Misc.

Ahhh....SSSSSundayyyyy. (That was said with the Spongebob episode of "Sunday" in mind. For those of you that don't know what I'm talking about...it's not that I'm a gigantic nerd, it's just that you aren't as cool as you thought you were). How often do you have a day where you accomplish so much that you are actually excited about the next day and how you'll wake up with SO much less to do than you'd originally planned on? (If you said, "quite often" or anything like that, I'm going to consider you a liar for my own peace of mind). Anyway, today was one of those days for me. I took out the recycling, I cleaned the kitchen, I went for a walk, I spent time with the kids, I answered emails I read some, and I'm now posting on my blog that has been lonely and neglected for the past two weeks. If I had more days like this one, I'd be WAY more happy with my time management skills. As it stands now, my only major plans usually include changing diapers, wiping up spit up, fixing a couple less-than-exciting meals, and getting some sort of nap in. Anyway, I'm back. I don't know for how long, but I'm going to be better about posting. Because my last ones have been overly short and generic.

So, Leah, because you so nicely asked, I'll fill you in on the Lagoon Day Deux but first I have to mention a few important sidebars.

I had to inform you all about Jeff's Father's Day. To put it on record that we actually DID something. Maybe this will be our new thing--doing stuff on holidays and special occasions. I also needed to give my mama a big thanks for making a fabulous date possible, as it seems like they are very few and far between. (And, fyi, Moriah, I agreed with Kyle's assessment of our movie. Year One had it's funny parts and I have total crushes on both Michael Cera and Jack Black, but I was anticipating a TON more laughs. Also, I wished Paul Rudd had a more plentiful part and Jeff and I were the only ones that laughed at quite a few parts because I guess they were overly crude....but disgustingly hilarious).

The DAY after my "Summer is so great" post, or I guess it was called "Summertime"; all Hell broke loose at our house. Riley got so sick and lethargic that I knew I needed to take her to the doctor's office. It turned out she had an ear infection and that meant a lot of pain for her and worry and sleeplessness for us. Then Cole got sick. He was coughing like his little lungs would give out for a couple nights and of course, Syd became sick last, running a fever, overly snotty, and sleeping two hours on and two hours off. All that I had planned--swimming lessons, baby photos, and personal stuff like haircuts and errands and yard work, etc., was put on hold. For almost two weeks. That will teach me to praise the sunny time of year. My previous theory has now been proven. (Which is, Mainly, summer sucks....and the minute it fools you into thinking that it doesn't, you're regretting your momentary insanity). And yeah, I know I'm going to have a lot of comments disagreeing with that last statement.

Anyway, our last Lagoon Day I had mentioned the "L" word, pee, the Collossis, and the Terror Ride. I don't know if any of you have ever seen the show, Grounded For Life....it's about a trashy family and everyday stuff. I love it. Anyhoo, Jeff and I watched it regularly a few weeks ago on DVD. One episode mentioned the family going to Coney Island, and it being "Gay Day", where apparently Gay men all gathered, and parts of the show were about how the family dealt with questions from their kids, and their own issues as parents and such. No, it wasn't as PC as I would have liked, however, after our Lagoon Day, I guess it never is. So, when we went, I'm not sure if there was a name for it or not, but there was a very big gathering of 'women with an affinity for women'. I spotted many rainbow sweatbands and necklaces and tattoos and families, and couples.
Now, I've been trying to let Riley and Cole know that there are different cultures, and people, and preferences, in a way that is gradual and as non-shocking as possible. Earlier that weekend, Riley and Cole had been looking through one of Jeff and my Entertainment Weeklys, and they came across a picture of Ozzy Ozbourne and started laughing so hard at the "funny looking lady", that I had to go over to see what they were looking at. I tried to explain to them that who they thought was a lady was actually a man....and that there are different people that dress differently and have different hair, etc. Anyway, after they both expressed that it was "weird" to them, they let it go, and there was no more mention of it.
Until Lagoon Day. Cole was with me, as Riley and Jeff were in line for a huge roller coaster that Cole would NOT even attempt. A couple walked by and Cole said: "Hey mom, why are those guys holding hands?" The thing about Cole is that he doesn't have a quiet bone in his body and the guys were actually women. So I was a little embarrassed, and I told him that they weren't men, they were women and they were holding hands because they were good friends. (How do you explain a relationship to a six year old boy, anyway? Especially when most grown men don't get it). Anyway, I was saved when he made his own connection and goes, "OH! You mean like that man in the magazine that looked like a lady? And some ladies look like boys?" Embarrassed, I said, "Yep. That's kinda like it", and tried to get him to focus on something else. Unfortunately, that show that I'd previously mentioned painfully illustrated the explanation of what we think of as unconventional relationships, to children. While watching it, I thought, "That's so NOT how kids would act". But I was proven wrong. I'm gonna work on that.
The other two stories involve Cole as well. I say this not because Riley is boring, but just the opposite. Riley was a riding machine! The only ride she truly wouldn't try was the Blast Off Re-entry where it takes you way up and just drops you. Cole tried a lot more rides than the first time, but he was still a big chicken. Jeff and I found that he doesn't mind how fast they go, they just need to be closer to ground level. It's the high rides that he won't even attempt. Anyway, an odd choice, I thought for Cole, was the "Terror Ride". He just decided that it looked fun, and he wanted to go. Nevermind the fact that the ENTIRE time he burrowed his face into my side and wouldn't look at anything. So I began telling him everything that I saw, "There's a werewolf", and "there's a bat with glowing eyes", and "ooooh, that's a scary Frankenstein". As soon as it was done, and we went out into the light again, he looked around, and skipped off to where Jeff, Riley, and Syd were waiting. When I caught up with him I heard him telling them, "and there was a werewolf and a scary and bat with glowing eyes, and a Frankenstein...." Everything that I had said he actually had listened to, and passed it off as his own adventure. He's truly my son.

