My guilty pleasure

I have to admit my guilty pleasure because the other day Big Cubby said the cutest thing involving my guilty pleasure.

I have become hooked on Dancing with the Stars. I did not watch last seasons and I did not think I would be interested in seeing "stars" make fools out of themselves. I am a fan now. My favorite is Drew Lachey. I hope he wins. Another secret I would love to take dance lessons and learn ballroom, latin and swing.

OK, so now to what Big Cubby said.

Big Cubby: Hey Mommy let's play Dancing with the Stars.

Me: Ok how do we play that?

Big Cubby: Mommy you are a star and you can dance and I will play the music. I will play the drums.

I had to laugh it was too cute.

Sleep, Where are you?

Most of you know about our sleeping problems with Little Cubby. For awhile he was doing pretty good only getting up two times a night but know he has decided that sleep is not important at night.

For a month now the apartment above us has been empty and that has been great because no one has been waking up Little Cubby. Last week someone moved in upstairs. This people find it easier to move their stuff in starting at 8pm and go through 12am all the while marching like elephants every night last week. Well, this wakes up Little Cubby around 9pm. He goes to bed at 8pm.

The last three nights have been hell. Little Cubby is waking up starting at 9:30pm, then 11pm and then 1am. At this time he stays awake and plays really loudly for a couple of hours in his crib. He then wakes up around 6am and then awakes and gets up for the day after 8am.

Big Cubby has been getting up at least once a night coming into the living room and sleeping on the couch. He also has been caught sneaky around. He can not be trusted because of some recent events lately. Our bed is in our living room. I think I explained this before. So I hear Big Cubby come in to the living room and it wakes me up.

The new neighbors are extremely loud. One night it sounded like they were playing some game and were running back and forth. They are childless adults but they sound like children. They are all ready pissing me off.

So the point of this post is I haven't slept very well for three days now. I am exhausted and I can't take anymore. I need your help. I don't know what to do about Little Cubby sleeping habits. I don't know if we should move back into the room with him or move him in with his brother. Little Cubby takes an afternoon nap around 12:30 to 1 and gets up at 3pm. I try to wear him out in the afternoon. Crying out really is not an option because you can hear everything in these apartments and I don't want to punish the people below or next to us. I need sleep. I am becoming depressed. Hubby has been up all night also then he goes to work. I am on the verge of tears.

My poor Hubby there is no sex in this house. If we even think about it Little Cubby wakes up. We are also so exhausted I have no energy to satisfy.

HELP!!!! Any ideas what I can do to get Little Cubby to sleep through the night?

17 months old

Little Cubby you are 17 months old today. You have such a personality. You are doing some cute and funny things right now. You are getting bigger everyday.

You love to talk in your own language. Boy you talk a lot. You look at us like we are supposed to know what you are talking about. You can only say a few words like daddy, wow, uh oh, no, wa wa, yes. You can imitate sounds.

You can point when you want down. You point to your mouth when you want to eat. You can raise your hands when you want up.

When you get angry you let us know about it.

You love to dance especially when the Wiggles come on. You bob your head when a song with a good beat comes on. You like playing with your little boom box. You push the button for music and then dance.

You like to push your toy cars around the floor or on the window sill.

You love playing chase with your brother. You love to wrestle with your brother and get tickled.

You eat more of a variety of food then your brother.

You love people. When we go out you just smile at everyone you see.

You love to give hugs. You will put your arms around my neck and just squeeze and laugh.

You take only one nap a day now. You still wake up a couple times at night. More than your momma wishes. You are still nurse in the middle of the night. That is the only way to get you to go back to sleep.

You like to look out the window and watch the cars go by. You get excited to see the fire trucks go by.

You give this really cute looks that makes us laugh.

You love to sit on my lap and cuddle especially after you get up from your nap. You usually sit on my lap for hour after you get up.

You like to be held by me and not your daddy. You are a momma’s boy.

You really bring joy to our lives and we love you very much!

Things about me that are not interesting

I've been tagged... (lammyannlife)

Four Jobs You Have Had in Your Life:(I have had many jobs in college to many to name.)
1. Assistant Manager at McDonald’s in college
2. Sales Assistant at Fire Chief Magazine in Chicago
3. Student Worker in Information Technoloy at SIU
4. A temp at Driehaus Capital Management in Chicago

Four Movies You Watch Over and Over
1. Dirty Dancing
2. Dazed and Confused
3. So I Married an Ax Murderer
4. Independence Day

Four Places You've Lived
1. Carbondale, IL
2. Herrin, IL
3. Freeport, IL
4. Chicago, IL

Four TV shows you love to watch
1. CSI
2. Survivor
3. Amazing Race
4. Las Vegas

Four Websites you visit daily
1. all my blog buddies
2. Dlisted
3. Flickr
4. TVgasm

Four of Your Favorite Foods
1. Pizza
2.Chicken and Dumplings
3. Powdered Doughnuts
4 Chocolate Chip ice cream

Four Places You'd rather be right now
1. Hawaii
2. in a quiet room
3. something seaside(I guess that would be Hawaii)
4. somewhere tropical(Again I guess that would be Hawaii)

Doh!

You don't realize what you would do to protect your child until it happens. Yesterday was one of those days.

We live on the second for of our building. I was heading downstairs while holding Little Cubby and when I got down to the second to the last step I completely missed it and fell down catching my foot in a weird position. I did not catch myself I had both arms around Little Cubby. Thank goodness he was ok. My foot on the other hand not so good.

I did not break my foot or at least I don't think so. It really did not swell up too much. It does however hurt to walk on it. I think I strained it. Last night it throbbed a little but by morning it was ok just sore. Today I can walk on it better I have to be careful how I turn my foot.

I am such a dork. I can not believe I missed that step.

I ain't saying she's a gold digger

I like a few new things but most the stuff that was nominated for the Grammy's I am like who are you. First, I watched the opening act because I like the band Gorillaz and the song they sing Feel Good, Inc. They opened with Madonna. It was ok. It really more about Madonna then anything else.

I flipped the Grammy's back on after I watched a few shows and caught the Sly and the Family Stone tribute. What has happened to Sly? This and this shows he looks messed up. He came on for about 2 minutes played then left the stage before the performance was over. Weird.

I really like the song Gold Digger from Kanye West. I can't help it.

Did not watch the whole show. Went to bed early.

I spy with my little eye

I had to the pleasure of waking up this morning with a huge zit right by my upper lip so now it is swollen and looks like I was punched in the mouth. Lovely!

What else is new. Oh, still unsure what is going on with Hubby's work. The keep leaking information to him about his request still working for the company but moving to southern Illinois. Evidently this is still an option. We thought they decided no. But again they really never said one way or another. He might have to take a pay cut. I am not happy about this but with most of our debt paid off we might be able to manage the move.

Everybody has heard of this by now. So here is my two cents worth. If she feared for her life then what is her bodyguard for? He could have stood in front of her while she buckled her child in and then they could have left. If she really felt threatened then she could have called the police. Never is it a choice to drive with your baby on your lap.

Ok, what else can I talk about.

What makes a person wake up one morning and decide you know I think I am going to try out for American Idol. Have you seen the people trying out? Why humiliate yourself? You know I think I sound good in the car singing 80's tunes but I know I can't sing a key to save my life. What makes these people think they can? Just wondering.

I guess that is about it. Seacrest out!

Need your vote

Hubby posted a few pics in hope that one will be picked for Jones soda bottle. Here are the links to our photos. Please vote and please vote 10!!!!

I know I am shamelessly using my blog to get more votes.

http://www.jonessoda.com/gallery/view.php?ID=0000552775
http://www.jonessoda.com/gallery/view.php?ID=0000552774
http://www.jonessoda.com/gallery/view.php?ID=0000552776
http://www.jonessoda.com/gallery/view.php?ID=0000552777

Thank you for your support!!!

Time flys by

Wow, did not realize that I hadn't posted anything since Tuesday. I have been going through some stuff the last few days with Hubby. Basically no word on any job leads yet and no word on the proposition he gave his employer. So the depression has set back in for Hubby and I have been dealing with that. I told him if he needed meds then lets go get them. It has been pretty miserable around here the last few days.

Everything is fine with Big Cubby. He gave me quite a scare with the knife thing but I don't think he knew that it can hurt people. He just knew he was not supposed to have it. He got into a lot things he wasn't supposed to have like the flashlight, batteries and screwdrivers. He thought he was Bob the Builder and tried to put batteries into some of his toys.

