Overheard:

Jeff Picks the kids up after school on Mondays and Fridays. Today this was the backseat conversation. He shared it with me, when they got home.


Cole: "So, Riley. What's the problem with the boy in the white shirt?"

Riley: Pause. "It's because he's in love with me."

Cole: "I don't get it."

Stuff I've been thinking about.

Okay, so I'm not a really deep person by any means. But a few things have been crossing my mind, lately. I'm thinking that they are completely useless to you, the reader, but as a blog addict, I would rather read about a lot of useless stuff, than nothing at all. So, here it goes:

1. When I am having a food craving,I MUST eat that particular food. No matter what. Otherwise I will sit and obsess and nothing will taste good or satisfy me, until I've eaten what I've been craving. (This never happens unless I'm pregnant...it's something Jeff never believes, until I show him how serious I am by throwing the ultimate fit).

2. The cooler the weather gets, the happier I become. These past few days have been pure bliss...and I have never been so ready for summer to be over. I've actually gone outside, and enjoyed it for the first time since April.

3. My children are smart and funny. They are content to be themselves, and are fully OK with who they are. This makes me beyond happy, as it's taken me up till now to be kind of okay with who I am.

4. It is mostly due to Jeff that my kids and I are as well adjusted and content with ourselves as we are. He's encouraged us to try and do whatever we like, and are interested in. I am easily affected by other's judgements, and criticisms, but Jeff isn't at all, and he's always there to encourage our creativity and differences; what's best for us as individuals. He lets us know that we're always loved, even if we aren't understood. Though he's quiet and chooses to remain in the background, he's the strength of our family.

5. The show, True Blood is going to be my new Buffy and Angel. (Not a replacement, mind you, as I still have mad devotion to Joss Whedon, I'm just saying it's going to be a new show that will rock the genre). I've read all the books, seen the trailers, and am convinced, CONVINCED that it's going to be freaking awesome.

6. Sydney is going to be just as different from Riley and Cole as they are from each other. But that she's lucky...because they want her to get here so much. Also, that she's lucky to have them for siblings. She will be a very spoiled, very catered-to, little girl.

7. Diet Code Red Mountain Dew could just be my new favorite beverage. If I could drink it all day long, and not feel guilty about pickling Sydney's brain more than I have....I would.

8. Angelina Jolie is looking haggard to me. It goes to show that no matter how much money you have, six kids will take the youth out of anyone. Also, I don't understand why everyone says she's such a fabulous mom. I think anyone could do a great job if they had round the clock nannies that could help keep the kids in check. Whenever she's in public, she only has one or two kids with her. Call me, or show me pictures when Angelina has to run to the grocery store, and take care of all the children at the same time. That would convince me she's a pro. Until then, I'm unconvinced.

9. I am accepting of the white-trashiness in my nature. I will be the first to admit that I'm not overly intelligent, or experienced...however, I'm real. And I'm really opinionated on stuff I usually know nothing about. Ask Jeff.

10. I have a lot of anger issues. A lot. I'm trying to deal with them, and overcome them, but it's taking a ton of time and energy. I've finally decided to take a stand, and make choices that will alleviate my anger, and avoid situations that I know will aggravate it even more. This is working for me, a little. I still have my days where I backslide, or I'm not as careful about my avoidance technique, but for the most part, things are looking up.

11. I'm so sick of political BS that I want to gouge out my eyes and personally pop my own eardrums. I love Jon Stewart, in that he's the only one that hasn't thrown up his hands at all the flip-flopping, but instead works harder to go through what I'm sure are very painful political volleys from candidates, reporters, supporters, etc., and prove that no one has a valid point, ever. If they do, they'll change it four or five times down the road. This is the way I do politics, and it disgusts me. I take a stand on something and then get so tired of all the crap that is involved in taking a stand that I give up a short while later. THIS IS WHY I AM NOT A POLITICAL PERSON. I understand this way is wrong. Apparently though, it's not wrong enough, because every political campaign seems to have tons of people willing to do this over and over, and ruin their possible established credibility.

12. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW, SEPT.6, TO MORIAH LOVE. I've been thinking about this all week, sending you good vibes, and hoping that you'll be having a good one. Also, I will try to call you tomorrow, but if you're too busy partying the way you fabulous, fancy, island dwellers do, I'll totally understand.

