A childless night

Last night my mother in law took the kids overnight so she can watch them today while I go to work and school. I should have been researching and writing a paper, but because we got an extension, I decided to enjoy my time. I went for a run and then put my ipod on and danced around the house. I love to dance when no one is around. It is so freeing. Today I had lost another pound. I am down 22, and at 150.4. I am so determined to get into my 140's by the end of this week. I don't know if it will happen, but I was stuck at 152 for a month. That is so frustrating! Oh, and last night while I didn't have kids, I went to Target for some tortillas for dinner. While I was there I tried on clothes. I found a skirt that is a size 6! Woohoo!!! Now, I think it was sized wrong because the 8 in another skirt fit perfect, but who cares the tag said 6 and I'm going with it! After seven years of eating my feelings, I am finally getting back to who I am. Yesterday the kids and I hung out here. They played mostly with the neighbor kids while I cleaned. It was peaceful and needed to be done. Plus, we had no money and it was a free option. I was also able to register Ella for camp this weekend. I'm so happy. She has been looking forward to doing a full week sleep over and horseback riding for years now, and I didn't think it would happen do to money. Thankfully I was able to register her last minute thanks to my in-laws and my sister. I can't wait to drop her off and get excited with her. Plus, that means next week is just Weston and I. I have Brady on Friday so two kids will be much better than three. Off to work and school. This is my last class for summer semester I, and I start up the second class next week. That will only be one night a week though. Woohoo!! I am kind of tired of this classroom bs. However, I am down three more classes and only need seven more to graduate next May. Also, this is my last week working 24 hours at work. I agreed to go down to 16. The paycheck will suck, but it will be nice to have more hours with the kids.

One week completed!

One week has gone by of summer vacation already! While we have been low on cash, we have made the best out of every day. Friday I cleaned the house in the morning and then we went to the library to sign up for the summer reading game. Afterwards we went to Kris' pool and swam for three hours. The kids all got along great. Brady and Kris were out there and Missy came with Matt and her friend Evelyn. It was a good time. The best part was that Weston got enough confidence to swim in the deep end. Once he saw that he could do it, he was jumping off the diving board and swimming to the side. He did awesome! I love when he is in the pool all day. The salt water is so good for his sinuses and the exercise is good for his lungs. Saturday, I went to boot camp in the morning. Then it took us all morning to pack up and shop for our overnight camping trip. We finally made it to the campground a little after 1:00pm. Due to a storm the night before there was no power, so the pools were not open. After a little disappointment, we found the Franson family and played on the playground for a short period of time. Then the kids hoped on their bikes and rode around for a while. After they got tired of that, they asked to go down to the river. The nature trail takes you down under railroad through a tunnel. Then you come to this beautiful river. Many people had tubes to go down the current. It was breathtaking. Who needs New Hampshire when you have that kind of beauty in your backyard? The kids had fun playing in the water. Buddy, the dog, enjoyed the rocks. Weston was starting to get chilly so we got out and went back to the campsite. The older kids got back on their bikes. There was also a girl named Haley that was in Ella's girl scout troop, so the three older girls played and found a hill to ride down. Then they had a blast playing in the tent. It was so nice to hang out with Julie and Craig. They are such down to earth people and their children are a lot like ours, so you get the impression that they "get it" without judgment. It is so peaceful to sit back and relax while the kids play together. They even made us dinner, breakfast, and lunch. I tried to contribute what we had, but they were more prepared with food and a grill. That night we roasted marshmallows and called it a night. The tent was freezing, and I have no idea how the kids slept in their tent as it was so hard on the ground (we had a air mattress). I kept waking up because I was so cold. Thankfully Andy stayed the whole night and I was able to gain warmth from him. The next morning we got up and I came back here to shower and let the dog out. Then we basically spent the whole day in the pool. I didn't think I was ever going to get the kids out. We ended up leaving around 2:30 and coming back here to unload, and so I could finally tackle the two papers I have due on Thursday. Yesterday, was the only day we stayed home. It was a severe thunder and lightening storm in the morning. Which is perfect weather to write a paper. I paid the kids to leave me alone for the afternoon and that worked. Unfortunately, it looks as though I will have to do the same for tomorrow to finish the second paper.

Chocolate covered deliciousness

Today we made chocolate covered strawberries. It was much easier than I thought. All I had to do was slice up the chocolate and microwave it. Hmph! They were delicious too! Thank god Andy was able to get the AC's in the windows last night. The house is actually bearable now. We are going to eat lunch and then hit the library to sign up for the summer reading game. Then we'll be off to the pool since it is in the 90's again today. Yesterday, the kids were at Mammy and Poppy's all day with Will and Ben. They spent most of the day indoors due to the heat, but got to go out and do the slip and slide a few times.

