For those of you are new to my blog page.... first of all WELCOME. A few years ago I would write a daily blog post of the trials of semi-single motherhood (or wife of a oil-patch worker). These post were not meant to complain about my life or attempt to show you how ridiculously difficult it is being a mother at times but more to just VENT for myself with a little added humour. And hopefully help other struggling mothers know that they are not alone.
Things settled down, life got easier, the kids were growing up and my days were not so stressful. Less things to blog about. Well the stress level seems to have increased tremendously in the last few months. Perhaps due to the fact that we have brought a puppy into the mix, or maybe because the kids are exhausted from school, or perhaps that our life (as i'm sure with many is like a rat race, racing here and there all day).
I knew the dog would add to the crazy but I do not regret our decision to add a furry friend to the family. We all love Kai and to be honest he is the least of my worries. He has been absolutely wonderful teaching the kids responsibility. And by kids I mostly mean just Ethan. Ethan feeds the dog in the morning and then again at night. Kai waits by the gate for Ethan to come down the stairs. Whenever we get home Ethan immediately takes the dog outside for a pee. Wyatt's relationship with the dog is slightly different. He hasn't quite mastered the technique of being CALM and GENTLE around the dog. Anyways that is an entire different post in itself.
Anyways back to the stress level. Let me just tell you about my night last night. I went to bed late last night (and by late i mean 9:15). I was awoken from a deep sleep around 10:34 to the sound of someone peeing. At first I thought it was one of the boys peeing in the toilet, but as I listened closer I realized it was not the sound of pee on water. Got up and wandered into Wyatt's room. There he is, pants around his ankles, peeing on the floor. Saaaayyyyy whhhhhhhaaaat?? What are you doing Wyatt? "Just peeing momma". As I zombie-walk around the house looking for towels (which I usually keep in the hall closet, but Kelly prefers them under random sinks). So none in the hall closet, I keep searching. Wyatt is rooting around in his drawer for some new pajama pants. I find a towel. Do a semi-decent clean up then try to help Wyatt. He won't just put on the first pair of jammie pants he sees. No he is searching for a particular pair which may, or may-not, be in his drawer. After a small argument and me attempting to keep him from waking the dog (ohhhhh please don't bark Kai) he settles on a pair and is back in bed.
I go back to sleep. Around 1 am Ethan comes barrelling in saying he has peed his bed. He has done an entire outfit changed, towelled up his bed on his own and crawls in with me. Instead of going to check the disastrous wet bed in his room I turn over and go back to sleep. That is something I can deal with in the morning. Good, everyone has now peed and is back to sleep. I can relax.
5 am comes, i hear the whimpering start (now I shouldn't complain because he has slept straight from 9:15-5 am) which is a great stretch. I quickly go take him to pee, put him back in the crate and go back to bed. Then..... the barking starts. I just had done some research and they said to let the dog bark (much like the cry it out method with babies). Except the problem is, sleeping through a baby crying is MUCH easier than sleeping through a dog barking. After two hours I give in and wake up for the day.
I am exhasuted, the kids are full of energy, as is the dog. Kai goes in for his shots today so we can FINALLY take him for walks. I am hoping that a daily dog walk will not only tire out Kai but also the kids. I mean here is to hoping!
Wyatt isn't starting the day on a great foot yet again. His listening skills are that of a, well i don't know, something that iso terrible at listening. In the past ten minutes Wyatt has already:
-Told me he hates me
-Told me I am not his mom anymore
-Called me a buttface
I am unphased.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Barf
The flu is alive an well in the Rogers Hawaiian home. Barf is one thing I just don't deal well with. I can barely handle puke when I puke but when it is someone eles I have a major issue. I mean I can take poop all over the walls but puke is a whole new can of worms.
After the gym yesterday Kelly began complaining of a sore stomach. I of course brushed that off. My stomach has been slightly sore all week. I assumed that it was caused by the large amounts of junkier food we had been eating lately. An hour later Kelly was literally a heap on the couch asleep. I'm not going to lie I was a little bit annoyed, my tummy hurt, i'd like a nap.... Anyways so I took the kids down to the pool to let him sleep in peace. We had a big night out planned last night. Claire and Jake were taking Kelly out for dinner at the Fairmont. I was so excited about it. I had a babysitter planned and really hadn't had a drink since Claire and Jake's wedding so I was very much looking forward to getting out for some fun. I figured a nap my pull Kelly out of his sickness.
While we were at the pool I got a text from Kelly informing me of his violently ill situation and that I needed to cancel the babysitter we would not be going out for dinner. I still wasn't quite convinced that we needed to cancel the entire night. So I didn't cancel the babysitter. When we got back up to the condo Kelly was laying in bed and the kids and I just were relaxing on the couch. Next thing I know I hear Kelly barfing from the the bathroom. There were three doors between me and him, none of which he closed. He came out and said 'Did you hear that'. Yes Kelly, you have not convinced me that you are infact sick. I was NOT convinced however that he could get better in the four hours we had until dinner. So still did not cancel the babysitter. I let Kelly sleep in hopes that his stomach would pull itself together. Finally around 5 he says he is not coming. I go into my room and have a silent cry then come back out and tell him I was so excited for tonight and was very disappointed. Obviously I knew there was nothing he could do about it. Anyways he agreed to come and just sit at the table with us.
