ever have one of those days......

Thank goodness yesterday is over. John John had probably the worst day in a very long time. Combine lack of sleep and anxiety of his dad going away for the week, you have a recipe for disaster. Four meltdowns and more crying than I've seen in a long time. Hopefully today will be better.

another day

why oh why is coming up with witty titles drive me batty?? Sometimes I wish I could just come up with catchy subjects. Truthfully, it doesn't matter. I like having this blog to air what's on my mind. I also like having this "spot" to share what is happening.
It boggles my mind to think the school year is on the down swing. One more month really left of John's grade 2 year. He only has 3 years left in elementary school. I am still mapping out his summer activities. Not sure yet if my in-laws will be available to have him over the summer. Guess that won't be the worst. It has been a nice little break the last couple of years. John John and I spend a lot of time together. Hopefully the John's can go up to Kingston for a few days without me. I've been there enough for the year.
Thanks Amy and Michelle for the responses. I never would have thought that time heals pain, but in some ways it has. My mom more so than my dad, but honestly her death was not a surprise. We were blessed to have her around for 12 years after her initial brain tumour. I feel guilty admitting that her dying was something that I was prepared for. I miss her, don't get me wrong. I sometimes wish to just hear her on the phone. I just know in my heart she is in a better place, and I can remember the mom I had before her cancer.

remembering mom

today would have been mom's 68th birthday. Hard to believe this is the 4th birthday not to be celebrated. Time has helped heal a little, but the inner core ache of missing mom still hasn't.
We spent a quick weekend up in Kingston. John's mom had surgery last Wednesday. She won't get results till this week about whether or not the cancer is in her lymph nodes. Irene is slowly healing. Hopefully she will get up and walking so she can go home. I was a good girl and went to the hospital to see her. Going in the General was not easy for me, but I did it. I guess hubby realizes it, but he didn't make a big deal about it.
So, on this day, I send a cherished heavenly birthday wish to my mom. miss you.

maybe a quiet week?

Wishful thinking probably. I do believe work wise it might be a bit quieter. However every time I think that, it ends up being crazy.
This weekend we did odds and ends around the house. We needed to do some major cleaning, so we did that today. Yesterday we drove over to Saratoga for some shopping and dinner. John John was in a mood, so it wasn't a joyful day. I wasn't even in the mood to browse when we were at Target. We went to the mall, and I was very good. I eyed some things at Bath and Body Works, but resisted.
John goes away for work again. He's only away Monday and Tuesday, and then again at the end of the month. It will be nice when spring travel is over. He was away most of last week. John John and I had a little too much togetherness. We were definitely ready for a buffer. Too bad he didn't come home with a "I'm ready to handle it" attitude.

crazy week

This has just been a crazy week. It all started last Sunday when we were driving home from Phil's. We had literally just pulled onto the turnpike, and John's mom called us. She told us that John's grandmother just passed away. Nanny, as she was lovingly called, died peacefully at home, at the ripe old age of 99. When we got back home John's dad called to say the funeral would be on Wednesday. Now the only glitch in this for John was being able to leave the country.
John is currently in the process of becoming a US citizen. His green card expired the end of January, and until he gets his citizenship coming back home would be problematic. On Tuesday morning he drove into Albany to Homeland Security to see if there was any way he could get a stamp in his passport. Although Homeland Security was sorry for his predicament, they wouldn't do it. So, as I told him earlier, just pay and renew the green card. John ended up doing that, and was able to go to his grandmother's funeral.
Which leads me to the next part of the crazy week was Tuesday before we were to leave. John gets a call and his mother was rushed by ambulance to the hospital. I came home quickly during the day for a bathroom break, and John was totally upset over this. I told him to just go and not wait for John John and I. I knew he wanted to possibly stay after the funeral, and it's a relatively short drive. He left, and when he got to Kingston, his mom had been discharged. Turns out she had a mini stroke. Aiye aiye aiye.
The funeral itself was a beautiful tribute to Nan. She had picked out a lovely pink casket, all lined in satin. The hymns she picked out were nice, and the minister gave a nice eulogy. It was sad seeing such a bigger than life woman leave this world. However, how can you complain about 99 years?
Now I can only hope that this is enough on craziness.

5 things....

List 5 things your readers may not know about you.

1. I have a horrible habit of swearing, especially when I'm driving.

2. I love coloring, especially with new crayons.

3. I have dual citizenship (American / Canadian)

4. I worked for a summer in housekeeping at a hotel.

5. I failed my driver's test on the first try.

There! No I can't confess to anything extraordinary. I can not do the splits. Can't do anything with my tongue (at least not blog material). Have I done things that I'm not proud of? You bet. However these are 5 things you may not know about moi.

