get drinks for group tonight and find a Western Union station. Then, it's off to aerobics at the church at 5:30pm and then potluck/bible study at 7pm. Then, home by 10pm so Joe can head to work with the car.

I should just make a list and get groceries at the same time. Oh well, my fun time is over, I need to pack the diaper bag and get my stuff together.

It's 9:20pm right now. Kids are in bed, Joe is asleep on the couch and I have to stay awake for a while yet to make sure he gets off to work on time. I just want to crawl into bed and sleep...

I feel like I haven't accomplished anything today, then I look around and remember that I've been up since 6:30am and it has just cycled through again. We headed to Wal-Mart this afternoon and returned 2 pair of jeans for 2 other pair of jeans, a pack of Bob the Builder undies for Tristan (wishful thinking Dad!), a Disney Princess bracelet for Grace, a pack of ponytail holders, 3 lollipops and a 3 Musketeers bar.

My neighbor called and told me (among other things) that she (and the other neighbor) don't know how I do what I do. I even pick up and cook for my husband... It's funny because I'm somehow offended by that. I'm proud of the fact that I keep a good home and that I take good care of the people I love. I do get frustrated sometimes and I don't have much time to myself, but I chose this when I had kids. I didn't want to be a career mom. I would feel guilty all the time.

Well, Joe's awake...I'm going to go to bed :o)

Joe's off tonight...He's in the garage right now putting the new weight bench together...For the last hour at least. Not that I blame him, he's been up all night and all day.

The kids are watching Lion King and I'm trying to ignore the pounding headache I'm getting. I feel so out of sorts, I can't think straight and all I want to do is take a nap.

I had to make 2 meals at lunchtime today. Biscuits and gravy for Joe and I for breakfast and Mac & cheese for the kids for lunch. Yes, it was almost noon by the time Joe made it home from work and he wanted breakfast. I had 3 burners going, plus the oven and 2 phones ringing. I didn't even get a thanks for breakfast.

Joe did get the lights taken down before it started raining and the kids got to ride their bikes for a little while. I had to run to the P.O. to mail a check for the mortgage - I hate that money is tight. We need another car - to replace the one we have... I'm so freaked I'm going to break down somewhere with the kids in the car.

We've been talking about Joe moving to Food. The pay is better across the board, he'd work less hours, actually get paid for the hours he worked (plus overtime and Sunday/Holiday pay) and more room for manager advancement to director, BUT he would work nights, at least in the beginning. I could handle it as long as his schedule was set. I would still be able to use the car during the day :o) There's also the option of Alaska again. It's sad, but I would pack up and move again to live there. I thought when we bought this house that I would never want to move...I was wrong!

I love our house, but I think I would buy something different if I had it to do over again. We are almost out of living space, we have no room for guests unless Tristan gives up his room and the weight bench is having to go in the garage. We looked at a 4 bedroom/3 bath and didn't pursue it because it was a short sell. I wish I had an attached garage (rain and kids - 'nuf said), a separate shop for Joe, a guest bedroom to hold the futon and a crib and a second living room. I hate that people use the excuse that we live too far now too. As if I didn't just come from there... I wonder what they'd say about Alaska.

Anyway, I need to go get something accomplished today.

It's Saturday night. Grace is sitting on the stairs in time out for fighting over the VCR. Tristan is thrilled to be watching Bob the Builder by himself on the couch. Joe is still sleeping.

We went to Bellevue today for the big weigh in...I guess they ran out of time slots early and all we did was fill out our name, address and phone on a form and head home. Grace was hungry, Joe was tired and cranky and Tristan was pee-soaked from waist to knee by the time we got home. I was NOT amused by the whole 2.5 hour trip. On another occasion, I would have been thrilled to shop around the mall for the first time.

We got home and I made Mac & Cheese with sausage for lunch. Not great for the healthy eating, but I was starving. Joe ate and headed to bed. I tried to watch a bit of football, dozed a few minutes in the chair - kids running and screaming woke me up again - and I watched most of the Panthers/Rams game. I need to write 2 more thank you notes for Christmas gifts and do my bible study for today before I get to go to bed. The house will have to wait another day.

Tomorrow will be another early day, Sunday school at 9:15am and Joe better not be late getting home in the morning. He most likely won't be going, so all he has to do is drive home and climb into bed. One more week of him on nights.

