New pics of the chicks...

Thought you may want some updated photos of the ladies. We had a very fun weekend of friendship and fundraising! We spent a whirlwind Saturday first walking in the Buddy Walk for our dearest friends' son, Michael. Then we jetted off to Mairin's soccer game where she scored SIX goals (hello, Mia). We then went to dinner with our wonderful neighbors and came home for football and drinks! Sunday we ran into some good friends at church, then went to my sister-in-law's for a fall birthday celebration. Mairin caught a large mouth bass, and cured her new fear of fishing (after sending a hook through her cousin's cheek a month ago). Here are some recent photos of our fun!

Wedded Bliss

Did you see it? Pam and Jim finally tied the knot on NBC's The Office this week. It was HYSTERICAL! You should really go to hulu and watch it. After a week of lows, this was definitely a high for Pat and me (we're easy to please)... It's made for some great conversations as well!
Take a look at their wedding website!

Sweet Molly is 2!

So, we left Monday to go to Tennessee and it was Molly's second birthday! We had to forgo her party on Sunday simply because we had too much to do to get ready to go to TN. We still had cake, and sang, but we didn't do the full-blown bash we had planned.

She has grown so much. She is talking up a storm! Her vocabulary grows everyday and she reminds me so much of Maggie at that age. Molly will say the cutest things. When we sneeze, she will say, "Bless you, Mommy!" She's always looking for things and people, so she'll ask where things are, "Where ducky go?" We've sung Happy Birthday to her so much that she sings it on her own now. Mairin loves to SCREAM, "Cha, cha, cha" after each verse, so now Molly sings, "Happy birthday to you, chicka chicka!" Love it! She's definitely our charming toddler!

Happy Birthday, Molly Kate! We love you, chicka chicka!

What a difference a day (or two) makes...

My last post listed some wonderful things going on in my life, including my step-dad's waged recovery from cancer surgery. Unfortunately, in the following days from my last entry, his recovery was thwarted and he passed away. It seems that his other lasting ailments were the cause. The cancer was a mere hassle compared to his congestive heart failure, which ultimately took him, it seems. Anyway, we just returned from Tennessee and I have a funeral mass and burial to plan...

It's odd that this does not in any way compare to my own father's death. Instead, I feel a great sense of relief for Fred. He was so sick, so frail. NOT the man that I knew. The man I knew walked tall, told really bad (and often off-color) jokes to all who would listen, loved to watch racing, and wouldn't take shit from anyone. The man he had become was not the same, and I know that it bothered him. He was proud, sometimes to a fault, and being sick and not in control was really hard for him. Mom loved him too much to see this, but we saw it and it was sad.

For some, death is a very sad, very hard thing. For me, with my own father's death, I felt this selfishly, and still do. For Fred, I know he is happier now. He was able to see all his grandkids before he left. He was able to tell my mom the things he needed to say. He made peace with the Lord, and received the sacraments before he left us. No, for Fred death is a welcomed reprieve. He is standing up straight, I bet, fixing something that isn't broken and telling everyone within earshot a story about something he did down here.

While he will be missed, he is surely in a better place. Of that I am sure. Rest in peace, Fred Jenkins. Rest in peace.

Lazy blogger... part one

Two months? Really? Seems I've had a bit of writer's block lately, or as I lovingly refer to it- sleep deprivation! Not to be confused with non-workoutism + eating really badlyism= feeling really sluggishism. Either way, I'm too tired to write and/or be creative.

You see, since I last blogged, we have successfully moved, started school, and stared soccer season. That right there is a full menu of things to write about, so quite simply, I've been living my life off screen. Sorry... I will try to catch you up in ten sentences. Here goes:
1. We LOVE our new house, neighbors, proximity to all things- HOWEVER, I miss my girlfriends and have had a few nightmares about the new people in our old house.
2. School has begun anew. I have a class of 26 kids that are great.
3. Maggie and Mairin have successfully transitioned into their new school. They are making friends all over the place.
4. They've have been equally successful with the neighborhood friends they've made. The number of kids in our new neighborhood is quadrupled compared to our old neighborhood!
5. Maggie had her MRI. Results were normal, and that is fabulous! We've had probably six migraines since we've moved... still too many for a small child.
6. Fred had his gallbladder removed after almost dying from septic shock. Cancer was removed yesterday... God must have big plans for him!
7. The older two are in piano and soccer. This eats Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights, along w/Saturdays and every other Sunday after Bible school!
8. Molly Kate has an upper respiratory infection. We're on meds... stay tuned
9. Pat? I don't know. I never get a chance to really talk to him. He's playing basketball right now. We are going out of town this weekend. It will be our first outing w/o our kids in quite a long time.
10. Molly Kate turns 2 on Monday! I can't believe it!