13. I keep having this dream where my teeth are literally rotting out of my head. I don't know what this means. Yes, I brush my teeth, so I'm not too concerned it will actually happen, however, why does this happen over and over?

14. I'm FINALLY getting to the point of liking my hair. The mullet-ness is growing out, and it's a color I can live with--less red and green and more dark brown. I'm not completely happy, but I don't feel the literal tears when I look at myself anymore, so, that's a bonus.

15. My sisters Muff and Kelli and I are going to the After Thanksgiving Day Sales, together. (I take these VERY seriously, and it's one of my most favorite days of the year). I realize that this is a long ways away, but I daydream about what TV on DVDs I will be on the prowl for. And I wonder if I will be able to drive those electronic old/fat people carts at each store, as that day will be my REAL due date, and I have to keep Sydney where she's at until December first, for insurance reasons.

16. Speaking of TV on DVD, next Tuesday It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, season three, will be released. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be an affordable price. (UNLIKE the fourth season of The Office that's only half a season, yet that didn't cut it's retail cost in any way...this is something that really pisses me off). Anyway, this season has my most favorite, most hilarious, and most terrible episode on it: Dee dates a Retarded Person. It's completely un-PC and I will go to Hell by loving it so much. But it will be worth it. (Perhaps I think about TV way too frequently).

17. I have a severe crush on Shia Lebouf. Does that make me a creepy old lady? Probably. Would he be interested in me, a middle-aged pregnant woman? Probably not. (I don't think about him all the time, mind you, it's just that he's been in all these movies I've watched lately).

18. I'm worried that I won't fit into any of my clothes after I have Sydney. Could this be the baby that does irreparable damage to my body? I know, this is probably my most embarrassing thought, because it's so shallow and self-absorbed. But, it's a big one. Pretty soon the stretch marks will begin inching their way up my belly and other places....and then....well, then it's just a lot of hard work and keeping my fingers crossed.

So there they are. It's not a lot of overly important stuff, but it's what my mind has been touching on as of late. So feel free to let me know what you think about...perhaps I'll be embarrassed at how simple my range of thought really is...or more embarrassed, anyway.