Little Cubby is still not sleeping through the night. He was for a few weeks only waking up once at night but now we are back to three or four times and periods of him talking and playing in his crib at 2am.

I hope everyone has a good weekend. I am going to try to regroup this weekend and hopefully have some happier post next week.

OK everyone breathe with me

If I can survive the next hour and a half then that will be a victory. Today the boys have gotten on my last nerve.

Big Cubby has done everything he can possible do to drive me crazy. I found the biggest knife we have under his bed today and when I asked him what he is doing he showed me the rips he made on his comforter. He has bugged and hit his brother a lot today which then makes Little Cubby needy.(more on him in a minute) He pulled a curtain down in his room. He poured a bucket of water out of the tub on to the floor. Caught him with a marker that is permanent. He has not listened to anything I told him to do today. Has fought me on everything. Hubby caught him in the middle of the night last night with my purse in his room and he said he was looking for gum. He isn't even allowed to have gum.

Little Cubby woke up to early today so he was crabby all morning. This means we wants to sit on my lap all day and be whiny. Nap time couldn't have come soon enough for him today. I think he has a tooth coming in so he has been up a lot at night.

UGH!!!!! Bedtime is at 8 and I can not wait until it gets here. I hope to keep a few hairs on my head.

Little Cubby woke up to

weekend

Not much to write about today. The weekend was pretty boring. I did hop on the El and went downtown to the library. I try to do this every couple of weeks. It is a nice break. Saturday I did this and started at the library first. Then I went over to Barnes and Noble to pick up a couple of magazines then I headed across the street to Chiptole for lunch. After lunch I went to Garrett Popcorn Shop and bought a bag of caramel corn popcorn. That stuff is the BEST!

We did have a student who lives down stair come up and watch both our boys play for a school assignment. She is in college with a major in Child Development. I am actually glad she came because she got see how the boys make all the noises I am sure she hears. She was really nice and it helped that Big Cubby got to meet her because now he knows he has to be quiet certain times of the day because J is downstairs. Her room is below Big Cubby's.

That is about it I hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Update

Well, we are still in the dark about what we are going to do. Hubby has tried two things to see if we could possibly move to Southern Illinois.

He applied for a job that would allow him to work from anywhere and he knows someone that works there who gave him some discouraging news that the position maybe part-time with no health insurance. The guy is supposed to get back to him at the end of this week but it does not look promising.

The second thing Hubby did was go to the company he works for now and proposed an idea that would allow him to work from SI. His bosses did not get what he was trying to do because they are idiots(long story on why they are) so he thinks that is out.

He has started applying for a few jobs that have been posted here so we maybe staying.

The one thing we do agree on is that he needs to get out of the company he works for now. It is not a great place to work. The job turnover rate is high. They don't pay well and expect a lot. Then if they don't like something they berate you.

Hubby is depressed again. We have been trying to revive our faith and it has been hard for Hubby to do.

So a lot of fun here at the Cub home. The future is still hazy which I hate because I am a planner and I like to know where we will be so I can plan it out.

I am going to fall back on my faith and pray that everything will fall in to place soon.

Pretty accurate

You Have a Melancholic Temperament

Introspective and reflective, you think about everything and anything.You are a soft-hearted daydreamer. You long for your ideal life.You love silence and solitude. Everyday life is usually too chaotic for you. Given enough time alone, it's easy for you to find inner peace.You tend to be spiritual, having found your own meaning of life.Wise and patient, you can help people through difficult times. At your worst, you brood and sulk. Your negative thoughts can trap you.You are reserved and withdrawn. This makes it hard to connect to others.You tend to over think small things, making decisions difficult.

What Temperment Are You?

Annoying song

Do you know the song by the Pussycat Dolls "Don't Cha"? Well, it is this annoying song that has the line "Don't Cha wish you girlfriend was hot like me"

Big Cubby heard this song and now goes around saying "hot like me" I can't help but laugh when he does this.

meme

The first one made me laugh out loud.

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Crystal!

1. Only fifty-five percent of men wash their hands after using Crystal!
2. Only one child in twenty will be born on the day predicted by Crystal!
3. Early thermometers were filled with Crystal instead of mercury!
4. If you lick Crystal ten times, you will consume one calorie!
5. Crystal was first grown in America by the grandmother Maria Ann Smith, from whom her name comes!
6. A chimpanzee can learn to recognize itself in a mirror, but Crystal can not.
7. Crystal is physically incapable of sticking her tongue out.
8. The moon is 400 times closer to the Earth than Crystal, and 400 times smaller!
9. Crystal is incapable of sleep.
10. Four-fifths of the surface of Crystal is covered in water.

The link did not work so here is the address for the meme.

What will the future hold

We had a decent weekend. We didn't as much snow as I thought only about 2 inches. Ran errands and did laundry. What excitement!

I wrote just recently that Hubby has been depressed about work. Well, it has gotten worse at his job and Friday he had a big blow out with one of his bosses. It seems that he cares more about the publication he works for then everybody else. They only care about money made from ad sales. This one person who has no idea what is going with their publication called the issues crap. Well, everybody else in the industry have said they are great. They love the photos on the covers, which Hubby took himself.

This person is know for stabbing people in the back to get ahead. She is not a very nice person. Hubby has worked for this company for seven years and this person has only worked for the company three years. He is tired of not being respected. He has finally decided to see what is out there and is applying to some places.

There is a possiblity that he can get this job working from home which means we can live where ever we want and we have been talking about moving back to Southern Illinois. Our family is there. I have good and bad feelings about this but in the end it might be best for our family.

So our future is up in the air right now and we have a lot on our minds.

Have you ever made a sacrifice for your family even though it is something you don't want to do but need to do? How have you dealt with your decision?

Friday Fun

Your Stipper Song Is

I'm" a Slave 4 U by Britney Spears "I'm a slave for you. I cannot hold it; I cannot control it.I'm a slave for you. I won't deny it; I'm not trying to hide it." You may seem shy, but you can let your wild side out when you want to!

What Song Should You Strip To?

Read to Rumble

I am in the middle of a war of the wills. For the past few days has been a struggle between Big Cubby and myself.

I have to admit that I have not follow through with some of my punishments and have given two many chances to Big Cubby. He does not listen to me when I tell him to do things. He will listen to his Father though. This was not working for us so I have decided to follow through with my threats. Now I am known as the Mean Mommy.

I am tired of this kid not respecting me and not doing as I say. It has been a battle of the wills. This kid is just like me and he is stubborn.

Yesterday he would not get dressed so I took away his TV time. I took away movie time in the afternoon because he would not pick up his trains. When Hubby came home he got him to pick up. Today it has started all over again. I told him to pick up his trains he dumped out this morning before he watched his shows. He said no. So no TV time. He is in his room sitting there. This kid will scream and throw things. He will try to hit me. He told me yesterday he was going to cut me. Where did he learn this? I am trying to be calm and consistent but it is really hard.

UGH!!!!!!!! We are too much alike it is like butting heads. He is so defiant. I don't know if I am doing any of this right. I am exhausted and tapped out. This is going to be a long day I can tell you.

Golden Globes

Ok, last night I actually sat and watched all of the Golden Globe show. I don't normally watch award shows but nothing was on and Hubby went to bed early.

I am so out of the loop here. In the movie categories I had only seen one movie and that was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Here is the kicker, I probably won't watch any of them now. The TV side I do watch quite a bit so I knew what some of the shows were about.

Now the celebs. First, Scarlett Johansson's dress. This is the side view. My husband watched the pre show with me and he about feel out of his chair when he saw her. Does she have to rub our face in the fact she is young and has perky boobs?

There were a lot of great dresses and not so great. I don't have the time to go through them all but I want to say that Evangeline Lilly is a beautiful woman. She just possesses a natural beauty. I don't watch Lost.

I really don't care how the celebs kiss up to each other. This is probably why I don't watch award shows. I won't be watching the Oscars.

16 months old

Little Cubby you are 16 months old today. You are really hitting a developmental stride right now. More and more each day your little personality keeps coming out.

You love to run after your brother and play chase. When you get excited you squeal at the top of your lungs and spin around in a circle with your arms spread out.

You like to hide behind me and you laugh when I try to turn around to see you. This is one of your favorite games.

You are only saying a few words like daddy and wow. You can say mama but you don’t very often. You really like to just point and screech at what you want. You understand what we are saying though.

You still like most kinds of food. Just last night you ate all of your green beans. Something your brother will not touch. You really like to eat.

You still love to be held. You would be very content to just sit on my lap all day. If I am sitting on the floor you like to walk backwards and then sit down on my lap. You love to be cuddled. I love it when you put your little arms around my neck and give me a hug.