Kelly hardly said a word on the way to the restaurant and had his hands wrapped around his waist. I even made him ginger tea before we left. They gave him gingerale and ginger candy at the restaurant but he just wasn't feeling good. So he took the car and headed home. Claire, Jake and I stayed and had a fantastic meal. Very sad Kelly couldn't be there with us.
After dinner we met friends at Moose's for drinks. I was like the 3rd 4th and 5th wheel all night but I still had fun and definitely had my fair share of drinks.
When i got home everyone was asleep, the boys are on the mattress in our room when we have guests. At about three 3 am I hear the distinct sound of projectile vomit. I sprang up and sure enough there was puke everywhere all over Wyatt and all the blankets. Thankfully I was able to hold in my dry heaves and get things cleaned up. Kelly and I were zombies, kelly dealt with Ethan and I put all the sheets in the wash. We put some secondary blankets down and got Ethan a bowl. The next two pukes he was able to go directly into the bowl which kept things clean. Kelly and I have given the boys our blankets from the bed so we were sleeping with dirty sandy beach towels on us. We finally made it through the night. Everyone was exhausted this morning but I had enough energy to head to the gym.
After lunch Kelly slept from 12-4 (it was like he hadn't come back from work yet). Claire, Jake and I took the boys to the pool and they had a ton of energy there. After the pool Wyatt crashed hard. He has been asleep since 2:30 this afternoon and it is 7 now and he is out cold. He has a terrible fever and we have the puke bowl ready for tonight. All I can hope is that I can somehow make it through this barf without catching it!
After lunch Kelly slept from 12-4 (it was like he hadn't come back from work yet). Claire, Jake and I took the boys to the pool and they had a ton of energy there. After the pool Wyatt crashed hard. He has been asleep since 2:30 this afternoon and it is 7 now and he is out cold. He has a terrible fever and we have the puke bowl ready for tonight. All I can hope is that I can somehow make it through this barf without catching it!
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Some Days you Gotta Dance
Well today was an adventure.....
This morning we got up as usual and headed to the gym. The lady from the daycare was 'sick'. The guy at the front desk said he would watch the kids and work the desk. I was ok with this because I really wanted to workout but I still had to rush my workout because I felt bad leaving my kids for that long with him. Anyways he had come up with some sort of payment game and the kids ended up leaving with a dollar worth of change each. So I guess we are ahead of the game.
The boys wanted to go to the pool today. I had bought them some new rings to dive for and they were very excited to try them out. So we got to the pool and we were the only ones there. PERFECT! We had the place to ourselves for a good half an hour. I kept checking the gate thinking I heard the HAG coming. Then .... there she was. She breezed in, walked an inch away from me with a big sneer on her face and walked right by me. I quickly texted mom to tell her the hag had arrived. She quickly texted me back to remind me to take the high road. I was going to take the high road, but I was also going to defend my kids. I was ready, ready for some confrontation. Then I heard the gate open again. A very friendly man walked through. He stopped and chatted with me about the boys then proceeded to go and lay down next to HAG. She was still giving me the evil eye but her husband was very wonderful! I was a little shocked! Anyways I kind of had a sense of relief knowing that she had a sensible side (her husband). I took the kids home after that to give them some peace and quiet.
After a quick lunch the kids and I headed to get groceries in Paia. Our favourite store in the world is MANA foods, we go there every Saturday to load up on the healthy stuff. Paia is about 30 minutes away from us and it is always VERY busy. There is always a line up getting into town and it is a lot of stop and go. So we were in the line to town and the air conditioner stopped working. So I opened the windows. I recently bought the kids the CARS soundtrack and no word of a lie we have been listening to the CD on repeat for two weeks. So we had it blasting with all the windows open. Boys were singing and dancing in the back seat. We finally got to the Mana parking lots and were doing circles until we found a spot. The windows were still open and Ethan says 'Mom it smells like farts'. I naturally (lol) took a big whiff. It didn't smell farts it smelt like someones engine burning. I thought nothing of it and kept circling. On the next round Ethan says 'Mom the car is smoking'. I look at the hood.... CRAP... our car is smoking. It was just a little, but our temperature gage was at top temperature. Here I am freaking out just a little but kept circling because there was nowhere to stop. Then the smoke started coming... more, then more, then it was BILLOWING out of the hood. People were flagging me over and waving at me to stop (because I guess they thought I couldn't see the smoke in front of my face). I had no where to go but with some crazy luck someone pulled out of a spot right in front of me and I pulled in. We all jumped out and a huge amount of liquid spilled under the car.
SO the kids and I were just sitting in the middle of the parking lot and I just couldn't help but laugh. Seriously? Did this just happen to me? It is almost like Maui was trying to tell us to GET OFF THE ISLAND. Well sorry Maui I see your signs, but we are STAYING. So I had a little laugh with the kids and got on the phone to budget. Of course I don't have a phone plan and was on hold for over 30 minutes with budget (that is gonna be pricy). I took the kids over to a little cafe and bought them a snack and the worlds best smoothie and talked to the budget lady.
We were told it would take 2 hours for them to deliver us a new car. I really wasn't looking forward to attempting to entertain the kids in a shopping town for two hours. But the kids and I wandered around for awhile then we went and got our groceries from Mana. I decided that due to stress I needed a Mana cookie (Best cookie in the world). It was delicious... didn't even share with the kids I ate it so fast. The new car only ended up taking about an hour. We went to the car and took everything out. The back seat and the trunk were left with a 2 inch thick sludge of sand and crackers. The tow truck pulled up with a brand new car. We had a versa and now have a flashy little fully loaded Sentra. We jumped in and it is BRAND new. Only 4 miles on the car.... I wonder how long it will take the sand and crackers to consume the back seat.