Labor Day Weekend

I have to post a lot of pictures. This last one was Cole playing with my phone, and it wasn't blurred...and when he was done, said, "You look GREAAAAT mom!" like it was unbelievable, so I had to put it up. This past weekend was nice because it started out on Friday. Jeff didn't work, as is the new work schedule, and so while he slept, I got up and walked with my friend Liz. Which was quite early. (I might add that because of his new job, I now can't walk in the mornings. Yet, Jeff's Wednesday night racquetball dates are still on...interesting, isn't it? So now, walking is limited to the days of the week that Jeff has off. And let me say, it's obvious in my butt and legs that I'm just not putting in the miles anymore. So, when I'm tipping the scales at 800lbs., and Jeff wants to leave me because I'm demanding he make me more bacon as I lay solo on our king-size bed because it's now the place I stay permanently, please remember and remind him, this is all his fault). Anyway, after our walk, I came home and didn't have to wake the kids for another hour...but they were already up--as it was the Friday that they got their allowance toys. So they played for a while and I made breakfast, and then I took Riley to school. Friday went by quite well...Jeff had a problem when he went to pick up the kids--Cole was missing again, as his teacher had taken him to the office. (I'm hoping this doesn't become a thing that he does).
Saturday came along and all was good. I got a call from Kelli, telling me my Carebear that she was knitting me was done. I had to go get it and drop off a couple seasons of LOST, as she and my nieces were having a marathon this weekend. Now, originally I asked Kelli to make me a grumpy bear. She timidly asked Jeff if I would be offended if instead she made me a "Bi-polar" bear. She didn't want me to be offended as it was an obviously play on my mental instability. I, of course, have stepped up to this personal snafu, so, I was on board. And might I say, isn't it completely fabulous? She came up with the idea, the colors, all by herself. Not to mention the knitting. I love, love, LOVE it. Riley and Cole fully expected that I would share with them, because that's what mom's do. However, they were a little thrown when I told them that this particular toy is just for me, and I didn't want their sticky, stinky fingers on it. I said it a bit nicer than that, but the point was put across. Jeff started to work on our living room. He's been putting up shelves for our ever-increasing media. He continued that through Sunday, and now though our house is still in disarray, he's really succeeded in making our home look more like a home rather than a dorm room. And by that I mean, he's done a great job and I'm really liking what he's done.
So Monday, we were invited to a BBQ at my in-laws house. Not only would there be fine food, but my brothers-in-law and their band would be performing, so you know, we had to be there. Unfortunately, I've got a cold, so I was contemplating the possibility of staying home while Jeff and the kids went. But then I knew I'd be missing out on a lot if I didn't go, so I dragged my ginormous butt out, and I'm really glad I did. I'm sure there will be blogs all over that will have the same pictures as I've taken, but you'll have to bear with me.
Big thanks to Bob and Maida for great burgers and hot dogs and providing the gathering place. And the rest of the Andersons, Coplens, Hiatts, Stevensons, Miles's and Murrays for side dishes and great company. Afterwards it was time to go watch the musical entertainment and we watched my nieces and nephew perform first, as they've put together a band this year. Quite impressive. Jessica was lead vocals, Brittany and Tiffany were on guitar and Austin was on drums. (Sorry Tiff, I couldn't get a picture of you, that dang tree umbrella was in the way). I meant to tell them all great job, but I had crying issues between Cole and Maggie that were ongoing. I think they just found out that they are the same age, and that being in Kindergarten at the same time was a bonding experience for them. So they really enjoyed playing together, but both are a bit sensitive and kept hurting each others feelings, and then having to make up.
Then next up were the brothers -in -law and nephew. Kyle-singing and on bass, Kory was lead guitar and back-up vocals, and Brandon on the drums made up the main Labor Day event. They didn't disappoint with about six songs plus an encore. There was even a complete bonus when my nephew Andy got up and started to dance, simply because he was feeling it. I love it when kids dance, because there is no self conciousness invovled...the music moves them, and they are but slaves to the rhythm. To me, it tells you that the music is good. One of the highest compliments imaginable. (I could have miss-counted songs because of the previous mentioned problems with Cole and Maggie, so if that's the case, my apologies). I'm always amazed at all this hidden talent. I shouldn't be, because Jeff amazes me all the time with what he can do. I have like, two things that I'm really good at, and from there, my expertise is very limited. So when I see all these quiet, shy-seeming people whip out the big guns, I can't help but be so impressed. So, great job, guys. I'm already anticipating the next show--perhaps next Labor Day? Or possibly the Halloween Party? I'm encouraging you all to shake things up, schedule-wise--just for my personal entertainment, if nothing else. After the encore, we all kind of sat around and visited. I looked around the family there, and noticed that there are quite a few new babies, and expected ones. This is kind of odd to me, because it's like an entirely new generation of family is cropping up, and this time I feel so old. I know a lot of people my age aren't even having children yet, or they are just starting, but this is Utah, and Jeff and I are starting over...it's just weird. Sydney will have all these cousins in her age group, and it doesn't seem like it should be that way. I'm not complaining, mind you, just a bit of a reflection, I guess. However, this DOES lead me to another fabulous thing that happened simply because of my talented sisters-in-law. Kassie made me some blocks for our little Sydney Joy...and I love them. (Yet another thing I refused to share with Riley and Cole, and I'm considered an awful mother because of it). I first saw her post pictures of some that she made for her little girl that's due just about the same time as Sydney. I told her how much I loved them, and she just offered to make me some. How could I refuse? I mean, seriously. They look so great in Sydney's room, too. Yet another expample of things these people can do, and do greatly. It makes me jealous, however, it also makes me content to be lazy....because they're so great to let me enjoy the benefits of their hard work, too. That being said, I really like this system, and am content to keep the status quo, so no one needs to get the idea to try to teach me how to do stuff, or make me figure it out myself. Because that's just not as rewarding to me, just for your information.
Anyway, thanks to everyone for the food, the entertainment, and the gifts. It made my weekend very satisfying and memorable. I really wouldn't mind this turning into tradition...weekly tradition. Seriously, I'm up for it.

Empty Nest part two.