And lastly, was the pee story. So Cole decided he loved The Bat. He claimed it was his favorite ride. On his fourth or fifth time I went with him and Riley. They had decided to ride together and I'd ride behind them. As the ride came into view, I watched a little girl get out of the seat and she was...dripping. From her seat. I kind of panicked and offered Cole to sit next to me, in back and he said that he'd already promised to be seat buddies with Riley. I didn't have the heart to tell him what I'd saw...so I helped him into his seat, and he looked at me with a confused face and said, "it's really wet, mom". I told him someone must have been sweating a lot, and he seemed to think that made sense. I have convinced myself sometimes the lies I tell won't count against me. As for the Collossis, I can't remember the story. Sorry...sometimes I think the nutrasweet I consume each day might somehow affect me.
Okay, it's now time for me to hit the hay. I'll fill you in on more later. But for now, I have to get some sleep.

More of our date

So here we are at Paradise Bakery. We are ready to enjoy some sandwiches and soup--again, thanks to my momma. She not only supplied babysitting for the kiddos, but some Father's Day dinero that I made Jeff put to good use--and buy me dinner.

chow-girl

Howdy!!
Today Jeff and I are enjoying time together--with Syd, as car seats must encumber our lives for another eight years and she's been pretty snotty. With literal snot. Anyway, thanks to my FABULOUS mommy, Larraine, my Jeffrey and I have been to a movie, Year One, shopped around, and are now heading to a dinner at Paradise Bakery. She's watching Cole and Riley and its been such a great day! It's literally poured outside the entire time. I LOVE IT! (I am totally wearing a hoodie in mid June. That's unheard of). Anyhoo, I'm off to stuff my face. Tell you more, later.

Summertime

I hate the heat. That one reason is why I dread the summers here. But these past couple weeks have been perfect--some hot days, sure, but not the I-cant-even-breathe-and-just-want-to-die heat that I know is coming. And it will, and I'll tell you how much I hate every second of it at that time. For now, though, I've been loving life. I hope my posts have been working from my phone--its been a while since I've been able to check my computer, so for all I know, they're all scrambled up like my first attempt. If so, I apologize. Syd is now crawling and sitting up all by her little self. Six months seems to be the magic age for her, and both of my girls seem to have been very eager to grow up. If Syd starts walking at the end of her ninth month like Riley did, I'm going to be ticked. She's my last baby. She's not supposed to be getting so big so quickly. Anyway, these are just some of my random thoughts while the kids take their swim lessons. And my way of avoiding getting upset with Cole each time he's being a spaz, and loud, and obnoxious. Which is often. I find it interesting that some of the things I love so much about Cole are the exact things that annoy me. I also find it sad, because he comes by this so naturally. His personality and my own are nearly the same. This gives me a greater appreciation for those that brave being my friends.