On the way home the kids insisted we put the cars CD into the new car, we cranked up the tunes and danced the whole way home. Surprisingly happy considering the very long day that had just taken place! What was meant to be a quick trip to Mana foods turned into a full day adventure but we came out ahead with a brand new car! Now we are rushing to clean the house because Aunty Claire and Uncle Jake come TONIGHT!!!
This morning we got up as usual and headed to the gym. The lady from the daycare was 'sick'. The guy at the front desk said he would watch the kids and work the desk. I was ok with this because I really wanted to workout but I still had to rush my workout because I felt bad leaving my kids for that long with him. Anyways he had come up with some sort of payment game and the kids ended up leaving with a dollar worth of change each. So I guess we are ahead of the game.
The boys wanted to go to the pool today. I had bought them some new rings to dive for and they were very excited to try them out. So we got to the pool and we were the only ones there. PERFECT! We had the place to ourselves for a good half an hour. I kept checking the gate thinking I heard the HAG coming. Then .... there she was. She breezed in, walked an inch away from me with a big sneer on her face and walked right by me. I quickly texted mom to tell her the hag had arrived. She quickly texted me back to remind me to take the high road. I was going to take the high road, but I was also going to defend my kids. I was ready, ready for some confrontation. Then I heard the gate open again. A very friendly man walked through. He stopped and chatted with me about the boys then proceeded to go and lay down next to HAG. She was still giving me the evil eye but her husband was very wonderful! I was a little shocked! Anyways I kind of had a sense of relief knowing that she had a sensible side (her husband). I took the kids home after that to give them some peace and quiet.
After a quick lunch the kids and I headed to get groceries in Paia. Our favourite store in the world is MANA foods, we go there every Saturday to load up on the healthy stuff. Paia is about 30 minutes away from us and it is always VERY busy. There is always a line up getting into town and it is a lot of stop and go. So we were in the line to town and the air conditioner stopped working. So I opened the windows. I recently bought the kids the CARS soundtrack and no word of a lie we have been listening to the CD on repeat for two weeks. So we had it blasting with all the windows open. Boys were singing and dancing in the back seat. We finally got to the Mana parking lots and were doing circles until we found a spot. The windows were still open and Ethan says 'Mom it smells like farts'. I naturally (lol) took a big whiff. It didn't smell farts it smelt like someones engine burning. I thought nothing of it and kept circling. On the next round Ethan says 'Mom the car is smoking'. I look at the hood.... CRAP... our car is smoking. It was just a little, but our temperature gage was at top temperature. Here I am freaking out just a little but kept circling because there was nowhere to stop. Then the smoke started coming... more, then more, then it was BILLOWING out of the hood. People were flagging me over and waving at me to stop (because I guess they thought I couldn't see the smoke in front of my face). I had no where to go but with some crazy luck someone pulled out of a spot right in front of me and I pulled in. We all jumped out and a huge amount of liquid spilled under the car.
SO the kids and I were just sitting in the middle of the parking lot and I just couldn't help but laugh. Seriously? Did this just happen to me? It is almost like Maui was trying to tell us to GET OFF THE ISLAND. Well sorry Maui I see your signs, but we are STAYING. So I had a little laugh with the kids and got on the phone to budget. Of course I don't have a phone plan and was on hold for over 30 minutes with budget (that is gonna be pricy). I took the kids over to a little cafe and bought them a snack and the worlds best smoothie and talked to the budget lady.
We were told it would take 2 hours for them to deliver us a new car. I really wasn't looking forward to attempting to entertain the kids in a shopping town for two hours. But the kids and I wandered around for awhile then we went and got our groceries from Mana. I decided that due to stress I needed a Mana cookie (Best cookie in the world). It was delicious... didn't even share with the kids I ate it so fast. The new car only ended up taking about an hour. We went to the car and took everything out. The back seat and the trunk were left with a 2 inch thick sludge of sand and crackers. The tow truck pulled up with a brand new car. We had a versa and now have a flashy little fully loaded Sentra. We jumped in and it is BRAND new. Only 4 miles on the car.... I wonder how long it will take the sand and crackers to consume the back seat.
On the way home the kids insisted we put the cars CD into the new car, we cranked up the tunes and danced the whole way home. Surprisingly happy considering the very long day that had just taken place! What was meant to be a quick trip to Mana foods turned into a full day adventure but we came out ahead with a brand new car! Now we are rushing to clean the house because Aunty Claire and Uncle Jake come TONIGHT!!!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Close Call
I am going to chalk today up as the scariest day of my life so far.
Today I decided to take the boys up to the Lavender field in Kula. Kula is in upcountry on the side of Haleakala Mountain. The mountain is very rarely clear and today it was clear as a bell. After a quick swim we loaded into the Versa and headed out.
The Lavender field is situated on the side of the mountain, it is an incredibly steep climb to get there and the entire farm is very steep even to just walk on. They have a wonderful little treasure hunt for the kids. The kids follow a map and collect stamps along the way. When they are done they take their stamp cards to the gift shop for a 'prize'. We had just finished our stamp cards and were on our way to the gift shop. I was humming along to the 'HAPPY' song and thinking about what peaceful day it had been. Ethan was singing the 'Jake and the Neverland pirate song' and dancing away. We stopped at the bathroom on our way to the gift shops. The bathrooms are three outhouses in amongst some beautiful gardens and beside the garage. The whole lavender field is for walking only (no cars). Both the boys peed and I got the boys to sit on the grass just outside the the outhouse (two feet away from the outhouse not really thinking anything unsafe could happen two feet away from the outhouse while I was in there). Boy was I mistaken.
