Last night was not one I would like to repeat any time soon.
The A-man had a rugby practise after school, so I picked him up at my parents after work. When we arrived home, nothing had been done with respect to the required kitchen clean up. It was a mess, actually. A few weeks back, during a family meeting about the chores not getting done, it was decided that I would not begin cooking dinner for the family until the kitchen was in a presentable state.
Well, I was hungry - and I had been really looking forward to the dinner I had planned for the night. (Seafood medley on sticky rice...) When the A-man finished changing out of his school uniform and came in to the kitchen to begin the work, I called down to S to remind him that he needed to come and help his brother with the clean up.
Up the stairs comes my little black rain cloud. Fists tight, heavy breathing... "WHAT?," he demands.
I remind him that the kitchen needs to be cleaned up so that I can start dinner. He becomes extremely frustrated because he "just wants to finish watching this ONE show." (Let's not even get in to the fact that he's been home now for the better part of two hours and could have more than completed the task way before "this show" began. The A-man offered a solution... he would be more than willing to do the entire kitchen clean up before dinner as long as S would agree to doing all of the clean up after the meal. S said, "Fine" and started back downstairs.
Before I would let him downstairs, however, I reminded him that this meant all of the table needed to be cleared, all of the dishes into the dishwasher, and all of the hand wash items needed to be washed, dried and put away in order for this task to be labelled 'done.'
I received a very sarcastic "Yes, Mom. I am aware of what will need to be done. I am fine with that. Now can I just go?!"
I had my doubts. (Hindsight: I should have not let these negoiations take place.)
The A-man did the kitchen clean up and I started dinner. While dinner was cooking, S was on the telephone with two different friends. (For the record, supper was very tasty.)
Once I finished eating, I reminded S that he was responsible for the entire post-dinner clean up. I reminded him of what the various tasks were - again, I received an eye roll complete with a "Yes, Mom... I know this"
I went downstairs to tackle the evening. Move forward to an hour and a half later. I come up the stairs to check on the progress. Let's just say there had not BEEN any progres. Sure, the A-man's plate and S's plates were off the dinner table, but for some reason my plate remained on the table, along with the rice pot. None of the dishes were done, none of the counters wiped off... nothing was done. I went looking for S. He was laying on his bed watching 'Grease' on his laptop.
And then it began. Screaming, yelling... tears, even. Apparently I only had children so that I would have built in slaves that are just around to do my bidding. The front door was slammed... Oh yeah - it was a GREAT night.
Sometimes I just hate that kid.
Not really hate him - but I really, really, REALLY hate the way that he behaves and reacts to things. It took my threatening to not allow him on the school downhill skiing trip on Wednesday or the Ice Fishing Trip on Thursday for anything to get done.
The attitude stinks. I am really grateful that I have the house to myself this evening. It will be nice to have some quiet time.
I'm really at a loss of how to get through to this boy.
Showing posts with label housework. Show all posts
Showing posts with label housework. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Not the best night
As my day progressed yesterday, I found myself feeling worse and worse with this blasted cold. When I picked the A-man up from my parents after work, it was all I could do to keep my head up. I just wanted to lie down and try to relieve some of the pressure in my skull.
When we got home, the A-man handed me two Advil Cold and Sinus tablets, and told me to go to bed. I didn't even argue with him. Once the tablets had started to take effect, I realized that I was, in fact, going to live.
This is about the time I remembered that the garbage and recycling had to be prepared for the morning. S came upstairs (this was about 8) and I reminded him that this needed to be done. I believe I got a sarcastic "Yeah, yeah" from him.
At 9:45, I made my way downstairs to confirm that everything had been prepared for the morning. The garbage was not done, the recycling had not been finished, the green bin was still full, and the cat's litter had not been emptied. The boys go to their rooms for the evening at 10 pm.
At this point I told them to get these tasks done so that they could be ready for bed when the time came. S lost it on me. He started yelling and carrying on.
At this point, he and I got in to a big ole heated discussion about timing of events and what is "essential" and what isn't. As I was talking to him, he started to put his hands into fists (his was of showing that he is angry) and started breathing really hard at me. I looked at his hands, moved my eyes back to his face, and told him, "You can knock that off right now. I reminded you about these chores almost two hours ago and you made the choice NOT to do them then. Now you have to do it when I say so - because you are NOT going to start this task when it is time for you to be in bed."
He stormed off and started to do what needed to be done. I went back up to my room to gather the garbage from our bathroom. It just so happens that our bathroom vent is joined to the vent in the laundry room where the A-man was cleaning the litter. Next thing I know, I hear the A-man and S having a conversation. S asks the A-man something, to which he replied, "I don't know."
In a very angry voice, S says "For the last F$%^&^^ time, tell me where the f*^%$^ bags are."
I calmly leaned down toward the vent and said, "Uh... S - I can hear every single word you are saying."
I started to come out of the bedroom, and saw S's reflection in the window coming up the stairs. As soon as he heard me walking down the hall, he turned quickly on his heel to head back to the foyer. I stopped him and told him that I did NOT appreciate hearing him talk that way to his brother - or anyone else for that matter. I then told him that he was not to take it out on either me or the A-man because *he* wasn't able to watch the last 15 minutes of a television show. At this point, I also told him that he had lost all electronic privileges for a one week period. Again the hands went into a fist, and he started yelling at me about how his brother was being a jerk, and on and on. I interrupted him and told him that if he didn't like the rules of the house, he didn't have to stay.
I was done listening to him, and he has been using an extremely snarky and nasty tone of voice for FAR too long lately. I can't count the number of times I have reminded him about tone of voice. I will not tolerate his being rude and disrespectful any more.
He grabbed his coat, and screamed "FINE!" at me. He went out the door, slamming it so hard that the wall hanging fell to the ground.
We live in the middle of nowhere. He was wearing a pair of sleep pants, no socks or shirt, a pair of crocs and his jacket. I'm not sure where, exactly, he thought he was going to go, but when he went out that door, quite honestly I was happy to see him go, and didn't care (at that point) if he came back in or not.
The A-man, on the other hand, was very concerned about where his brother would go. I knew he wouldn't 'go' anywhere; he would sit outside and wait for me to open the door and tell him to get back in the house. This is a routine that has happened way more times than I care to remember.
I was not going to give in this time. But, after the A-man finished washing the dishes, he went outside to try and get S to come back in. I waited about 10 more minutes until I was in a calmer state, and I opened the door and told them both to get back in the house and finish getting ready for bed. At first S refused, but I think after he took a moment to look at my face and consider the ramifications of his decision, he wisely came inside.
I told him to pick up and rehang the picture from the wall, and to finish getting the garbage ready. At this point I started to receive "the silent treatment." (really upset me, too. yeah, right.)
I'm going to have to have a very serious conversation with this young man very soon. I am beyond tired of this nonsense, and just about at my wit's end. I realize it is nowhere near as bad as it has been in the past, but I cannot keep living in his horrible rotation of his moods.
He is being lazy. Period. It is only when he gets to do what he wants to do, WHEN he wants to do it that he is pleasant to be around. When it is something he is "being forced to do" he gets all rude and surly. It just does not work that way.
I've take taken the day off today, and I am hoping I will be able to have a calm and rational conversation with him this evening. If I can't, I think I will have to get him back in to see a doctor.
I am tired.
When we got home, the A-man handed me two Advil Cold and Sinus tablets, and told me to go to bed. I didn't even argue with him. Once the tablets had started to take effect, I realized that I was, in fact, going to live.
This is about the time I remembered that the garbage and recycling had to be prepared for the morning. S came upstairs (this was about 8) and I reminded him that this needed to be done. I believe I got a sarcastic "Yeah, yeah" from him.
At 9:45, I made my way downstairs to confirm that everything had been prepared for the morning. The garbage was not done, the recycling had not been finished, the green bin was still full, and the cat's litter had not been emptied. The boys go to their rooms for the evening at 10 pm.
At this point I told them to get these tasks done so that they could be ready for bed when the time came. S lost it on me. He started yelling and carrying on.
At this point, he and I got in to a big ole heated discussion about timing of events and what is "essential" and what isn't. As I was talking to him, he started to put his hands into fists (his was of showing that he is angry) and started breathing really hard at me. I looked at his hands, moved my eyes back to his face, and told him, "You can knock that off right now. I reminded you about these chores almost two hours ago and you made the choice NOT to do them then. Now you have to do it when I say so - because you are NOT going to start this task when it is time for you to be in bed."
He stormed off and started to do what needed to be done. I went back up to my room to gather the garbage from our bathroom. It just so happens that our bathroom vent is joined to the vent in the laundry room where the A-man was cleaning the litter. Next thing I know, I hear the A-man and S having a conversation. S asks the A-man something, to which he replied, "I don't know."
In a very angry voice, S says "For the last F$%^&^^ time, tell me where the f*^%$^ bags are."
I calmly leaned down toward the vent and said, "Uh... S - I can hear every single word you are saying."
I started to come out of the bedroom, and saw S's reflection in the window coming up the stairs. As soon as he heard me walking down the hall, he turned quickly on his heel to head back to the foyer. I stopped him and told him that I did NOT appreciate hearing him talk that way to his brother - or anyone else for that matter. I then told him that he was not to take it out on either me or the A-man because *he* wasn't able to watch the last 15 minutes of a television show. At this point, I also told him that he had lost all electronic privileges for a one week period. Again the hands went into a fist, and he started yelling at me about how his brother was being a jerk, and on and on. I interrupted him and told him that if he didn't like the rules of the house, he didn't have to stay.
I was done listening to him, and he has been using an extremely snarky and nasty tone of voice for FAR too long lately. I can't count the number of times I have reminded him about tone of voice. I will not tolerate his being rude and disrespectful any more.
He grabbed his coat, and screamed "FINE!" at me. He went out the door, slamming it so hard that the wall hanging fell to the ground.
We live in the middle of nowhere. He was wearing a pair of sleep pants, no socks or shirt, a pair of crocs and his jacket. I'm not sure where, exactly, he thought he was going to go, but when he went out that door, quite honestly I was happy to see him go, and didn't care (at that point) if he came back in or not.
The A-man, on the other hand, was very concerned about where his brother would go. I knew he wouldn't 'go' anywhere; he would sit outside and wait for me to open the door and tell him to get back in the house. This is a routine that has happened way more times than I care to remember.
I was not going to give in this time. But, after the A-man finished washing the dishes, he went outside to try and get S to come back in. I waited about 10 more minutes until I was in a calmer state, and I opened the door and told them both to get back in the house and finish getting ready for bed. At first S refused, but I think after he took a moment to look at my face and consider the ramifications of his decision, he wisely came inside.