You are very active right now. You love to climb on everything. You can climb up onto the couch. You like to stand on the arm of the couch. You can climb on the chair by the computer. You even like to climb onto my back. You are a handful right now. You love to pull out all the toys just because you can. You don’t really play with them.

When you get tired you like to lie on the floor and just relax. It is like you are just waiting to get more energy.

You still use your pacifier. You are obsessed with the thing. You have to have one near you at all times if not two. This is a habit mommy is not looking forward to breaking with you. You are very strong willed.

You are getting a little better at sleeping at night. You still wake up once or twice. You still want to be nursed then and you go back to sleep. Another thing mommy wants to wean you off of.

You love to flirt with people. Every time we go out you love to smile at every one you see.

You love to watch your brother. I am afraid you are learning some bad habits he has but you don’t care you think he is funny.

You love to run to the door when your daddy gets home from work waving your hands and yelling daddy and dada. You get very excited to see him. You however don’t like it when mommy leaves. You get very upset and start crying.

You love to dance. Whenever any music comes on you sway back and forth to it. You really like the Wiggles music. You clap your hands even to commercials. You are so cute when you do this.

I can’t believe my baby is growing every day and learning new things. I love you and your brother more than anything. Both of you bring such joy into our lives.

I love you!

A peek of sun through the clouds

Last night I finally got Hubby to talk about what is going on with him. There are a lot of things going on with him right now. Work being the big one. There was even something that I have been doing and did not realize it was bothering him.

I told him that we were husband and wife and that we need to communicate with each other. I told him I felt like the nanny or the babysitter not his wife. He really opened up to me. Today he told me that he feels better getting it all out and that even though nothing is really solved he feels good about the future.

Thank you everyone for your advice and for letting me vent this out. It is really personal to me and I was afraid to put it out there. I know that everything is not perfect but we have a starting point and that is talking no matter how it will affect the other person. We just can't hold it in.

We both feel a big relief right now.

New Pictures

If you check out Flickr, Hubby has posted some new photos. We decided we were going to do our own photos after we decided that JCPenny's and Sears really don't do a great job. Hubby took these photos on two separate occasions for our Christmas gift to our family. We had the pics enlarged to 8x10 and 5X7 matte finish. They really looked professional and everybody loved them. The specific pics we used are this, this and this. I love them all.

I'll get by with a little help from my friends

I want to thank everybody for their comments they really mean a lot to me. Right now I am still talking to Hubby about this. Last night he came home from work and seemed more himself.

I think the biggest thing that is causing his depression right now is his job. His company is all about the bottom line and not the product. They don’t even read the products they put out just as long as there are lots of ads in them. A couple of Hubby’s bosses basically said to Hubby’s face trying to joke that he is stuck there and where would he go. There has been a lot of turnover there. This makes Hubby think what the hell is wrong with me and why can’t I find something else. I think he feels stuck because of our debt and we can’t afford for him to just quit or take a pay cut. This is hard on him.

I know it is hard on him because he is the sole money maker in the household. This debt we have will be paid off this year hopefully by summer and that will free up a good chunk of money. I know this will help things.

We will be married 13 years in February and he has never been like this. I will keep everyone updated on how he is doing. I really hope that this is just something he has to work out.

Hugs back to everyone!

All doom and gloom

I don't want this blog to turn into a bitch fest of all bad stuff. I try to balance with good times and bad times. Right now there is a lot of bad times happening. I don't know if I should blog this but I need a release.

All I can say I think my husband is suffering from depression and I don't know what to do. Insurance won't cover visits and we can't afford it. Not like he would go anyway he really won't admit something is wrong. I can't tell if it is just winter blues or more to it.

I don't want to say this but right now I hate him. He won't talk about it. He acts like some fucking martyr. I have told him he has talent in writing and photography and that he should be proud. He lost 27 pounds since October doing diet and exercise. He still wants to lose 30 more. He still doubts himself with this calling him self fat. He can't see how far he has come. He just sucks the life out of the room.

Yesterday he moped all day. We did not say one word to each for 2 hours until I told him to go take a nap in Big Cubby's room. He goes to bed early and then he wants to nap all the time. I ask him if he is feeling ok and he tells me he is just sucking it up.

I just want to cry. The boys sense something is wrong. I know that is job is not really great right now. The company he works for really sucks. The publication he works on had 5 people on the staff now there are 2, my husband and another writer. They are doing the work of 5 to put out the magazine. He is really stressed at work and yet he feels that with a wife and two kids he can't go anywhere that might be good but offer less money.

I don't know, sorry to dump all this out. It has been stored in me for awhile and I was going to explode if I did not get this out.

I was tagged

I was tagged by Angie over at Peas in my Pod. I tried my best to come up with five Weird Habits. I really am pretty boring.

My husband pointed out that whenever there is a weight loss show like The Biggest Loser, I will go get a few powdered donuts and watch the show. I did not realize I did this maybe it is a sign of something.

I tend to talk out loud to myself. I will go through things I need to do out loud to no one in particular.

I tend to be thinking about something and I will move my lips but do cause sound like I am having a conversation.

I am obsessed with checking out my gossip blogs like Dlisted several times a day. Don’t know if that is weird but it wrong.

When I am reading a book I have to find a break or the next chapter for a stopping point. I can not leave at a place where there is no distinction. It drives me crazy.

I am not going to tag anyone but if you are interested please play along.

King Kong Got Nothing On Me

Little Cubby is actually trying to push him off.

I am a kangaroo

Yesterday I spent almost all of my day holding Little Cubby. I don’t think he was feeling to well but not sure what it was. No fever, no coughing, no running nose. I think he just needed some Mommy time.

He laid on me and did not move much. He would get mad when I would hand him off to Hubby because I had to go to the bathroom. It was a long day. He took a nice long nap in the afternoon.

Today he woke up upset. He did not want to eat his breakfast at first. He ate while I held him on my lap. It looked like the day was going to start out like yesterday with me holding him but he has been playing a little bit this morning.

Big Cubby not happy with the situation so he was been in my face basically going don’t forget me. It is hard to juggle giving attention to both boys. I feel like one or the other gets slighted. I try real hard to give them both equal attention but I have to say Little Cubby gets more being smaller and all. Big Cubby then gets mad like this morning he hit Little Cubby with a brush.

The day should be interesting. Is it nap time yet?

Time to relax

I hope everyone had a great evening and are not to hung over! I wish you a very relaxing day!

Happy New Year

First, I want to thank everyone for their comments you left on my last post. I really appreciated hearing from all of you. You really cheered me up. I am feeling better. I got out yesterday for a little me time. I know the majority of my down feelings come from lack of sleep. Thank you again for the love!

I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!! I hope everyone will have a great 2006!!!

Resolutions

I am not big on making New Year’s resolutions. I never keep them or forget about them. I think that is a lot of pressure to put on one’s self to make these decisions at the beginning of the year when you don’t know what is going to happen down the road ahead.

Last year I made goals I wanted to achieve for the year. What a laugh! Here is what I put down for my goals last year.

Get Healthy
Get Prayer time
Get Debt paid off
Get Savings
Get Happy
Get Relationship back on track.

I really did not work very hard on any of these except the debt stuff. Our debt should be paid off by the summer of 2006. I never made time to pray very often. I started out great last year on exercising but by March it was a joke. Never put any money away for savings. The happy part is less than I wanted it to be. My relationship with my husband has been strained. Not like divorce or anything but having two small children around makes it hard to focus on us.

I feel like I just existed this year and really did not contribute anything. I feel like I float through the days doing the same routine.

My husband was upset with me this year when he was trying to buy me something for Christmas. He said he couldn’t think of anything I like to do or was interested in. I don’t sew, cook, make crafts, or do any physical activity like biking or hiking. I don’t have any hobbies. Am I that sad of a person? I think I have lost my identity. It is not like I want to work or anything. Even though I graduated from college, I wasn’t really motivated to have a career.

I do a lot of reading when I can. I try to not let my mind turn to mush. It is hard when Nick Jr. and Disney are on.

I don’t know where I am going with this post. I guess I am just rambling on. This is the time of year when people take stock in their lives and decide what they want to do in the new year. January 1st is a new beginning to start fresh. I don’t know what I want to do. Maybe because I am exhausted from lack of sleep (Little Cubby not sleeping through the night and up like every freaking two hours.) that I am thinking about all this stuff.

Why do me make resolutions and never keep them?

More Christmas pics

to infinity and beyond

Music maker

Can I watch it now?