I finished peeing and was just stepping out of the outhouse when I happened to look up, there was a black SUV BARRELLING towards us. I mean it was going SO fast. I didn't have time to think and the only thing I could come up with in my brain was 'WHAT THE HECK IS THAT CAR DOING'. THEN I realized that they had lost their breaks and were out of control. It all happened so fast, they were coming right at us and next thing you know they smashed HARD into the side of the garage ONE foot away from my boys sitting nicely in the grass. I was in shock, i mean I was in SHOCK. This car literally crashed into the side of the garage ONE FOOT away from my boys. ONE FOOT, that is like ONE ruler!! I burst into tears and started shaking uncontrollably. My kids had escaped being hit head on by a fast moving car by one foot. The front of the car was literally torn right off, a complete right off. People came rushing over, the lady in the car jumped out and immediately came and hugged me (oh man just tearing up just typing this). I was sobbing. I couldn't stop shaking. She said she saw me (while out of control) and was swerving away (In my opinion she could have swerved a little harder). I looked at my boys grabbed their hands and we began walking away from the situation. I had to sit on the grass as I could hardly walk, my legs were weak. The boys were fine, hardly even phased. Ethan says 'oh mom they are going to have to plant some new plants' (the car also hit a large planter), and Wyatt goes 'Mom that car just CRASHDED' (that is how he said it). Then they both asked me why I was crying.
I quickly picked myself up and wiped away my tears. I grabbed my boys and we headed into get our prize as we were planning to before. When we got into the gift shop the owners gave me a tea, some bottled water and cookies for the boys. We sat on the deck and had a major CHILL out session. I was weeping and still weak in the knees. I just couldn't believe how my whole world just flashed before my eyes at the so-called peaceful lavender gardens.
We went up and sat at the upper picnic tables and had our picnic as planned. The staff at the lavender field took my information and the police came to do an investigation. They took my number for my statement.
It is unbelievable how fragile life is. I am so thankful that this was only a 'close call'. I am so thankful that my boys are ok. I am so thankful that my boys jumped right up and asked me if I was ok. They are such thoughtful little boys, words cannot even express how much i love them.
I gave both my boys (who thought I was completely crazy) an extra big hug and we packed back into the car. The whole event kept replaying in my head the entire drive home. I take this as my reminder that I need to live my life to the fullest. I need to love my boys harder. I need to be more understanding to their needs and be there for them as much as I can. They are my little guys and my entire world. Sometimes you get so wrapped up in life that you forget that the only thing that matters are the ones you love.
Today I decided to take the boys up to the Lavender field in Kula. Kula is in upcountry on the side of Haleakala Mountain. The mountain is very rarely clear and today it was clear as a bell. After a quick swim we loaded into the Versa and headed out.
The Lavender field is situated on the side of the mountain, it is an incredibly steep climb to get there and the entire farm is very steep even to just walk on. They have a wonderful little treasure hunt for the kids. The kids follow a map and collect stamps along the way. When they are done they take their stamp cards to the gift shop for a 'prize'. We had just finished our stamp cards and were on our way to the gift shop. I was humming along to the 'HAPPY' song and thinking about what peaceful day it had been. Ethan was singing the 'Jake and the Neverland pirate song' and dancing away. We stopped at the bathroom on our way to the gift shops. The bathrooms are three outhouses in amongst some beautiful gardens and beside the garage. The whole lavender field is for walking only (no cars). Both the boys peed and I got the boys to sit on the grass just outside the the outhouse (two feet away from the outhouse not really thinking anything unsafe could happen two feet away from the outhouse while I was in there). Boy was I mistaken.
I finished peeing and was just stepping out of the outhouse when I happened to look up, there was a black SUV BARRELLING towards us. I mean it was going SO fast. I didn't have time to think and the only thing I could come up with in my brain was 'WHAT THE HECK IS THAT CAR DOING'. THEN I realized that they had lost their breaks and were out of control. It all happened so fast, they were coming right at us and next thing you know they smashed HARD into the side of the garage ONE foot away from my boys sitting nicely in the grass. I was in shock, i mean I was in SHOCK. This car literally crashed into the side of the garage ONE FOOT away from my boys. ONE FOOT, that is like ONE ruler!! I burst into tears and started shaking uncontrollably. My kids had escaped being hit head on by a fast moving car by one foot. The front of the car was literally torn right off, a complete right off. People came rushing over, the lady in the car jumped out and immediately came and hugged me (oh man just tearing up just typing this). I was sobbing. I couldn't stop shaking. She said she saw me (while out of control) and was swerving away (In my opinion she could have swerved a little harder). I looked at my boys grabbed their hands and we began walking away from the situation. I had to sit on the grass as I could hardly walk, my legs were weak. The boys were fine, hardly even phased. Ethan says 'oh mom they are going to have to plant some new plants' (the car also hit a large planter), and Wyatt goes 'Mom that car just CRASHDED' (that is how he said it). Then they both asked me why I was crying.
I quickly picked myself up and wiped away my tears. I grabbed my boys and we headed into get our prize as we were planning to before. When we got into the gift shop the owners gave me a tea, some bottled water and cookies for the boys. We sat on the deck and had a major CHILL out session. I was weeping and still weak in the knees. I just couldn't believe how my whole world just flashed before my eyes at the so-called peaceful lavender gardens.
