prodigy

I got up at 3am this morning in hopes to figure out this whole night shift sleeping thing.  The problem has been that I can't fall back asleep on Sunday afternoon so I am usually up for close to 24 hours -- I don't get caught back up quickly and I spend most of my week exhausted.  One of the girls at work does this split sleeping thing before she comes back to nights so I thought that I would try.  I went to bed at my normal time and then work up early.  The plan is that I will be super tired this afternoon when I take my nap so I will hopefully crash for a few hours.  Wish me luck -- I need it.

1. 3 PAs are done.

I have 27 PAs to do in total - I think.  My personal goal was to finish 6 in the month of January.  As of Friday, Jan 27th I had not started any.  These take about 60 minutes to complete each one so I have sort of found myself in hot water.  I have been trying to work from home and get as many done as possible and so as I type I have 3 completed and I am working on the 4th.  It is miserably draining so I decided to take a quick break and remember why my life is SO FREAKING WONDERFUL.  Usually the quick 5 things of the day give me a boost of energy to get the rest of my work done.  

2. Lunch with the boys

On Friday I had a pretty wonderful morning.  After taking Jack to daycare I was able to sit and have a cup of coffee with Mike while we caught up on life.  I then headed to the gym for yoga and spin.  After spin I had the courage to ask Sharon advice on racing and then I quickly showered and headed to lunch at Forest Glen.

The boys didn't know that I was coming so they were insanely surprised which was great.  Obviously we had the same old wonderful time as usual.

Look at that determination on his face to win the arm wrestle. 

 3. Pinewood Derby
Being new to this whole boy scout thing we really didn't know what to expect at the Pinewood Derby.  We realized quickly that it was pretty fun.  Though the boys didn't have a great showing, they still had a great experience.

At the last minute we were also able to leave Jack with my parents while he slept which was SO SO SO helpful.  It made things so much easier and we were able to spend some extra time with the twins.  We were also able to spend time next to each other which also seems to be a rare occurrence these days.  Afterwards we picked up Jack and headed to Cold Stone to celebrate.  Most of the best pictures are located on the big camera but hopefully you can still enjoy these beauties.

Pure excitement and nervousness at the same time! 

4.  Owen's dedication
This kid.  I can't say enough great things about Owen.  His newest obsession is a game called Prodigy.  It's a math game from school that is on the computer but it's TERRIBLE.  Owen wants to become a "member" which would cost him $9 a month.  In January he decided not to spend his money on a Prodigy membership but after talking with Joey at school he felt that February would be a good Month to start.  He has started to count down to Feb in excitement for this new membership.

You should see my face.  Ugh.  First -- I don't let him play the game that much because it is a terribly easy math game.  I also want him to play with his TOYS.

So last night we were able to convince him to start learning his multiplication tables since Grandpa said he would buy him anything if he learned the tables.  That way Grandpa would fork the bill for this terrible membership.

Yup, you read that correctly -- Owen and I worked on multiplication tables on Saturday night.

5. Hugs and kisses from Jack
This boy is so cuddly.  He absolutely loves to hug, give kisses and be in my arms.  How can that not be something that you are grateful for?

No pictures

1. I am not sick anymore
Yes...I was sick earlier this week.  Mike was ALSO sick.  Basically being sick is not fun.  I ended up leaving work on Monday night in order to come home and puke a bit.  I then proceeded to take 10mg of Melatonin and pass out.  By Wednesday I was completely back to normal.  Being completely back to normal is significantly better than being sick.  Happy.

2. I won a contest
When I told Mike about my big win he replied, "wow -- you never win anything."  It's the truth.  BUT this week I won pants from Lululemon.  The pants that I was obsessed with in a previous post --- I won another pair.

3. Crockpot meals
My mom has been making us frozen crockpot meals so life can be easier.  And it is.  And I am super grateful.

4.  Mike just came home and I got some kisses
Mike was literally home for 30 seconds unexpectedly and I was able to give him some kisses.  Wednesday and Thursdays have been a bit rough with my new schedule so a few moments when I actually get to see his sweet face in the middle of the day are absolutely wonderful.

5.  My grey sweatpants
I wear this pants probably 5 out of 7 days a week.  I don't really think that's an exaggeration.  When Mike first bought me these pants for Christmas he was hoping I would throw away a brown, ugly pair that I wore all the time. I don't think that he anticipated that I would just switch from one obsession to the next.