Lagoon Day Deux

Hello again. My stepmom, Teresa surprised my little family with money for Lagoon (specifically)last week. Being that I had so much fun last time, I'm way stoked to be here again. I'll post more stories later, when I have computer access. But for now, rest assured that we are ALL having a blast. (Cole included). I have to remind myself to fill you in on the L word, the terror ride, the collosis, and pee. And we've only been here for three hours. Much more to come, I'm sure.

Lagoon Day

Jeff's job had their Lagoon Day last Monday. What that meant for us? We only had to pay 10 bucks a ticket, we got a free lunch, and we got our first sunburns of the year. One thing we did find out was that we can get more tickets than we have actual family members. Jeff and I decided that due to events we had to endure during the day that I'll go into soon, next year we are going to bring some people with us so that Jeff and I will occasionally get to go on a ride with each other. If we have any volunteers, let us know.
Anyway, we were all so excited to go. The kids had never been to Lagoon, and the last time Jeff and I had been there was a few months after we had gotten married, a little before I found out I was pregnant with Riley. We got up early on Monday morning, and Riley and I both put our hair in ponytails. I mention this not to just brag on my amazing hairdo skillz, but because Riley begged me to do Syd's hair like ours, as well. Unfortunately, Syd didn't have enough hair for a ponytail, so I did the little sprout thing on the top of her head. Cole came in after I had fixed Syd's hair and said, "Oh that's cute. Rileeeeey! Syd looks like a unicorn!"

I had to tell that story because I thought it was so funny. My records, you know. After getting in the car and heading to our destination, I realized that I forgot three important things...binkies, diapers, and wipes. I had packed them in the diaper bag however, after re-evaluating all our crap, we realized that bag was still on the couch, and didn't get put in the trunk with our bathing suits, towels, and snacks. Am I the only one that forgets the most important items everywhere I go, EVERY time? So I had to stop at Target and buy the missing essentials. However, as soon as I got out of the car, I was assailed with wails of "WHY ARE YOU SHOPPING?" and "WE'RE GOING TO MISS IT!" and "WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO GO TO TARGET?" I explained that I would just run right in and out. After getting the required items, we were again on our way, and ten minutes later, we were parking outside of the amusement park.
I was overly excited for our first rides. I figured that Riley and Cole both rode one of the scariest roller coasters ever while we were in Nevada, so all the Lagoon rides would pale in comparison. But I was so wrong. Both Riley and Cole took in all the rides and immediately started saying, "I'm not gonna go on that", or "I don't want to try that one", and "that just looks too scary". These were the little kid rides, even. I was completely dumbfounded and a little perturbed. I mean, yeah, we didn't have to pay the full 50 bucks a ticket for the kids, so I didn't have to murder them. But they were SUCH weenies!
This is Cole's reaction to going on the "Ladybug Bop". I really thought that he would eventually warm up to the idea of going on rides, but no.

Not one to miss an opportunity, I had to take pictures of how much fun I was having, regardless of how much fun Cole was NOT having. Riley finally decided to go on the Ladybug Bop with Jeff, while I stayed with a pouting Cole and my sweet little Syd. And btw, Jeff told me that when I blogged about this whole ordeal, I had to make sure to mention that the "Best Kid by Far" award went to Syd by a landslide. She was the BEST baby ever! She got to go on the Lazy River with Jeff, and she loved it. However, when water actually touched her she would get upset and complain. She people watched and laughed, and napped, and sat in her stroller, and was so completely cute, she convinced other people to have babies.
Unlike our other two kids. I had to threaten that we would skip the water park part of Lagoon if the kids kept refusing to go on rides. It was a terrible display of abusing my parental power, but sometimes you gotta pull the big guns.

Cole eventually warmed up to the slow, merry-go-round rides and I got the fun duty of watching him go round and round while Riley and Jeff went and rode on fun rides...like the Bat. (Which I had to FORCE her to go on with me the first time, by telling her that if she didn't go on it, I'd never bring her to Lagoon again, and next time Jeff and I had a chance to go, I'd find a babysitter for them, because it was a waste to bring them if they weren't going to attempt any rides). Yes, I'm a terrible parent, but we've already established that, and it didn't work on Cole at all, so I don't feel as bad about it as I probably should. And additionally, after I forced Riley to try the Bat with me, it quickly became her favorite ride and that's what she wanted to do the rest of our time there. Can you imagine what would have happened had she been brave enough to try any others?