We went up and sat at the upper picnic tables and had our picnic as planned. The staff at the lavender field took my information and the police came to do an investigation. They took my number for my statement.
It is unbelievable how fragile life is. I am so thankful that this was only a 'close call'. I am so thankful that my boys are ok. I am so thankful that my boys jumped right up and asked me if I was ok. They are such thoughtful little boys, words cannot even express how much i love them.
I gave both my boys (who thought I was completely crazy) an extra big hug and we packed back into the car. The whole event kept replaying in my head the entire drive home. I take this as my reminder that I need to live my life to the fullest. I need to love my boys harder. I need to be more understanding to their needs and be there for them as much as I can. They are my little guys and my entire world. Sometimes you get so wrapped up in life that you forget that the only thing that matters are the ones you love.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
HAG
Most times I can let the little things go, but there are some things that really get under my skin. Grouchy, snotty people are things that I just can't deal with.
This morning the kids and I went to the gym , stopped at the farmers market on the way home then decided to head to the pool. I got dressed and made my 'pool watching tea'. I sat down in my beach chair and took a few sips. I just sat there thinking about how wonderful my life is, the kids have been playing so nicely, the weather it beautiful and it was just a great day. About half an hour later I hear the pool gate open. An older lady, who has come to the pool for the last few days, came through the gate. I said a friendly HI. She grumbled something back. There was something about this women that I noticed just watching her. You could tell she was a Hag.
The kids were just playing, diving for rocks and zooming their planes around the pool. They were not loud. They were not screaming (because trust me I put a quick stop to screaming). The kids actually truthfully were just playing, not super quiet but not overly loud. (Certainly not as loud as the huge kid pool party that had taken place a few nights ago, my kids were there and loved it lol). Anyways the HAG goes and sits on the other side of the pool, she puts her headphones on and lays down. Kids still playing.... HAG sits up, pulls her headphones up and says 'Can your kids be quiet'. ARE YOU FRICKING kidding me??!?!?!?! I looked at her and said 'What did you say?'. She says 'Can the kids stop screaming'. I thought my head might blow off, I looked at her and said firmly and extra bitchy "They are just playing". Then i turned away. Normally I only stay the pool for about 45 minutes but today I made it a point to extend our pool visit mostly just to piss her right off. I just couldn't believe it, seems like something so small but after getting a NOISE complaint (Not during quiet time hours...in other words NOT valid) then having some HAG to tell my kids (who were not even being loud) to be quiet, I was just dumbfounded.
If you can't handle the noise DON'T come to the pool to relax and expect perfect silence. Try your porch, the grass or the beach.
If you can't handle the noise go live in the seniors centre across the street or chose another ADULT only facility.
I am so sick of having to get after my kids to keep their voices down or try to stay quiet while playing. How is that fair to them? I will no longer attempt to dull my kids voices when they have every right to be as loud as they want. (Of course within reason, i can't deal with screaming)
As we were leaving the pool I looked at her and she was glaring at me. (seriously glaring). I maturely mouthed the word COW to her.
Tomorrow I think we will bring some super soakers to the pool. Hopefully the kids accidentally hit her.... wooops
We have met some absolutely wonderful people her on Maui and I will be very sad to leave in a month and a half. One thing I am looking forward to however, is to be able to have some freedom in our own house! No one likes noisy kids (myself included) but kids that are just playing, come on. So far our (or my) first rental experience has not been very positive.
Anyways I will try to keep up with a few more blogs before we leave. Just a recap of the last few months! SIMPLY AMAZING! I love this place!
This morning the kids and I went to the gym , stopped at the farmers market on the way home then decided to head to the pool. I got dressed and made my 'pool watching tea'. I sat down in my beach chair and took a few sips. I just sat there thinking about how wonderful my life is, the kids have been playing so nicely, the weather it beautiful and it was just a great day. About half an hour later I hear the pool gate open. An older lady, who has come to the pool for the last few days, came through the gate. I said a friendly HI. She grumbled something back. There was something about this women that I noticed just watching her. You could tell she was a Hag.
The kids were just playing, diving for rocks and zooming their planes around the pool. They were not loud. They were not screaming (because trust me I put a quick stop to screaming). The kids actually truthfully were just playing, not super quiet but not overly loud. (Certainly not as loud as the huge kid pool party that had taken place a few nights ago, my kids were there and loved it lol). Anyways the HAG goes and sits on the other side of the pool, she puts her headphones on and lays down. Kids still playing.... HAG sits up, pulls her headphones up and says 'Can your kids be quiet'. ARE YOU FRICKING kidding me??!?!?!?! I looked at her and said 'What did you say?'. She says 'Can the kids stop screaming'. I thought my head might blow off, I looked at her and said firmly and extra bitchy "They are just playing". Then i turned away. Normally I only stay the pool for about 45 minutes but today I made it a point to extend our pool visit mostly just to piss her right off. I just couldn't believe it, seems like something so small but after getting a NOISE complaint (Not during quiet time hours...in other words NOT valid) then having some HAG to tell my kids (who were not even being loud) to be quiet, I was just dumbfounded.
If you can't handle the noise DON'T come to the pool to relax and expect perfect silence. Try your porch, the grass or the beach.
If you can't handle the noise go live in the seniors centre across the street or chose another ADULT only facility.