After Christmas rest

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and are playing with your new toys. We had a nice Christmas. It was stress-free and relaxing. The boys had a wonderful day. Big Cubby said that this was the greatest day ever. He also kept saying thank you about a dozen times. Little Cubby was kind of grumpy but that was because he was up lot the night before. Overall it was wonderful!

Christmas fun

surveying
Hey for me

Merry Christmas

I don't know when I will be able to post again so I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

I look forward to reading everyone's Christmas updates next week.

Merry Christmas from the cubmommy household!

Sickness

The “sickness” maybe returning to our household. Hubby is starting to feel tightness in his chest and coughing a little. I have been spraying down everything with Lysol in hopes of keeping the “sickness” out. Wouldn’t you know Christmas would be like this? I hope I can get Hubby feeling better so the boys don’t get sick. UGH!!!!

I have so much to do tomorrow. Hubby should be off and I have tons of errands to run, presents to wrap, cookies to bake and laundry to get done.

I don’t know if I mentioned but we are starting a new tradition called the Christmas pizza. I am not going to spend all day in the kitchen cooking and then cleaning up for the four of us. I want to enjoy Christmas playing with the boys and their new toys. So I came up with a Christmas pizza. Our grocery store has a pizza they make and sell and on Friday’s it is on sale for $5. It is pretty big of it will feed all of us. I am going to cook it on Sunday with snacks and maybe a frozen dessert.

I hope everyone keeps the “sickness” from visiting your house this Christmas!

Christmas shopping

I was going to write about going out with the masses this weekend to do some Christmas shopping but now it seems not so interesting. I will say that I can not stand the kiosk people at the mall. I know they have a job to do but they are highly annoying.

The cell phone company employees are like slimy car salesman you would see in the movies with the plaid pants and white dress shirt with a bright color tie who has sweat stains in the pit area and the button over their belly is about to burst. Man, they can be so obnoxious. It is a turn off when they are yelling for you to come here.

Then you got the people trying to sell some pillow thing that is heated. Every time you walk by they are like “hey come touch this. You must touch this.” Dude, I am not touching anything because you say so. I would be more than happy to show where they can put that pillow.

Then you got the people trying to get you over there so they can show you the miracle product that will make your hands smooth, make you smell great, make you look 10 years younger, will cure cancer. I was walking by some of these people and in front of me were three little old ladies and I almost ran over them as they tried to flee the area where these people were.

So far I have talked about shopping this weekend ok so I will bore you some more. I got a lot done and was pleased with my purchases.

I went to buy some new jeans and to look for a new sweater. What is the deal with women’s clothes? They only make clothes for juniors and old women. You know what I am talking about the clothes that make you either look like a slut or make you look like a grandma. Why don’t they make cute clothes for us Mom’s? It is frustrating. I am not ready to wear the sweaters for every holiday. I hope I don’t offend anyone but I am not ready for that. All I am looking for is something cute that doesn’t show off the belly yet can be considered hip. I guess I will stick with my comfy pants and jeans with turtlenecks and solid color sweaters.

So there my adventures in shopping. Unfortunately I have to do some more shopping this week. I will be glad for Christmas to get here so I can relax.

Holiday meme

A friend sent me an email with this so I answered the questions. If you are interested in doing it let me know when you do and I will come and check it out.
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Just sits them under the tree

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored lights

4. Do you hang mistletoe? NO

5.. When do you put your decorations up? When I get a time.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Mashed potatoes and gravy

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? getting up Christmas morning and seeing what Santa brought.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? My mom told me and I was pissed at her.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Depends if we are visiting family. If not no.

10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? chocolate chip

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it. I live in Chicago can't get away from it. Big Cubby loves it as well.

12. Can you ice skate? no and won't try in fear of breaking my leg.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I don't really remember maybe a Barbie

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with family and enjoying watching the boys reaction to everything from the Christmas tree to the gifts.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Fudge

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? The new ones we are making with my family.

17. What tops your tree? A star

18. Which do you prefer - Giving or Receiving? Giving because I love to watch my boys reaction to it all.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? Oh Holy Night and Have a Holly Jolly Christmas.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum

21. What is your favorite holiday movie? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Wiggle's workout

Before Big Cubby was born, I was into exercising. I was a runner. I would run about 2 miles a day. Then I got pregnant and slowed down. After Big Cubby was born, I really didn’t exercise as much and then Little Cubby came along and now I have no time to.

This week I stumbled on a way to get my heart rate up and do a little exercise. We haven’t watched The Wiggle’s in awhile because it was the same old episodes. On Monday I put them on and noticed they changed their format a bit. It is 20 minutes of nonstop songs.

So for 20 minutes I do the actions to the song if there are any. I run in place. I do squats while holding Little Cubby. I run back in forth in the living room. I really get my heart rate up. It is a great exercise while the boys do it with me. I have done this every day this week except today. I had to take Little Cubby to his 15 month check up.

The boys think I am goofy but I really work up a sweat doing this.

Lights, Camera, Action Wiggle’s

Is it a guy thing?

Big Cubby likes to have his hand in his pants while he walks around, watching tv, and when he sleeps. Is this normal boy behavior? If it is I sure hope my husband is not walking around work with his hand in his pants. Hubby says it is a comfort thing to do especially at night. I just don't want Big Cubby doing this when he goes to school.

So, you tell me is this normal?

15 Months Old

Little Cubby you turn 15 months old today.

You are now walking like a pro. You even walk really fast when you are chasing your brother. You love to be chased as well. You laugh and giggle when we try to catch you.

You love music and will start to move with music whether sitting down or standing, doing a little dance. You love to watch the Wiggles with intensity.

You still eat books.

You can say uh oh and daa daa. You have your own language right now. You do understand us when we tell you to go get something or to come here.

You are officially eating regular food. You will pretty much eat anything. You like veggies which we are very happy about.

You love to be held. You want to be in my arms or sitting on my lap. You would probably sit there all day if I let you. You like to cuddle.

Generally you are good natured, but when you’re mad you let us know. Loudly. You have started throwing your self down on the floor when you are very upset. You don’t do it often yet. Is this a peek of the terrible twos?

You like to play with cars, trucks and trains.

You have two of your molars in on the bottom and I think you have two coming in up on top but you won’t let us look in your mouth.

You still not are sleeping through the night. You get up if we are lucky only twice a night. The norm is 5 times a night.

You are no longer nursing during the day. You only are nursing in the middle of the night. You drink milk and water.

You love to smile. Your smile melts everyone’s heart when we go out.

You are growing so fast not sure what your weight and height is yet because your doctor’s appointment is Friday.

You are my little cuddle bug and I love you very much.

Tagged

I was tagged by Mommygoth. So here it goes.

Seven things I hope to do before I die:
1. Visit Europe. Specifically go to Germany. Hubby’s mom side of the family is from there.
2. To see my children get married and start a family
3. Pay off all our debt
4. To see the Cubs win the World Series
5. To see the Bears win another Super Bowl
6. To learn to ballroom dance. I love to dance.
7. Learn a different language. Probably Spanish.

Seven things I cannot do:
1. I don’t know how to juggle to the disappointment of my son who asks me everyday to do it.
2. I can not carry a tune, sing or hum every well.
3. Play a musical instrument. In Jr. High I took Band and tried to play the flute the teacher felt so bad he gave me an A but told me to not take band again.
4. Stop worrying about finances.
5. Go up on any high places. I have a total fear of falling.
6. Eat liver. Just thinking about it makes me want to throw up.
7. Cook. I am horrible at it.

Seven things that attract me to my spouse (significant other, best friend):
1. His sense of humor.
2. His lips. I love his juicy lips especially since I have pencil thin lips.
3. His confidence. He knew what he wanted to do very early on in his life and pursued it.
4. The way he protects me and boosts my self-esteem.
5. The way he plays with the boys. He makes the giggle and laugh.
6. The love and closeness he has with his family. I don’t have that and it is nice to see that he respects his family.
7. His patience because he has to put up with a lot from me.

Seven things I say often:
1. I said no.
2. Whatever
3. For the love of pete…
4. Bite me
5. I love you
6. Do you smell poo
7. Seriously

Seven books or book series I love:
1. The Outsiders-S.E. Hinton
2. To Kill a Mockingbird-Harper Lee
3. Anna Karenina-Leo Tolstoy
4. Dracula-Bram Stoker
5. Harry Potter series-J.K. Rowling
6. Romeo and Juliet-William Shakespeare
7. The Hobbit- J.R.R. Tolkien

Seven movies I could watch over and over again:
1. Grease
2. Major League
3. Raising Arizona
4. The Mummy & The Mummy Returns-Brendan Fraser version
5. Dodgeball-really anything with Vince Vaughn in it
6. Dazed and Confused-Love Matthew McConaughey
7. Father of the Bride I and II

Seven people I would like to join in this “Seven Sevens” meme:If you would like to participate in the meme then just let me know so I can come by and check it out.