Cameron

1. Riding Bikes

The boys were all able to pull out bikes yesterday evening.  Jack was on pure meltdown mode since he only had a 20 minute nap BUT he left his helmet on the entire time which is a win for mom.  Also, Owen took over when Jack started to melt.  It was pretty impressive and pretty wonderful.

2. Dinner time shenanigans
The silliest of the sillies was at dinner last night.  Cameron started imitating Mike which turned into a huge game for the boys.  Cameron could not stop laughing.  These moments are the best.  Grateful that we have lots of these moments.

3. Boys went to the movies
This afternoon Bruce, my dad, Mike, Cameron and Owen all headed to the movies.  The plan was for me to sleep when Jack sleeps.  This plan rarely works and will be adjusted for next week.  Currently, Jack is asleep, I just started some coffee and I am not looking forward to being up for 23 hours.

4. No gas leak
Yesterday Mike quickly realized that we had a gas leak.  He found it and made it stop.

It wasn't that simple...not even close.  BUT he did it and goodness I am super grateful.

5. "Min"
Since lots of this post involved Cameron I think that I should add that Jack has FINALLY been able to say his name.  He calls him, "min" but it is the sweetest, most heart warming thing ever.  When Cameron woke up this morning to join Jack and I on the couch Cameron's face lit up and beamed with pride when Jack said, "min!" while pointing and a huge smile on his face.

Pants

1. 100 day at school

This year the boys were able to dress up for 100 day at school.  Having nothing to assist in the process I purchased some glasses and silver hair color so on Friday morning we would be prepared.  Owen woke up cheering, "100 day! 100 day!"  Cameron wanted absolutely nothing to do with it.  He kept his glasses in his book bag and wanted no face paint and no hair color.  

2. The sunshine
Right now the sun is beaming onto my neck and it is warm and wonderful.  Ugh -- these winter months are killer.  I even went on a 5 mile run with Jack in the stroller.  Who knows -- it will probably rain AND snow again .... but right now it is pretty wonderful.

3. The house was clean
for a day. Actually, maybe it was clean for 3 days.  Regardless, everything was clean for a few days between weekend slumber parties.   And I guess it's not a slumber party!?  It's a sleepover.

3.  New clothes
My mom went out last weekend and purchased clothes that actually fit the boys.  I usually end up accidentally buying clothes that are way too big. Maybe it's because I have a fear that they won't fit or that the boys will grow -- who knows -- it's accidental.  Cameron is here showing off his love of the color red.

4.  Dinner at work
This will make the list every month.  Having the boys bring in dinner makes these nights away from home so much more tolerable.  This time they brought Subway and it was heavenly.  It was a rough day and being able to stop what I was doing, concentrate on my boys and not think about work for a few moments was wonderful.

5.  Lululemon
Two years ago for Christmas I received a gift card to Lululemon.  Yesterday I spent it.  I also spent Mike's gift card AND some of my own money but holy hell I totally understand the addiction.  I am going to need a second job if I want another pair of workout pants.

Tuesday schmoozday

1. Haircuts

Wowzers did these young men need some haircuts.  They have so much hair it recently (usually) it looks like a mess.  Yesterday afternoon Shawna was able to do all three boys.  It was relatively easy and grateful that they are looking so stinking handsome once again.

I absolutely love when Cameron admires himself in the mirror.   He makes me smile so much.

Jack had two suckers and watched Mickey on Mike's iPhone.  Yes -- for a little bit we were all at the salon making this a family affair.

 The BEFORE.  Yikes -- and I didn't get an AFTER on Owen.

2. January 16th
4 years ago I officially met Mike in a meeting about mattresses throughout CHN.  I had seen him once before during a DART meeting but this time we sat near each other and we were actually introduced.  We eventually became best friends at work and a few months later started dating and fell in love.  Grateful for that meeting.

3. Being able to help with the dying process
When I left the Cancer Center one of the things that I knew I would miss the most was making a connection with the patient.  I was able to be with someone step by step while they received their cancer treatments and it was always an amazing journey to travel along.  Now that I am back near the bedside I have found that place with patients again though the journey and the experience is a bit different.  This week I have found that all of my emotional energy has been with the patients and or families of those near or at death.  I have shed tears, gained insight, and put all of my heart and energy out on the table.  It's been exhausting but has also easily reminded me what I love about nursing.  Grateful that I could present and that I could make a difference.