I told him to pick up and rehang the picture from the wall, and to finish getting the garbage ready. At this point I started to receive "the silent treatment." (really upset me, too. yeah, right.)
I'm going to have to have a very serious conversation with this young man very soon. I am beyond tired of this nonsense, and just about at my wit's end. I realize it is nowhere near as bad as it has been in the past, but I cannot keep living in his horrible rotation of his moods.
He is being lazy. Period. It is only when he gets to do what he wants to do, WHEN he wants to do it that he is pleasant to be around. When it is something he is "being forced to do" he gets all rude and surly. It just does not work that way.
I've take taken the day off today, and I am hoping I will be able to have a calm and rational conversation with him this evening. If I can't, I think I will have to get him back in to see a doctor.
I am tired.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Back to normal again
Back to the familiar grind now.
Had three days off this week and I must admit that it took until yesterday (Thursday) to start feeling normal again. Really got a groove on with respect to some purging/cleaning, actually.
Cuz and her Hubby (my actual cousin!) stopped in for a while yesterday. They were dropping their boat off for the winter with the plans of coming our way for some Spring fishing. It was a short visit, but still nice to get some time together. We will see a bit more of them in a couple of weeks when Hubby and I go for an overnighter!
It would appear S is on the mend. He resisted going to school yesterday, but since they were having a PA day today, I felt it was important that he get to school for at least one day. I'm not sure if he would have actually tried to get the details he had missed, but I'm going to keep my fingers crossed.
Report cards come home on Monday.
Hubby is getting ready to leave tomorrow for a one week hunting trip. He has his bins all packed, and last night I made a couple of my "now famous" spicy lasagna. I'm feeling that I didn't make them quite as hot as years past, but I do know that it will be flavourful either way. I forgot about Hubby asking me to make a breakfast casserole, so I guess I will be doing that while making dinner tonight.
We had our first taste of one of 'the girls' last night. I wasn't sure how I would do, but it was okay. Once I put the package in the water for thawing, I was over any strange feelings. It just hit me when I was taking the package from the freezer. I didn't mention where the chicken came from to the boys, though.
Did I notice a big huge taste difference? I can't say for sure. It was very tender meat, and had a nice flavour, but the dish itself was quite tasty, so that is a tough call.
The pheasants are in need of some TLC in their run, so I guess that will be another task for me to add to my list for the weekend. I have been very remiss in keeping up on their care since we did the chicken slaughter. My bad.
I'm going to a surprise birthday party for my brother tonight. He will be in the area to give a talk at the local legion during their veteran's dinner tomorrow night. Quite an honour.
Anyway, his wife made some phone calls and a friend has invited a bunch of Bro's friends over. They are going to stop at my place for "an emergency bathroom break" and then I am going to invite myself along for drinks. Should be about 25 people waiting when he arrives. His birthday is actually on Monday, and it's not a biggie (he's 40 in a couple more years) but since he is in the area, it's as good a reason as any!
Sunday is another day that I will be on the move. Going to a fundraiser for my dear friend's skating club. We went last year and had a very enjoyable time, so I am sure it will be a good day again. Leaving fairly early in the morning, but I expect to be home in time for making supper for the boys.
The boys and I will do our annual "dinner and a movie" tomorrow night. We have done this every Saturday since Hubby started his hunting week. I miss the days of going to see the newest Christmas movies. We've seen Elf, and the Grinch... this year I think they want to see a bit of a thriller, but I will ki-bosh that one. I don't "do" thrillers.
Maybe I will convince them that we should see the new 3-D Christmas movie...
Had three days off this week and I must admit that it took until yesterday (Thursday) to start feeling normal again. Really got a groove on with respect to some purging/cleaning, actually.
Cuz and her Hubby (my actual cousin!) stopped in for a while yesterday. They were dropping their boat off for the winter with the plans of coming our way for some Spring fishing. It was a short visit, but still nice to get some time together. We will see a bit more of them in a couple of weeks when Hubby and I go for an overnighter!
It would appear S is on the mend. He resisted going to school yesterday, but since they were having a PA day today, I felt it was important that he get to school for at least one day. I'm not sure if he would have actually tried to get the details he had missed, but I'm going to keep my fingers crossed.
Report cards come home on Monday.
Hubby is getting ready to leave tomorrow for a one week hunting trip. He has his bins all packed, and last night I made a couple of my "now famous" spicy lasagna. I'm feeling that I didn't make them quite as hot as years past, but I do know that it will be flavourful either way. I forgot about Hubby asking me to make a breakfast casserole, so I guess I will be doing that while making dinner tonight.
We had our first taste of one of 'the girls' last night. I wasn't sure how I would do, but it was okay. Once I put the package in the water for thawing, I was over any strange feelings. It just hit me when I was taking the package from the freezer. I didn't mention where the chicken came from to the boys, though.
Did I notice a big huge taste difference? I can't say for sure. It was very tender meat, and had a nice flavour, but the dish itself was quite tasty, so that is a tough call.
The pheasants are in need of some TLC in their run, so I guess that will be another task for me to add to my list for the weekend. I have been very remiss in keeping up on their care since we did the chicken slaughter. My bad.
I'm going to a surprise birthday party for my brother tonight. He will be in the area to give a talk at the local legion during their veteran's dinner tomorrow night. Quite an honour.
Anyway, his wife made some phone calls and a friend has invited a bunch of Bro's friends over. They are going to stop at my place for "an emergency bathroom break" and then I am going to invite myself along for drinks. Should be about 25 people waiting when he arrives. His birthday is actually on Monday, and it's not a biggie (he's 40 in a couple more years) but since he is in the area, it's as good a reason as any!
Sunday is another day that I will be on the move. Going to a fundraiser for my dear friend's skating club. We went last year and had a very enjoyable time, so I am sure it will be a good day again. Leaving fairly early in the morning, but I expect to be home in time for making supper for the boys.
The boys and I will do our annual "dinner and a movie" tomorrow night. We have done this every Saturday since Hubby started his hunting week. I miss the days of going to see the newest Christmas movies. We've seen Elf, and the Grinch... this year I think they want to see a bit of a thriller, but I will ki-bosh that one. I don't "do" thrillers.
Maybe I will convince them that we should see the new 3-D Christmas movie...
Monday, November 2, 2009
Home again
S went to his first school dance on Thursday night. I think he had a pretty good time, but he didn't really say too much about it.
I had stayed at Mom and Dad's while S was at the dance, and he knew I was leaving in the morning for another show, so I had asked him to get back from the dance as soon as it was over since I had to make sure I was all packed and ready to go for my normal time in the morning.
About 15 minutes after the dance was over, Mom could tell I was a bit anxious because she suggested we take the dog for a walk. We were about half way between Mom's house and the school when S came walking up the sidewalk with a couple of girls. Apparently the line up at the coat check was really long.
The A-man had opted not to go to the dance. Still not sure why.
Lil A's brother was hit by a car on Tuesday evening. Apparently he was air lifted to the city with a broken tibia on one leg, a broken femur on the other and some broken and cracked ribs. He is very lucky that he was not killed. Apparently he had been riding his skateboard up the wrong side of the road at 10 at night, and was dressed all in black. It was also reported that a police officer was witness to the accident, and from what I have heard there are no charges pending.
S told me that Lil A was at the dance - she had been away Wednesday and Thursday, but still came to the dance on Thursday night. S told me she "didn't want to talk about her brother" so I take this to mean they are an "off again" item. He seems okay with that at this point, but he was very concerned about how she was coping with the injuries her brother had sustained.
I was heading back home this morning when I got a phone call from the school telling me that S had been sick to his stomach. Hubby was able to go to the school to pick him up, and although he hasn't been sick again, he does have a bit of a fever and a nasty cough. Of course with the entire country all up in arms with this H1N1, I am going to be keeping a close eye on him over the next few days. I'm sure it's just a cold, but so many of the symptoms apparently appear to be like a common cold, too.
For the record, our family does not have any plans to have the vaccine. My personal feeling is that the drug was rushed through and I am leary of the lack of testing that has been done on it. I just worry about the long term effects of something that was created so quickly.
So many debates on the subject...
Had a nice nap when I got home this afternoon, and I am really looking forward to having a few days off. Cuz will be coming up for the day on Thursday to store their boat for the winter, so I am glad that I will get to see them - even if it's only for a short period of time.
Will be even better to get to see Hubby a bit this week!
I had stayed at Mom and Dad's while S was at the dance, and he knew I was leaving in the morning for another show, so I had asked him to get back from the dance as soon as it was over since I had to make sure I was all packed and ready to go for my normal time in the morning.
About 15 minutes after the dance was over, Mom could tell I was a bit anxious because she suggested we take the dog for a walk. We were about half way between Mom's house and the school when S came walking up the sidewalk with a couple of girls. Apparently the line up at the coat check was really long.
The A-man had opted not to go to the dance. Still not sure why.
Lil A's brother was hit by a car on Tuesday evening. Apparently he was air lifted to the city with a broken tibia on one leg, a broken femur on the other and some broken and cracked ribs. He is very lucky that he was not killed. Apparently he had been riding his skateboard up the wrong side of the road at 10 at night, and was dressed all in black. It was also reported that a police officer was witness to the accident, and from what I have heard there are no charges pending.
S told me that Lil A was at the dance - she had been away Wednesday and Thursday, but still came to the dance on Thursday night. S told me she "didn't want to talk about her brother" so I take this to mean they are an "off again" item. He seems okay with that at this point, but he was very concerned about how she was coping with the injuries her brother had sustained.
I was heading back home this morning when I got a phone call from the school telling me that S had been sick to his stomach. Hubby was able to go to the school to pick him up, and although he hasn't been sick again, he does have a bit of a fever and a nasty cough. Of course with the entire country all up in arms with this H1N1, I am going to be keeping a close eye on him over the next few days. I'm sure it's just a cold, but so many of the symptoms apparently appear to be like a common cold, too.
For the record, our family does not have any plans to have the vaccine. My personal feeling is that the drug was rushed through and I am leary of the lack of testing that has been done on it. I just worry about the long term effects of something that was created so quickly.
So many debates on the subject...
Had a nice nap when I got home this afternoon, and I am really looking forward to having a few days off. Cuz will be coming up for the day on Thursday to store their boat for the winter, so I am glad that I will get to see them - even if it's only for a short period of time.
Will be even better to get to see Hubby a bit this week!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Meeting the new SERT
I had a great meeting with S's new SERT this morning. We reviewed his existing IEP and talked about what types of changes should be incorporated since he is now in high school.
She is fairly new to the SERT world, so I actually had to explain a number of things about S's various conditions, and also about the services he has received in the past and how to we got to where we are today. She seemed very receptive to any suggestions that I made, and I am cautiously optimistic that his IEP will actually be something that the teachers will be able to understand and follow.