I am so sick of having to get after my kids to keep their voices down or try to stay quiet while playing. How is that fair to them? I will no longer attempt to dull my kids voices when they have every right to be as loud as they want. (Of course within reason, i can't deal with screaming)
As we were leaving the pool I looked at her and she was glaring at me. (seriously glaring). I maturely mouthed the word COW to her.
Tomorrow I think we will bring some super soakers to the pool. Hopefully the kids accidentally hit her.... wooops
We have met some absolutely wonderful people her on Maui and I will be very sad to leave in a month and a half. One thing I am looking forward to however, is to be able to have some freedom in our own house! No one likes noisy kids (myself included) but kids that are just playing, come on. So far our (or my) first rental experience has not been very positive.
Anyways I will try to keep up with a few more blogs before we leave. Just a recap of the last few months! SIMPLY AMAZING! I love this place!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
My Meal Plan
Recently quite a few people have been asking me for my meal plan so I thought I would post a blog to avoid typing and re-typing it (which I have already done a number of times). I have followed quite a few meal plans in the past and they have all been effective but this one is one I have been able to stick with for over three months now and I even find myself looking forward to eating my food everyday!! I am the kind of person who has no issues eating the same food everyday, over and over. Especially if I know it is going to work, and so far in three months I am down 18 pounds. Now don't get me wrong I am not one to turn down a shave ice, gelato and CHIPS and SALSA (they are my vice) every now and then. Infact today I had a gelato with the kids... I do feel bad about it right now though so I have written up an at home workout to do tonight once the kids have gone to bed.
Remember this is just what worked for me, it may not work for you but it will give you an idea. I have also been gluten free (fully) for the past 7 months. I was getting severe stomach pains, i went through many tests all inconclusive but after I completely cut out gluten my stomach pain disappeared. I don't eat many 'gluten free' pre-made food because I mostly eat fruit/veggies and protein but when I do indulge I always make sure items are gluten free.
September 22, 2013. For all of September I had been working out like never before but not eating right,(proof that working out with an unhealthy diet will not aid in weight loss) this is the day I decided to start eating healthier foods.
December 30, 2013. Three months later. My pregnancies resulted in permanently split abs and excess skin, which, my doctor says are both fixable after I am finished having children :)
Anyways here we go, my meal plan
Breakfast (around 8:00). Green Smoothie
1 cup of Kale
1/4 fresh parsley
1/2 an apple
1/2 banana
I mix it with water. The parsley kind of makes this an acquired taste but I love it now. I find the runnier the better so you don't get large chunks of Kale. Every Saturday(after a visit to the farmers market) I make a weeks worth of smoothies and freeze them in ziplocks bags so they are all ready to go for me in the morning.
Each morning after the gym (Around 10:30-11) I have a protein shake
1/2 cup almond milk (30 calories)
3 frozen strawberries
3 frozen pieces of pineapple
Scoop of protein
1/2 banana
ice
I crave my protein shakes....
Around 11:30-12:00 I have fruit an cottage cheese
usually 1 cup or 1.5 cups of Pineapple
1/2-3/4 cups of cottage cheese
Between 12:30 and 2 (I am a snacker and always like to be eating so I space it all out)
1 Apple
Celery sticks or carrots
Afternoon snack (around 3)
1 greek yogurt cup
My dinners (always around 5) ALWAYS consist of spaghetti squash. When Kelly is away I make it in a lasagne pan then divide it into three sections, meaning I am good for three dinners (yay for not cooking every night). A few examples.... I make a spaghetti squash tex mex with black beans, ground turkey, spaghetti squash and every veggie you can think of (kale, spinach, cabbage, zucchini, celery etc). Half a spaghetti squash is only 66 calories so when mixed with veggies the servings are fairly large. Another idea is spaghetti squash spaghetti bake. This has veggies, chicken, marinara sauce and spaghetti squash. Another idea is Spaghetti Squash quiche. The Spaghetti squash is the crust, fill with tons of veggies then pour egg whites overtop and bake.These three recipes are all three meals (days) in one!! Tomorrow I might try to make a spaghetti squash pizza crust, I will see how that goes. Another easy recipes is just baked spaghetti squash stiry fry with tons of veggies or veggies and chicken.
Three dinners in one!
Tonights dinner
Every night while I am 'unwinding' from my day I have a cup of green tea. I Also try to drink at least 8 cups of water a day.
I make a pitcher of this each night, it is a 'recipe' from online which claims to aid in weight loss. I'm not too sure I believe it its weight loss magic (lol) but it is very refreshing! Sometimes drinking plain water is tough, this at least has a refreshing taste. I try to drink a pitcher of this a day plus the regular water I drink at the gym.
One helpful tip that has helped me, Once we return from the gym everyday I pack up our cooler bag with lunch for the kids plus each of my 'meals' so I have them with me all day. This helps me resist temptation of eating out because I have my food with me.
One helpful tip that has helped me, Once we return from the gym everyday I pack up our cooler bag with lunch for the kids plus each of my 'meals' so I have them with me all day. This helps me resist temptation of eating out because I have my food with me.
Anyways there is it, my meal plan. It has worked for me and I am a firm believer that eating right (consistently) and working out (rigorously) is the key to weight loss.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Hawaii Life: Meltdown Central
Today has been one of those days when you look at all those cute skinny little twinks wandering around with no care in the world and you actually ENVY them! It has been one of those days when people look at your kids and say 'Awww what a cutie' and you look at them and say 'Do you want them?' or 'Please don't let their cuteness fool you' OR 'Yah it is a darn good thing that they are cute'. It has been one of those days that I could down a whole bottle of wine in a matter of seconds but I think a drunk mother at home with her two kids is frowned upon by the authorities.