Santa photo

As you can see Big Cubby being a total freak and Little Cubby very excited waving his hand. At least they are not crying.

Santa visit

Well, my well intention plan to get some Christmas shopping done did not go as planned. I took the whole family and we headed to the mall to visit Santa on Saturday. We got there early so the line was not as long.

What an adventure it was. When we got there and got in line we started to prep Big Cubby that Santa was going to ask him what he wanted for Christmas and will probably ask what his brother wanted.

We met a family behind us in line that had a little boy who was 4 in August like Big Cubby and a little boy who was 19 months old. Little Cubby will be 15 months old tomorrow. The little boy kept asking Big Cubby questions and Big Cubby kept acting weird. He warmed up a little bit to the boy but by then we were next in line. Times like that I wish we could afford preschool for him so he can be around other kids.

So we are next in line and Big Cubby keeps saying he is nervous. It is our turn and we go up there and put them on Santa’s lap. Before that they asked us if they were taking a photo and we said no we would be taking it. They said they only allow two shots. So Hubby is trying to set the camera and it is taking awhile so we are feeling the pressure of the workers on our back. He takes one shot because they were thinking he was taking more.

Big Cubby acted like a goofball and wouldn’t really talk. Little Cubby at first just kept looking at Santa like who are you and then was smiling and happy. Santa asks me how old Little Cubby was and he asked nothing bothers him does it. And I said no he is pretty laid back but he has to because of this brother. High maintenance. He said he loved babies like this. Poor guy how many kids does he see a day that scream and cry. I give him props for doing this job.

The boys got an activity book and we were on our way. Hubby did not like the photo he took and was upset. I told him it was ok because we were really there so Big Cubby could tell Santa what he wanted. The picture would have just been a bonus. No big deal.

In my family we always had Santa visit up until I moved out of the house. I always loved the excitement of getting up and seeing what he brought. Hubby’s family did not celebrate Santa. They are very Christian and thought it if their kids believed in Santa and when they were older told he did not exist then what would stop the kids in believing there wasn’t God because you can see him. I see where they were coming from but I believed in Santa and I believe in God today it did not screw me up. I plan on teaching my children our faith. So they don’t really care about the Santa stuff so the photo was for us.

So I didn’t get much shopping done. I got one thing for Big Cubby and I got a gift card for my niece. That was it. So I guess I will have to get it all done next week right before Christmas. This time I will go alone.

Ramblings

We got a crap load of snow last night. Hubby did not get home until 8pm thanks to the CTA. So that meant I had a long day with the boys. I had to give them their bath and ready for bed. I am looking forward to go shopping tomorrow by myself. I need a break.

Great news my photo on Flickr has reached a hundred views. That is awesome. I am very excited. Hubby is happy also. So go over and click on the photo. I love to get more views. Hubby has a couple of new pics on there. One of them taken last night from work during the snow falling.

Last night around midnight the guy who keeps the apartment yard tidy was outside using a snow blower and then shoveling snow off the back deck. Little Cubby's window is right off the deck so you know what that means yes he was frightened awake. Let's just say I only got 4 fours of sleep last night. It is bad enough the kid won't sleep through the night but to have him awakened on purpose really sucks.

Not enough coffee to keep my functioning. I hope everybody has a great weekend!

I did the unthinkable

Big Cubby has been a terror for four days now and I was about to lose my mind. So I decided to do the unthinkable and take the boys to Sam's Club. Normally when he is acting up this is the last thing I would do because a tantrum usually ensues but I did not know what else to do.

So I bundled up the boys and we got in to the van to head to Sam's Club to pick up our Christmas cards. I thought the change of scenary would help.

Good news so far it has. Big Cubby behaved the whole time and now that we are home he still is behaving. OK, now that I have said that something will happen.

Keep your fingers crossed that I survive the rest of the day.

Stir Crazy

It is soooo cold here today. We are talking single digits and wind chills. So we have been couped up inside because it is so harsh out. Also I don't want to take the boys out because I don't want them to get sick for Christmas. I know we will have to venture out soon so the boys can see Santa maybe this weekend.

I haven't done any Christmas shopping yet. I know there is only 18 days before Christmas. I will probably go this weekend and get a few things. I have made a budget on what I can spend so I put aside some money this pay period and I will finish up on the next pay period. Yes that is right it is a few days before Christmas when that will happen and I will be one of those people out the day before Christmas Eve and maybe Christmas Eve buying gifts. I will be smart next year and start saving money next year so by the time November rolls around I can get all my shopping done earlier.

So yes I am going stir crazy. I have kids bouncing off the walls and my mind is turning to mush. Reading your blogs are the only thing keeping my sanity from totally disappearing.

Snow Play

We have new pictures on Flickr of the boys playing in the snow. This is the first time Little Cubby has touched and played in the snow. Also there is a picture of me that I have to say is the best picture taken of me in a long time. Usually the picture of me I am making a stupid face which I don't mean to make. I really hate my photo being taken.

We took the boys out so we could take a picture for our Christmas cards. Later that afternoon, Hubby took Big Cubby, who was now in warmer clothes, back to the park where he really got to play in the snow. He came back after slipping near the slide with a more skinned nose (it was all ready skinned when he fell on his face at home when running and slipping on a rug), fat lip and skinned area between the nose and mouth.

The boys had fun and I am sure there will be more snow soon. I love having a white Christmas I hope we will.

Oh Christmas Tree

Yesterday I went and bought our Christmas tree at Target. I picked out this one because it was the right size for our apartment. So last night I decorated it with lights, tinsel, and a few ornaments. I only wanted to put a few ornaments on because I did not want the boys playing with a few of them. You see my Mom and my Grandma have given me an ornament every year since I was born. That is right I have 33 years worth of ornaments. Now they have added the boys so they get ornaments as well. I could fill up two or three trees with the ornaments I have.

The boys loved the tree. Big Cubby was in awe of it. He did not want to stop looking at it. Today he told me that our Christmas tree was perfect. He is right. It may not be big but it is ours.

Christmas is all ready wonderful and we have several weeks to go.

Parenthood

Have you ever seen the movie Parenthood? Well if you have then you remember Steve Martin's youngest son and how he would headbutt anyone and anything he could.

Well, I have a son who does the same thing. Little Cubby loves to headbutt everything. He will headbutt the wall, the bookcase, the chair, the couch. He will come walking toward you with his head down ready to headbutt us. He loves to headbutt us. He just laughs and giggles when he does it.

I swear I worry about this kid sometimes. Could this be a sign of intelligence? Oh I hope so. Meanwhile my son headbutts me to show me he loves me.

Window Looking

Today we took the boys downtown to see the holiday windows at Marshall Field's. The theme this year is Cinderella. Big mistake. Big Cubby was not impressed. Little Cubby did not like the cold. It was very cold today.

We took them over to the main library and let Big Cubby look at books at the library. He got grouchy and did not want to check out any books so we left.

The ride down on the El was fine. Big Cubby is so into trains so he really enjoyed watching everything out the window. On the way home both boys fell asleep on the train. It was a nice quiet ride.

We haven't gone and visited the big guy, Santa yet. Maybe this weekend we might take the boys. I have yet to put up any Christmas decorations. I need to go by a new tree.

I have decided to stop stressing over Christmas. I have been making myself sick worrying about our budget and whether or not we can afford anything. I just read a story about an infant dying over in Pakistan because it is winter and there are a lot of homeless people due to the earthquake they had. I realize my babies have a warm bed to sleep in and have food to eat.

I have decided not to get caught up in the materialization of the holiday. We are staying home so it will be just the four of us and I have decided to make it easy and stress free.

I didn't even cheat!

You Passed 8th Grade Science

Congratulations, you got 8/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

Stuffed

Well everybody I am back. We had a good Thanksgiving. We went down to southern Illinois to visit Hubby's family. We had a good time.

The drive down wasn't too bad. The boys did pretty well for the six hour trip. We stayed with Hubby's parents. Hubby's brother and sister-in-law came over to visit as well. They really enjoyed playing with the boys.