Right now S has EA support in all classes but Music, but all of them are in a 'background' capacity. Both the SERT and I would like to see S develop and grow his independence, and we figure having an EA on hand, but not WITH, will help with that.
During the meeting, I found out that she isn't really sure where they are going to set up S's scanner/printer. I suggested that our HOME would be a good location - that way he would be responsible for scanning all of his information, but he wouldn't be required to lose classroom time to do so. She really liked that idea, and actually sent an email off the the Superintendent of Special Education right then to see if this was something that could be done.
I will keep my fingers crossed on that one. Oh, what a coup that would be.
I am going to have to make some appointments for the teachers, but I think I will wait another week or so before doing that.
Took S into the Health Unit this morning to get his final Hep B shot. He missed getting them in Grade 7 because he forgot to take the forms in. Our timing for getting to the school was good because just as we were arriving, they were calling students with the last name beginning with our last name letter down for school pictures. S grabbed his late slip, then went off to get his picture taken before going to Music class.
We had a nice weekend.
On Friday night I went out with some friends for dinner and then to see "Bjorn Again", which is an ABBA cover band. Saturday morning I got to sleep in a bit, and then I did a bit of cleaning around the house and Hubby and the A-man and I went shopping in the afternoon. S had been invited over to his friend's house for the afternoon, so Hubby dropped him off there before we headed out.
Both Hubby and I got some gear for riding the motorcycles, then the A-man was happy because he was able to pick up some more pieces for his game that he is working on. He's been painting away everyday trying to get them all done. Now he has another 20 more to paint.
Yesterday I did some rearranging of furniture in the living room, then around noon Hubby and I went out for a motorcycle ride. We went quite a distance, and really did have a nice afternoon. I was really greatful for the full face mask that we had bought the day before because I found the wind to be quite chilly and strong on my face. Of course, when we stopped for lunch, it was beautiful and both Hubby and I were able to take off all our 'gear' to eat lunch in just short sleeved tops.
We got home around 6pm, and about 10 minutes later my parents arrived for a short visit. Just as they were getting ready to head out, the R-man and GF arrived... it was a busy spot!
I've taken today off work so that I can do a bit more around the house, but so far I haven't really done that much, but I am just about to go full force...
Here is a picture of me that was taken yesterday just as we arrived at the restaurant for lunch.
I'm so pretty....
She is fairly new to the SERT world, so I actually had to explain a number of things about S's various conditions, and also about the services he has received in the past and how to we got to where we are today. She seemed very receptive to any suggestions that I made, and I am cautiously optimistic that his IEP will actually be something that the teachers will be able to understand and follow.
Right now S has EA support in all classes but Music, but all of them are in a 'background' capacity. Both the SERT and I would like to see S develop and grow his independence, and we figure having an EA on hand, but not WITH, will help with that.
During the meeting, I found out that she isn't really sure where they are going to set up S's scanner/printer. I suggested that our HOME would be a good location - that way he would be responsible for scanning all of his information, but he wouldn't be required to lose classroom time to do so. She really liked that idea, and actually sent an email off the the Superintendent of Special Education right then to see if this was something that could be done.
I will keep my fingers crossed on that one. Oh, what a coup that would be.
I am going to have to make some appointments for the teachers, but I think I will wait another week or so before doing that.
Took S into the Health Unit this morning to get his final Hep B shot. He missed getting them in Grade 7 because he forgot to take the forms in. Our timing for getting to the school was good because just as we were arriving, they were calling students with the last name beginning with our last name letter down for school pictures. S grabbed his late slip, then went off to get his picture taken before going to Music class.
We had a nice weekend.
On Friday night I went out with some friends for dinner and then to see "Bjorn Again", which is an ABBA cover band. Saturday morning I got to sleep in a bit, and then I did a bit of cleaning around the house and Hubby and the A-man and I went shopping in the afternoon. S had been invited over to his friend's house for the afternoon, so Hubby dropped him off there before we headed out.
Both Hubby and I got some gear for riding the motorcycles, then the A-man was happy because he was able to pick up some more pieces for his game that he is working on. He's been painting away everyday trying to get them all done. Now he has another 20 more to paint.
Yesterday I did some rearranging of furniture in the living room, then around noon Hubby and I went out for a motorcycle ride. We went quite a distance, and really did have a nice afternoon. I was really greatful for the full face mask that we had bought the day before because I found the wind to be quite chilly and strong on my face. Of course, when we stopped for lunch, it was beautiful and both Hubby and I were able to take off all our 'gear' to eat lunch in just short sleeved tops.
We got home around 6pm, and about 10 minutes later my parents arrived for a short visit. Just as they were getting ready to head out, the R-man and GF arrived... it was a busy spot!
I've taken today off work so that I can do a bit more around the house, but so far I haven't really done that much, but I am just about to go full force...
Here is a picture of me that was taken yesterday just as we arrived at the restaurant for lunch.
I'm so pretty....
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Weekend update
I don't really have much of an update about the boys - I am still away at the music event and haven't seen them since Thursday morning, but it was so cute on Friday night when S phoned to sing Happy Birthday to me.
Spoke with Hubby this morning and it sounds like he and the boys had a pretty busy afternoon. He took S to watch Lil'A's soccer game in the morning and then in the afternoon they got the entire lawn cut and then used the sweeper to pick up the grass and throw it in for the chickens. He said after that they did some inside house work before he went grocery shopping.
He has a meeting with the past President of the Fishing Club this morning - he's the new President and has a number of questions about the running of a major event - and then he is going golfing with some friends this afternoon. It sounds like it's going to be a couples thing so he will be odd man out, but I am sure he will be fine with that. After the golfing they are going over to our friend's house for a barbeque.
I will be working at the music festival, but at least by 6.30 tonight we will have the booth dismantled and will be able to sit and enjoy the final band of the evening.
Okay - must dash now... time to get back to work!
Spoke with Hubby this morning and it sounds like he and the boys had a pretty busy afternoon. He took S to watch Lil'A's soccer game in the morning and then in the afternoon they got the entire lawn cut and then used the sweeper to pick up the grass and throw it in for the chickens. He said after that they did some inside house work before he went grocery shopping.
He has a meeting with the past President of the Fishing Club this morning - he's the new President and has a number of questions about the running of a major event - and then he is going golfing with some friends this afternoon. It sounds like it's going to be a couples thing so he will be odd man out, but I am sure he will be fine with that. After the golfing they are going over to our friend's house for a barbeque.
I will be working at the music festival, but at least by 6.30 tonight we will have the booth dismantled and will be able to sit and enjoy the final band of the evening.
Okay - must dash now... time to get back to work!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Sneaky Mom
Over last weekend, I came up with a new strategy to help me ensure that the boys continue on the path of helping keep the kitchen clean.
Lately I have been finding dishes put away from the dishwasher that aren't actually clean - most of the time it is because the dish wasn't rinsed properly. I've also noticed that both boys are terrible at putting dirty dishes on the counter above the dishwasher rather than IN the dishwasher. Drives me crazy.
So, new rule for 2009. If I find a dirty dish that has been put away, the dish goes in to the sink to be hand washed. If I find dishes laying around the kitchen, on the counter or on the table, it goes in to the sink. Any and all dishes that are in the sink must be hand washed, dried and put away before bed time each night.
This morning when I left for work there were a number of peanut-butter covered knives, a few drinking glasses and one other dish in the sink. When I got home from work, the sink was empty and the dishwasher was running. I know the hand washing did not get done - the dishes got put in the dishwasher. I made a comment about this fact - they both feigned ignorance about what I was talking about.
No matter - the dishes were not laying around anymore.
;o)
Lately I have been finding dishes put away from the dishwasher that aren't actually clean - most of the time it is because the dish wasn't rinsed properly. I've also noticed that both boys are terrible at putting dirty dishes on the counter above the dishwasher rather than IN the dishwasher. Drives me crazy.
So, new rule for 2009. If I find a dirty dish that has been put away, the dish goes in to the sink to be hand washed. If I find dishes laying around the kitchen, on the counter or on the table, it goes in to the sink. Any and all dishes that are in the sink must be hand washed, dried and put away before bed time each night.
This morning when I left for work there were a number of peanut-butter covered knives, a few drinking glasses and one other dish in the sink. When I got home from work, the sink was empty and the dishwasher was running. I know the hand washing did not get done - the dishes got put in the dishwasher. I made a comment about this fact - they both feigned ignorance about what I was talking about.
No matter - the dishes were not laying around anymore.
;o)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Blogging, the Internet, random musings...
I just realized that my "One year blogging" anniversary is coming up. Since I started my blog last August, I have made over 260 posts, and since November, there have been over 2,300 people look (and hopefully read) my blog. That's pretty cool, I think. The Internet has given us such a great way to meet and connect in a way that just would not have been possible in the past. A very good and helpful tool, no doubt. But, as with 'real' life, a tool that can be abused in the worst way.
I am so glad my sons are both quite computer savvy, and very cautious while online. The A-man noticed that I have quite a number of friends on Facebook and his one question to me was, "Do you know all of those people personally, Mom?" I think he was a little surprised when I told him, "Yes, I do." (Mind you, some of them I haven't seen since we were 8 years old, but back in the 70's, we were TIGHT!)
Like blogging, Facebook is another way to get in touch with people, to see where life's roads have taken them... I love doing the whole "catch up" thing when I get a new friend on Facebook. Then I look over the pictures they have posted, and that is pretty much it for contact with them. Still, it is nice to be able to see how others look - and to compare your age lines with theirs... (I look MUCH younger than most, if I do say so myself! ;o) ) Funny thing is, though, most of these people still look the same as they did when I last saw them. Of course, hair styles and clothing is different, but I would be able to look at them now without anyone telling me their names, and I am pretty sure I would be able to name at least 90% of them.
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Do you remember last week how I mentioned that we were using the storage cabinet in the R-man's old bedroom for storing various items? I am astounded at how much room this cabinet has! I mean, I knew there were lots of drawers and cupboards, but as I purge and clean areas, then store things in that cabinet, I am left wondering, "Wow, is there still room?" And there is!
I am such a pack rat. I'm getting better, but I do think it's a sickness. My mom is the most organized pack rat I have ever seen, and I do come by it honestly, but I will admit that it did feel good to just get rid of all that STUFF we don't use any more.
Now that I can get back in to the crawl space under the foyer - this space is well over 100 square feet - I can get all of the Christmas items organized in such a way that I won't be scrambling next December when I am looking for things. And here is a crazy concept that I think Hubby has never heard of before - the entire space will be organized! Crazy but true...