Ok, more than 10, but a good summary of life right now. Me? I'm fine. Getting chunky and tired, but good. I love my job, my kids, and my hubby, so that helps!

I won't wait two months next time...

My screaming girls

I'm sitting here procrastinating packing a while longer and all I hear is a panting dog and intermittent screams from the garage. It's my girls, "playing" I guess? Who knows, but those screams are endless! I'm quite certain that the high-pitched squeals are reeking havoc on many of the neighborhood dogs! Here's proof that it starts early ( I cannot figure out how to turn the video. It's turned in my Picasa file, but not when I export...)!:



Good thing she's cute!
That's all for today. Look forward to posts on outdoor concerts, chocolate wine, the big move, and MRIs...

Unwritten rules...

Today we visited with some great friends at the splash park. It was such a lovely day outside, the quintessential Indiana summer day (before the dog-days set in). The girls had a really good time, and so did I, until about ten minutes before we were to leave...

There are some unwritten rules about going out in public with children. Some that people never tell you... For instance, when you bring a sweet, like a lollipop, bring enough for every child at the venue (which Jenni did because she is fabulous, and obviously knows the rules). Here are some others:

- When you plan to leave the venue, subtract 15 minutes. That way you get out prior to the "we've stayed far too long" meltdowns.
- ALWAYS bring two drinks for each child (and a flask for you). When the first is gulped at the onset, you have a spare for later...
- Regardless of how many times you went to the bathroom before you left, any child between the ages of 3 and 5 will need to go as soon as you reach the venue.
- Everyone else's lunch is better than the one you've made, it doesn't matter that you cut off the crusts.
- The longer you are there the stronger the chance that someone will get a cut, scratch, gash... BRING a band-aide or four.
- That fluid streaming from the swim diaper is probably not water if your child has not actually been submerged, they don't absorb...
- Yes, you really should wait after applying sunblock. Don't put it on and then send your kids into the pool- sort of defeats the purpose, but we all do it...

There are so many... Some seem like common sense, but clearly when you have children common sense is at a minimum and lessens with each child. These are things that even the wisest, most experienced parents have to learn as they go. I'm just lucky that I have so many girlfriends who are learning right alongside me, and we can laugh (and cry) about it together!

For another laugh, here's a writer who has some unwritten rules on baseball and life. I thought it was funny. Hope you do, too.

This never gets old...

I can remember being a little kid and being so excited to take in film to get it developed so I could see what great pics I took. I can also remember the stab of disappointment when the pictures came back too blurry, too far away, or with a finger nicely placed in the foreground... As we got older, I can recall taking many a photo with my girlfriends where one of us took the picture with our arms stretched out in front as far as they'd go. Heather and I ALWAYS did this on trips we'd take. Yes, usually our hair didn't totally make it into the frame.

Nowadays, the fun is taken out of waiting for your film to process. Instead we are given the instant gratification of checking our pictures to see if eyes are closed or if hair fits. One of Mairin's favorite pastimes is to take the camera and shoot away. I have scores of pictures of her favorite Disney shows, our dog, the computer and random household objects. Yes, I also have a trove of self-portraits that she has taken. I laugh out loud each and every time, so I thought I'd share them with you. I'm sure you have a few of your own...












And a "grown-up" version for Heather!

Rain, Rain, go away...

It's a nasty day! Cool and rainy. Good for three things, being lazy, cleaning house, or shopping... I say we shop! We'll see what happens...

8 hours later

Well, we shopped until we dropped. Literally. I am exhausted. The girls had the time of their lives shopping at "the mall". We took full advantage of the sale racks and got some cute back-to-school loot! I can tell I'm stressed because I am shopping online again, and felt little remorse for buying trinkets from Claires for the ladies.

Shopping isn't really something I enjoy. Sure, I like to roam the isles at Target, but true, trying it on, walking in and out of stores, shopping is not my thing.... UNLESS I am stressed. Then I can spend it like I've got it (which I don't)... My girls do not have this problem. They could shop all day, everyday, as long as they get something from it. Well, today they did and so did their dad. Me? No, I didn't buy anything, but I did get to have fun through the eyes of two little girls who know how to work a sale rack- just like their mommy...
Makes me so proud!

Volcanos and Hope

Remember how I said it was stressful to sell a house? Boy, I had no clue! Ready to ride the wave of insanity with me?

Last week was nuts... My stepdad got really sick, like gonna die any minute, you must travel south two states sick. So, Wednesday morning I said good-bye to my family (again) and drove to TN with my sister-in-law and my two nephews. While I was doing this, the hubby was busying himself getting the attic packed and cleaning for our reinspection on Friday. His sister graciously helped me pack the downstairs the night prior to my departure, and then took our three ladies for a fun sleepover (good people).

Thursday- stepdad improves by God's grace (and I do mean grace)! Husband continues with house clean/purge/repairs. I do not sleep.