Thanksgiving dinner was awesome. Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, veggies and cranberry jello dish with cranberries and nuts in it. We had pumpkin pie for dessert. We totally stuffed ourselves.

Friday, Hubby and I went on a date and saw the movie Just Friends. Oh my god this was funny! We just laughed and laughed. I love Ryan Reynolds. Anna Faris is so funny. We had a great time and it was a nice break from the boys. I can not remember the last movie we saw together. It has to be at least two years. The boys had fun playing with their Nana and Papa.

We came home on Saturday and the drive was painful. Both boys were grumpy. Big Cubby was upset because he wanted to stay at his Nana and Papas. Little Cubby was crying and whining for two hours on the trip because he wanted out of his seat. We could not wait to get home.

Little Cubby's sleeping was horrible. I would nurse him and lay him down at home he would go back to sleep.Well, on the trip he started with crying when I laid him down. We tried everything but nothing worked and we got little sleep. Last night at home he was up all night again. There was heated exchange early this morning between Hubby and I. Lack of sleep sucks.

I don't know what is wrong with Little Cubby. Not sure it is his teething because when he is up at night he wants to be held or he wants to play. Not sure how much we can take.

Overall, the trip was fun. We had a nice visit but I am glad to be home. Going back home makes us realize why we left in the first place. I can not stand area. It is really hard to explain but I know I could not live there again.

I hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving

I am going to be on a little break the rest of the week so I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope to have a few stories to tell you when I get back.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Of course I am this

You Are Mashed Potatoes

Oridnary, comforting, and more than a little predictableYou're the glue that holds everyone together.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Update and Stuff

Little Cubby's lip is a lot better. It is not as swollen now. My husband calls him bruiser because he is always falling down and getting hurt.

Little Cubby has two molars breaking the gum line and he has kept us up for the past two nights just wanting to be held. We have gotten maybe a total of 6 hours for the two nights.

I can not wait until his teething is done!

Big Cubby quote " Daddy, I love when you say no" referring to when Little Cubby gets told this.

We have been working with Big Cubby on his alphabet. He can say it but has trouble pointing them out on a page. He is getting better but has trouble with N, R and L.

Big Cubby is all ready for Christmas. He keeps looking at catalogues pointing out the stuff he wants. He can not wait to visit Santa and tell him all the stuff he wants. Boy, I should have been saving or buying all along.

That is all the exciting stuff this weekend. Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Poor baby

Poor Little Cubby had a bad day today. He was very grumpy and sleepy today because he was up a lot last night. He also had little accident today.

We have wooden gates that block off our front door and bathroom and another one that blocks off our kitchen. I guess Big Cubby knocked the one loose by the bathroom when he was climbing over it. Little Cubby was leaning on it and it fell over. He bit his upper lip pretty badly. It bled a lot.

Poor baby was so upset. We put ice in his Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder and that helped him a lot. Now he has a fat lip.

Life with two boys is never dull. I know my future will consists of little heart attacks every time one of the boys do something to get hurt but will I ever get use to it.

I worry sometimes about the future. I know I am a freak and there is nothing I can do now but I read all these stories of boys doing stupid things that get themselves or someone else hurt or killed. Just recently in the news there were four boys out driving and they came to a section of the road that has a railroad crossing and a hill. I guess kids try to go airbourne on it. Well these boys did and hit a tree. Two of the boys died. I see shows like Jackass and the Wildboyz and I am afraid.

I know I will raise my sons to make smart choices but that doesn't guarantee they will make them.

These are the things I worry about.

To the Doctor we go

Yesterday Little Cubby and Hubby went to the doctor. Little Cubby has been coughing and we wanted to make sure he was ok. The last time he was sick we did not know he was. He was smiley and playing. He had two ear infections and bronchitis. So I took him in yesterday. Good news he is ok. He has a little cough and it looks like he is getting over it. No bronchitis! The doctor was surprised I brought him in. He had no fever, no loss of appetite, and he has been active. Hubby just wanted to make sure he was ok.

Hubby on the other hand has severe bronchitis. He had to have a chest X-ray. He is on antibiotic. The can hardly breathe without his lungs hurting. The doctor wanted him to take a few days off from work but he can't because he is on deadline and he is one of two people on his staff.

So fun day at the doctor's office. I hope we can all get healthy before Thanksgiving. We are traveling and it would be a bitch if anyone of us was sick.

How are you guys staying healthy?

14 Months

Yesterday Little Cubby turned 14 months old. I forgot to post something so here it is today.

Little Cubby you are 14 months old. Where do I begin?

After wondering how long you might wait to walk—being so proficient at crawling—You have taken off walking and in one month you are a pro. You can turn and change directions instantly and while you still fall now and then, it happens mainly you’re walking and not paying attention to walking.

You love music and will start to move with music whether sitting down or standing, doing a little dance. You, like your brother, enjoys car commercials for the loud music, fast movement and bright colors.

You eat books. You only recently learned to open the pages and look at the pictures.

You do this wonderful surprised look at every little thing where you open your eyes quite big and say “oooooooooooooohhhh.”

You love to take the TV remote and see your handy work by moving channels or turning off the TV altogether.

We have given you some of our food—a bit of burger or pieces of other things now and then—and now you are very interested in what we are eating at all times. You love bananas and crackers.

You are learning to gesture at things you want, but you do this the same way you say hi or bye, with an extended arm and a rapidly open and closed fist. Your grunting is taking on more of a communicative tone and you are starting to sound out vowels and other sounds.

Generally you are good natured, but when you’re mad you let us know. Loudly.

You are also strong. Stronger at this age then what your brother was. In fact, you might be stronger at 14 months than your 4-year-old brother.
You can repeatedly squat down parallel to the ground and then stand back up as if doing exercise squats.

You do not like your diaper changed nor to get dressed or undressed. Though you like to walk around naked.

You love chocolate milk. You won’t drink much else.

You like playing with your older brother, to a point. You have become frustrated enough with him that you taken a swing at him. Should prove to be interesting in another year.

We love you Little Cubby!

It never fails

It never fails if Little Cubby sleeps a long stretch then Big Cubby will get up in the middle of the night.

Last night Little Cubby was sleeping a good long stretch. I actually had a dream which means deep sleep it was great. Wouldn't you know it Big Cubby wakes me up around 3am to tell me he had an accident. So I get him cleaned up but him on the couch and go into his room to clean up in there. It is dark in there with only a night light on. I quickly step in a puddle of pee. I kid you not a puddle. I get everything cleaned up and head to bed.

I think they plan it because I really have been needing a good nights sleep for weeks because I am trying to get rid of this cough and cold I have. It looks like that is not going to happen.

Tonight I am sure Little Cubby will be up a lot tonight. That is how it always happens.

I hope everyone has a good weekend!

Yipee

Oh this makes me so sad. ;)

Thanks

I just wanted to thank everyone for their advice and support for this. I have talked with Hubby about the comment and we have worked everything out. Let's just say he has offered to feed Little Cubby every night this week so far. I don't know if he agrees with me but at least he knows how I feel.

Thanks again everyone!

tagged again

I was tagged by LammyAnnLife and this meme is writing about each hour in a 24-hour day and explain why that hour is significant to me.

OK I am too lazy to come up with something for each hour so I will give the few times that are significant to me.

11:30pm-My first son was born.
12:30pm-My second son was born.
3:00pm-The time I got married.
12:00pm-I graduated college.
6:45am-I was born.
7:00pm-My husband was born.

There you have it. Sorry for being so lazy but I don't think I could have come up with anything for every hour.

Enjoy!

It turned out good

Last night we watched Emeril Live where Emeril and Elmo cook a healthy meal. The food looked really good so I went online and printed out the recipes.

Today I decided to make the Powered Packed Spinach Salad. OK you are thinking what is so hard about making a salad well it is the dressing that I was worried about. I am not a good cook. When I follow a recipe it always turns out tasting bad. I don't like to cook probably because of the reason I just mentioned.

So I make the salad and then I make the dressing. I followed the recipe so I was a little afraid. I gave a bowl of the salad to Hubby and let him try it. He could not believe it the dressing tasted really good. I actually made something that turned out right.

I was very happy. I am planning on trying the Lean Mean Turkey Loaf and the Pasta Primavera.

Wish me luck. I still don't care to cook but maybe with a few more successes I might be persuaded to cook more.

Excuse Me

My husband just did the biggest no no. I got Little Cubby's dinner ready and brought it in to my husband so I could get Big Cubby's dinner ready. As I brought Little Cubby's chair to him he says "Is this your way of telling I am feeding Little Cubby?" I said yes I need to get Big Cubby his food. He says"You could have at least ask me to feed him"

Excuse? I have to ask you to feed your son? Nobody askes me if I want to do the laundry, clean, go grocery shopping, feed, dress, bath the kids.