4. Great report cards
Have I already gone over this one?  I am pretty obsessed with the boys and their amazing ability to learn.  We had almost nearly perfect report cards.  Both boys are excelling and doing fabulous.  Cameron needs to do a tiny bit better in math (in order to be perfect) BUT all of the words are in spanish.  ALL. OF. THEM.  I know they are only in first grade and that we still have years left in school.  Right now I want to make sure we keep them on the right path to keep the love of learning, continue to excel and hopefully the world easily falls open in front of them and they feel equipped to do whatever makes their heart happy in life.  Super impressed and happy -- sorry but I just HAD to brag on them a bit.

5.  I haven't died of exhaustion.
This schedule BLOWS.  I enjoy the solitude of night shift and being able to get work done but overall this schedule sucks ass.  For most of the week I feel exhausted.  I am grateful that I gave myself a two year grace period so I have an end date.  I am not sure that I will make it that long but right now I just need to get some more experience under my belt before I start trying to figure out my next move.

mirror

1. The kids are enjoying the gym

All three boys are officially signed up for Lifetime.  It's pretty wonderful.  It will take some time before I bring Jack without his brothers (because he will lose his shit) but right now it has been working out great.  On the walk out Jack even threw kitty and Moo to the ground so he could pick up a sacred rock.  ...Those damn rocks....

2. Successful slumber party

Laurie's grandma was made hospice yesterday AND her sister was having her first baby in Bloomington so we quickly jumped at having Maggie and Henry stay at our house for the night.  This time around all of the kids did A.MAZ.ING.  Usually they are up all night being crazy.  Besides eating us out of the house and having to do a bazillion dishes -- it was a fun evening.

3. Planning Trips
We have a trip to Denver next month and then a trip to Kauai in March.  I am spending all of my extra moments doing research in order to make the trip super awesome.  I'm in heaven.

4. The hallway mirror
This morning while I was cleaning  up the kitchen I could hear Jack talking to himself and then he would crack up.  I promptly found him checking himself out in the mirror.  He would say "goodbye" and then run away laughing the entire time.  I must admit -- it was pretty funny.

5. Afternoon date
We both had Friday afternoon off (side note: Mike has most afternoons off) so we decided to hit up Bdubs and start spending our Christmas gift cards.  We ordered a TON of food.  Afterwards we went to REI to pick out a new bike rack and then proceeded to drool over a bike trainer.  I was even able to fall asleep for 20 minutes before the boys got home from school.  I love these afternoons with Mike.

The Wednesday low down

1. Kids Eat Free

Last year we became obsessed with having the kids eat free at Scotty's so much that we decided to make it into a monthly tradition with my parents for 2017.  We purchased lots of gift cards when they were having a special back in November (yay for free money) and last night we started the tradition.  As Jack gets older it only gets better AND now that we have figured out that we need to go early and sit next to the play area our meals are usually pretty fabulous.  

2. Family reading
After I read to Jack and put him to sleep the rest of us decided to sit down and read individually.  I was able to finish my book which was nice and Mike was able to get past page 3 in his which was fabulous.  In this picture Owen is reading a book in Spanish and Cameron is reading Goosebumps.  Overall it was pretty amazing to sit down and have some peacefulness together.

3. Master Swim Class
I was a bit terrified to go to my first Master's class on Monday night.  These classes really don't fit into my schedule but I know that in order to survive a mile swim in open water I need some more instruction.  I was only able to stay for 45 minutes before hurrying off to work but I feel like I was able to learn a lot and hopefully tomorrow in the pool I will be able to implement some of these new techniques. Glad I signed up!  And glad that I didn't die!

4. The twins are HOME
I am not sure who is more excited to have the twins home ...me or Jack.  It's probably Jack.  He is through the moon to see these two.  On Monday night he just wrestled and played and jumped on them....he was in heaven.  The boys feel the same way (except when he messes up their legos).  It is insane to watch them jump all over the place, push each other down and just keep going and going and going.  I must admit -- it's pretty cool.

5.  A reminder

 So there are many times that I have to remind myself that my passions in life are spending time with my family, traveling the world, and pushing myself to accomplish big goals.  I remind myself of this because there are other times I would like a big house with a new kitchen and massive closet space.  I would love new shoes and a personal trainer.  I would have so much fun going to buy a new purse or getting stichfix every few weeks...forever.  But I have to remind myself that those might be fun -- but then I couldn't travel.... or then I would have to work more and spend less time with family.  Basically, I can't keep up with the Joneses AND live the life that I love.   Anyways -- I really liked this quote.