----------
I stayed home from work again today. I was feeling better than yesterday, but still not 100%, and knew that my foggy brain just would not function at the level I am used to. I don't think Boss was very happy about it, but what can you do? I will be back in the office for sure tomorrow and it just makes more sense for me to rest up today so that I will be effective when I am in. Used some of the time today to putter in the kitchen and get all of that tidied up, and then I reorganized my closest with some new hooks for my purses and belts. Didn't tackle the shoe boxes though - couldn't imagine doing too much bending over with a stuffy head...
-------
And my final thought for today: One of my favourite quotes! Oscar Wilde said it best when he said, "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go."
My goal in life is meet the first half of that quote!
I am so glad my sons are both quite computer savvy, and very cautious while online. The A-man noticed that I have quite a number of friends on Facebook and his one question to me was, "Do you know all of those people personally, Mom?" I think he was a little surprised when I told him, "Yes, I do." (Mind you, some of them I haven't seen since we were 8 years old, but back in the 70's, we were TIGHT!)
Like blogging, Facebook is another way to get in touch with people, to see where life's roads have taken them... I love doing the whole "catch up" thing when I get a new friend on Facebook. Then I look over the pictures they have posted, and that is pretty much it for contact with them. Still, it is nice to be able to see how others look - and to compare your age lines with theirs... (I look MUCH younger than most, if I do say so myself! ;o) ) Funny thing is, though, most of these people still look the same as they did when I last saw them. Of course, hair styles and clothing is different, but I would be able to look at them now without anyone telling me their names, and I am pretty sure I would be able to name at least 90% of them.
--------
Do you remember last week how I mentioned that we were using the storage cabinet in the R-man's old bedroom for storing various items? I am astounded at how much room this cabinet has! I mean, I knew there were lots of drawers and cupboards, but as I purge and clean areas, then store things in that cabinet, I am left wondering, "Wow, is there still room?" And there is!
I am such a pack rat. I'm getting better, but I do think it's a sickness. My mom is the most organized pack rat I have ever seen, and I do come by it honestly, but I will admit that it did feel good to just get rid of all that STUFF we don't use any more.
Now that I can get back in to the crawl space under the foyer - this space is well over 100 square feet - I can get all of the Christmas items organized in such a way that I won't be scrambling next December when I am looking for things. And here is a crazy concept that I think Hubby has never heard of before - the entire space will be organized! Crazy but true...
----------
I stayed home from work again today. I was feeling better than yesterday, but still not 100%, and knew that my foggy brain just would not function at the level I am used to. I don't think Boss was very happy about it, but what can you do? I will be back in the office for sure tomorrow and it just makes more sense for me to rest up today so that I will be effective when I am in. Used some of the time today to putter in the kitchen and get all of that tidied up, and then I reorganized my closest with some new hooks for my purses and belts. Didn't tackle the shoe boxes though - couldn't imagine doing too much bending over with a stuffy head...
-------
And my final thought for today: One of my favourite quotes! Oscar Wilde said it best when he said, "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go."
My goal in life is meet the first half of that quote!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Never ending
Today was another day like yesterday. The big project I had been working on yesterday was finally completed this morning, and I was able to send it off to the client and then breathe a big sigh of relief.
Next - new section of the website took up a fair bit of time; tracking down the .gif and .tifs that I needed. Starting get ahead on that.
Followed by - next outdoor event for big client. Advertising deadlines - requested the date over a month ago. Was advised today that the ad is needed tomorrow. Tomorrow??!!?? Yeah, don't think that is going to happen. Graphics guy is good - not that good. Dealt with that... and then it was lunch time....
Afternoon was pretty much a repeat of the morning - but just didn't seem as hairy. Just had a number of smaller things to finish up. Then, when I got home, I stayed on track with the declutter bug.
The yard sale on Saturday is a go, so I really had to get things hauled out. Hubby is taking advantage of this mood - I rarely feel the urge to purge. I'm borrowing a truck tomorrow afternoon, and then it's all going! I even purged the linen closet, the bookcase... early tomorrow afternoon I am going to purge the coat closets. (I know there are a number of coats in there that haven't been worn in a very, very long time.)
As I have been purging, I have also been cleaning. Well, if you were to walk in to the house right now I am sure you would have a hard time believing that I have been cleaning - there are piles of 'stuff' everywhere, but when you look at certain places, you can tell I have been there. If I could have a full day, with no interuptions, I think I would have a pretty good dent in the entire house.
Funny thing, though, is about the way I clean. It just sort of goes for being messy, to looking REALLY messy, and then suddenly, it's all clean and shiny. My best friend in high school always commented on that when she would sit in my room while I was cleaning it. We would be talking, I would slowly move my way around the room, and then suddenly before she realized it, the room was immaculate. I guess I just have my own "cleaning groove."
No matter - I like looking at the CLEAN areas. I know that it is so much better there, and there, and THERE.
The boys helped bit tonight, but most of what I was doing didn't involve their 'stuff' so I just them help me a little bit here and there. They were pretty good to help when asked.
Short work day tomorrow - they have already been warned that I will need their help tomorrow. No doubt about it.
Next - new section of the website took up a fair bit of time; tracking down the .gif and .tifs that I needed. Starting get ahead on that.
Followed by - next outdoor event for big client. Advertising deadlines - requested the date over a month ago. Was advised today that the ad is needed tomorrow. Tomorrow??!!?? Yeah, don't think that is going to happen. Graphics guy is good - not that good. Dealt with that... and then it was lunch time....
Afternoon was pretty much a repeat of the morning - but just didn't seem as hairy. Just had a number of smaller things to finish up. Then, when I got home, I stayed on track with the declutter bug.
The yard sale on Saturday is a go, so I really had to get things hauled out. Hubby is taking advantage of this mood - I rarely feel the urge to purge. I'm borrowing a truck tomorrow afternoon, and then it's all going! I even purged the linen closet, the bookcase... early tomorrow afternoon I am going to purge the coat closets. (I know there are a number of coats in there that haven't been worn in a very, very long time.)
As I have been purging, I have also been cleaning. Well, if you were to walk in to the house right now I am sure you would have a hard time believing that I have been cleaning - there are piles of 'stuff' everywhere, but when you look at certain places, you can tell I have been there. If I could have a full day, with no interuptions, I think I would have a pretty good dent in the entire house.
Funny thing, though, is about the way I clean. It just sort of goes for being messy, to looking REALLY messy, and then suddenly, it's all clean and shiny. My best friend in high school always commented on that when she would sit in my room while I was cleaning it. We would be talking, I would slowly move my way around the room, and then suddenly before she realized it, the room was immaculate. I guess I just have my own "cleaning groove."
No matter - I like looking at the CLEAN areas. I know that it is so much better there, and there, and THERE.
The boys helped bit tonight, but most of what I was doing didn't involve their 'stuff' so I just them help me a little bit here and there. They were pretty good to help when asked.
Short work day tomorrow - they have already been warned that I will need their help tomorrow. No doubt about it.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
What a day!
I just turned around, and BOOM!, my day at work was over. I'm still reeling from it, I will admit. Sometimes is just doesn't seem worth it to take holidays, does it?
On the upside, we have offered the assistant's position to a young man. He is going to join Boss and I for lunch tomorrow and we are going to work out the logistics of his starting time frame. Poor guy is probably going to have to put together his own work station when he begins; no one else has time to do that right now - the magazine will be going to print in less than a month, and Boss is going to be very tied up with that.
The new section of the website/newsletter will be launched in two weeks, and that has me all wrapped up. Throw in the stuff I have off in the graphic's department either in starting or completing stages, and well, quite frankly it is amazing we have managed this long without another person!
Oh well, we might as well work him to realize that it is an 'all encompassing job!'
Last night I took the boys to the movies. We wanted to go and see Momma Mia, but it was all sold out by the time we arrived, so we went to see Hancock instead. It was okay. Not one I would rave about to all of my friends, but one that boys aged 13 and 15 would leave the theatre saying, "That was really good, wasn't it Mom?" It was just nice to have a night out with the boys.
On the way home, we came up with a plan of attack for starting to clean up the clutter in their bedrooms. Both boys have a ton of toys in their rooms, in their TV room, AND the crawlspace. Neither of them even PLAY with toys anymore, but the minute I suggest getting rid of things, the little pack rats in my kids comes out, and there is some sort of sentimental reason to keep each and every item I touch. (I can't really say too much about that - I am a true pack rat, too.)
Last night we all agreed to incorporate the "Top 10" rule. Each boy is allowed to keep their top 10 items from each section of toys. If they have 10 and find something else they really want to keep, they have to eliminate from the 'keep' pile. This will allow them to keep a total of about 40 items - which will be only a small dent in the number of items we have, I'm sure.
Today, both boys tackled the toys in their bedrooms. I have not yet gone through what they put in each pile, but that is okay. The main thing is to get the bins out to the garage, and then I can go through them when I am setting them out for the yard sale. (If I am participating in one this weekend, that is.)
My goal for this evening is to get the kitchen back into a state that doesn't cause me heart palpitations, and then I will pull the bins from the crawl space. Technically neither of the boys even have a clue what is in the crawlspace as it has been in there since the R-man moved in, but I did make the rule, so they are each allowed 10 items from each bin. Fair is fair.
If we don't have a yard sale, I may just take all of these items to the re-use-it centre on the weekend. No sense having it clutter up the already cluttered garage, right?
Okay - off to make dinner and then putting on my official "lets get this house clean so I can mange to not have a heart attack every time I walk in to a room" clothes.
Really - it's that bad. How can such an annal, perfectionist-type person have such a messy, cluttered house? I can't stand it!!
On the upside, we have offered the assistant's position to a young man. He is going to join Boss and I for lunch tomorrow and we are going to work out the logistics of his starting time frame. Poor guy is probably going to have to put together his own work station when he begins; no one else has time to do that right now - the magazine will be going to print in less than a month, and Boss is going to be very tied up with that.
The new section of the website/newsletter will be launched in two weeks, and that has me all wrapped up. Throw in the stuff I have off in the graphic's department either in starting or completing stages, and well, quite frankly it is amazing we have managed this long without another person!
Oh well, we might as well work him to realize that it is an 'all encompassing job!'
Last night I took the boys to the movies. We wanted to go and see Momma Mia, but it was all sold out by the time we arrived, so we went to see Hancock instead. It was okay. Not one I would rave about to all of my friends, but one that boys aged 13 and 15 would leave the theatre saying, "That was really good, wasn't it Mom?" It was just nice to have a night out with the boys.
On the way home, we came up with a plan of attack for starting to clean up the clutter in their bedrooms. Both boys have a ton of toys in their rooms, in their TV room, AND the crawlspace. Neither of them even PLAY with toys anymore, but the minute I suggest getting rid of things, the little pack rats in my kids comes out, and there is some sort of sentimental reason to keep each and every item I touch. (I can't really say too much about that - I am a true pack rat, too.)