I dropped Cole off at school. His teacher wouldn't make eye contact, but this is understandable, as I try to avoid crazies, stinky, and/or turrets syndrome victims, as well. On the way there, Cole was unusually quiet...I decided to turn the radio off and give him some sound words of advice: Listen to your teacher, don't talk when she's talking, and you'll have so much fun and meet so many friends and...he took a deep breath, and said, "Pinky Swear, Mom"? I was kind of caught off guard as to where he'd heard this. I have said it to Riley a couple of times when we'd talked about serious stuff, and I had promised her it would be okay, but apparently he understood this to be one of those situations. So I smiled and kind of laughed and said, "absolutely, pinky swear". He goes, "uh mom? I don't know the one which is my pinky". I held mine up and explained that it's the smallest finger. I reached behind the seat and felt his little finger grab mine. "Is that right?" he asked. I told him he did it perfectly, and in that moment, found it possible to love my son even more.
We got to the school, and we walked in. Today being Wednesday, is their short day. Every year it changes, as do the hours of school time, and this is annoying to me, but I'm guessing that no one really cares about my opinion. So today they went to school fifteen minutes early and got out forty-five minutes early. (It will only take me two-thirds of the year to get this down).
Cole led me to his classroom. As he's been there two times, he knows exactly how to get there--I honestly am always so impressed with his sense of direction. I took him in and had him find his table, and of course, it was the last one we looked at. But he did well in recognizing his name, and sat down, appreciating the crayon box in front of him. There were only like, five kids there, and I was confused as to why, as we were only two minutes early. (Riley informed me later that the buses, the REASON why we have to always have weird scheduled days, were running late). I also noticed that there were no boys at his table...the only one set up this way. I guess it makes sense that Cole will be comfortable like this because he's very used to being around the female gender, but I guess I was a little concerned that there were no other kids at his table. I was kind of sad that he would feel lonely, as Riley and I both would. But then again, Cole is Jeff's son...not only biologically, obviously, but they have a lot of the same personality quirks. Where Riley and I get lonely easily, they are just fine being alone and in their own worlds. It's hard for me to understand, but Jeff has clued me in that this just is, and to deal and accept. As I looked around, there were other parents there, some with video cameras. All of us had that same concerned look on our faces. Trying to get in that private moment where we tell our little ones that we love them, and remind them that they are fabulous, and they'll have so much fun, and to behave. Then it was time for me to go...His teacher had said to the other four kids there that it was time to start--a clever way to tell the lingering parents to leave, and avoid eye-contact with me at the same time. By this time she'd passed out Play-Doh to all the kids and Cole wasn't even interested in me anyway, so I reluctantly left him there at that big circle table, all alone.
Then I had two and a half hours all to myself. How did I fill it? I guess the way I usually do, however, I have had to run both the dishwasher and the washer and dryer to provide the usual background noise that today was so obviously missing. I checked email, filled out some sort of "check all the things you've done in your life" thing, blog-stalked those that I usually do, texted Jeff, who ignored me, just cause he was working. Whatever.
Anyway, miraculously quickly, it was time to go get the kids. I've instructed Riley to pick Cole up after school, and they will come out together, and get into the car. But today I had to go see if there were any other kids at his table. I didn't want to be lonely FOR him. As I peeked in, Cole was making himself a picture, and wearing his backpack. I'm not exactly sure as to why....seemingly how his teacher made him put it in his cubby when he got there. But he was wearing it, unzipped, and finishing some art masterpiece that had to stay there and dry. I watched from the hallway like some kind of creepy peeping tom, occasionally snapping pictures with my new phone--which coincidentally, worked better on those far away pictures than my nice camera. No shakage. Can I just say how much I love my Blackberry? It's fabulous.
I watched him for the last minute or so, before the bell rang. Cole was taught by Riley the importance of raising your hand before talking to the teacher, so I noticed that at least twice he'd be needing to ask a question, and would just stand there, raising his hand, staring at his teacher, while she was otherwise occupied. Yeah, he's going to be THAT kid. But I guess it's better than the one that yells, "TEACHER, TEACHER!" until looked at. There were a couple of those, too.
The bell rang, and Cole came bounding out, his first words being, "I liked it, mom!" And just like that, I relaxed. I didn't even know how stressed I'd been-and I'm an overexaggerater in all things, so you know it was substantial. We waited for Riley and then all walked to the car together. They both had a good day, Riley found out that a boy named Alex, not the one that I know from her previous class, but a blond one, the one that had been staring at her since the first day, is in love with her. (Of course). And Ashlyn is her new best friend. So, not a bad day at all for her. Cole told Riley that his favorite part of school was the "park", (playground), and Riley apologized to Cole that they couldn't have recess together. (Awwww...) We got out of the car, and Cole showed me the inside of his backpack, because if there's one thing I learned from Riley going to Kindergarten is that you don't just ask your kids if they have anything in it, you look yourself and you will find at least three things they need to do that they had, "no idea", were in there. We had a snack...and I'd like to say that this was mainly because the kids were hungry, but no, it's because I was. And then, out of the blue, Cole gets a panicky/angry look on his face, and says, "Mom! You didn't tell me da truth!" I asked what he was talking about and he goes: "You telled me that school was going to be a short time, and I was there for a hundreds hours!" I told him he was there for only two and a half hours, actually, and that that's how many hours he'll be there each day. "EACH DAY? I didn't say I wanted thaaaaat! Now I can't watch my movies!" (You're right Keri. With Cole, I'm definitely seeing the benefits of the home school option).