Work days not so fun days

As in every summer, there comes a time when you need to go to work (and school). My Tuesdays and Thursdays make for very long days. Yesterday however, they asked if I wanted to reduce my hours to 16. I decided that with school, internship, and kids this fall and spring next year, that I couldn't pass that up. There was no way to fit 24 work hours, 20 internship hours, 7 school hours, and kids. While reducing to 16 is a) going to heard the pocketbook and b) not going to solve all my time restraints, it will help a lot in stress and getting children from school a couple of days a week. So I am happy about the decision and a little relieved. While I was at work/school the kids were with my sister who also had Matt. They went to the Children's museum, out to Five Guys (which they both apparently loved), and swam in the pool all afternoon. Then my parents picked them up for Andy who needed to work late, and they came back here. Today we have Matt. I think we are going to hit the free movie at O'Neil theaters. It is Kung Fu Panda II. Then I think the only other place to go is the pool since it will be almost 100 degrees today. Ugh! Tonight the kids sleep over Mammy's and she is watching them tomorrow.

Whoop, Whoop! It is officially summer vacation!

It is here again! When I sent them off yesterday I gave them each a last Kindergartner and third grader hug. Weston remembered to give me my first, first grader hug in the afternoon (love that boy). I got to enjoy a nice breakfast with some of the other moms while the kids were at school. It was really nice as always, but it will now be kid time all the time. After I picked Ella up at school and Weston up at daycare we headed over to Buttonwoods and had our ice cream. I really love this tradition. I skipped lunch so that I could afford those delicious calories, and boy were they yummy! We had to go back to the school to get Ella's report card because she forgot it. Weston got Mrs. Bettini for first grade and Ella got Mrs. Lalima for fourth. They were both disappointed until Weston found out Max was in his class. The cute part was Ella calling all her friends and asking them who they had. You can tell she doesn't talk on the phone often. At one point I heard her say "So what do you want to talk about now?" LOL. In the early evening, I went to walk the track with Missy while the kids played on the playground. For the most part they had fun, although as usual Matt and Ella seemed to be ganging up on Weston. He would complain every time we made our way around the track. It was good for Missy and I though. On the way home we got McDonalds for the kids (I had a salad...no need for extra cals yesterday). They were able to play outside until bedtime. The best part, no lunches or homework to do and make!! Whoop, whoop! Off to a great summer vacation!

Summertime...funner time!

This weekend has shaped up to be a great start to summer vacation. To bad the kids still have one 1/2 day left of school. Today they go into school as a kindergartner and a third grader, they will come out a first and fourth grader. These years sure do fly by. That is why I am trying to enjoy every minute of the ones we have. Saturday we had my friend's baby's first birthday party. It was HOT! The kids enjoyed the bouncy house and took a dip in a baby pool. I got to catch up with some friends which is always a plus for me. That night Andy built a fire pit with rocks and we started a camp fire. The kids made smores, and then because of the sugar they got very silly. We took some crazy pictures of ourselves, but then it was time for bed. Yesterday was father's day. We (I) made Andy breakfast in bed. Which consisted of scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, hashbrowns, and sausage. The kids love doing that as a tradition on Mother's day and Father's day (this year I opted out as I am trying to watch what I eat). In the afternoon, we left for Mammy and Poppy's house for a father's day lunch. Nana and Pa went as well. The kids had a blast riding bikes in the driveway and Aunt Anne taught them how to sew. They loved it. Will and Ben ended up showing up later in the day so they got to play with their cousins which they are always excited about. I received a gift from Mammy. It is a Alex and Ani bracelet that 20% of the proceeds go towards families with CF. It is a shark fin and signifies stability, strength, and courage. I love it! While we were at their house, the air show was taking place so we got to see some military jets flying overhead. That was a nice plus.

Almost there....

While the kids have one more 1/2 day of school on Monday, I am in summer mode. Yesterday I had Brady for the day, as his school got out on Wednesday. Since it was our special 1:1 time together we went to Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods to ride and video tape elevators. Then we ate out at California Pizza Kitchen. Yum! We also went to the dollar store and I let him pick out some prizes for the prize box. This way he can earn tickets for good behavior when I have all three of the kids at the same time. I am hoping this makes Fridays a little easier. :) Then last night, we kicked off our fun summer season with a trip to the drive-inn movies to see Madagascar III. We stocked up on snacks and packed the Suburban up with blankets and pillows. The kids loved it. I forgot how uncomfortable the back seat can be. I think next time we need a air mattress. We haven't been in a couple of years and I remember now that the movie starts so late that we don't get home until 11:30. This was the first time the kids were actually awake for the movie. They loved it and had a blast. Andy and I were tired, but it was a nice treat. Speaking of air mattresses, we booked a overnight next Saturday at Salt Rock Campground. The family we met last year in New Hampshire is camping there next weekend and so the kids can play together. When Andy heard about this his response was, "Have fun." I guess he doesn't plan on sleeping in a tent with us. I figured it is only one night, so we can deal. :) I def. will need an air mattress though. Especially after the experience last night. I am so looking forward to the kids being out of school. This is the opposite of how I usually feel, but because of school and how busy the last year has been I am so much looking forward to fun with the kids. Next week we will have ice cream on Monday. Tuesday they will be with my sister. Wednesday, I believe we will sign up for the summer reading program at the library and go strawberry picking. Then maybe make chocolate covered strawberries. Thurs, they will be with my dad. Friday, I am hoping for our first beach day. Then Sat. and Sun. we will be at the campground. I think it will be a fun filled week. Uh oh, I still have two papers to write by June 28th. Hmmm...I'll figure it out.