This really pissed me off. Am I wrong here?

What I am worth

I am worth $1,464,942 on HumanForSale.com

What I love

I love when I hold either one of my boys and they put their arms around my neck and lay their heads on my shoulder and just cuddle. The love I feel is overwhelming.

This is what I love.

Sorry

I was having trouble with a link and I did not realize that I posted it. Sorry it was a mistake.

Happy Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Sheriff Woody

Cowardly Lion

Halloween at the Zoo

Today was trick or treating at the zoo. It was a beautiful day and it turned out pretty good. We got there a little early so we hung out and watched the is band that was dressed up as animals. They played kids songs that sounded like bluegrass.

Little Cubby was grouchy at first but then started to warm up and smile at everyone. We watched the parade which consisted of Ronald McDonld in a convertable car, a marching band playing the Santana song Oye Como Va, and the "characters" of different shows and movies. We started our trick or treating at a booth that was giving out books. We ended at the Farm at the Zoo where Ronald McDonald was. The boys got a lot candy, Happy Meal Toy dogs, toothbrush, toothpaste, apples, and fun worksheets.

Little Cubby was a lion and Big Cubby was Woody from Toy Story. Big Cubby was a hit. Every where we went kids kept yelling Woody, Woody like he was a rock star. The volunteers that were handing out stuff kept going on about him being Woody. We saw only one other Woody and one Buzz Lightyear.

Big Cubby kept saying the line from the movie "reach for the skies" to everyone.

We had a fun but tiring day. Above are a few pictures of some of the characters and if you go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/ten-nine/ there are a few pictures of the day there.

This and that

When will this flu leave our house?

Cub Daddy came home from work early yesterday and was running a 102.8 fever. His whole body felt like it was on fire. He was drenched in sweat. He took a shower and almost passed out. He stayed home today and is getting some rest.

Big Cubby still has a cough which he can’t seem to shake.

Little Cubby has a running nose.

Me? Well I have been doing so great avoiding any kind of sickness but last night I started to cough. This really pisses me off. I can not get sick. I don’t have any days to take off. I hope I don’t get a fever.

I hope this is not a sign of a horrible winter for the flu.

Odds and ends

The only thing good about the White Sox’s winning is that Steve Perry is finally getting the respect he is due. Hello, Journey is not Journey without Steve Perry. He is the voice. The Sox have embraced Steve Perry and they have been using the song Don’t Stop Believin’ as their theme song.

We are going to Lincoln Park Zoo tomorrow to participate in the trick or treating there. We went last year and it was fun but rainy and cold. This year the weather is supposed to be beautiful. They have people dressed up as characters such as Elmo, SpongeBob, Dora just to name a few. Well, they are generic characters. It is pretty sad. I will post photos this weekend of them. Big Cubby is going to be Woody from Toy Story and Little Cubby is going to be a lion.

Have a good weekend!

Tired

If I have to hear one more thing about the White Sox's I am going to throw up.

GO CUBBIES!!!!!!

How to scare the crap out of me

A couple of nights ago I got a scare that I about had a heart attack.

Cub Daddy and I were in the kitchen getting dinner and Big Cubby and Little Cubby were playing in the living room. I could see them from the doorway and I noticed that Big Cubby put Little Cubby on the couch.

I start to head in the living room to take Little Cubby off the couch. I made it halfway there when Big Cubby flips Little Cubby off the arm of the couch. Thank God, there was a bean bag and several blankets below. Little Cubby landed on his head and started crying. I lost it. I yelled what are you doing to Big Cubby. I was about ready to cry.

Cub Daddy took Big Cubby to his room and had a talk with him about how Little Cubby is smaller then he is and he can't wrestle like that yet.

I got Little Cubby calmed down and he was ok but it scared the crap out of me. I probably would have felt better if Little Cubby was older and can hold his own.

I think payback is going to be a bitch for Big Cubby because Little Cubby is all ready stronger then Big Cubby was at that age and I think Little Cubby is going to be bigger than Big Cubby. Little Cubby is going to be kicking Big Cubby's ass so Big Cubby better start being nice to Little Cubby.

Boys!

Brothers

One of the nice moments between them. Doesn't happen to often.

Hoping this week is better

Last week was a trying week. The boys have a cold. Little Cubby seems to be teething. Lack of sleep. PMS. An argument involving Cub Daddy.

I have been pretty depressed lately. I am pretty sure it is due to the lack of sleep I have been getting between Little Cubby up several times a night cranky and Big Cubby coughing. I know I should not complain because I get to stay home with my kids but it is overwhelming sometimes. Little Cubby is very needy and wants to literally hang on me all day. This makes Big Cubby jealous so he wants to play and hang on me as well. This gets to be really exhausting. I have had no patience this week and seem to get angry more quickly.

I have started looking forward to bedtime at the end of the day for the boys. This is the only time I can get a moment to myself and just relax before the night shift begins.

I haven’t gotten sick yet, knock on wood but I fear it lurks behind the corner.

I feel the pressure of the holidays all ready. We are going to visit my in-laws on Thanksgiving which is a 6 hour drive. I have started saving money for gas but it is going to be expensive just to get down there. I wasn’t smart to start buying Christmas presents early so now I feel like I won’t be able to get what I want for the boys. The budget is very tight.

Cub Daddy and I had a row on Tuesday after he came home from having drinks at a farewell get together for a colleague who quit. He came home demanding this and that all because he was unhappy with his job. A lot of people have quit where he works and they have been all single so they can just up and do it. He can’t because he has kids so he feels stuck and that they can use and abuse him. So with a little bit of alcohol he got depressed and became a jerk. The next day he said sorry and changed his mind on his demands he made.

I keep trying to be positive and look into the future. Next year we should have our debt paid off and have extra money. We hope in 2007 to buy a home. We have never been a homeowner.

I am tired of not having any money. Cub Daddy doesn’t have dental insurance at his job and we can not afford to go yet. Both Cub Daddy and I need our wisdom teeth pulled very soon. Big Cubby needs to have his first dental appointment but we haven’t had the money to take him.

To save money I haven’t had my hair cut since March. I just throw it in a ponytail. I don’t even wear make up anymore.

I am tired of Big Cubby not listening to us when we tell him to do something then getting really mad at us when he gets in trouble. Why won’t the kid just listen?

I am sorry to unload like this I am hoping this makes me feel better getting this out. Last night we got about three hours of sleep because Little Cubby was up all night so I hope this makes sense.

I am really trying to find the good in my life and there is a lot but right now it seems out of reach.

I just want to go to sleep.

Shit bombs

I hate shit bombs. They are when your baby shits from the front to the back of their diapers and it is leaking from the leg area.

Why is it when they have shit bombs they decide as soon as you get the diaper off they want to spin around like they are an alligator being caught in the process smearing shit all over you, them, the changing table, the wall and anything on the changing table?

By the time you get them to be still, it is too late and you have to use the shower to remove the shit.

Why do they decide to do it when you don't have back up to help you?

How can so much shit come from such a small person?

Anyone? Anyone?

Screaming into my pillow

I was going to start this entry off with what a great Saturday I had because I got a day off to be by myself. The boys have been sick all week especially Big Cubby with a fever one day and now a constant cough. They both have running noses. So the week was rough on me trying to handle the mood swings the boys had. So Cub Daddy sent me off to have a break for my self. I took the El downtown and went to the library. I then walked along State St. people watching. I went to eat at Big Bowl where adults have lunch. Cub Daddy got a free gift certificate for any Lettuce Entertain You restaurants. So I am sitting and enjoying my lunch looking around the restaurant and I come to the conclusion that I am very happy with my life. I am glad I am a mother. I love my children. I am satisfied being a stay at home mom. It was a great day. I felt recharged.

Then yesterday and today happened. With a combination of PMS and hyperactive children, I have lost my mind. The boys started yesterday with getting into everything they could possibly get into. They were double annoying. They even got on Cub Daddy’s nerves.

The kitchen sink started leaking underneath the cabinet. There is a crack in the pipe. We called the landlord yesterday and of course has not gotten back to us today. I am pissed off about that because I hate this place.

Today it is worse. Everything they are doing is annoying. It is like it magnified ten times. Big Cubby not listening and getting into trouble. Little Cubby liked using his voice and louder the better.