I really don't know what has gotten into my children today. Usually they have their moments by today their 'moments' started last night and lasted literally all day today. So much so that I really questioned why I am a stay-at-home mom. There is no job in the world harder than this.
It all started last night, we had just finished our scrapbook for the night, the TV was off and were just about to head in to read some books. For some reason Wyatt got it in his head that he wanted to watch the movie 'cars'. I told him it was bedtime and he lost his crap. Like seriously instantly fell on the floor into a fit of blood curtailing screams. He refused to calm down for any of my attempts. So I went and read to Ethan, I had to read loudly so Ethan could actually hear the words over the screams. Wyatt screamed for probably an hour without letting up. He was a huge ball of sweat, in the end I can't even tell you what made him snap out of it but all of a sudden he showed up at the bedroom door and asked for a story. The kids fooled around in their room for half an hour and finally fell asleep in a heap on the floor. I wasn't about to move them.
Ethan woke up first at 6:30. Ethan sat quietly and watched a show. I heard the trample of Wyatt's feet coming and knew I would have to actually roll out of bed shortly. Sure enough Wyatt insisted that it was now time to watch 'cars'. Ethan of course was in the middle of the show and didn't want to watch the movie. Commence 6:30 in the morning, in a condo meltdown. Ethan finally just said ok to the movie, thank goodness as I was having a very difficult time trying to get Wyatt to be quiet. He sat and watched cars for a matter of 5 minutes then insisted that he have some goldfish. I told him I would make him breakfast and that goldfish were not the best for breakfast. Wyatt shouted in my face "NO WE WANT FISH" (He always drags Ethan into the mix). Again it is 6:30 in the morning and the rest of the building is likely still sleeping so I gave him 4 goldfish in a bowl. Next issue, Wanted a different bowl. We searched around until we found a freaking bowl that would satisfy him. I put four fish in a bowl for Ethan. Then Ethan had a meltdown because he wanted a bowl like Wyatt's (Of course there was only one bowl like that). OH man.... I made them Mickey mouse pancakes and we managed to make it out of the condo without being shot at by all our neighbours.
They each picked out a toy to bring to the gym, while I was working out I could hear some Wyatt shrieks coming from the daycare room but I pretended I didn't hear them. I saw the Dad of one of the other kids peek in there several times. I soon learned he was peeking in because Wyatt was having a meltdown when he dropped his little girl off. Meagan (Daycare lady) said the guy couldn't understand what Wyatt's problem was haha. Meagan told him it was a boy thing, all you lucky people with golden quiet, play-by-themselves girls. Megan said the kids were absolutely wild today. Of course that always upsets me because I don't want people to dread my kids coming into the daycare. We packed up and were heading out the door. For some reason Wyatt didn't want to leave. He started screaming in the gym. I managed to drag him outside where he proceeded to scream for 20 minutes all while I was trying to convince him to get in the car. I kept calm but inside I wanted to just get in the car and drive away. People walked by, some people giggled, some stared. Finally when I turned on the car and sat in the drivers seat he decided that he'd better get in. On the way home he was talking about rainbows and the beach. Different kid. Two personalities in a snap.
Made it home and after the morning I was way to nervous to even attempt to go out in public for fear of a meltdown from either of them. I set them up with their crayons and turned on a show. They were happy with this for about half an hour then they decided to make a fort with all the cushions. This drives me crazy but I thought I would allow it because it was keeping them busy. Well of course they got in a fight so the fort very quickly was taken apart (in a fit of rage I might add, pillows flying everywhere---me) and I made the decision that TV privileges were gone for the rest of the day. Ethan hit me in the head with a stick so I put him in his room. I told him when he could be quiet for one minute he could come join us again. Well 30 minutes of crying (When if he was just quiet for one quick minute, could have been alot less). Anyways he calmed down and finally came out and apologized.
Taking away TV privileges is a great punishment for the kids,(as I think most of our troubles are stemmed from the TV) they were really upset about it which was somewhat satisfying for me but I swear it was like punishment for me as well because now they are running around like wild fools, took all the puzzles pieces and made a huge mound (about 7 puzzles combined). I was too nervous to go out but finally deiced to stick them in the car and go for a drive. We drove to the drug store. The kids and I had a huge talk about appropriate behaviour in the store. They promised to stay with me and listen carefully. Well that lasted all of three minutes. Next thing you know they were tearing around the store laughing and giggling leaving me to look like a completely useless parent who had no control of their children. Plunked the kids back in the car. No one was falling asleep, they seemed to be just playing off each other and the energy was building. We came home and made some Christmas cards which they seemed to enjoy.
Usually the kids watch a show right before bed but because I took away the TV for the day tonight we could not do that. We did our scrap book, had baths, brushed our teeth. I looked at the clock, it was 5:47. i made the decision that I didn't care what time it was they were going to bed. We read four extra long stories, I kissed them tonight and have retreated to my room. I am listening to Songza 'UNWIND' which is classical music. Surprisingly very calming but I can hear the kids fooling around in the bedroom and every so often one of them comes out and complains about the other one, I send them back. All I can think about now is that I have to make them both their advent calendars because tomorrow is the end of the month. Argg.... the things a mother does for her children after a day like this.
So hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. My plan is to take them up Haleakala and go for a hike. Tired them out (which really isn't possibly). I wonder if I treadmill would work....
I really don't know what has gotten into my children today. Usually they have their moments by today their 'moments' started last night and lasted literally all day today. So much so that I really questioned why I am a stay-at-home mom. There is no job in the world harder than this.
It all started last night, we had just finished our scrapbook for the night, the TV was off and were just about to head in to read some books. For some reason Wyatt got it in his head that he wanted to watch the movie 'cars'. I told him it was bedtime and he lost his crap. Like seriously instantly fell on the floor into a fit of blood curtailing screams. He refused to calm down for any of my attempts. So I went and read to Ethan, I had to read loudly so Ethan could actually hear the words over the screams. Wyatt screamed for probably an hour without letting up. He was a huge ball of sweat, in the end I can't even tell you what made him snap out of it but all of a sudden he showed up at the bedroom door and asked for a story. The kids fooled around in their room for half an hour and finally fell asleep in a heap on the floor. I wasn't about to move them.
Ethan woke up first at 6:30. Ethan sat quietly and watched a show. I heard the trample of Wyatt's feet coming and knew I would have to actually roll out of bed shortly. Sure enough Wyatt insisted that it was now time to watch 'cars'. Ethan of course was in the middle of the show and didn't want to watch the movie. Commence 6:30 in the morning, in a condo meltdown. Ethan finally just said ok to the movie, thank goodness as I was having a very difficult time trying to get Wyatt to be quiet. He sat and watched cars for a matter of 5 minutes then insisted that he have some goldfish. I told him I would make him breakfast and that goldfish were not the best for breakfast. Wyatt shouted in my face "NO WE WANT FISH" (He always drags Ethan into the mix). Again it is 6:30 in the morning and the rest of the building is likely still sleeping so I gave him 4 goldfish in a bowl. Next issue, Wanted a different bowl. We searched around until we found a freaking bowl that would satisfy him. I put four fish in a bowl for Ethan. Then Ethan had a meltdown because he wanted a bowl like Wyatt's (Of course there was only one bowl like that). OH man.... I made them Mickey mouse pancakes and we managed to make it out of the condo without being shot at by all our neighbours.
They each picked out a toy to bring to the gym, while I was working out I could hear some Wyatt shrieks coming from the daycare room but I pretended I didn't hear them. I saw the Dad of one of the other kids peek in there several times. I soon learned he was peeking in because Wyatt was having a meltdown when he dropped his little girl off. Meagan (Daycare lady) said the guy couldn't understand what Wyatt's problem was haha. Meagan told him it was a boy thing, all you lucky people with golden quiet, play-by-themselves girls. Megan said the kids were absolutely wild today. Of course that always upsets me because I don't want people to dread my kids coming into the daycare. We packed up and were heading out the door. For some reason Wyatt didn't want to leave. He started screaming in the gym. I managed to drag him outside where he proceeded to scream for 20 minutes all while I was trying to convince him to get in the car. I kept calm but inside I wanted to just get in the car and drive away. People walked by, some people giggled, some stared. Finally when I turned on the car and sat in the drivers seat he decided that he'd better get in. On the way home he was talking about rainbows and the beach. Different kid. Two personalities in a snap.
Made it home and after the morning I was way to nervous to even attempt to go out in public for fear of a meltdown from either of them. I set them up with their crayons and turned on a show. They were happy with this for about half an hour then they decided to make a fort with all the cushions. This drives me crazy but I thought I would allow it because it was keeping them busy. Well of course they got in a fight so the fort very quickly was taken apart (in a fit of rage I might add, pillows flying everywhere---me) and I made the decision that TV privileges were gone for the rest of the day. Ethan hit me in the head with a stick so I put him in his room. I told him when he could be quiet for one minute he could come join us again. Well 30 minutes of crying (When if he was just quiet for one quick minute, could have been alot less). Anyways he calmed down and finally came out and apologized.
Taking away TV privileges is a great punishment for the kids,(as I think most of our troubles are stemmed from the TV) they were really upset about it which was somewhat satisfying for me but I swear it was like punishment for me as well because now they are running around like wild fools, took all the puzzles pieces and made a huge mound (about 7 puzzles combined). I was too nervous to go out but finally deiced to stick them in the car and go for a drive. We drove to the drug store. The kids and I had a huge talk about appropriate behaviour in the store. They promised to stay with me and listen carefully. Well that lasted all of three minutes. Next thing you know they were tearing around the store laughing and giggling leaving me to look like a completely useless parent who had no control of their children. Plunked the kids back in the car. No one was falling asleep, they seemed to be just playing off each other and the energy was building. We came home and made some Christmas cards which they seemed to enjoy.
Usually the kids watch a show right before bed but because I took away the TV for the day tonight we could not do that. We did our scrap book, had baths, brushed our teeth. I looked at the clock, it was 5:47. i made the decision that I didn't care what time it was they were going to bed. We read four extra long stories, I kissed them tonight and have retreated to my room. I am listening to Songza 'UNWIND' which is classical music. Surprisingly very calming but I can hear the kids fooling around in the bedroom and every so often one of them comes out and complains about the other one, I send them back. All I can think about now is that I have to make them both their advent calendars because tomorrow is the end of the month. Argg.... the things a mother does for her children after a day like this.
So hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. My plan is to take them up Haleakala and go for a hike. Tired them out (which really isn't possibly). I wonder if I treadmill would work....
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