Last night we all agreed to incorporate the "Top 10" rule. Each boy is allowed to keep their top 10 items from each section of toys. If they have 10 and find something else they really want to keep, they have to eliminate from the 'keep' pile. This will allow them to keep a total of about 40 items - which will be only a small dent in the number of items we have, I'm sure.
Today, both boys tackled the toys in their bedrooms. I have not yet gone through what they put in each pile, but that is okay. The main thing is to get the bins out to the garage, and then I can go through them when I am setting them out for the yard sale. (If I am participating in one this weekend, that is.)
My goal for this evening is to get the kitchen back into a state that doesn't cause me heart palpitations, and then I will pull the bins from the crawl space. Technically neither of the boys even have a clue what is in the crawlspace as it has been in there since the R-man moved in, but I did make the rule, so they are each allowed 10 items from each bin. Fair is fair.
If we don't have a yard sale, I may just take all of these items to the re-use-it centre on the weekend. No sense having it clutter up the already cluttered garage, right?
Okay - off to make dinner and then putting on my official "lets get this house clean so I can mange to not have a heart attack every time I walk in to a room" clothes.
Really - it's that bad. How can such an annal, perfectionist-type person have such a messy, cluttered house? I can't stand it!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
This and that...
I knew it was too good to be true.
The A-man did NOT clean his room yesterday, however he did manage to find the stray school uniform dress shirt. I think he dumped everything out of every single drawer in order to do so, but I'm pretty sure he knew that he had better find that shirt if he knew what was good for him. (I don't take well to missing articles of clothing - especially uniform articles.)
This morning, I left a note for both boys indicating what 'special' jobs I wanted done today, and the room cleaning was one of the A-man's. I don't imagine it will get done - it's just far too far gone for him to cope on his own. But, then again, maybe he will surprise me. Here's hoping.
S's room isn't too bad, but he does have quite a bit of clutter in there right now. Since we are storing some of Hubby's sister's items, and we have cleared out my old office for the R-man to have a place to sleep, it just feels like our entire house is one big clutter. I guess that will be changing in a couple of weeks.
Yes, sad as it is to say, the R-man will be leaving our abode in a matter of weeks now. I'm really happy for him finding a house, but it's also been nice getting to know the grown up, mature R-man. He lived with us about 8 years ago when he was still a student, and he was a great guy then, but now that he has been on his own for a few years, it's nice to get the chance to see what the adult has become.
Cuz, you did an awesome job with that guy - he is a fine young man, and it has been great getting to know him even more.
We will be sure to visit with him often since he will be living so close.
The week that the R-man is moving is also a week of holidays for Hubby and I, so we won't even be there to help him move! But, that said, when we get home from holidays, we will be able to move the boys from their temporary location into the their "new" domain.
This means we will be able to start to relieve the clutter and mess, too!
And, since that room has a door, I won't have to look at their TV room mess very much, either! It's just going to be a win/win situation all the way around! (Well, until I do go in their TV room and see the messes - that won't be pretty, I'm sure...) This room will also be serving as a spare bedroom for company, so the boys will be required to keep it tidy, but I'm sure there will be slip ups every now and then. I can live with that.
Just as we start "decluttering" the house (or rather *I* start decluttering) it's hard to believe that I will have to start thinking about "back to school" shopping. Sheesh - how does the time get away from us so quickly?
S's Grade 7 year was a big improvement over the previous years, but there were a few things that could have been avoided. I'm hoping this new principal really does have a lot of knowledge about Special Education and the unique needs of S. Otherwise we are going to be in for a not-so-nice year...
I found out on Friday night that I was supposed to pick up the A-man's report card at the beginning of July. He didn't share this information with me at the time, so now I have to wait until the school office is open before we are able to get the final marks back!
I have got to do something about improving his communication skills with respect to school details, but I'm not really sure how I can do that. In a few years, I will be totally in the dark when S is alone at the highschool - he gets notes at his current school and doesn't bring them home until weeks after the event is over... I wonder how many other parents of ADHD children feel in the dark with respect to what is happening in their children's school?
The A-man did NOT clean his room yesterday, however he did manage to find the stray school uniform dress shirt. I think he dumped everything out of every single drawer in order to do so, but I'm pretty sure he knew that he had better find that shirt if he knew what was good for him. (I don't take well to missing articles of clothing - especially uniform articles.)
This morning, I left a note for both boys indicating what 'special' jobs I wanted done today, and the room cleaning was one of the A-man's. I don't imagine it will get done - it's just far too far gone for him to cope on his own. But, then again, maybe he will surprise me. Here's hoping.
S's room isn't too bad, but he does have quite a bit of clutter in there right now. Since we are storing some of Hubby's sister's items, and we have cleared out my old office for the R-man to have a place to sleep, it just feels like our entire house is one big clutter. I guess that will be changing in a couple of weeks.
Yes, sad as it is to say, the R-man will be leaving our abode in a matter of weeks now. I'm really happy for him finding a house, but it's also been nice getting to know the grown up, mature R-man. He lived with us about 8 years ago when he was still a student, and he was a great guy then, but now that he has been on his own for a few years, it's nice to get the chance to see what the adult has become.
Cuz, you did an awesome job with that guy - he is a fine young man, and it has been great getting to know him even more.
We will be sure to visit with him often since he will be living so close.
The week that the R-man is moving is also a week of holidays for Hubby and I, so we won't even be there to help him move! But, that said, when we get home from holidays, we will be able to move the boys from their temporary location into the their "new" domain.
This means we will be able to start to relieve the clutter and mess, too!
And, since that room has a door, I won't have to look at their TV room mess very much, either! It's just going to be a win/win situation all the way around! (Well, until I do go in their TV room and see the messes - that won't be pretty, I'm sure...) This room will also be serving as a spare bedroom for company, so the boys will be required to keep it tidy, but I'm sure there will be slip ups every now and then. I can live with that.
Just as we start "decluttering" the house (or rather *I* start decluttering) it's hard to believe that I will have to start thinking about "back to school" shopping. Sheesh - how does the time get away from us so quickly?
S's Grade 7 year was a big improvement over the previous years, but there were a few things that could have been avoided. I'm hoping this new principal really does have a lot of knowledge about Special Education and the unique needs of S. Otherwise we are going to be in for a not-so-nice year...
I found out on Friday night that I was supposed to pick up the A-man's report card at the beginning of July. He didn't share this information with me at the time, so now I have to wait until the school office is open before we are able to get the final marks back!
I have got to do something about improving his communication skills with respect to school details, but I'm not really sure how I can do that. In a few years, I will be totally in the dark when S is alone at the highschool - he gets notes at his current school and doesn't bring them home until weeks after the event is over... I wonder how many other parents of ADHD children feel in the dark with respect to what is happening in their children's school?
Monday, July 14, 2008
Weekend update
What a weekend…
On Saturday morning, I joined one of my co-workers to play 9 holes of golf. I have never played with this lady before, and I must say I had a very good time! She and I are very well suited to play the game together. (Meaning neither of us are scratch golfers!)
After the round, we went over to her house for a drink – I got to meet her husband and sons, and then as I was getting ready to head out, her parents dropped in, too.
When I got home, the boys were full of stories about their adventures in the fishing derby that day. The A-man was very pleased to tell me that he had caught a pike. Hubby told me that it was only a small one – about 5 pounds – but they kept it for a while since the A-man was so excited about catching it. S didn’t have much luck out in the boat, but he didn’t seem to mind at all. Sounds like they had a great time just connecting with nature. There was a family of swans on the far side of the lake, and they were able to get close enough to see the babies without upsetting the mamma. They saw a little turtle, and a few other critters, too. Hubby was very dissapointed that he hadn't taken the camera with him.
That night Hubby and I went out to a friend’s place for a small gathering.
Sunday was a ‘claiming back the house day’ for me. The A-man cut the grass; Hubby did some computer work and cleaning on the hunting/fishing area of the house. S helped me with whatever I needed help with.
I had decided that I couldn’t stand the disorganized clutter of the cutlery drawers, so I went out and bought a number of things to help keep things where they should be. I cleaned out all of the cupboards, and went through things –deciding if they were to be kept, tossed, or sold in a yard sale. Got the main four drawers that were driving me insane done, and then moved onward down the hall.
Next stop – linen closet. Reorganized that, and to tell the truth, I can’t believe how much room I have in there now! Of course, once working with the linens, you sort of have to start moving in to the bathrooms next to make sure they are organized.
I don’t think I have cleaned out either of the boy’s main drawers in the bathroom for quite a number of years. Yesterday, I purged, purged, purged. Now, both the A-man and S have nice neat compartments in their drawers – spots dedicated to toothbrushes and toothpaste, a spot for hair care, a spot of personal hygiene items… it’s amazing. Next, I tackled the under-the-sink vanity.
I didn’t toss all of bath toys because I know that sometimes S still likes to use some of those items, but I did scale down what was in the tub of items, and was able to put the lid back on it. Now we have all of the band-aids, calomine lotion, soaps, etc., etc., all nicely and neatly in place.
I have asked both boys what colour towels and facecloths they want, and will be picking up a couple pairs of hand towels and facecloths this afternoon. For the future, I am going to make sure that the A-man’s side of the vanity has all green items, and S will have either red (his choice...) or blue (his second choice) towels and face cloths. This way they will both be responsible for making sure their towels, etc. get put in the laundry when needed, and I will know who did (or didn’t) hang up their wet towels. When company comes, I will use the ‘normal’ towels I have nicely arranged in the linen closet. :o)
Next stop – our bathroom’s vanity. Sad to admit this, but our vanity is much smaller than that of the children’s, yet I was still able to fill a small white garbage bag. Now, in my defense, I did toss all of my bottles of nail polish, any half used lotions or bath oil bottles, etc. I had a lot of these. I even cleaned off the shelf that sits on the wall! I think our cleaning lady will have a heart attack when she sees that shelf cleaned off.
I was very, very pleased with the results of my efforts yesterday. The only bad part – the rest of the house still needs this attention!
The A-man had a hot tub with Hubby and I last night, and while we were in there, he told me that he thought he was going to clean his room today because the mess was starting to drive him crazy. I was so shocked I almost drown! (Well, not quite, but I don’t think I ever expected to hear those words come out of my son’s mouth.) Will be interesting to see if he actually does do any cleaning up today.
We have a bit tub that we are keeping “yard sale items” in – want to see it grow tremendously in the next few weeks.
On Saturday morning, I joined one of my co-workers to play 9 holes of golf. I have never played with this lady before, and I must say I had a very good time! She and I are very well suited to play the game together. (Meaning neither of us are scratch golfers!)