Friday- reinspection does not go well. The buyers walk up without the smiles of excited new home owners, without the cordial greeting one would have when meeting the man who is now living in the home they can't wait to buy. Instead they seem disgruntled, ill-at-ease, and my husband is wondering why they are even in this... The inspector says the work that is done is shotty in some areas, and he is a bit right. They leave without saying good-bye... not a good sign...

Saturday- no word (not good). I drive home and listen to whatever I want on the radio... It's like a sensory smorgasbord, and I cannot decide between news radio, Sirius pop music, or Hair Nation! I love satellite radio!!!! I am filled with new worries as I pull into the driveway... what if it all falls through? Quickly followed by, it can't, they're way too invested!

Sunday- We made it to church on time (seldom happens). I prayed for the Lord to take this over. I feel like a volcano, truly. Like I could just snap at any minute, erupt in anger and stress. Handing things over is not my strong suit. I tend to be a control freak, but I knew that this was important for my health. So I gave it up to Him. Whatever was His will, I asked to accept it. After church we drove by our new house and there was a SOLD sign in the yard! Ahhh, some closure. Surely we would get this done!

The husband golfed that afternoon and the girls and I swam and enjoyed the summer sun. I sat down to watch Food Network and make a list of things to do for the week ahead when the husband came home. He was strangely vacant, finding things to busy himself instead of greeting me with a kiss and telling me about his golf game. Then he told me- "We lost our buyers today." BOOM- volcanic ash all over my living room! Not pretty! We talked, I cried, we drank, I cried, then I remembered that this is no longer mine. I gave it up earlier that day. I cried anyway...

You still with me? It gets better, I promise!

Monday- I was a zombie. You know how when you break a bone and have to tell the story to EVERYONE you see, repeatedly, hour after hour? I was not looking forward to that, so I just stayed inside and busied myself with kitchen tasks. Laura came over and helped tremendously. We cleaned the fridge, freezer, baked. It was good. I felt MUCH better, peaceful almost! Not my problem, right? Hubby was out golfing (big surprise, I know).

We went to the neighbor's for dinner and to hang. The husband comes rushing over around six, "We have a showing in an hour... gotta get cleaning!" UGH- wasn't ready for day one to start so fast... Long story short, (ok, not really), we had an offer on the table at 9! Seriously! What a rollercoaster.

It's still early, but things feel right this time. Maybe because I have no control of it, and I'm ok with that. Maybe all this HAD to transpire, so we could remember who is in charge... I just hope He likes this group and that we can move now... I'll let you know... :)

Mr. Jackson, we'll miss you...

OMG! Did you hear the news? My first crush (ok, after Kirk Cameron) is DEAD??? Michael Jackson has apparently died of a heart-attack at 50. Let's all bow our heads in a moment of silence for the King of Pop. We'll miss the music, the dance, but not the freakish life that became his. Now he can rest in peace, just him and the man in the mirror... such a PYT.
Listen and relive...The moves that made him famous,
The way he looked when we all fell in love with him (one of my all time favorite MJ songs)!, another great video (the beginning of the plastic surgery...)...

Happy Father's Day

Yesterday was Father's day. I am generally the kind of wife that makes sure my hubby feels ultra-appreciated on any of his special days (and even a few in-between)! However, I was not home for Father's Day this year. Instead I was in a car headed home from sunny Saugatuck, Michigan, with three of my dearest friends. Collectively we form the Dead Dads Club (or "The DDC" as we like to call it). All four of us have lost our fathers at some point in our lives, and while this is not the thread that binds us, it is a blanket of comfort for each of us at different times.

We had a great weekend (will post a pic of the beach and our B&B later). The weather was sunny and hot (although it rained the first night). We had a great time relaxing on the beach and enjoyed the band at the Butler on our last night. We laughed so hard, my abs were sore! As with every meeting of the DDC, we spent much of our time telling stories about kids, work, family, memories and joys. Typically, we always end up talking about our dads.

We all have such different memories of our fathers, mostly because we were all at very different places in our lives when they left us. My dad was such a loving man. While there is so much I didn't get the chance to know about him, I can say without doubt that he was very proud of me and made sure I knew it. He had a great smile and whistled to get your attention. He wore Blue Blocker sunglasses and always smelled of Lagerfeld. He was very smart, but never acted like he was "above" anyone. He tapped his fingers on the dashboard in time with the music, a trait that I do today, and he popped his knuckles- another trait I picked-up... I selfishly miss him deeply for all the things I wish I knew and all the things I wish he could be a part of, especially my girls' lives.