Empty Nest part one.

Okay, so I know already that tomorrow I'll have lots to add to today's post, therefore, I'm doing it in increments. Because I'm brilliant, obviously. Today was the day I'd been kind of dreading. Cole's Kindergarten assessment test. A few posts ago I'd said that he was assessed back while I registered both kids for this year. And I wasn't there, while he was tested, so I just kind of guessed what they'd look for in a kid starting Kindergarten. When Riley started, they required her to know the alphabet...both upper and lower cases weren't required, just as long as they had some recognition of the letter, how to write her name, and to count from 1 to 10. Easy, peasy. And remember when I said that I didn't prep him whatsoever before going? And a stranger took him, alone, into an unfamiliar classroom and asked him questions. And before all this, tried to calm him with fruit snacks. Cole is a "dessert after" kind of guy. Otherwise, he just doesn't have any real motive to do what you're asking of him, does he? Anyway, after that, Jeff has been working with him on his letters, and I've been working with him on his numbers. He and I would sing the alphabet, he could write his name, but a bit of dyslexia would set in and sometimes he'd switch the position of the e and the l. So, all in all, he was really coming along. I even bought him a couple of DVDs of Sesame Street. The Alphabet and counting to 20. I realize, knowing my son, and the way he has every DVD of ours memorized, this should have been the way to go in the first place. But I didn't want to be "that parent". The one that sits their kid in front of the TV all day, and expects them to learn. The problem? Cole is that kid. He LOVES watching movies...and watching them over and over so he can understand the jokes, the lines, the definition of words, and repeat them. Riley was never that way, she liked the one on one time with me or Jeff. Cole just thinks it's lame after fifteen minutes. So, after watching the alphabet movie a couple of times, he was easily saying L, M, N, O, P as them being their own letters...(something that I didn't realize I think until like, first grade, at the earliest). And he went from counting to ten easily to getting to fourteen...and skips fifteen, and from there, can get to twenty. We still have to convince him that fifteen is an important number, too. All in all, though, I really thought he was ready for his testing. So a little before it was time, I used a magazine in the car, and started to ask him to name letters, as I pointed to them. For the first two minutes he was fine--doing excellent, and then he started to see more late kids show up for school, and lost interest. I got frustrated, because instead of looking at the letters, he watched the kids, and just guessed a letter when I'd ask him about one. (His eyes didn't even PRETEND to look at what I was pointing to), and I began to get frustrated and preachy, and he got his feelings hurt, and more nervous. So, points for me being the best mom in the world and all that. We then when into the school, and he saw his teacher, who is a little weird, to me...but I think that has to be the norm, because remember Miss Lippy on Billy Madison? I pretty much compare all Kindergarten teachers to her, and then feel better about the person in front of me.
I had to sit down and fill out papers while she tested Cole...and it was bad that I was there. Not for Cole's sake, however, for mine. Now, you've probably picked up a few clues as to the kind of parent I am. But when it comes to others TEACHING my children, it's like I become that parent screaming at the little league tee-ball team. I control it, but it's really, really difficult. I sat there, listening to Cole's teacher's requests: write your name-check. Count for me, as high as you can-check. What's this letter?-check.
Then it all went terribly wrong: Write the numbers one through ten. Write an A, a D, and an F. Tell me which words here are the "Rhyming" words. Show me where the front cover of the book is.....HUH? Cole was so unprepared. And confused. And it was so painful for me to watch. But on top of that, I was getting pissed and frustrated because as I sat there pretending to fill out emergency contact information AGAIN, she was asking him all these questions that, hello, aren't you supposed to LEARN in Kindergarden? I mean, what do you go for, besides the social developement, if you already know all this stuff? And the way she phrased her questions was weird, too...she wouldn't rephrase them. For instance: What does a "C" say? Cole just looks at her, she looks back at him and repeats, "What dooooes a C saaaaay"? Cole goes, "I