When your contractor tells you that a certain job will begin on a certain day make sure you add 2 to 3 days on to the job start date. Maybe I should create a translation guide for contractor talk.
I am really trying to be cool in this process. Being that we did a bathroom remodel in our old house a few years ago I know the process. It makes sense. The tile guy has to finish his current job before he moves onto a new job. Sometimes things don't go as smoothly which causes an extra day added on which means you are one day behind. And everything has to be done in order. You can't start tile until the plumbing is all complete in the shower. If you are going to have the plumber in make sure he can take care of all your plumbing needs at one time. Can't help it if the plumber needs longer than 1 day to take care of everything. There was a lot to be done in the bathroom.
We are looking forward to having our very own bathroom. One in which we just have to walk a few feet from our bed to be in. We are excited about how nice the bathroom will look once everything is complete. And the room we will have. We are adding on a cabinet so that we can store towels, toilet paper and such.
When I look at my house I see project after project that I would like to have completed. I like my house but there are so many things I would have done differently if I built this home. I look forward to the time where I can sit and enjoy my surroundings.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Old friends
I grew up in Florida. Our next door neighbors for the longest time was a family of 6, which included twin girls who were 1 year older than me. We were good friends. The friendship would toggle from one of the twins to the other when we were younger. They moved away in 1985 during our high school years.
They moved to New Jersey where they completed high school. They then both attended a college in Pa. where they lived together. They have a love hate relationship. A little funny to watch.
Over the years we have kept in touch. We were in each other's weddings. I was up in Pa on business once and I stopped by to see them. The last time I saw them was 3 years ago at Thanksgiving. They stopped by on their way to Tenn. for a family reunion. We have one of those relationships where we can pick up the pieces at that point in time.
They are each married and live around the block from each other. One has 2 boys and the other has 3 boys. The cousins get to play together a lot. Of course, they are all very busy with sports.
Being in Maryland means that we are very close to them. We finally arranged a day where we could drive up to visit. Saturday was the day (we have been planning since February and had to change the date once). It is a very easy 2 hour drive. I can't tell you how great it was seeing them. I really miss their friendship. They are part of such a great family.
Here we are....all grown up.
Here are all the kids, from 11 years old to my little 2 year old. They had a blast.
We have extended the invite for them to visit us any time. We also hope to meet up with them sometime in August for a trip to Hershey park.
They moved to New Jersey where they completed high school. They then both attended a college in Pa. where they lived together. They have a love hate relationship. A little funny to watch.
Over the years we have kept in touch. We were in each other's weddings. I was up in Pa on business once and I stopped by to see them. The last time I saw them was 3 years ago at Thanksgiving. They stopped by on their way to Tenn. for a family reunion. We have one of those relationships where we can pick up the pieces at that point in time.
They are each married and live around the block from each other. One has 2 boys and the other has 3 boys. The cousins get to play together a lot. Of course, they are all very busy with sports.
Being in Maryland means that we are very close to them. We finally arranged a day where we could drive up to visit. Saturday was the day (we have been planning since February and had to change the date once). It is a very easy 2 hour drive. I can't tell you how great it was seeing them. I really miss their friendship. They are part of such a great family.
Here we are....all grown up.
Here are all the kids, from 11 years old to my little 2 year old. They had a blast.
We have extended the invite for them to visit us any time. We also hope to meet up with them sometime in August for a trip to Hershey park.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Progress......at last
It seems hard to believe that after about 2 months of not being able to use the master bath that it is now being reconstructed. Our contractor has been out the last 2 days working. They have enlarged the shower area, worked on all of the plumbing and have done clean up of the bathroom area. Next week our tile should be installed along with our cabinets. The only items that will cause delays are the counter tops (because the cabinets must be in so a template can be made) and the glass frame for the shower (because that will have to be measured once the shower in in tact). It will be so nice to be back in our bathroom once again.
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Tee and I stopped by the boys' school for field day. It was really hot and Tee was very tired so we did not stay the entire time. We watched a few events and then left. I had to stop by the store (Kohls) quickly to buy a gift. I had Tee in one of the strollers. As I was strolling down the isle, Tee spots the bras and immediately starts saying "mommy boobies" over and over and over again. I got a few looks at which point I just had to laugh.
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I don't use my GPS system often (when we moved here I used it a lot), but still need it on occasion. Last week I was driving on a back road and missed a turn. Yes, even with my system telling me where to go, I missed the turn. I then turned into the parking lot beyond my turn so that I could get back on the road. As I am driving in the parking lot, the lady on the system says, "there is a better route". So I turned her off.