The kids were up 2 times last night...Tristan started it both times. He started calling at 12:30am, went back to sleep and was up again at 2am. He woke Grace up both times. I put him in my bed and he thought he'd watch TV...NOT! Once he figured out he was going to have to sleep, he was out! I was up again at 4am to put pillows under his side of the bed and turn him around. Of course, they were up at 7 this morning...

Joe told me today that he thinks I need a vacation... Ya think?

It's been a crazy couple of days. I was awake fairly early this morning, due to the neighbor across the street warming up his truck at 6:30am and then the trash collectors arriving just after 7am. I had to check out the window to make sure they took both cans, since there wasn't pickup last week and I've got trash and recycling piled 5 feet deep on the curb. I decided I might as well get up then and took a shower.

Both kids were up by the time I got out of the bathroom and we headed downstairs for the day. I did a Tae-Bo tape (40 minutes!) and started working on a quilt I need to finish. Joe called a few minutes to 9am and I started cleaning up the kitchen...

After breakfast (French toast) Joe messed with the computer and I quilted some more, while the kids played in the living room. Joe headed to bed about 11am and I have been referee this afternoon.

Tristan was pushed over into the closet door and now has a bump and small cut on his temple. Grace is being incredibly bossy - told me to get out of *her* kitchen. She ended up on the stairs for a time out for that one.

I've been doing really well in the eating area. My neighbor brought me a Mt. Dew from the store yesterday - I actually looked at it all afternoon (without opening it) and *gave* it to Joe when he got up to go to work. I really wanted it when I first got it, but I didn't want to go through the withdrawal again. I just kept thinking about the weight I was losing and how this was NOT what I needed to put in my body. I consider this a major victory!

I have been doing OK with the water intake. I am out of Crystal Light, so I've got to suck it up and drink it plain. I did have a small mug of Spiced Chai mix at lunch, since I had the starts of a pounding headache and needed some caffeine. I'm out of my regular mix for Chai Tea as well, it's soooo sweet I'm going to try not to get more.

I worked on the budget last night - we're going to pay for the extras we got after Christmas. We bought a weight bench for $70 - can't set it up yet because the garage is waaay to cold right now. The bill at the dentist was $70 for yesterday, likely to be close to that next week when Joe goes back.

Which brings me to yesterday... I was up at 6:30am, kids were in the car by 7:15am and Joe was to the dentist by 8am. I ran in to get the bible study book from Sunny and was back to the dentist by 9am. We waited until 10:30am for Joe to be done...They did a cleaning and filled 2 teeth (one cavity between them). I had a really weird experience with a homeless man too.

The roads were pretty bad in Everett, horrible on our street and just wet on the highways. We got home and tried to keep the storm drains clear. I also hit a bird on the way home and had to pry it from under the hood with a Sprite bottle...The kids didn't know.

Joe headed to bed early (even after he slept the night before) and I played tea party with Grace during Tristan's nap and caught up on laundry. I was dozing on the couch by 9:30pm and went to bed early.

That's about it for now :o)

Well, yesterday was a doozie! Joe got home and I got the kids ready for church. He stayed home to sleep and I took the kids. We found out yesterday that Pastor Reggie has been having an adulterous affair for 3 YEARS!!! with a former member of the church. The deacons have removed him as Pastor and I have no idea what will be happening in the next few months. I'm still feeling that we were spared a horrid 2003 and it will catch up in 2004. So, I spent most of yesterday at the church finding out what the church's plan is and what they are going to do about/with Reggie and his family. His wife lost her music ministry as well - both were paid positions and the church will pay them for 2 months to let them find other employment. I'm still having mixed feelings about this and we haven't decided if we will be finding another church or not.

I went over to Adam and Candy's for lunch (Pizza and root beer) and the kids played all afternoon. The alternative was to come home and sit around alone... I'd much rather hang out with friends.

Joe is off tonight and hopefully we will be able to get some stuff done around the house today. He'll probably crash about 5pm and wake up sometime tomorrow. I've got to go start his breakfast - he requested biscuits and gravy. It's a good thing I don't really like them. I blew the "eating healthy" idea yesterday. Maybe more later.

I think I have this figured out :o)

The glasses puzzle piece has been found! The latest triumph from the littles. Of course they are supposed to be getting ready for bed... I'll work on this a bit more tomorrow.