I went through the all of Little Cubby’s toys and got them organized and wouldn’t you know it Big Cubby decides he wants to play with Little Cubby’s toys and pull them all out. The kid has more than enough toys of his own to play with yet baby toys are appealing.

Big Cubby has decided today to make as much noise as possible by jumping, yelling, banging and stomping. He keeps tackling his brother because Little Cubby is walking around everywhere now. He also likes to sit on his little brother. He likes to grab Little Cubby’s head throw him down with it. I can’t wait until Little Cubby is older and can take down Big Cubby.

I know motherhood has its ups and downs. I know that it is the hardest job a person could do. But the last few days have been hell. I am sure it is PMS fueled and it will be all right soon.

13 Months Old

Little Cubby you are 13 months old today.

You are walking every chance you get. You keep going farther and farther each time you try. When you are walking the look on your face is like you have won a prize. Your smile beaming. Before you know it you will be chasing your big brother.

You are very loud. You love to let us know you are in the room. You babble on and on your pitch getting higher and higher. You can say this, yes, dada, and uh oh. You love to shake your head no. You love to sing.

You love to dance. Whether the music is coming from a commercial or one of your toys you start to bop up and down. If you are sitting you rock back and forth to the music.

You are mama’s boy. You want me all the time. You love to cuddle with me. You love to be held. You also love your pacifier. You prefer to climb all over me but on occasion you will sit by yourself and play.

You are still nursing even though I try to make it less and less.

You still don’t sleep through the night. You like to wake up two or three times a night. We are wishing for you to sleep all night.

You will eat pretty much anything. If you see us eating it you want to try it. You are so opposite of your picky brother.

You like to pull your books off the bookcase. You like to eat paper and your books. You like to push your toy cars all over the floor.

You and your brother are such a joy in our lives. We love you very much!

Are these people nuts?

I can barely handle two but 16 that is crazy!

Slow day

Now I am wiping two noses so I am a little busy today. Here's my husband's Flickr site. There are some new photos posted.

Enjoy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ten-nine/

Weekend info

The weekend was enjoyable. Cub Daddy’s parents came to visit and the boys had a lot of fun with them. They played with the boys all day on Saturday and then on Sunday we went to the suburbs to visit Cub Daddy’s grandparents. My in-laws stay at their house when they come up to visit.

Cub Daddy got an earful about the cleaning process. I am sure it went in one ear and out the other. Men! Next time he will be doing what he wants done.

Big Cubby has a cold and keeps coming up to me so I can help him blow his nose. He says Mommy I have bubble snots. I love spending my day wiping bubble snots.

After almost 13 years of marriage Cub Daddy thinks I don’t listen to him and I think he can not pay attention. Love is a wondrous thing

How to piss me off

This is how to piss me off.

Tell me your parents are coming and you want to really clean the apartment. So for two days I pick up, do dishes, clean the bathroom, vacuum, mop, make beds, dust, do laundry, fold and put away laundry, go grocery shopping at three different places so I can get good deals plus the stuff you want, bring all the groceries in and up three flights of stairs, put away the groceries and play with the kids.

You take the day off to “help out” on Friday and all you do is sit on the computer while “watching the boys”. You then come in and start telling me I have not done a good job in the bathroom you found dust under the heater (by the way nobody looks under). You then start again this morning you want certain things picked up. By the way, you have only sat on your ass for two days. You act like you can’t do two things at once. That you can only watch the boys or pick up. Please I do this everyday.

Here is the kicker; your parents don’t care what our place looks like. They only care about seeing and playing with the boys. If you are so worried about it the do it your damn self.

Busy Busy

I have been busy today with errand and stuff. My in-laws are coming to visit tomorrow so I have been busy. Cub Daddy tookt the day off so I could go grocery shopping by myself. What a relief. No screaming or crying children. Isn't it sad that grocery shopping is a break for me. Sorry this is lame post today. I will have more to post after this weekend. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Tagged again

Eatmisery tagged me again so I hope you enjoy my anwsers!

1) Shampoo and Conditioner – Tropical Coconut Suave(reminds me of summer in the winter)
2) Soap - Zest
3) Colors – Gray, Green and Blue
4) Soda – Coca Cola
5) Foods - pizza, salads and cheeseburgers
6) Movie – Raising Arizona
7) Band – Journey, Southern Culture on the Skids, Pearl Jam
8) Disney Character- Elastagirl from the Incredibles and Dory from Finding Nemo
9) Actor – Matthew McConaughey and Johnny Depp
10) Actress – I don’t have a favorite
11) Video Games – I don’t even own a video game system
12) Computer Games – I have only played Solitaire
13) Store - Target
14) Alcohol – Corona with a lime
15) Number - 4
16) Car – No I take public transportation I don’t know what cool cars look like.
17) Book – The Outsiders, To Kill a Mockingbird
18) T.V. Show –CSI, Las Vegas, Amazing Race
19) Website – The Superficial, Go Fug Yourself, my blog
20) Condiment - Ketchup
21) Fruit - Watermelon
22) Vegetable – Corn and peas
23) Restaurant – Chipotle, Famous Dave’s
24) Blogger – Eatmisery, POW, Mouthy Mom, Miss Zoot, I could go on and on. I read a lot of blogs.
25) Place – I really don’t have one favorite place. I like a place where I can have piece and quiet so I can pray or reflect.

Big Cubby Meltdown

Today I took the boys to run a few errands. We went to Target first and when we were finished shopping I bought Big Cubby a Thomas the Tank Engine Train.

We head to the grocery store. When we get there Big Cubby starts getting upset and saying he doesn't want to go in. I tell him if he wants his train then he has to behave at the store.

I get him up to the door where they have the shopping carts for kids that are shaped like a car. I put Little Cubby in the seat and I place Big Cubby next to him.

Big Cubby starts throwing a fit saying he doesn't want to go in. He stands up in his seat and is screaming in my face then he hit me. I said fine we are going home and you do not get the train. I lift him and hold him while he is trying to get out of my arms. I proceed to try to lift Little Cubby out of the cart and am having trouble.

A grocery store employee comes over and offers to help me lift Little Cubby out of the cart and into my arms. Meanwhile Big Cubby is crying and yelling and hitting me in the back of the neck.

I get them back to the car and into their seats. Big Cubby is screaming and I mean screaming high pitch that he wants his train. I tell him no and we leave the parking lot.

I call my husband while driving home(I use a hands free device)and start crying while telling him about the episode. He calms me down and I get home.

Big Cubby has been telling me sorry all afternoon and asking for his train I tell him no that his behavior was bad and that he has to earn the train. Then he tells me he is angry at me and I am a bad mommy.

I have to tell you I have never and I mean never been more embarrassed in my life. He has never acted this way when we have gone out. Actually he has never acted this way ever. I could not believe it. It took all my energy to remain calm.

Now we are waiting until Cub Daddy gets home and have a talk with Big Cubby.

Has anybody experienced this type of situation? How did you feel?

Huge Milestone

I almost forgot Little Cubby officially walked. He took five steps then sat down then stood up and took five more. It was awesome! I think he all ready knew how to walk he just likes crawling because he can get around quicker.

We can mark it down he walked unassisted.

Friends from the South

Our friends, who were affected by the hurricane, were going to come up to Chicago because our friend B had a conference to attend. He was going to bring his wife and little girl and visit with us this week. We thought that was cancelled since they have been staying with family and were going to concentrate on getting home.

Well, they decided to come up anyway so we got to spend the day with them yesterday. Great news is that there house is definitely ok. There is no damage. They have neighbor who checked out their house and have seen pictures on the internet of it. What a relief! They can not go back yet because the power has not been restored yet.

We took them to the Lincoln Park zoo. This is the first time we have been able to see each others kids since they have been born. Big Cubby and Big C hit it off. They are both 4. They were so cute together. They would hold hands and tickle each other. When we said goodbye to them last night they hugged and gave each other kisses then said I love you! Too cute.

We went to eat at The Cheesecake Factory. We normally don’t eat big meals like this and let me tell you I am paying for it today. My stomach is killing me. We got back home around 8pm. The boy’s bedtime is 8 so we were out longer then normal. We were exhausted.

Little Cubby decided to wake up 7 times last night. I am trying to stay awake today and it has been hard. Of course on the night I really needed to get some sleep.

We are going to see them tomorrow and maybe go to the aquarium.

I will post a few pictures of Big Cubby and Big C later. They are too cute!

Nature Walk

Today we went to a forest preserve and went for a walk.

Hello bear

Here we are at the Lincoln Park Zoo. This was my favorite. The polar bear was cool he kept coming up to us.