I do feel a bit guilty for not giving Pat the full-fledged Father's Day he deserves. He's an amazing father. He's the father I wish I grew-up with. He's sometimes the parent I wish I could be. I watch him with our kids and fall more in love with him. Ask any of my girls, and they'll tell you how great their daddy is. He plays with them, builds forts with them, reads with them, hugs them, laughs with them, loves them. And while I wasn't there to make him breakfast or let him sleep in, I hope he knows that I am so proud to be his wife. I pray my girls are much, much older than I am today when they become members of the club that I hold dear, and when they do, I know they will have quite a collection of memories of one great father who loves them very, very much.

When does school start?

Today was our official first day of summer! It rained a monsoon... ALL day long! Originally, we had grand plans of lounging in our leisure, eating bonbons and watching television talk shows- oh yes, there are the children to think of... :) No, instead we immediately got into the hustle and bustle that comes with selling one's home. In the twenty days since we've been on the market, we've had ten showings. You do the math... I've never professed to be a clean freak, but I sure am now. I am NOT complaining though (too much). If this keeps up, there must be one person that will want to buy, right?

At any rate, after a few hours of picking up messes, we were off to see the doctor. Mairin was to go with her father to the grocery, while Maggie would accompany Molly and me to the doc. As Mairin does, she decided that she instead wanted to go to the doctor. In fact, her words were, "Why does Maggie get to go when I have something so hurtful???" Um... what? "My stomach, my head, my lips are dry..." I guess she couldn't think of anything more, and I had to walk away to hide the huge smile that spread across my face! Needless to say, she went with Dad, ailments and all!

Our trip to the doctor was nothing to note. The good news is that Molly does not have another ear infection. The bad news is that her bad mood may just be a part of her almost-two-year-old temperament! UGH! Did I mention it was raining? How about that it was cold? Was it ever... 53* to be exact... That made it a fun jaunt through the parking lot for Maggie (IN FLIP FLOPS- seriously, who dresses that kid?)... We decided to meet Daddy and Mairin for lunch. Then off to get haircuts.

I must tell you that Molly's first haircut was a complete disaster! By disaster I mean screaming, crying, flailing baby being held by her mother while a lovely woman tries her best NOT to stab anything, but still to trim said baby's hair... This says it best...









Today was much better! She was happily watching Elmo, while I sat on pins and needles waiting for the ball to drop. Maggie got her hair layered, too. Pretty cute, but a bit of a "big girl do" for my taste. I guess that has to happen...

We finally came home and all Hell broke loose! I guess they had forgotten how much they hate being indoors because they were absolutely crazy! We put Molly down and Maggie started in on how bored she was, then we heard an eruption in the garage, which was Mairin falling while trying to hit her father (karma) onto the garage floor... We walk over her and unload the groceries... and so it goes. One catastrophe after another... At four thirty we got in the car for the showing and sighed a big sigh of relief. Elmo back on, markers and Polly Pockets kept our kids occupied for the hour, strapped in and relatively in harmony...

So, how many more days until school starts??? :)

Maggie's big day

I'm pretty late on this post, but our sweet Maggie Grace had her first communion early in May. She was absolutely stunning, and we enjoyed the day immensely. Here's a rundown...
We got up early, as usual, and Mags and I went to get her super-fine hair (thanks to my genes) done. I am not the kind of mom who normally would fall to such pressure, as the other moms are getting their girls up-dos done at the salon, or having their french manicures the day before, but my dear friend, Becky, used to do hair for a living, and Maggie's hair is hard to work with (see genetic trait above). SO, we went to Becky's with much time to spare before pictures. However, because the barrette was large, we had to do some serious hair work to get it to stay in... We got a bit silly while there- plaintiff's exhibit A

We got to the church in time for Maggie's real portraits. She looked lovely. Here are some shots from the church.









We then went to grab some lunch before heading back to church. It had been a hectic, but fun morning, so of course I needed to ruin it somehow... I slammed Maggie's little hand in the car door in the parking lot. Good heavens, that was a scream! She was a trooper, though. We got home and got some ice. Then turned right around and went back to church for the big event. She was really nervous. I' m pretty sure that Maggie was the ONLY child to NOT use her hands to receive the host. She was so afraid of dropping it that she just stuck out her tongue and took it in her mouth. She was so nervous, she made us nervous! Bless her heart, she did fine, though. Mind you, two nights prior we had her rehearsal. She came home, got a migraine, and threw up. Who says kids can't feel stress?

Anyway, we made it through without a hitch. She was awesome, and we were (are) so proud of her.
Our little girl is getting older every day. Sometimes I look at her and wonder where all this time has gone. Wasn't it yesterday that we took her to church and held her in our laps? Now she's an active part of the service. I can only hope that this day was the beginning of a wonderful relationship with the Lord and that her faith carries her through life. We could not be more proud of her. She's an amazing little girl, with a lifetime ahead of her. I hope she knows how much we love her, and how much the Lord loves her. He's as proud as we are, that's for sure.