spring break

and so it is! The weather is being cooperative, and by the end of the week it's supposed to be in the upper 6o's. I am so happy to see the snow melting and out of the way for 6 months or so. This week is John John's spring break. I unfortunately am working most of it. Too much to do, and not enough time to finish it these days. At least I don't have to see my 3 to 5 year olds. I did come out of one house only to find out she has lice. NASTY! My clothes went right into the wash after work. Somedays I feel like I don't get paid enough to go into such dirty places. Not that I'm immaculate myself, but in those places mine looks beautiful.
I was a very good girl this past weekend. I took John up to Kingston to see his grandparents. John had to work, so I figured it beat hanging around here. John John hasn't seen them since Christmas and I figured it would be a nice thing to do. My in-laws appreciated the gesture and enjoyed the visit. I was able to meet a friend for coffee. We missed John, but I bet he enjoyed the little break. This coming weekend we are heading over to my brother's for a mini Passover. Weird celebrating it with just us, but no other invites were forthcoming.
I am busy these days at work. I can't complain as the money is good. We shall see what the summer is like. Now it's off to fold some laundry. The fun never ends.

guess I should update my own blog

been surfing and reading my friends' blogs, and have ignored my 0wn. Bad girl! Today was one of those days where I should have just stayed home. It rained all day, and just yucky. I had scheduled 5 visits, but managed to only get in 2 due to various cancellations and sleeping. I still don't understand why it is so difficult to get up for an 11am appointment. But far be it for me to figure that out. So, with time to spare I paid the water bill and Jackson Hewitt. We were figuring that we owed big time for taxes. Fortunately our taxes aren't that bad, and with the federal rebate coming we'll actually be more than even. Sweet!
This weekend we are going to Washington D.C. John has a program on Sunday, so John John and I are tagging along. It will be nice to get away. My last trip was in January. Next weekend I am taking John John up to Kingston to visit his grandparents. Lord knows what possessed me to offer this in some ways. John has to work 2 open houses and I needed some form of entertainment for John John. So what do I do? Open my big mouth and offer to take him up to see his grandparents. For one night I can do it. He hasn't seen them since Christmas and it will be good for him to see grandma before her surgery. I just hope I don't come back regretting it.
Still on the fence about what to do for Passover. I am leaning towards just going to our synagogue's seder. My aunt ditched me once again. I should seriously not even bother. She's to wrapped up in her own thing. I should also not let it bother me.
Now it's time for the weather to be more cooperative and feel like spring.

thinking about what I've gained since my parents' deaths

I read an article posted by a friend about how life is after your parents are gone. To be honest, for the last 2 1/2 years whenever I think of them I get sad. I miss the fact that they now have 2 adorable granddaughters. I'm sad that my son is really forgetting them alive. I miss not being able to just call them on the phone to say hi. I miss my dad's twenty million calls before driving up to see them about which day might be better based on weather. The list could go on cause honestly their deaths have left a hole in my life.
But, time has moved on and without them mine has marched on. I can see that I'm closer with 2 of my siblings. My one brother Andrew has reverted back to his independent life. I shall remind him of our family reunion this summer, and maybe he'll come. Probably not, but the invite is extended. My other brother now lives three hours away so we get to visit often. My sister lives quite a distance so seeing each other often isn't always feasible. So, in a nutshell I do see a positive or two since living without my parents.

another crappy Wednesday

This has been the weather pattern for a while. Fortunately we didn't get as much ice as they were calling for. To be honest though, I'm just tired of reworking my schedule to accommodate the bad weather. I so can't wait for spring.
I got the call yesterday to start with the other agency. To answer your question Michelle, I shall now be contracting with the 2 agencies. I am only providing Special Education therapy for the new agency, but working with 3-5 year olds. The agency that I've been working for for the last 5 years I provide therapy for 0-3 year olds, and do evaluations. So, in my opinion it's a win-win situation. I can expand my caseload and still work the hours I need. With the way our adoption is going, I don't see us going over to China till at least next Spring now so that won't be a factor.
This weekend my cute little niece Sadie turns 1. I had planned on being there for her party, but now we can't. My sister was understandably disappointed, but she understands. I'm happy that my sister loves being a mom. Being a parent gives you a whole different perspective! Here's a picture of her. She's just too cute!

I got another job....

Let me start by saying I love my job. I work as an Early Intervention therapist, and I love going to people's houses and working with kids. Of course driving in bad weather, and some houses that I go in aren't the greatest, but for the most part it's a great job. The big drawback though, is getting new clients. I'm at the mercy of the county's who usually ask me last to pick up kids. I can't work with 3-5 year olds at my agency so that puts me in a disadvantage. Well, not anymore. Today I went on a job interview and got hired with another center where I can provide Special Education therapy for 3-5's. I'm so excited!! My interview lasted 15 minutes, and I was hired on the spot. It makes me feel good to be offered it right away. Now we can also sock away more money which will be nice.
We are getting another storm tonight. We will never be able to see over the snow banks! I am ready for warmer weather and the snow disappearing. Tomorrow marks the beginning of March, so I shall hope the snow is gone in a few weeks.

successful birthday

I had a nice birthday. John barbecued a nice steak. It would have been nice to go out, but the budget is tight this pay. I actually have a job interview tomorrow. I'm looking to expand my caseload, and working with another agency will help. This way I can work with 3-5 year olds. I'm a little nervous, but I think it will be a good move. My former boss will be a reference.
This weekend we are planning on hanging out at the homestead. I think we might go to this carnival in Amsterdam. We are also going on some trips with John coming up. We need to book our trip to California soon too. I can't believe February is over. This year is flying by.