After the round, we went over to her house for a drink – I got to meet her husband and sons, and then as I was getting ready to head out, her parents dropped in, too.
When I got home, the boys were full of stories about their adventures in the fishing derby that day. The A-man was very pleased to tell me that he had caught a pike. Hubby told me that it was only a small one – about 5 pounds – but they kept it for a while since the A-man was so excited about catching it. S didn’t have much luck out in the boat, but he didn’t seem to mind at all. Sounds like they had a great time just connecting with nature. There was a family of swans on the far side of the lake, and they were able to get close enough to see the babies without upsetting the mamma. They saw a little turtle, and a few other critters, too. Hubby was very dissapointed that he hadn't taken the camera with him.
That night Hubby and I went out to a friend’s place for a small gathering.
Sunday was a ‘claiming back the house day’ for me. The A-man cut the grass; Hubby did some computer work and cleaning on the hunting/fishing area of the house. S helped me with whatever I needed help with.
I had decided that I couldn’t stand the disorganized clutter of the cutlery drawers, so I went out and bought a number of things to help keep things where they should be. I cleaned out all of the cupboards, and went through things –deciding if they were to be kept, tossed, or sold in a yard sale. Got the main four drawers that were driving me insane done, and then moved onward down the hall.
Next stop – linen closet. Reorganized that, and to tell the truth, I can’t believe how much room I have in there now! Of course, once working with the linens, you sort of have to start moving in to the bathrooms next to make sure they are organized.
I don’t think I have cleaned out either of the boy’s main drawers in the bathroom for quite a number of years. Yesterday, I purged, purged, purged. Now, both the A-man and S have nice neat compartments in their drawers – spots dedicated to toothbrushes and toothpaste, a spot for hair care, a spot of personal hygiene items… it’s amazing. Next, I tackled the under-the-sink vanity.
I didn’t toss all of bath toys because I know that sometimes S still likes to use some of those items, but I did scale down what was in the tub of items, and was able to put the lid back on it. Now we have all of the band-aids, calomine lotion, soaps, etc., etc., all nicely and neatly in place.
I have asked both boys what colour towels and facecloths they want, and will be picking up a couple pairs of hand towels and facecloths this afternoon. For the future, I am going to make sure that the A-man’s side of the vanity has all green items, and S will have either red (his choice...) or blue (his second choice) towels and face cloths. This way they will both be responsible for making sure their towels, etc. get put in the laundry when needed, and I will know who did (or didn’t) hang up their wet towels. When company comes, I will use the ‘normal’ towels I have nicely arranged in the linen closet. :o)
Next stop – our bathroom’s vanity. Sad to admit this, but our vanity is much smaller than that of the children’s, yet I was still able to fill a small white garbage bag. Now, in my defense, I did toss all of my bottles of nail polish, any half used lotions or bath oil bottles, etc. I had a lot of these. I even cleaned off the shelf that sits on the wall! I think our cleaning lady will have a heart attack when she sees that shelf cleaned off.
I was very, very pleased with the results of my efforts yesterday. The only bad part – the rest of the house still needs this attention!
The A-man had a hot tub with Hubby and I last night, and while we were in there, he told me that he thought he was going to clean his room today because the mess was starting to drive him crazy. I was so shocked I almost drown! (Well, not quite, but I don’t think I ever expected to hear those words come out of my son’s mouth.) Will be interesting to see if he actually does do any cleaning up today.
We have a bit tub that we are keeping “yard sale items” in – want to see it grow tremendously in the next few weeks.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Doing chores
Yesterday I left 2 chores for each of the boys to do. S was required to water the flowerpots – two in the front, two in the back and the herbs on the deck. The A-man was required to dump the items that were in the wheel barrel in to one of the compost bins.
The second task was for both of them to use the wheel barrel to gather the maple tree clippings created when Hubby trimmed the front trees.
Not difficult jobs, right? Well, apparently S laminated “This is going to take an hour!!” and was giving the A-man a bit of grief about ‘having’ to do it. (I am thinking the watering of the flowers wasn’t the big deal.)
When I got home from work, the A-man was happy to inform me that once they got started, it took them a total of 20 minutes to go and gather up the trimmings from underneath all 8 maples that go along the front of the yard. S told me that it wasn’t really all that bad, once they got started.
When S told me that, I explained to him that I really appreciated their help and that by doing a couple of small jobs each day, a lot of things on my list would be eased. I think he understood that when I have less on my plate, I am able to actually go and do fun things with them.
Today’s chores – the A-man is to vacuum their TV room, making sure to move the dog’s kennel, and to move out the cat house and anything else that may be against walls and trapping dust bunnies. S has been asked to make sure the pool table and bench have been cleaned off, and all items that were on both are actually put away where they belong.
I only work until noon today, and after my haircut and dentist appointment, I am taking the boys to the beach with some friends. We have made plans with Jazzy’s family to go to the beach, and then the three of us (Hubby will be at work) are going to go over to their house for dinner afterwards.
Again, I need S to see that we are able to do some fun things once all of the jobs are done. I know the A-man understands that we aren’t being “slave drivers” by asking our children to help out around the house, but it’s going to take a bit of work – and patience – to have S ‘get it.’
We will get there…
The second task was for both of them to use the wheel barrel to gather the maple tree clippings created when Hubby trimmed the front trees.
Not difficult jobs, right? Well, apparently S laminated “This is going to take an hour!!” and was giving the A-man a bit of grief about ‘having’ to do it. (I am thinking the watering of the flowers wasn’t the big deal.)
When I got home from work, the A-man was happy to inform me that once they got started, it took them a total of 20 minutes to go and gather up the trimmings from underneath all 8 maples that go along the front of the yard. S told me that it wasn’t really all that bad, once they got started.
When S told me that, I explained to him that I really appreciated their help and that by doing a couple of small jobs each day, a lot of things on my list would be eased. I think he understood that when I have less on my plate, I am able to actually go and do fun things with them.
Today’s chores – the A-man is to vacuum their TV room, making sure to move the dog’s kennel, and to move out the cat house and anything else that may be against walls and trapping dust bunnies. S has been asked to make sure the pool table and bench have been cleaned off, and all items that were on both are actually put away where they belong.
I only work until noon today, and after my haircut and dentist appointment, I am taking the boys to the beach with some friends. We have made plans with Jazzy’s family to go to the beach, and then the three of us (Hubby will be at work) are going to go over to their house for dinner afterwards.
Again, I need S to see that we are able to do some fun things once all of the jobs are done. I know the A-man understands that we aren’t being “slave drivers” by asking our children to help out around the house, but it’s going to take a bit of work – and patience – to have S ‘get it.’
We will get there…
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Job Lists
On Friday morning, as we were preparing to head to the cottage for the weekend, I found myself very frustrated with the boys inability to see what needed to be done and doing it.
In fact, after a while of my trying to do certain things, and them just sitting around playing video games, I sort of lost it on them. Not LOST IT, just, well... got greatly annoyed and my voice indicated such.
"This isn't the first time we have gone to the cottage. This isn't the first time I have had to remind you to do this, this and this before we can leave," I fumed. I made sure Hubby packed the laptop in the front seat, and told the boys that I was going to compile a "TO DO" list for them to follow each and every time we are heading away for the weekend.
After I prepared the list - in a lovely excel spreadsheet complete with check box marks for each of them to ensure they have in fact completed the task - I told them that they would be responsible for making sure they complete the list during the day that we are leaving. This will give them an entire day to go through a do things that (I think) should be second nature by now.
While I was typing away on the laptop, and in the "Listing Making" mode (I am such an A-type personality, and I know it) I put together a day to day chores list for each of the boys. You know, tough, difficult chores like "take laundry downstairs" and "set the table for supper." I am such a mean mother, making my children work!!
S gets overwhelmed by a full week's list, so I made his chart in such a way that I can print up a daily sheet for him, and leave it on the table each morning. Again, none of the jobs are overly difficult or time consuming, but somethings - like gathering the items to recycle or for garbage day - are time sensitive.
Maybe I am just being too hard on them. Truly, though, I don't think so. When I was a teenager, out of all of my friends, my mom was the only one that worked full time. I was often required to ensure I got home right after school to either put the chicken/roast in the oven, or make sure the living rooms was vacuumed, or the bathrooms cleaned. It didn't hurt me - in fact, I think it set the path for me to actually know what needed to be done once I started living on my own.
I have tried to explain this to S - "I wouldn't be a good parent if I didn't teach you how to succeed on your own in the real world." But he doesn't buy it. He thinks I am just 'using him' to get work done. The A-man is much more receptive to helping with things around the house, but unfortunetely S is such a lazy sod, the A-man often feels like he has to do both shares of the work so that it is done, and I don't get upset.
The lists I prepared for them for this summer doesn't require any sharing of duties. I will know who didn't do what needed to be done, and will be able to deal with it at the time. And, again, none of them are tough - "water outside plants, take laundry downstairs, brush teeth" but they all seem to be things that are 'forgotten'.
S will be collecting more and more Mom bucks as the days go by. He will like that, for sure.
In fact, after a while of my trying to do certain things, and them just sitting around playing video games, I sort of lost it on them. Not LOST IT, just, well... got greatly annoyed and my voice indicated such.
"This isn't the first time we have gone to the cottage. This isn't the first time I have had to remind you to do this, this and this before we can leave," I fumed. I made sure Hubby packed the laptop in the front seat, and told the boys that I was going to compile a "TO DO" list for them to follow each and every time we are heading away for the weekend.
- Beds made...
- Garbage empty...
- All dishes in dishwasher...
- Dishwasher timer set...
- Cat food stocked...
- Litter cleaned...
- Clean laundry away...
- Clothes packed...
- Pills packed...
After I prepared the list - in a lovely excel spreadsheet complete with check box marks for each of them to ensure they have in fact completed the task - I told them that they would be responsible for making sure they complete the list during the day that we are leaving. This will give them an entire day to go through a do things that (I think) should be second nature by now.
While I was typing away on the laptop, and in the "Listing Making" mode (I am such an A-type personality, and I know it) I put together a day to day chores list for each of the boys. You know, tough, difficult chores like "take laundry downstairs" and "set the table for supper." I am such a mean mother, making my children work!!
S gets overwhelmed by a full week's list, so I made his chart in such a way that I can print up a daily sheet for him, and leave it on the table each morning. Again, none of the jobs are overly difficult or time consuming, but somethings - like gathering the items to recycle or for garbage day - are time sensitive.
Maybe I am just being too hard on them. Truly, though, I don't think so. When I was a teenager, out of all of my friends, my mom was the only one that worked full time. I was often required to ensure I got home right after school to either put the chicken/roast in the oven, or make sure the living rooms was vacuumed, or the bathrooms cleaned. It didn't hurt me - in fact, I think it set the path for me to actually know what needed to be done once I started living on my own.