Bring your parent to kindergarten

Mairin had the distinct pleasure of schooling her father and me a few weeks ago. We participated in Hinkle's "Bring Your Parents to Kindergarten" day. It's amazing to see your child in his/her element. Not only was I surprised, but proud. Mairin Reilly is one smart little girl. Her wit is quick (I take full credit) and her heart is big (me). She knows no stranger and all the kids seem to gravitate to her (that's Pat). It was very eye-opening!

Here's our day:
I arrived earlier than Pat, and the kids were in the story pit with their wonderful teacher, Mrs. McKamie. Mairin was listening with rapt attention, eyes fixed on the story. After a brief set of instructions, the kids were sent to find their "people". Mairin spied me quickly and came to take my hand. She led me to her seat which was clearly made for a Liliputian, not a full-grown woman! I squatted into the chair and watched my daughter show me her literacy stations. When Daddy came we moved onto the computer station, craft, science and math. She was so focused, so poised. Not my crazy ball of energy that dances to the beat of her own drum... but then we went to recess... At one point every kid in Mairin's class was chasing Pat because Mairin yelled, "Let's GET HIM!!!" She's a leader, my kid! :)


Luckily, she composed herself when we came in and we finished up our stations. It was a fun day. Mairin is such a treasure. I hope every year in school is as fun and as rewarding as this year has been for her.

Four times blessed

Everyday I wake up. I get dressed, wake my hubby and feed the dog, then it's off to wake my sleeping beauties. It's NOT everyday that they get up willingly, smile at me, and thank me for being their mom... Of course, it's not everyday I get up willingly, smile and thank God for the day (even though I know that I should). It's also not everyday that I stop and thank God for the wonderful blessings that are my daughters.

We are pretty lucky parents. We have three happy, healthy, sassy little girls that are by all relevant terms, "typical". They aren't perfect, but they are pretty darn close... My main concerns are whether or not they do the right thing each day, and treat others kindly. Not all parents are given such a luxury. Like my friend, Diane. She gets up everyday and promptly dispenses a handful of pills to her daughter, Tori. Tori is a spry little girl with a smile that will light up the room. Diane has to go through her day with the worry that Tori may catch a bug, have an asthma attack, or worse yet, forget to take her enzymes and get sick.

Tori has cystic fibrosis. Follow the link to learn more. Tori knows no other life. This is the life she's lived since she was two. Diane does, though. She has three other healthy children. Tori's health is always questionable. So, while I go to bed worrying how Maggie will do on her spelling test tomorrow, if Mairin will turn in her book report, or if Molly will take a nap, Diane goes to bed wondering if Tori will wake up well, if her CF will flair up, or one of her other ailments that accompany this disease. Diane has to go to bed wondering if a cure will be developed, so that Tori can have an adult life. I'm pretty blessed... but then again, having the chance to know Tori, to see first-hand her determination and strength, well- that is a blessing that cannot be overlooked.

Help us get one step closer to a cure. Make a donation by clicking the button on this page. Help Diane, and many other mothers just like her, get a good night's sleep. Thanks!

Cardinals and Bulldogs

Well, I did it! I finally finished my final two assignments and have completed all of my course work for my Master's Degree! I'm elated! I formally graduate on May 9th, although I will not be walking. Then I can say that I'm both a bulldog and a cardinal- a Butler grad and a Ball State grad! Just wanted to share my good news. I want to shout it from the rooftops, but this will do! :)

Hidden Talent

It isn't everyday that you conquer a task that you've been longing to master. Today was that day. No, not for me- for Mairin. I will need to preface a bit for you...

Molly Kate loves television. Yes, I am THAT mom. I indulge my children with a dose of television on a regular basis. Anyway, Molly Kate has a thing for this very strange show called Yo Gabba Gabba. Within the context of the show they do a short segment on hidden talents. Tonight's talent showcased a bizarre man playing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" with his hands only. Mairin, after seeing this crude display of "talent", says, "That is weird."

Now- onto the good part...

Mairin walks into the kitchen, clearly knowing what she wants (as is usually the case with her). She rummages through the utensils until she unearths IT. She shines it a bit, and puts it to her nose. CLANG, it falls to the floor. Again and again, to no avail. Must be the spoon... Three spoons later, still no action. I suggest that we Google "How to stick a spoon to your nose", as I do for every question I cannot answer myself. We did, and of course we found a fine expository piece on this topic accompanied with photos. We followed each step meticulously. Did it work? Well, you can be the judge of that...

Spring Break is a misnomer...

Spring break has come and gone, as it seems to quickly do each year. This year we stayed home to get the house prepped for the big selling... We worked our tails off! Pat painted the bathrooms, the cabinets, changed the hardware, and I decluttered. Having three little kids provides a great deal of clutter. Clutter that I didn't know we had. Clutter that spills from the nooks and crannies of a house. Now we have a house that is cleaner than it's ever been, and I'm wound as tight as ever! We put a sign in the yard on the Friday before Easter, assuming we had time to "finish-up" the things we've still got to finish-up... Guess what! We had TWO showings today (the Thursday after we put that sign in)! Ummm, wait! We're not finished-up!