happy birthday to me....

well, there it is, I am now officially 39. No, this isn't a pity party. I am just amazed that this is my last year of my 30's, and next year it's 40. For the most part my 30's have been pretty good. I have watched my son grow and change so much. It has also been touched with deep sorrow over losing my parents. I am a little bittersweet tonight thinking about them. Life continues to march on, and sometimes just knowing that I can't talk to them hurts.
Today was just spent hanging out with the boys. Last weekend we went over to Lee, MA and had dinner with my brother and his family. I'm happy that they live so close. It's nice seeing them more often. I had to cancel my trip to Toronto for my niece's 1st birthday. I feel guilty that we can't go. We waited too long to book flights, and can't get them for the lower rates. Plus driving 6 hours by myself (with John John) and possible winter weather doesn't seem doable. So, the hotel reservation was cancelled. Sorry sis!
Tomorrow I am celebrating with my girlfriend's. Should be a fun lunch. I also applied for another part time job. Work has been slow lately, and I need more of a client base. I think working with 3-5 year olds will be fun. Haven't had that age group in quite a while.

two more days.....

down to the wire of being 38. Can't believe I am turning 39. Where has the time gone??? I swear I was 25 yesterday. Not that my 30's have been bad, it's just time seems to be spinning away. I look at John John and see that he is growing up so fast. Where did my baby go? Seems like his early years are a thing of the past.
This weekend shall be spent here. We were supposed to go to Kingston to help celebrate John's grandmother's 99th birthday. However dear hubby can not leave the country as his green card has expired. He's in the process of becoming a citizen, and until that happens he can't leave. Maybe that's a blessing in disguise?? John John was a little disappointed as he had made plans with his beloved grandma. Hopefully he can visit soon.
I am finished work for the week. Today we are going to Chuck E. Cheese's for lunch. Should be a fun day!

snow day #3

wow, in such a short time we have pretty well used up all of our alloted snow days. I think our district finally got wise and secured 4 because after all we do live in a snow belt. It was a nasty wintery mix today. John John and I did the only thing possible and stayed in our jammies all day. John braved the elements and went to work. He took my SUV which made perfect sense considering I wasn't going anywhere.
Tomorrow it's back to work and I shall hopefully get in my scheduled visits. I think that's the only thing I despise about being a per diem employee, no work no pay. I love the flexibility, but that part of it sucks. John John is looking forward to his Valentine's party. Next week is his winter break, and I've registered him for 3 days at the YMCA. He'll have fun.
I see my doctor on Friday for my annual. I am pretty sure dear old aunt flo will be here so that means rescheduling the nasty. Yay. NOT. Saturday we are meeting my brother and his crew for dinner halfway between us. Should be fun. Maybe we can hit one outlet!

and to think we actually planned for tonights den meeting

for once, Kristy and I sat down and planned the entire month of cubs. However, due to possible bad weather our cub master cancelled. Oh well! While I enjoy being a part of cubs, being a den leader isn't for me. Friday night is the big Pinewood Derby, but that will be fun.
This week has been quiet at work. I don't have any evaluations scheduled so I'll be finished tomorrow. I shall enjoy a three day weekend. I'm hoping more evaluations will be here for next week. I don't want a crappy pay.
Life is quiet otherwise.

Saturday night....

Just hanging out at home with the boys. I just finished Beach Road by James Patterson. It was a good book with a bit of a surprise ending. I got the latest Janet Evanovich at the library today so I'll probably start that next. Funny how my reading habits have changed over time. I used to be a voracious reader. I could easily finish a book in a few hours. Now it takes days if not weeks to finish them. Sometimes I can get back into a groove and read quickly. I guess not having hours to kill over a book is also a factor.
I tallied my credit card to see how many times we hit Walmart in January. I know that all of the charges aren't mine, but between the two of us we went nine times. We also spent just over $200 which isn't too bad in my opinion. I also have dear hubby bring lunch a few days a week. This has been a bit of a savings. Even though he's not a $10/day lunch kind of guy, $3/day times 5 adds up to $15/week. Trying to cut back on even the small things can help. I guess it's the small things that add up.

and we are finished with the birthday party

I must say having a party outside of our house is wonderful. Nothing to clean up, nothing to prepare, and no aggravations. Well worth the money in my books. We had 12 kids at McDonald's, and they all had fun running around and playing in the tubes. John got some nice gifts. He also had fun playing with his friends. Nice to have it over with!!

happy 8th birthday to my little man

hard to believe my one and only is now 8. It has been such an incredible journey being a parent. Tomorrow we are having a party at McD's, and we had a family weekend at the indoor water park. Not a bad way to celebrate. Just for fun here is my little man over Christmas, and the other one is at his 4th birthday. Love you little man.

rejuvenating weekend

At Christmas I received the last of my inheritance, and decided to use some of that money for our weekend getaway. We went to an indoor waterpark over in Lake George, which is just over an hour away. I must say it was a very fun weekend. We didn't leave the hotel once. We indulged on just eating at the hotel and it was worth it. The game room was a fun break from the water. Kudos to my hubby for riding the big slides too. Well worth the money!!