I have tried to explain this to S - "I wouldn't be a good parent if I didn't teach you how to succeed on your own in the real world." But he doesn't buy it. He thinks I am just 'using him' to get work done. The A-man is much more receptive to helping with things around the house, but unfortunetely S is such a lazy sod, the A-man often feels like he has to do both shares of the work so that it is done, and I don't get upset.
The lists I prepared for them for this summer doesn't require any sharing of duties. I will know who didn't do what needed to be done, and will be able to deal with it at the time. And, again, none of them are tough - "water outside plants, take laundry downstairs, brush teeth" but they all seem to be things that are 'forgotten'.
S will be collecting more and more Mom bucks as the days go by. He will like that, for sure.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Tuesday morning
When I woke up this morning, I saw that the A-man wasn’t out of bed yet. This is not usual for him – he usually tries to be up and moving by 7am. When I went to get him out of bed, he complained of not feeling well – he had a sore stomach. I wasn’t too sure. I asked him to get out of bed and start moving – he might find that it felt better after having something to eat, I explained.
As he was sitting there having breakfast, he kept sitting all hunched over, holding his stomach. I asked him where, exactly, the pain was, and he indicated that it was on the lower right side of him abdomen. Hmmm.
After a bit more theatrics, I asked him to go and lie on his bed, and show me exactly where it was hurting. Again, his hand went down to the lower right side of him abdomen. I felt around on his mid-section and he would wince anytime I pressed down. I debated, and debated. Lower right abdominal pain is not something to be ignored.
I asked him if he thought he could wait 15 minutes for me to get his brother up and off, and then I would take him to the hospital.
“Hospital?!,” he said. I said, “Well, lower right abdominal pain isn’t something that can be ignored. We need to get it checked out. Or could it be that you are just exaggerating just a bit?”
Yeah, turns out he was just faking – he wanted to sleep in. Little brat. He may be good in drama class, but this Mom was a kid once too – a kid that tried just about anything! He very quickly got up and dressed and ready for school. He apologized to me about 5 times before he finally went outside to catch the bus.
Ya can’t kid a kidder, bud!
Last week, S suggested we start a “Mom Bucks” program. Generally, S is very lazy when it comes to doing his household chores. We have a weekly allowance system in place, but he rarely earns the full amount. He suggested that we start a program where he can earn his “Mom Bucks” every single time he does his chores.
He had some poker-type chips from a board game, and told me that every time he does a chore that he is asked to do, I then give him the proper ‘money’ for that job. He can then accumulate the “Mom Bucks” until he is ready to cash them in for real money. I thought, “Why not?”
We have been using the “Mom Bucks” program for just over a week now. He has just under $5 – which is his weekly allowance amount. A few times I asked him to do a certain thing for me and then I forgot to award the “Mom Bucks,” but he has never questioned me about how many ‘bucks’ he will get for things. On the weekend, when I had him sweep the front porch, and clean all the cobwebs from the walls, he was THRILLED to be given 50 cents. (Child labour, I know…)
The A-man opted not to go with the program – he likes to accumulate all of his weekly allowance on the calendar, and then cash it all in when he has larger sums of money – like $50 for a video game. That is his way of saving.
Apparently I am not allowed to take back “Mom Bucks” – once they are given, they are his to keep and cash in when needed. A form of punishment cannot be the loss of “Mom Bucks.” I could tell he had spent a fair amount of time coming up with this program. We will see how long it lasts.
As he was sitting there having breakfast, he kept sitting all hunched over, holding his stomach. I asked him where, exactly, the pain was, and he indicated that it was on the lower right side of him abdomen. Hmmm.
After a bit more theatrics, I asked him to go and lie on his bed, and show me exactly where it was hurting. Again, his hand went down to the lower right side of him abdomen. I felt around on his mid-section and he would wince anytime I pressed down. I debated, and debated. Lower right abdominal pain is not something to be ignored.
I asked him if he thought he could wait 15 minutes for me to get his brother up and off, and then I would take him to the hospital.
“Hospital?!,” he said. I said, “Well, lower right abdominal pain isn’t something that can be ignored. We need to get it checked out. Or could it be that you are just exaggerating just a bit?”
Yeah, turns out he was just faking – he wanted to sleep in. Little brat. He may be good in drama class, but this Mom was a kid once too – a kid that tried just about anything! He very quickly got up and dressed and ready for school. He apologized to me about 5 times before he finally went outside to catch the bus.
Ya can’t kid a kidder, bud!
Last week, S suggested we start a “Mom Bucks” program. Generally, S is very lazy when it comes to doing his household chores. We have a weekly allowance system in place, but he rarely earns the full amount. He suggested that we start a program where he can earn his “Mom Bucks” every single time he does his chores.
He had some poker-type chips from a board game, and told me that every time he does a chore that he is asked to do, I then give him the proper ‘money’ for that job. He can then accumulate the “Mom Bucks” until he is ready to cash them in for real money. I thought, “Why not?”
We have been using the “Mom Bucks” program for just over a week now. He has just under $5 – which is his weekly allowance amount. A few times I asked him to do a certain thing for me and then I forgot to award the “Mom Bucks,” but he has never questioned me about how many ‘bucks’ he will get for things. On the weekend, when I had him sweep the front porch, and clean all the cobwebs from the walls, he was THRILLED to be given 50 cents. (Child labour, I know…)
The A-man opted not to go with the program – he likes to accumulate all of his weekly allowance on the calendar, and then cash it all in when he has larger sums of money – like $50 for a video game. That is his way of saving.
Apparently I am not allowed to take back “Mom Bucks” – once they are given, they are his to keep and cash in when needed. A form of punishment cannot be the loss of “Mom Bucks.” I could tell he had spent a fair amount of time coming up with this program. We will see how long it lasts.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Garden Play
Last night, when I got home from work, I rushed through dinner preparations so that I would be able to get some time outside. It was beautiful yesterday.
Hubby informed me at dinner that the black flies were really bad, and he didn't think I would be able to be outside for more than 5 minutes. I told him I would take a chance.
While I was outside, my darling boys cleaned up the kitchen. They even started the dishwasher, and washed any of the dishes that couldn't be put in the machine! Neither of them had homework, so they had a pretty easy evening after that.
S had more computer training yesterday afternoon, so he didn't have homework. See, to me that just doesn't seem right. He should still have to do the work that he missed, shouldn't he? Apparently I am old-fashioned in my thinking.
Anyway...outside...in the dirt.... it was lovely. I guess the temperatures had dropped just enough to force the black flies back to where ever they hang out. I was able to get one full garden cleaned right out and weeded. I couldn't believe the size of the peony bush in the garden. I had moved it a few years ago, and although it always grew, it never bloomed. Last year I think it gave me two blooms. I think this year will be a stellar show.
My wee little dutch iris are just blooming their hearts out. I am always a little sad when they give such an awesome show so early in the year...I always feel like I didn't get a chance to really enjoy them. I have two areas that have the dutch iris - the one I can see from my bathroom, and I often find myself running the shower, while I'm still standing at the window looking at the garden!
Last year I put in some type of ivy thing - I had to clean up all around it, and then coax it on to the cone I want it to climb. It had started to spread out across the garden, so it took me a bit of time to gather all the ends and wrap them around the various section of the cone.
My perennial morning glory has spread like wild fire, so I am going to coax a bit of it around 2 of my taller cones as well as up the lattice. Had to pull out some of it that had started to move in amounst the bearded iris and sorrel.
I won't be able to play in my garden tonight - I have a board meeting. My intention, however, is to spend as much time as I can getting the various gardens cleaned up, and weeded. We are away for the upcoming long weekend, but I'm thinking that if I concentrate on at least one garden each night, I will be ready to lay down new wood chips for the pathways by next weekend. It's unreal how much the woodchip paths have 'shrunk' since I originally laid them. I've replenished them once, but they need a good replishment this time around. We will likely get the wood chipper for next weekend, and we will be able to get rid of some of the wood at the same time. (Resuse, recycle...)
Slowly, I will feel like I am getting a grip over the gardens again. The funny thing is - they just always need something done with them. Need lots of attention. Hmm...somewhat like children!
Hubby informed me at dinner that the black flies were really bad, and he didn't think I would be able to be outside for more than 5 minutes. I told him I would take a chance.
While I was outside, my darling boys cleaned up the kitchen. They even started the dishwasher, and washed any of the dishes that couldn't be put in the machine! Neither of them had homework, so they had a pretty easy evening after that.
S had more computer training yesterday afternoon, so he didn't have homework. See, to me that just doesn't seem right. He should still have to do the work that he missed, shouldn't he? Apparently I am old-fashioned in my thinking.
Anyway...outside...in the dirt.... it was lovely. I guess the temperatures had dropped just enough to force the black flies back to where ever they hang out. I was able to get one full garden cleaned right out and weeded. I couldn't believe the size of the peony bush in the garden. I had moved it a few years ago, and although it always grew, it never bloomed. Last year I think it gave me two blooms. I think this year will be a stellar show.
My wee little dutch iris are just blooming their hearts out. I am always a little sad when they give such an awesome show so early in the year...I always feel like I didn't get a chance to really enjoy them. I have two areas that have the dutch iris - the one I can see from my bathroom, and I often find myself running the shower, while I'm still standing at the window looking at the garden!
Last year I put in some type of ivy thing - I had to clean up all around it, and then coax it on to the cone I want it to climb. It had started to spread out across the garden, so it took me a bit of time to gather all the ends and wrap them around the various section of the cone.
My perennial morning glory has spread like wild fire, so I am going to coax a bit of it around 2 of my taller cones as well as up the lattice. Had to pull out some of it that had started to move in amounst the bearded iris and sorrel.
I won't be able to play in my garden tonight - I have a board meeting. My intention, however, is to spend as much time as I can getting the various gardens cleaned up, and weeded. We are away for the upcoming long weekend, but I'm thinking that if I concentrate on at least one garden each night, I will be ready to lay down new wood chips for the pathways by next weekend. It's unreal how much the woodchip paths have 'shrunk' since I originally laid them. I've replenished them once, but they need a good replishment this time around. We will likely get the wood chipper for next weekend, and we will be able to get rid of some of the wood at the same time. (Resuse, recycle...)
Slowly, I will feel like I am getting a grip over the gardens again. The funny thing is - they just always need something done with them. Need lots of attention. Hmm...somewhat like children!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Good night last night
Last night, I felt like I got a lot accomplished. When I went to bed, I was tired, but I was also pleased with how my evening had gone.
I actually got home about an hour later than usual. The R-man was back, and in the kitchen making himself a sandwich for dinner. I prepared dinner for myself and the boys. Clean up was fast, and smooth, and done before I knew it.