No worries, though. This house shows really well and I got home in plenty of time to clean. Seeing as we had no flyers or marketing devices at all, I made a quick one at school. Maggie asked, as I was hurrying her to the car, "Why is everyone so stressed-out?" She followed that up with, "Mom, your new name is the Clean Queen." Those who know me can stop laughing now... :)

Sounds like the first family really likes our house. There are always nit-picky things that people say (don't like the half fence, driveway's cracked) that make me want to rebuttle. Selling your house is a touchy thing. They clearly don't know that the half fence keeps the baby in the yard. They didn't get to see Maggie ride her bike around the court for the first time, or Mairin in the Barbie Jeep chasing the neighbor's kids. They've certainly not felt the fear of noticing that Casey's not in the yard anymore, followed quickly by the relief as she comes bounding from across the street. I'm quite sure they couldn't sense the hope and love I felt when I brought our three babies through the door of their "new" home for the first time. Certainly they've not enjoyed the night-lights of the annual Cornhole Classic! There are a lifetime of memories stored here. We just need a bigger house now, one that will hold all of the upcoming memories that life has in store...

Thing a thilly thong...

Yep, Maggie lost the other tooth. Now she's a speech therapist's nightmare! It's really a good thing because I don't know how much longer I could have endured looking at her spindly tooth hanging (literally) in the center of her gummy mouth! It was disgusting! She kept pushing it out and resting it on her bottom lip, like a hillbilly version of herself...

Our friend, Randy, came over tonight to save my husband from our tornado of a house. Randy came early and sat through dinner with us. Maggie grilled him about his family's visit to the zoo yesterday. As she did he caught a glimpse of what we've been referring to as her "Nanny McPhee". He mentioned that he's quite the tooth puller, and I suggested that he give it a try (bribing Maggie with computer time if he got it out). Sure enough, without even a whimper, Randy yanked that tooth right out! She looks so cute I can hardly stand it... Thank you, Randy!

However, with every tooth pulling comes a loss of money. Somehow, teeth have gone up in value at the McAndrews home and Maggie received $5 for her other front tooth. Having $5 in her pocket is like a giving AIG a bailout... she can't spend it fast enough. So, I convinced Mags that she ought to save her cash and combine it with what was sure to be an equal amount when she lost the second tooth. She did, and insisted that when the second tooth came out she was getting a fish. Guess what I'm doing tomorrow...

April Fool

That's me...
This morning, much like every other morning, I got up a bit late, opted out of showering, got myself "ready" and then turned on the hall light to warn the girls of their impending wake-up. Mairin was ready to face the day. She jumped up and immediately asked if I'd curl her hair today (yes, I love that). Maggie however, well, she is like me. She's looking to get up a bit late everyday. Unfortunately, her late coincides with mine, making me later and grumpier. While I was curling Mairin's hair I asked Pat to get Mags going. He comes running breathlessly back into the room to tell me that Maggie has thrown-up in her bed (again)... UGH! It's my day to call in... Not cool... I head in there with my sympathetic mom face on to be greeted by a smile filled with loose, crooked teeth and a little girl giggling furiously. "Gotcha, Mommy! April Fools!" Good one...

On the way home with Molly I called to see how the girls' days were. Mags told me she marked her star card (behavior sheet) for being bad in class (definite grounds for punishment). I asked why, and she giggled that giggle and yelled, "APRIL FOOLS!" into my ear! Not again! Then she told me that she lost her tooth (that crooked, loose one mentioned earlier). I didn't believe that one. "Sure, nice try..." Turns out, she really did. Now she only has one front tooth hanging on by a thread. I told her that the tooth fairy pays double if a kid loses both front teeth in the same day because she only has to make one trip. Too bad, though, I couldn't get it. Heck, maybe I'll leave her a note from the tooth fairy- "Sorry Kid, I'm broke! APRIL FOOLS!"

Look out Mozart...

Here's my first attempt at posting a video. Two exactly. These are my big girls practicing their recital pieces. All listeners must note- we got this piano for FREE and have NEVER had it tuned (shame on us)! Also, keep in mind this is after a long day at school, so no hair brushes were obviously used prior to taping. Anyway, Mags (our seven year old) is doing Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Mairin (our five year old) is playing Alouette.

Maggie also had her first stage production today as an actress (I say first "stage production" because she is an actress elsewhere, often). She played the role of Slave 1 in the Egyptian Cinderella for her Drama Club. She owned it, folks. Owned it! Sure, she had no lines, but nonetheless, she made it hers! :0)

I love my kids...