don't know, what does it say"? And instead of rephrasing the question, she just went onto another letter. What does an "F" say? And so on and so forth. Well, Cole really didn't have a clue as to what she was asking. We've taught him, "what makes a "ca" sound?, to wich he'll respond, "C" or "K". And that's how he knows which letter it is...the other way around, it just made no sense to him, and I wanted to shout and tell her she was doing it all wrong, but the more sane side of myself kept reminding me to calm down and breathe, and it would do no favors to Cole for me to become enemies with his teacher. So I just sat there, and stewed, until they were done. Now, after all that, you'd think I would have gotten out of there, but she asked Cole if he was ready for school tomorrow, and he said yes, excited that he'd "done so well" on his testing.
I couldn't leave it at that. I wanted to explain a little...explain that no, my son isn't a dullard. (Oh, BTW, he totally kicked @ss on his listening and comprehension skills, I just had to add that. He's always been that kid that doesn't have to even look at you, and he's all over the place and you don't think he's using a single brain cell. However, afterwards, he can pretty much repeat exactly what you just said--and he gets it).
So I went up to his teacher, and started to explain that he knows all the sounds of letters, it's just that I've taught him wrong, I guess....and then, I could feel it coming on, but I couldn't control it, and I was right in the middle of a sentence, so I couldn't just run...I start bawling. I mean, the sobbing kind, that is uncomfortable for everyone. I was so embarrassed and angry with myself that it just got harder to control myself, and I finally choked out, "sorry, hormones and stuff..." She got this terrified look on her face, thinking I was snapping, and she needed to get to another assessment test, so she goes, "oh, he's going to do great. I know he's a smart kid, I can tell!" I gave her a smile while I was still convulsing and I'm sure it was really pretty and convincing on top of that. I apologized again, tried to make a joke of it, and obviously, at that point in time, could do nothing more than fail miserably. So now I'm just hoping that life will be a little easier for Cole seemingly how his teacher knows what he's dealing with at home. Either that, or she'll be so afraid to do anything remotely upsetting to him...and I guess that's a bit comforting as well. Yes, I am reaching. But honestly, it's all I can do after the humiliation that I suffered. Luckily I have Jeff to message during the day and relate all my fiascos. After our years of being together, he's just so good at knowing what to say to me, and how to say it. Also, Kelli came over and I explained to her the scenario. She eased my fears with her stories of working with school children and how they just try to cover EVERY base, to see not only if the kid is behind, but also advanced. They both really helped to settle my nerves and to hope that all is not lost.
Anyway, a very long and emotional story short, that was our preparation for today....his first day of school. Right now, he's downstairs, watching a movie that he knows all the words and sounds to, and I'm gearing myself to get him dressed and take him there. In a way, I'm sad. I know it's only two and a half hours of time to myself, and I'm sure that once Squish comes, I'll be thankful for the break..and that's what I've taken to calling Sydney...just because she's pretty much a bratty parasite right now. And because I've heard my sister Muff refer to her a couple times as "a little Squishy", and it just sort of caught on. (I say bratty, because she is. I can't lean up against anything, lay my favorite way, or sit on my favorite chair, just because she refuses to let me, already. She freaks out and starts kicking and punching until I move, and then she's okay. Also, she's begun to spaz out when I smell food, if I haven't eaten in the mornings. This never happened with my other two and it reminds me of scary alien babies, and books I've read where the host is impregnated with some sort of demon spawn. That being said, I am quite fond of my little Squish, but a little creeped out, as well).
Okay, that's the end of part one. I'm going to go get Cole dressed, and take pictures of him outside his classroom, and probably cry because for some reason, though I never would have guessed, I am that parent. Wish him luck.
(Also, I used pictures from my new phone...I'm pretty stoked about this, as they're not too blurry and such. So I tried to insert them in a place that would make sense, but if they don't, that's why). Until next time!