Taxes - all done and all filed!
Laundry - all caught up again. I am still totally in love with my new front loader. I can not believe how much MORE that machine gets in to it! It cuts the number of loads by half, at least. So, I'm not using as much water for each load, nor am I draining the well as often as before! Loving it...
Neither of the boys had homework last night, so they did their best to just stay quiet. See, if they start fighting, I 'remember' them, and then put them to work. If they are not making any noise, I go about my evening and forget they are there. (teenage logic...)
I am going to have coffee with a friend tonight, but I am also hoping to get some things done for an event I am organizing for the ADHD group. It's hard, sometimes, to get all of the things required in one day, and still take the time for yourself.
Going to my friends for coffee isn't something that I have to do - I often feel guilty when I do that - but it is quality time, with a very dear friend, and I need to do that (for myself) too. I will get over the guilt.
Hopefully the homework expectations are light again this evening...
I actually got home about an hour later than usual. The R-man was back, and in the kitchen making himself a sandwich for dinner. I prepared dinner for myself and the boys. Clean up was fast, and smooth, and done before I knew it.
Taxes - all done and all filed!
Laundry - all caught up again. I am still totally in love with my new front loader. I can not believe how much MORE that machine gets in to it! It cuts the number of loads by half, at least. So, I'm not using as much water for each load, nor am I draining the well as often as before! Loving it...
Neither of the boys had homework last night, so they did their best to just stay quiet. See, if they start fighting, I 'remember' them, and then put them to work. If they are not making any noise, I go about my evening and forget they are there. (teenage logic...)
I am going to have coffee with a friend tonight, but I am also hoping to get some things done for an event I am organizing for the ADHD group. It's hard, sometimes, to get all of the things required in one day, and still take the time for yourself.
Going to my friends for coffee isn't something that I have to do - I often feel guilty when I do that - but it is quality time, with a very dear friend, and I need to do that (for myself) too. I will get over the guilt.
Hopefully the homework expectations are light again this evening...
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Yesterday was the R-man's birthday. On my way home, I picked up some pasta and a cake, and we had a little bit of a birthday celebration for him. His face went very red when he came in the kitchen for supper and the boys started to sing to him. The A-man blew the surprise about the cake while we were eating, but that was okay. I think he was pleased that we made a fuss about his birthday.
I didn't get to stay around for the ceremonial cutting of the cake as I had a board meeting last night, but it looks like some healthy chunks were consumed.
Neither of the boys had homework again last night, and since I was out for the evening, I wouldn't have been able to help with it anyway! I did leave the kitchen in quite a mess and told them it needed to be CLEAN when I got back home, and it was! (Next lesson has to be on the proper way to load the dishwasher.... ;o) )
Sun is shining...birds are singing... all is right with the world!
I didn't get to stay around for the ceremonial cutting of the cake as I had a board meeting last night, but it looks like some healthy chunks were consumed.
Neither of the boys had homework again last night, and since I was out for the evening, I wouldn't have been able to help with it anyway! I did leave the kitchen in quite a mess and told them it needed to be CLEAN when I got back home, and it was! (Next lesson has to be on the proper way to load the dishwasher.... ;o) )
Sun is shining...birds are singing... all is right with the world!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Getting a cold
...and running out of blogging time this morning.
Made a really nice dessert - a mango mousse - yesterday that made me think of my Singapore Connection. Living in Singapore, and having tons of access to all the yummy fruits like mango, it just seemed to me to be something she would make. Will be curious to find out what she thinks...
I enjoyed it, as did hubby, but the boys - not so much. The A-man gave his dessert a few spoonful chances, but S decided it was a 'no go' right away. I saved the extra desserts, and let the R-man try it. He told me that it just seemed too sour, or something. His first comment was that it had tooo much lemon in it - there isn't any lemon in it! Maybe I didn't use enough of the yogurt cream to the mango ratio - not sure, since I have never made it before.
After the boys left the table, I realized that is probably the first time they have had mango! Funny considering how much I enjoy it, but I guess since it is such an expensive fruit, I tend to not share with those that just won't appreciate... ;o)
I was a "food prep" machine last night. Made a big pot of chili, then portioned them and put them in the freezer. Prepped up a few "omelet baggies" so that it will be faster in the mornings when Hubby or I want to make an omelet. Got the ole meat-slicer humming and then wrapped up a bunch of meats that can be used for lunches. PLUS I made the turkey patties we are going to have for dinner tonight!
S and the A-man were VERY good to clean up after dinner - even doing all of the pots and pans by hand - with no complaining what so ever! They wiped both kitchen and dining room tables off, AND all the counters - well, minus the stove-top. But that is still a pretty good job for them.
Hubby and I went and bought some new appliances yesterday. Geesh, what an exhausting job that can be! I never knew washing machines can be so technologically advanced. I simply want a machine that I can put dirty clothes in, and after a while, clean clothes come out! I wouldn't even have to be doing this if my current machine didn't seem to be having issues with the drainage. But, we have an older machine, and I have been saying for a while that I would really like to get one of those front-loaders that uses so little water, plus is energy efficient.
Just as we were getting ready to look at new washing machines, the dishwasher started it's 'big leak' again. We have tolerated this for quite a while - cuz it only happens 'sometimes' - but Hubby said, "Oh well, we are going anyway, might as well get a new dishwasher, too."
New washer AND dryer AND dishwasher will arrive on Wednesday. I'm still not quite sure who that man was in my husband's body...
Head is pounding and throat is burning. I hate it when I get sick.
Made a really nice dessert - a mango mousse - yesterday that made me think of my Singapore Connection. Living in Singapore, and having tons of access to all the yummy fruits like mango, it just seemed to me to be something she would make. Will be curious to find out what she thinks...
I enjoyed it, as did hubby, but the boys - not so much. The A-man gave his dessert a few spoonful chances, but S decided it was a 'no go' right away. I saved the extra desserts, and let the R-man try it. He told me that it just seemed too sour, or something. His first comment was that it had tooo much lemon in it - there isn't any lemon in it! Maybe I didn't use enough of the yogurt cream to the mango ratio - not sure, since I have never made it before.
After the boys left the table, I realized that is probably the first time they have had mango! Funny considering how much I enjoy it, but I guess since it is such an expensive fruit, I tend to not share with those that just won't appreciate... ;o)
I was a "food prep" machine last night. Made a big pot of chili, then portioned them and put them in the freezer. Prepped up a few "omelet baggies" so that it will be faster in the mornings when Hubby or I want to make an omelet. Got the ole meat-slicer humming and then wrapped up a bunch of meats that can be used for lunches. PLUS I made the turkey patties we are going to have for dinner tonight!
S and the A-man were VERY good to clean up after dinner - even doing all of the pots and pans by hand - with no complaining what so ever! They wiped both kitchen and dining room tables off, AND all the counters - well, minus the stove-top. But that is still a pretty good job for them.
Hubby and I went and bought some new appliances yesterday. Geesh, what an exhausting job that can be! I never knew washing machines can be so technologically advanced. I simply want a machine that I can put dirty clothes in, and after a while, clean clothes come out! I wouldn't even have to be doing this if my current machine didn't seem to be having issues with the drainage. But, we have an older machine, and I have been saying for a while that I would really like to get one of those front-loaders that uses so little water, plus is energy efficient.
Just as we were getting ready to look at new washing machines, the dishwasher started it's 'big leak' again. We have tolerated this for quite a while - cuz it only happens 'sometimes' - but Hubby said, "Oh well, we are going anyway, might as well get a new dishwasher, too."
New washer AND dryer AND dishwasher will arrive on Wednesday. I'm still not quite sure who that man was in my husband's body...
Head is pounding and throat is burning. I hate it when I get sick.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Back to school again
I completed one of the nastiest tasks last night - cleaning the refrigerator. How can it get so, so, ICKY so quickly?? I shudder every single time I think about it. Now, though, I just want to open the door and say to everyone, "Look at this - doesn't it look great?!"
Over the weekend I went out and bought - and even installed - black out curtains and normal curtains for The R-man's room. He told me that he's not shy, and pretty sure that with the amount of snow, and being at the back of the house, no one will look in his window. Still - he just got off his first "over-night" shift, and I wanted to know that he would have a way of darkening the room so that he could sleep today. I thought the window was more narrow than it is, but for today the one curtain and one black-out curtain should work well enough. I will stop and get two more panels on my way home tonight.
The A-man has a double English test today, since he didn't go to school on Thursday. He finished up a bunch of homework yesterday, both through the day and in to the evening. S didn't have any homework over the weekend.
Hubby and I had to go in to the near city to pick out new reading glasses for Hubby, and S came with us so that he could get his hair cut. He kept the lady laughing the entire time she was cutting his hair. He can be such a card.
~~~
I just left the computer for a while - got S all squared away for going back to school. As I was putting his lunch bag in to his backpack, I pulled out his agenda to see what has been happening and why he hasn't had much homework. Turns out he has had homework - he has just noticed how hectic our lives have been, and going the on the hope that I wouldn't check his agenda. Which I hadn't. I feel like I am a horrible parent.
I insist that the EA take more time to write in his agenda, and then I get so caught up in other things I don't look at the agenda. Horrible, horrible parent.
Guess I will have to make the checking of the agenda a priority every day. Geesh - just when I thought he was getting better.
Over the weekend I went out and bought - and even installed - black out curtains and normal curtains for The R-man's room. He told me that he's not shy, and pretty sure that with the amount of snow, and being at the back of the house, no one will look in his window. Still - he just got off his first "over-night" shift, and I wanted to know that he would have a way of darkening the room so that he could sleep today. I thought the window was more narrow than it is, but for today the one curtain and one black-out curtain should work well enough. I will stop and get two more panels on my way home tonight.
The A-man has a double English test today, since he didn't go to school on Thursday. He finished up a bunch of homework yesterday, both through the day and in to the evening. S didn't have any homework over the weekend.
Hubby and I had to go in to the near city to pick out new reading glasses for Hubby, and S came with us so that he could get his hair cut. He kept the lady laughing the entire time she was cutting his hair. He can be such a card.
~~~
I just left the computer for a while - got S all squared away for going back to school. As I was putting his lunch bag in to his backpack, I pulled out his agenda to see what has been happening and why he hasn't had much homework. Turns out he has had homework - he has just noticed how hectic our lives have been, and going the on the hope that I wouldn't check his agenda. Which I hadn't. I feel like I am a horrible parent.
I insist that the EA take more time to write in his agenda, and then I get so caught up in other things I don't look at the agenda. Horrible, horrible parent.
Guess I will have to make the checking of the agenda a priority every day. Geesh - just when I thought he was getting better.
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