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Tee and I stopped by the boys' school for field day. It was really hot and Tee was very tired so we did not stay the entire time. We watched a few events and then left. I had to stop by the store (Kohls) quickly to buy a gift. I had Tee in one of the strollers. As I was strolling down the isle, Tee spots the bras and immediately starts saying "mommy boobies" over and over and over again. I got a few looks at which point I just had to laugh.
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I don't use my GPS system often (when we moved here I used it a lot), but still need it on occasion. Last week I was driving on a back road and missed a turn. Yes, even with my system telling me where to go, I missed the turn. I then turned into the parking lot beyond my turn so that I could get back on the road. As I am driving in the parking lot, the lady on the system says, "there is a better route". So I turned her off.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sports
The last few days have been filled with sports. Sunday I finally made it to a Lacrosse practice. The practice is at 3:00 and in the middle of Tee's nap. The boys seem to have fun at Lacrosse but they both say they are not interested in playing the sport on a team. I feel it is our job to push them to "try out" the different sports but not push them if it is not something they enjoy. Although they seem to have fun at practice.
Sunday was a chilly day. I keep thinking that we are done with the heat but the mornings have been so chilly that I have had to run it upstairs. We are almost in June, certainly I won't need my heater any more.
Here are a few pictures of the boys from Sunday.
EE all geared up and ready to practice.
Jay geared up. He has to be cold.
Tee soaking all in while watching the practice.
After Lacrosse we headed to a Tennis celebration. The organization just started their tennis league which the boys will start in July. The celebration was to get everyone excited about the program.
Monday and Tuesday (a make-up game) we had baseball games. The team has really struggled this year. We don't want EE and Jay to lose their desire to play because they enjoy the sport and are really good. The other teams seem to have a lot of older kids who are all very good. We are going to enroll the boys for the fall league but are unsure at this point which one we are going to put them in.
EE at bat. It is very cute because he does a little dance when he is up at bat. He has continued to hit the ball every time he is at bat.
Jay at bat.
On Tuesday, I volunteered for the school golf fundraiser. It was a long day but in the end it brings in money so that the PTA can fund certain school functions/programs.
Friday is field day at the school. Tee and I will be there cheering the boys on. It will be a fun day for them and I am hoping that Tee can survive through it all. Meaning that he will sit with me and watch vs. trying to do whatever his brothers are doing.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
My jaw dropped to the ground
I would love to blow up a big bubble for all three of my kids. Well, I guess they could each have their own bubble. Have you seen the commercial with the lady at the park and she has her baby in a bubble because she doesn't want him to get dirty? Something like that. Wouldn't it be great. They would be protected from all outside influences. As much as I would love to protect them with all my might I know we must be real. So our approach is to be as open as we can (varying by age) and help them understand the ugly realities of life and the "uncomfortable" facts of life subjects.
I think being open is a necessity. I have one child (Jay) who tends to believe what ever his friends say and is so easily influenced by them. We will need to be the ones who broaches these subjects with him first. Ee tends to be a little more oblivious to what people say and do.
The boys and I have had several conversations about bad words, what they mean and why we don't use them. They know a** and b**ch. I don't think I was prepared for what happened on Saturday morning. We woke up early and got up and out of the house early. We had to drop my car off for service then it was off to baseball pictures before their game. We were sitting at Chickfila eating breakfast. Since Dad had been gone I was filling him in on some of the conversations the kids and I have had. The subject of bad words came up. Jay piped up and said I know that F**k (he spelled the work instead of saying it) is a bad word. I was trying not to show the "oh my God you did not just say that" look but know I failed miserably. The husband and I looked at each other and then we started asking questions. Apparently, it is written on the back of a seat on the bus. The girl he was sitting with one day told him it was a bad word. We had a very firm discussion that the word should never be used and that he is not to repeat to anyone else. He seemed to understand.
The boys and I have had several conversations about when to call the police and the fire department. They couldn't understand why you would call the same number for both police and fire. I had to give them a few scenarios on when it would be important for them to call. We also talked about guns and if they ever came in contact with one they were to never touch it and to leave the area immediately. I think they understand that a gun can go off even accidentally.
I think tomorrow I will start looking into all boys private schools....or better yet maybe boarding school.
I think being open is a necessity. I have one child (Jay) who tends to believe what ever his friends say and is so easily influenced by them. We will need to be the ones who broaches these subjects with him first. Ee tends to be a little more oblivious to what people say and do.