Ups and downs.

I will say this. So far, I think Jeff's new job is AWESOME. Not only has he been home from work each night this week at 6:30, but his work week didn't start until Tuesday, and it ended today, Thursday. He works three full, eleven hour days and has occasional catered lunches. (That's just high class, as far as I'm concerned. :) Then he puts seven hours in during his resulting four day weekend. I am sold. He's a bit reluctant to say how fabulous it is, simply because he hasn't been "working". I guess the company is going through some sort of process right now where there is a lot of waiting around, trying to come to a decision on the program they will use to do projects with. So now, Jeff is encouraged to do some freelance on their dime. He's getting antsy, I'm praising a company that actually saw what he can do, and is willing to pay him accordingly--even when he's doing nothing. Also, I'm going to brag a bit...Jeff was told that out of sixty applicants, he outshown them all. He doesn't seem to think that it's that big of deal. But if you ask me, he's finally getting some of the stuff for which he's worked so hard. (Also, Jeff's previous boss is asking Jeff back so he can train co-workers with stuff they should know, but he always did, so they didn't have to. Jeff was the one that took the time to figure stuff out on his own, and now he's severely missed). I'm just happy for my husband. And yes, I'm gloating...but he really deserves this.
Riley's first day of school went really well, according to her. She's made new friends, and gotten reaquainted with old ones. The sad part? Her best friend, Olivia, moved over the summer. My heart goes out to her, because I remember how painful it was, when my best friend moved away as a kid. I'm pretty sure she'll be okay, but it's going to be touchy for a while. She has been upbeat about not having any homework this week, though, so for that, I'm grateful. Cole is getting nervous about next week. He's had a couple breakdowns--making me promise him that while he's gone, Noony will be able to sit on the couch, and watch a movie...preferrably while covered with "blue blanket". I have made this promise a couple times, and am pretty convinced that there will be mention of it tomorrow, as well. But he seems to calm a bit when I promise that Noony will be looked after. He seems to getting in every last second he possibly can--his white rabbit has been brought along every errand we've gone on this week. I am honestly grateful that Kindergarten is only two and a half hours long, because we'd have serious problems if it were any longer. I think he's going to do just fine, though. It may take a few weeks to adjust, but he's a trooper, just like Riley. Jeff and I have started Dexter, season one. We've watched it before, but now that we also have Dexter, season two, we're starting all over again. And then the new season will start...ah, sweet autumn. It's all just beginning. Jeff and I savor our nightly shows, and now it begins all over again. I'm stoked.
I'm posting a couple photos from last week. I told Kelli that I would, so she'd have copies of them...but I want to warn my readers. I went for broke...I wore a bathing suit, as it was the end of summer, and I'd gone the entire time without coaxing this ginormous body into anything spandex. The sweats of some sort I wear daily have the same comfortable give, but do such a better job of hiding more. So in addition to the reflective nature of my skin, there's also the MORE factor. And this is always extra fun when you go swimming with the Coplen girls...I had a hard enough time when I was just nannying them, not hating myself for weighing more than 80lbs. But put on a bathing suit, and walk around jiggling while they lounge and there's not a spot of cellulite to be found...even worse. And girls, if you are reading this, it's only jealousy talking. Jealousy and inferiority. If I could look like you guys simply by, oh, murdering two or three people? I'd start making arrangements now.
The pool was fun, and I was a little sad that I'd avoided swimming all summer long, just because of vanity issues. Also, I think that my swimsuit is now lost to me forever. When I bought it, in JANUARY, it was cute and loose, and I thought that it would be used a gazillion times this summer. But there it sat, untouched until last week. I think I've stretched it out beyond recognition, but it's okay because I'm glad that I got to use it...So, thanks Kelli, for making us come along. The kids loved it, and I got burned--but in a good, "it's truly summer", way. And now that I've had the realization of summer, it's turning into fall, and I'm SO happy. I'm ready for the cooler weather and to put all my sweatshorts away. (I'm assuming that Jeff won't be objecting to this, either). So this is my goodbye to the heat. And hopefully, next summer, I WILL use my swimming suit as many times as I'd planned on using it this year. And hopefully, I'll be much smaller. I have heard it said that the third child is the curse to a woman's body. This was one of the reasons I was afraid to have a third baby--ONE of the reasons. Anyone have some insight on this? If it's bad news, I can take it. If it's good news, I need to hear it. Okay, it's time for sleeping. I'm rambling, and Riley's got school in the morning, so I need to be going. Until next time.