I absolutely loathe long winters. It makes me furious when we have a glorious glimpse of Spring, only to have it nabbed away, like thief in the night. FURIOUS! Makes for a very grumpy morning... However, I adore those warm spring-like afternoons when that frigid morning air melts into a warm blanket of wonderful! That's when I drive home from work with the window cracked (Molly hates to have them down) and turn up the radio (ok, she hates the radio, too, but I'd like to turn it up...)- side note, my kid does run the show...

Today was that day. Today I came home to find the court full of little gals riding bikes, driving Barbie Jeeps, and pushing scooters. All of them with messy hair, dirty hands, and feet in flip-flops (when did those stop being "thongs"?). Pat was fast at work, emptying our home of all things winter. He had bins of winter coats, ready to pack away. Boxes of mismatched gloves, woolen scarves and toboggan hats on their way to rest in the attic for another eight months. It was a fun sight! We invited our neighbors over to grill out and we popped open a couple of longneck beers. Suddenly, I felt like it was a Saturday night in June.

Dinner was over before we knew it with baths waiting, piano to practice and illustrations to color! The girls were all bathed and Mairin Reilly donned her blue robe and hopped into my bed. While our President was giving his address on the television, I was trying to get Mairin dressed. She was not having it. She was a limp noodle with droopy eyes resting on my pillow. I said, "Mairin, come on, Love, we need to get you in some warm jammies before you fall asleep." Nothing. "Mair, sweetie, please get your jammies on so we can brush your hair." Nothing. "MAIRIN! It's time to get your jams on, now!" To which she calmly replied, "Mom- I am not sleeping. I am listening to Barack Obama!" I love that kid!

Too serious...

So, my last posts have been all too serious. I'm hormonally imbalanced these days (what's new?) and started weeping while reading them, so here's one to make you smile.

A rundown of our lame weekend, if you will...

Friday was good. Got a much needed haircut. Ate pizza- cheese pizza. I'm a good Catholic.

Saturday- Took girls 1 & 2 to piano. Took baby 3 to get mice at pet store and got call from my brother with bad news about Uncle Ron. Cried in the drive-thru line at McDonald's. No, they didn't notice. Picked up kids from piano. Kid one had best lesson EVER, Kid two may not be taking piano after next Sat... she's so persnickety! Took all kids and self to Target. Spent too much money. Took kid two to a birthday party- an ICE SKATING birthday party. - Que post

My husband somehow convinced my daughter that ice skating is the one sport where Mommy is better than Daddy! While this is most likely a true statement, I most certainly did not want to do it. After the flooding of tears and the trip to Target, I was ready for a long winter's nap, but kid two was NOT going to said party without Nancy Kerrigan (me)! So, I went. Upon arriving, I noticed that there were several moms running, broad smiles across their faces, to the parking lot without their children. Hmmm, suspect. We walked into the party and a frantic host says, "Um, I will get you a ticket and you can get her skates. We'll meet you on the ice." That's it. Mind you dear reader, Kid two has NEVER done any form of skating. She still wears elbow pads, knee pads and a helmet just to ride her bike WITH TRAINING WHEELS! I played along though, thoughts of those free mothers dancing in my brain.

We got the skates. Actually, three pairs. Apparently, the whole, "Get a size smaller, they're running a bit big," advice only applied to the offspring of the woman giving the advice. We had to go a size bigger... FUN! We marched, quite literally, onto the rink and HALT. "Mommy, you are a great skater. Why don't you have on skates?" Uh-oh...

After several attempts at bribing her to go without me, I got on some skates, erased the images of carefree moms, and took my daughter's hand. Eleven little non-skaters were at this party. Only one other mom stayed to help. I'm glad I did too because you know what? I loved it! I laughed my butt off. My daughter was really doing great after the third time around. I held hands with so many little girls and helped them around that ice. They were hilarious. One little girl told me she LOVED the Steve Miller song playing because she hears it on Guitar Hero. Another told me she's a good skater because she shakes her booty... Suddenly, I realized that Mairin's friends aren't much different than my own! :)

In the car, on our way home, Mairin was exhausted. So was I! She said, "Mom, you were a really good helper today. Thank you for staying with me!" Well, let's see how those carefree moms are smiling now. My back may hurt and my legs may be sore, but for one moment in time, my kid appreciated me OUT LOUD! That makes for a good weekend!

Rollercoaster Ride- not fantastic...

This week has been filled with ups and downs, but mostly downs. Of course, Tuesday was St. Patrick's Day, which is held in high esteem at the McAndrews' home. My Irish husband paints the town green with his Irish father and closest friends. It's a standing tradition- one which I've grown accustomed to. It wouldn't be a true McAndrews' holiday however, without regurgitation. Yes, the real kind. Not the figurative form- I'm refering to vomit and not from the Irish men in our family. Nope, from our eldest daughter who seems to be the pukingest kid in town! And because sibling rivalry comes in all forms, the youngest McAndrews girl got in on the action. One left her mark IN my bed, while the other quietly did the same in her crib. Yes, the washing machine worked hard on Tuesday!