I needed to add this picture of Jack because as you can see the bathtub is almost filled to the brim with water and bubbles AND there is still more water pouring in.  That's because he was arguing with me to leave the water running and not let any out.  Clearly he won.  (AKA -- not a battle worth fighting at that moment in time).  Anyways, I think his face is clearly saying, "That's right bitch.  The water is fucking staying on."  But still in his sweet little baby Jack sort of a way.

Mindset

1. Good ol' fashion quality time with Jack.

Since the rest of my boys are out of the state Jack and I have been able to spend lots of time together this weekend.  It's been pretty fun just hanging out and do a lot of nothing.  He is one crazy dude.  Cray Cray is his appropriate nick name. 

 He wanted to stay in this bubble bath for almost an hour last night.  His hands were a wrinkled, white mess when he got out.

He HATES eating at home but he is still obsessed with milk.

2. Friday's workout

On Friday I ran 4 miles and then went to spin.  My ass was KICKED.  These next 200 days are going to be filled to the brim with training.  It is a bit terrifying but also a bit wonderful.  I am excited to actually have a goal and to be tackling it. On Monday I start Master swim so the instructor can help with my stroke.  **I can't even do the spin at the end of the pool -- I have a LONG way to go**

3. Mindset.

Absolute truth.

4.  Lunch date with my mom
It is 7 degrees out so instead of staying warm and cozy inside my mom and I decided to take Jack to the mall.  We planned on shopping but with Jack slowly melting down we decided to head straight to lunch.  EVENTUALLY I realized to hand him a phone to watch Mickey so we could enjoy lunch without him actively melting.  We had pizza and salad at Napolese and it was wonderful.  On the way home Jack fell asleep within minutes.  Once we got back Jack finished his nap and I laid down too.  The day has been pretty fabulous.

5.  Early bedtimes
Since it is just me and the little I am loving the early bedtime.  Last night I put Jack to bed and then immediately went to bed and started reading.  I didn't sleep well BUT I still woke up feeling refreshed.  I am excited to do the same thing tonight.

Yup. I posted.

1. Appetizers for every meal

I am a few days late on this one but looking at these pictures reminds me of the awesomeness of our New Years Holiday.  We spent lots of time in our pajamas eating food and doing nothing.  It was pretty wonderful.  We were even going to make a nice dinner or new recipe on Saturday night but quickly into the day I realized that loaded nachos and Shameless would be SO. MUCH. BETTER.  Mike and I finally had a paint night while we waited for the ball to drop and then he proceeded to school me in Gin.  I was in bed at approximately 12:08.  It was the best way to end 2016.

We were tying to get a selfie of the three of us to send on a group text.  Clearly they both turned out well. hahaha

Jack is not into it but I do think he is saying "cheeeeeese" in this picture.

2. We booked our airBNB in Hawaii
I am so excited for our next trip.  Last year...maybe even two years ago we decided to take another big trip as a couple to celebrate Mike's birthday.  We easily settled on Hawaii.  So that means in 78 days (on MY birthday) we will be boarding flights and heading to paradise.  We plan on hiking, deep sea fishing, paddle boarding and spending lots of time eating fresh seafood.  I legit think about our upcoming trip every day.

3. Date night
Mike and I finally went on a date night for our anniversary.  We went to Oceanaire downtown and then finished the night off at Blend.  The cigar bar hit me like a ton of bricks when I walked in.  It was like our old college days when they allowed smoking at the bar.

Anyways -- it was a great night out.  Love love love my husband.

He was acting like Jack.  And yes -- we got dessert.  We rarely get dessert.  That's when you know it is special.

4. Cameron and Owen will be home in a few days
First -- I absolutely love my children to death.  Love. I am their biggest fan and I love watching their personalities continue to grow and develop.  Their constant silliness makes me laugh non stop.

I want to make sure we get that part out of the way.

Second -- I am glad that I have a few more meals that I don't have to worry about 2 extra children and I am glad that our house will stay relatively picked up for the next 40 hours.

Third -- again -- I love my children.  Period.  BUT it's also nice to just catch up on life every now and then.  And that is real and that is honest.

5.  New Year's Resolutions
On NYE I asked the twins what their goals were for 2017.  Owen said that his was to be better in school which I promptly replied, "how?" since he does great in school.  He didn't know.  I asked him to think of another one so we decided that reading Harry Potter would be a good goal for him.

Cameron on the other hand said that he didn't know a goal but after a few seconds he replied, "probably to be more silly."  He immediately started laughing at himself and then continued acting crazy.

Yup -- there you have it.  Night AND Day.