Manic Mondays

As always, things were a bit crazy today. We went to Scott's pool (a friend of Aaron's). We also (I say, we, but mean Mike and Aaron) went and picked up Dad's treadmill this afternoon. Let's hope I use it, or I will never hear the end of it. Anyway, the weather is gorgeous today and we had the windows open all afternoon. It is supposed to be sunny and 75 tomorrow, so I am sure we will do the same thing again. We will hope, anyway. I can't remember a fourth of July that wasn't a steaming 95 degrees out. So, we shall see. The fourth is Friday. Not sure what I am doing yet. Aaron is working and I have a few options on the table. I am thinking we will sit outside and watch the neighborhood fireworks displays. There seems to be quite a show every year. This year should be fun with my camera. We shall see,

I've got a secret

If this isn't the cutest picture of McKenna. It looks like she is telling me a really big secret. Aaron took this a few days ago. Things have been relatively uneventful here. Of course, with the exception of Aaron working like 100 hours last week during the big lightning storm. I am totally drained. Had fought off a horrible headache for three days while Aaron was working 24-30 hour shifts and sleeping for 8 hours in between. I am glad it is over. Fortunately, my headache is over too.

Can you hear me now?

Well, Trevor can hear sooooo much better since having his (hopefully last) tubes put in yesterday. In fact, he can almost hear too well. We are so happy and I know he is too. The ENT said there was a substantial amount of fluid in his ears. I know Trevor is happy to be able to understand everything we are saying. Caleb is happy to be heard too. Hopefully we have said, "Trevor...do you HEAR what I am saying" for the last time.

Since it has been so blazing hot, we have been spending much of our time at Coney the last few days. We also went to a friend's pool today. The kids are getting used to the water. McKenna and Caleb aren't so sure about it, but Trevor is making his way. I am enjoying my new found freedom. I can't take my eyes off them, but my hands (and boobs) are free this year. Last year, I had one on the boob and two that were walking/running disasters. OK...let me rephrase. This is the first time in about four years that I have been able to "somewhat" enjoy going to a pool or water park. I hope this will be a great summer for me and the kids. OK, Aaron too. It is just that it is basically me and the kids for most outings these days.

I will post pictures from the last few days soon. I have been fighting my bladder for the last few days and have been having too much fun playing, rather than editing.

McKenna's 2nd birthday

Sorry for not posting for a while. We have been busy planning a party for McKenna, baseball, playdates, etc. I think Aaron worked about 75 hours this week too...literally. So anyway, here are the pictures from McKenna's birthday party. I hope everyone had a fun time. I know we did. The kids had a blast. We were missing a few people, but had a great time with those who came out to celebrate. Thanks for making it a memorable birthday.

Mother's Helpers

I am so excited. Aaron's cousins Rebecca and Rachel started their second week with us today. They are coming to help me one day a week during the summer. At first, I was apprehensive about having five kids running around, but I soon learned what a blessing it truly is. They are extremely helpful. They read to the kids, do crafts, help me gather them to wash hands, make waters, prepare food, whatever. I'm sure we will have our moments this summer, where it might get hairy. But, honestly...when isn't it hairy in this household. It has been something I look forward to and it is so nice to have family that is willing to help me out. I have attached a few pictures of McKenna and her new/used birthday bike. You can't pass up a ten dollar barbie bike, right? Gotta love a good yard sale. I have also included some pictures of the kids with their cousins. Oh yeah, and a picture of Caleb with his tongue hanging out...just like mommy does when she's concentrating. Like mother, like son...Too cute.

Baby in there

OK. So, I know this is a picture of Caleb....I just didn't have a recent picture of Trevor that you haven't already seen and I love this one of Caleb. Nonetheless, here is a funny story out of the mouth of Caleb's older brother, Trevor.

It goes something like this...
Trevor: Mom, there is a ball in my ball. Why is it there?

Mom: One day, Trevor, when you are much older, it will help you to make babies.

Trevor: Can I touch it?

Mom: Only in private.

Trevor: How about when Caleb is there?

Mom: No, only by yourself, Trevor.

Trevor: Well, when the baby comes out, I want to share it with him. McKenna doesn't share her babies. I'll share mine with him.

(Why, oh why, did I decide to try and tell him the truth?)

Ault

Here are the pictures from Ault Park. I have just gotten around to downloading them. It has been a crazy nightmare here. As you know, we are in the process of renovating our kitchen. We hired a friend of the family to do the work. Of course, as everyone knows, this is a bad idea. We tested this theory and found it to be 100% true. So, the guy we hired had another worker with him. As I was bathing the kids last night, the employee was finishing installing the new dishwasher (which was something we weren't expected to have to buy, but found it had a small leak in the motor which couldn't be repaired). I heard some commotion downstairs, but that is what you hear when your tearing down walls, laying flooring, etc. So, next thing I know, I go downstairs and the worker is bleeding profusely from his hand. Not only was he bleeding, but there was water gushing from the pipes under the sink. Apparently he hadn't shut off the water before cutting the line to the dishwasher. He sliced his finger trying to stop the boiling hot water from spraying all around my new kitchen floor. Since nobody was around to help him, he let it go and ran around like a chicken with his head cut off trying to find someone to shut off the water. At this point, we have spraying bloody water filling up the kitchen floor. It was then that I realised that there was a true crisis going on. I got the worker band aids and neosporin and went upstairs to the now tackling and screaming kids. I overheard the worker telling everyone to wash their hands immediately. I then realized the tru crisis. This guy has Hepatitis C. So, I had to break out the bleach...pronto. We spent the better half of the next three hours bleaching every surface of the first floor and the basement. The new flooring has since buckled up in spots, we have bubbling base cabinets, and now have water damage to the front room of the house too. Did I mention that the "worker" wiped his silicone glazed hands on my new granite, making his hand print irreversible and very much noticeable if you are looking at it? And did I mention he had freaking Hepatitis C? I am still in shock and there are a few more things that went wrong with this remodeling project, but don't have the energy to put it into words. I think I am more at a loss for words, really. Honestly, I know that there is so much more to life than water damage (oh yeah...it also seeped down into the ceiling of the basement that we just finished last year)...OK. Let me start over. There is so much more to life than worrying about this crap. It is who you share it with and how you spend your time. So, I am done griping and I am ready to smile and move on. Life is too short to be mad about everything. And you live and learn, right? NEVER AGAIN will I hire a friend of a friend to do work. I would rather spend the money and save the heartache.

By the way, Caleb is soooooo much better. Back to being a bratty, but adorable three year old.