The boys and I have had several conversations about bad words, what they mean and why we don't use them. They know a** and b**ch. I don't think I was prepared for what happened on Saturday morning. We woke up early and got up and out of the house early. We had to drop my car off for service then it was off to baseball pictures before their game. We were sitting at Chickfila eating breakfast. Since Dad had been gone I was filling him in on some of the conversations the kids and I have had. The subject of bad words came up. Jay piped up and said I know that F**k (he spelled the work instead of saying it) is a bad word. I was trying not to show the "oh my God you did not just say that" look but know I failed miserably. The husband and I looked at each other and then we started asking questions. Apparently, it is written on the back of a seat on the bus. The girl he was sitting with one day told him it was a bad word. We had a very firm discussion that the word should never be used and that he is not to repeat to anyone else. He seemed to understand.
The boys and I have had several conversations about when to call the police and the fire department. They couldn't understand why you would call the same number for both police and fire. I had to give them a few scenarios on when it would be important for them to call. We also talked about guns and if they ever came in contact with one they were to never touch it and to leave the area immediately. I think they understand that a gun can go off even accidentally.
I think tomorrow I will start looking into all boys private schools....or better yet maybe boarding school.
Friday, May 15, 2009
We made it!
Well, we survived the week without the husband home. He was in London which is 5 hours ahead of where we are. He sent emails to the boys a few days which they really enjoyed. The boys returned emails to him as well. It took them a long time to write just one sentence so most emails only consisted of one sentence. But I am sure my husband appreciated the effort. He is scheduled to come in around 7:30 tonight and we will pick him up.
We have a busy schedule this weekend with baseball games, Lacrosse and a tennis day. I signed the boys up for a tennis league that will start in July an end in August. This is just another sport I would like them to test out. My husband played tennis as a child and I believe was very good. He played on an adult league a few years ago but has not found something around here. Our weekends are so busy.
I have had a few interesting conversations with the kids this past week but I just haven't had the time to sit down and recount them. They are full of questions lately.
We have a busy schedule this weekend with baseball games, Lacrosse and a tennis day. I signed the boys up for a tennis league that will start in July an end in August. This is just another sport I would like them to test out. My husband played tennis as a child and I believe was very good. He played on an adult league a few years ago but has not found something around here. Our weekends are so busy.
I have had a few interesting conversations with the kids this past week but I just haven't had the time to sit down and recount them. They are full of questions lately.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
My focus is blurred
I have really been having a time staying focused on everything that needs to be done. I am a very organized person and feel like there is so much disorganization around me right now. I work best when I have a nice clean space around me. The biggest problem is my office (it is a disaster). It seems as though when I clean up the house, the office is a default room because I can close the door to hide all of the papers and such that can be dealt with later. Then we have the issue of our bathroom. All of our bathroom stuff is sitting along the wall in our bedroom. Construction will hopefully begin next week and I am thinking at least 4 weeks to have everything completed.
On top of all that I have a crib sitting in my living room. I really want to be able to donate the crib. The shelters around here won't accept the crib due to the issues of the slat needing to be the correct width. I guess they don't want the liability if something were to happen. I did find one pregnancy shelter who would LOVE the donation, but it is an hour drive away. If we have a free weekend we could take it and then head to the outlet stores, but baseball, lacrosse and household chores seems to take up a lot of weekend time. See what I mean about disorganization? There is just so much stuff everywhere and it really is driving me nuts.
I seem to have lost steam in the homework department. For the last few weeks it has been a chore for me to help the boys' with their homework. I have slacked in reading time with them also. I would much rather be outside enjoying the weather than sitting inside. Plus we have 2 days a week where we have to rush through homework to get ready for baseball. I think school work is important but we are down to our last 24 days of school (yes I am counting).
A few weeks ago we had the need to find our signed mortgage papers. We refinanced our loan recently. I looked everywhere and could not find the paperwork. This really bothers me. My husband remembers us receiving them in the mail and I don't. I have a really good memory and can't figure out why I have no recollection of this.
I am still working on some administrative tasks for the school. But they will linger until school end. I will once again be collecting for teacher gifts. The teacher gifts will be given on June 15th so luckily I will have time to get it all done. I am not complaining. I put all of this on myself. I am glad I am able to do this for our wonderful teachers who do so much for the kids.
I have so many items on my to do list that seems to be getting longer and longer each day. I am really looking forward to our vacation after school lets out. It will be a glorious week at one of our favorite beach spots. I hope after a week of fun in the sun maybe I can get focused and organized and then possibly start crossing some projects off my list.
On top of all that I have a crib sitting in my living room. I really want to be able to donate the crib. The shelters around here won't accept the crib due to the issues of the slat needing to be the correct width. I guess they don't want the liability if something were to happen. I did find one pregnancy shelter who would LOVE the donation, but it is an hour drive away. If we have a free weekend we could take it and then head to the outlet stores, but baseball, lacrosse and household chores seems to take up a lot of weekend time. See what I mean about disorganization? There is just so much stuff everywhere and it really is driving me nuts.