So, yeah. All in all, it was a really fun day. However, we did learn our lesson. Which was: we can't rely on our children to be as brave as they promise us they will be. So we need to bring others to help rotate watching kids, and riding. Also, we will have to spend more time at the water park area, so I can actually get to go on the water slides and such more than once. And I'm wearing a tank top next time, so I can avoid the ridiculous farmer's tan that I've been sporting for the last week. And there you have it. That was our Lagoon Day for this year. Be thinking long and hard about whether or not any of you are up to this task. It takes severe patience and sunscreen.
Until next post!

Life is SO good!

It's been a while, and so much has happened. Let's see. Cole has graduated from Kindergarten. A week ago today, in fact. The whole process was really cute, actually. Riley never had a graduation, and so I was a little skeptical as to how it would be, but the program was cute and my son was pretty adorable. (Cole's graduating self-portrait). So all in all, it was fun. Much thanks to Kory and Bob for allowing Jeff to support his son, instead of play the mandatory weekly games of racquetball. ;)
Then on Saturday night, Jeff and I went to the VAST concert that I'd been looking forward to for the last five months. The poster Jeff did for this concert was really superb...in fact, I'm going to do some shameless promotion. Go to Jeffective.com and check it out. You'll see all his posters thus far under "illustration". Most of you have seen them, but for those of you that haven't, this is why I'm a total braggart when it comes to my husband.
I want to say a huge THANK YOU to my mother-in-law, Maida. She watched Riley, Cole, and Sydney from 7 pm to about 2:30 am and that wasn't what she had agreed to. Keep in mind that this is AFTER I had totally bossed her around, upon her arriving at our home, to make it easier for my babies. Sometimes I go overboard trying to cover every possible scenario the few times that Jeff and I actually get a chance to get out. I mean, she's only mothered 15 of her own children, I'm sure my routine with three is completely different from anything she's ever experienced, right? Right? Yeah, Jeff didn't think so, either. After thinking about it, I'm lucky she didn't just walk out right then. Maida, if you're reading this, thanks so much for your time and patience.

(Jeff and I at VAST). Moving on. I reminded Jeff that the last concert we went to ran about four hours later than when we estimated we'd return. He assured me that it wouldn't happen again. You know I'm all about saying "I told you so", and so I said it. Multiple times. After telling Maida we'd be home between 11pm and 12am, we got back two and half hours later. See what I mean about walking out?
The concert, though, was a lot of fun. Jeff's friend's band, Elemental, did really well. That's always good. Then the band, Endless Hallway played. They blew, fyi. I hate thinking of myself as old, but honestly, it was just noise. They were all prepubescent boys in skinny jeans and sporting Nikki Sixx hair. (See?) I guess my reference to Nikki Sixx probably makes me old...but whatever. Also, during their performance I was bumped into by some wobbly big guy. I said "sorry", because that's my normal response to being barreled into. He said "not your fault", and then I went back to feeling sorry for the failure that was Endless Hallway. (And sadly for them, I wasn't the only person that felt that way. One girl in front of me was actually plugging her ears. She also had her nails done in ten little yellow smiley faces, and was wearing her hair the same way that Cheryl Bettinger always did, but that's beside the point).
Back to my story. After "big guy" bumped into me, I turned to face the stage and then heard a splash and felt something drop on the back of my legs. I thought someone spilled their beer, so I refrained from turning around right away to cause further embarrassment. I waited five seconds then looked back to see what happened, and everyone was facing me with disgusted looks on their faces. Following their looks I realized it wasn't only me they were staring at, but the floor. Where the guy that bumped me vomited everywhere. Luckily I didn't have very much on me, but I was plagued by the aroma of regurgitated eggrolls and beer for the rest of the night. I almost lost it a couple times myself.
The rest of the night/early morning went much more smoothly. Sure, we were exposed to the usual concert episode of girls-doing-the-drunk-lesbian-dance for the sake of the musicians, and the smell of a lot of sweaty sleeveless shirted guys, but it wasn't very noticeable over the vomit. VAST was a lot of fun, and despite being a prime target for the fashion police, the lead singer was humorous and witty. Jeff and I really enjoyed ourselves. (And, VAST loved, loved, LOVED the poster Jeff illustrated for them. But that's a no-brainer). ;)
Soon to come: Our Lagoon Day. Stay tuned.