New Beginnings.

Things are changing 'round here. Jeff just changed jobs. This week was the beginning of him going to and from his office and being able to take off Mondays and Fridays, and yet, being paid for a full work week. He has to do the whole meetings thing, which isn't his favorite part, surely, but apparently when in high demand, people want to know what you're thinking. I wouldn't know. Big clients and all that. I'm just thrilled that when I have this baby he'll have more time at home with me. When Cole was a baby he worked full time and was going to night school, so seeing Jeff was rare, and having him alert to what was going on, and able to help out, was even rarer. So this time around, it will be drastically different, and I'm immensely grateful.
Today Riley starts school. Somehow I totally missed this. I really believed that I had an entire week left, that next Wednesday, the 27th, is when she would start. Thankfully I ran into a friend at Wal-mart-the bane of my existence-and she enlightened me that not only was later that evening, "Back to School Night", but that Riley would start school the next day, and then Cole, because he was going to Kindergarten, would start the next week. HE starts the 27th. Riley, gets to go today. Is it just me, or is that completely unfair to those of us that can't be held responsible for even the most menial tasks these days? Seriously. I was thankful that I pushed myself to get the kids school clothes and lunch items...that was a hunch that wasn't wasted, like so many of mine are. So a week from now, hopefully I can say that I'm on top of what's going on, and my schedule, and so on and so forth. Here's to hoping.
Last but certainly not least, I'm making personal changes that have been a long time coming. I won't go into detail, hence, the personal part. But I will say that this weekend was the beginning of something new to me. I've decided that I'm going to start being less of a people pleaser--because it's gotten to the point where I can't pull it off anymore. I'm going to focus on the things that I know I can handle, and cut back on the things I can't. So, after thinking about it extensively, and with the advice of many--recently and over the years, I'm making changes. I feel I've been accepting of others and what has made their lives better; even if I didn't understand, or necessarily agree. So I'm hoping that the same will go here. If not, though, it's okay. I've really pondered for a looooong time about how to find my own inner peace and how I need go about getting it. And I owe it to myself to try. Luckily I like myself enough to realize that there are options, and I owe it to myself to try them, and see what works. So that's that.
Anway, as you can see, big things are happening. And they are all good things, so I'm feeling really content with life right now. It's amazing how just taking a stand on a decision can really change your outlook on everything.
So I just sent Jeff off to work for the day. I'll wait around for a text from him telling me that he's doing okay, and that he's bored, but slowly getting used to what his new job entails. Next I'm going to go wake Riley and fix her hair, and take a ton of pictures of her in her first day of school outfit. And I'll marvel at how much I want from life just for my daughter, at how happy I am for her that her best girl friend is in her class this year, and how excited she is about it. And then I'll drop her off, and feel my heart break a litte because she's growing so fast and there's no way to stop it. Cole and I will wait here, and go over his letters and numbers and talk about him going to school next week, and how great it will be for him. And then it will be time to pick Riley up. Cole and I will be anxious to hear whether or not she likes her new teacher and how things were with Olivia...if they went back to being best friends, or if things were a little awkward at first. This will be our lives for the next school year, and I'm looking forward to it. It's different, but sometimes different is good, while always scary. New beginnings, and all. You know how it is.