I seem to have lost steam in the homework department. For the last few weeks it has been a chore for me to help the boys' with their homework. I have slacked in reading time with them also. I would much rather be outside enjoying the weather than sitting inside. Plus we have 2 days a week where we have to rush through homework to get ready for baseball. I think school work is important but we are down to our last 24 days of school (yes I am counting).
A few weeks ago we had the need to find our signed mortgage papers. We refinanced our loan recently. I looked everywhere and could not find the paperwork. This really bothers me. My husband remembers us receiving them in the mail and I don't. I have a really good memory and can't figure out why I have no recollection of this.
I am still working on some administrative tasks for the school. But they will linger until school end. I will once again be collecting for teacher gifts. The teacher gifts will be given on June 15th so luckily I will have time to get it all done. I am not complaining. I put all of this on myself. I am glad I am able to do this for our wonderful teachers who do so much for the kids.
I have so many items on my to do list that seems to be getting longer and longer each day. I am really looking forward to our vacation after school lets out. It will be a glorious week at one of our favorite beach spots. I hope after a week of fun in the sun maybe I can get focused and organized and then possibly start crossing some projects off my list.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Dentistry
The dentistry field has certain advanced from my times (oh, why do I always age myself like that). My memories of the dentist are unfortunately not good ones. Like the time I had to go in and get 7 cavities filled. Too many for one day so I had to go in 2 times. My Mom said it was because I ate too much candy, but gosh did my teeth ever get brushed. I guess I was the last of 5 kids..... I have had more work done in my mouth and I can honestly say it is the one thing I dislike the most.
I have been taking the boys to the dentist every 6 months since they were 18 months old. I am determined to instill good oral hygiene. They must brush 2 times a day (one of those times we assist) and floss once a day. Unfortunately, Orthodontics is my future with all 3 kids.
The boys had a cleaning on Monday.
I need to take Jay for a consult with the Orthodontist. His upper teeth are shaped more like a V instead of a U and they are inside (instead of outside) the lower jaw. The dentist said a lot of work can be done now in preparation for braces in the future. He was talking about an expander for the upper teeth to get it shaped more into a U. And a possibility of other contraptions in his mouth. Then when he gets all his adult teeth they will be ready to move.
EE may have to have a tooth extracted in the next month or so. An x-ray showed that a permanent tooth is on the way up and the baby tooth is not that loose yet. If the baby tooth doesn't fall out (or get pulled) it may lead to the permanent tooth coming in somewhere other than the designated spot. Believe it or not this happened to my husband. I guess the technology was not as great as it is now so his tooth had to be pulled into place.
Tee was such a big boy. He sat in a chair by himself and let the hygienist clean his teeth. She was really great with him. He really enjoyed getting the water sprayed into his mouth. He was so happy to be able to pick out his 2 prizes from the drawer and walk out with his bag just like his brothers.
I have been taking the boys to the dentist every 6 months since they were 18 months old. I am determined to instill good oral hygiene. They must brush 2 times a day (one of those times we assist) and floss once a day. Unfortunately, Orthodontics is my future with all 3 kids.
The boys had a cleaning on Monday.
I need to take Jay for a consult with the Orthodontist. His upper teeth are shaped more like a V instead of a U and they are inside (instead of outside) the lower jaw. The dentist said a lot of work can be done now in preparation for braces in the future. He was talking about an expander for the upper teeth to get it shaped more into a U. And a possibility of other contraptions in his mouth. Then when he gets all his adult teeth they will be ready to move.
EE may have to have a tooth extracted in the next month or so. An x-ray showed that a permanent tooth is on the way up and the baby tooth is not that loose yet. If the baby tooth doesn't fall out (or get pulled) it may lead to the permanent tooth coming in somewhere other than the designated spot. Believe it or not this happened to my husband. I guess the technology was not as great as it is now so his tooth had to be pulled into place.
Tee was such a big boy. He sat in a chair by himself and let the hygienist clean his teeth. She was really great with him. He really enjoyed getting the water sprayed into his mouth. He was so happy to be able to pick out his 2 prizes from the drawer and walk out with his bag just like his brothers.
Mother's Day
Mother's day was a very nice day. I was inundated with gifts and cards in the morning. The boys made some precious gifts at school. I wanted to take pictures but haven't gotten that far yet. I also got some nice gift cards for a little shopping, a sweater and some chocolate. This was followed to a trip to my favorite breakfast place here (breakfast is my favorite meal). Then back to the real world of laundry and housework. It was nice while it lasted.
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