Wednesday brought with it a round of ups and downs, as well. I stayed home with Maggie, who miraculously rebounded from a night of purging, and Molly, who slept off her ill. Maggie was bored to tears, mentioning a few times that she was well enough for school now (and oh, how I loathe that 24 hour rule). She got to work on her latest book, which I have to admit is really good. She wrote all about a cowboy named Frank and his horse, Carrots. While other girls are writing about fairies and princesses, my seven year old prefers the Wild West. I love that kid! She is also illustrating her story. She definitely has her father's hand at drawing. She's quite skilled for a young'in! BUT- Pat came home with the news that he didn't get an interview for the basketball position he was hoping for. While he was down, I'm sure this is a blessing in disguise. I think there are bigger/better things in store for him. This would have been his stopping point, while now the road is wide open. I hope he can see it that way.

Today was another day. The NCAA tournament began and my Butler Bulldogs took the gym floor with less ferocity than I imagined they would. They hung tough, but ultimately were beaten. Luckily, they are young and grossly talented. I'm guessing they'll dance again next year. Being a Thursday, I went off to Panera to do my homework in a child-free zone. On the way, I phoned my brother to tell him the painfully rude (although truthful) comment my mother made about the cleanliness (or lack thereof) of my home. He proceeded to tell me that our uncle, whom I ADORE, and whose body is riddled with cancer, is not doing well at all. In fact, it seems that the cancer is winning and Uncle Ron's body can't make it into overtime. I pray for a miracle. He is a man of all things good. He is kind, loving, generous and spirited. He took care of my father in his last days. He made a promise to look after my brother and me. He's done that and more. My heart breaks knowing that he is in pain and his days could be fleeting. He is in California, too far to get a hug. Please, if you are a prayerful person, please add Ron Murphy to your list. He is so deserving of a miracle. He's too young to leave.

I've never meant it more when I say, "Thank God it's Friday." Tomorrow, is a new day. Let's shoot for more ups than downs. Who knows, maybe I'll clean my shower...

Our good, ol' dog...

How old is Casey? Almost 11! Tonight Maggie and I got out the original folder of all of Casey's documents. I showed Mags the adoption information about Casey and the funny pics of when she was a crazy pup. Maggie was interested in why we had to adopt our pooch, so we visited the Central Indiana Lab Rescue's website and read through the stories of the sweet labbies waiting for good homes. Of course there was a "Maggie" and a "Molly", to which Mairin replied, "Why doesn't anyone name their dogs after me?"- She had a good point...

All of this nostalgia got me thinking, what will we do when Casey moves on to the doghouse in the sky? I remember with great clarity finding Casey on the pages of the CILRA website. I loved everything about her- her golden fur, her frisky grin, her long, lean legs. I was even taken by her name. When I met her she was skiddish and scared. She jumped and ran from sheer nervousness. It took her years to get over that nervousness. She was still perfect.

She had her Marley moments- far too many. Like when she ate my couch, the drywall, the carpet. When she broke the bottle of Chardonnay FROM FRANCE that I was saving for that "special occassion" to then jump THROUGH the window's screen and hop into my neighbor's waiting trunk (true story). Then there's the time she "ran away" only to wind up on my neighbor's back porch, barking to be let in (I honestly think she thought she was home- their place looks just like ours)! We made flyers and everything! There's a reason we had to drop out of obedience school...
And my favorite- the time we brought Maggie's blanket home from the hospital. All good, first-time parents do this. Take home the blanket, let the dog smell it- you know, get them ready for the impending arrival of their replacement... Casey TORE-UP the blanket. Shredded it into pieces. That was alarming...

We brought Maggie home to meet her canine sister. Through all of the uncertainty of a firstborn, Casey never waivered in her love, compassion and patience. She is a true lab. While Maggie was in her crib, Casey lay at her door. As Maggie began to crawl, Casey let her poke and pull. And when Maggie began to walk, Casey got out of the way fast. Then came Mairin. The story rewrote itself. Casey learned to find their crumbs, the crackers in their hands, the candy in their pockets. Casey learned to nudge without knocking, to take without biting, to leave gracefully. The girls learned to love.

Now we've added Molly, and Casey, old as she's become, still knows what to do. She still lays at the nursery door. She still allows the pokes and prods. Molly knows what doggies say (Oof, oof) and when she sees that yellow coat in the morning she beams! She loves her "Cakey".

As we looked at the dogs, young and old, Maggie asked if we'd get another Casey from the rescue when our Casey dies. It's hard to explain to a seven year old that there isn't one... maybe we'll get a "Mairin"!