Our Maine vacation

What a way to end my birthday week!! Todd and I took the kids to his mom's house up in Maine where Zack, Sarah and I went snowmobiling AND tubing for the very first time. It was a GREAT weekend! We even went out on a date!! Twin lobsters...not to mention the lobster shell that went flying across the room and the DirectTV tech eating there along with the very visible gun he had on his side! Go figure! I can't wait for another opportunity to go up there! I'm sure you can tell how great of a weekend it was from the pictures...

My bday

Finally some pictures...

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. There are some from Thanksgiving at my parent's house, others from my Chanukah party and finally some random ones of Terry and the kids having fun with Todd and Ashley.

So glad it's over...

The holidays, that is. It was a bit of an emotional roller coaster not being able to participate in Christmas stuff, being that Christmas was my favorite holiday! (Do me a favor and don't tell my mom that her very Jewish little girl's favorite holiday was XMAS! Too bad for her! :) I know what I missed most was the notion of tradition and family. What made it better was being able to spend time with Todd and his family since Keith had the kids. On XMAS day I went at 6:15am to Keith's house to watch the kids open their presents from Santa. They were too cute! Every gift Sarah opened was followed by a squeal and a "How'd Santa KNOW I wanted this???" Or a "Santa's the BEST!!" Zack's mission, on the other hand, was the tear through as much wrapping paper as he could in the shortest amount of time! I don't think he actually looked at anything until later in the day! Santa definitely spoiled them rotten, but that's ok! It all stays at daddy's house! :) That afternoon I went with Todd and Ashley to Todd's mother's house for a little while. It was a great time and even better food! Too bad I had to leave early...Hanukkah this year was a blur. It's apparent to me as the kids get older how much I enjoy traditions. Something to look forward to year after year...something predictable and exciting. There certainly wasn't much of that this year. Plus dealing with disappointed 5 year olds who didn't get THE BEST presents every night or get to open all of them in just one night. I know it's impatience but frustrating for mom. Last night, after postponing it due to a snowstorm, I had my Hanukkah party here. It was great having my parents, Todd and Ashley, Terry, Cousins Aaron and Kristin, Jessica, Nathan Jake and Aliyah! The only one missing was Opa. (who is fantastic, by the way...will be 99yrs old in March!) Both my parents are fighting colds and didn't want to expose him to any germs. Despite Sarah's 2hr tantrum for g-d only knows what, the party was great!! It's so nice to have everyone all together! I wish I could do it more often. I'm still on vacation for another week and dealing with work crap, but that will have to wait until another post. I'm thankful that the holiday hoop-la is over and hopefully things will now quiet down. Here's to a fantastic 2009, full of happiness, health and fun!!

Officially Going Crazy

But I am so much in love!! AHHhhhh...I had to say it and where better than here?!?! Few know how serious our relationship is primarily because I don't want to hear about how short of a time we've been dating, yada, yada, yada. I maybe in the clouds but I am also very much grounded and know exactly what I'm getting myself into. Every day that goes by I am blown away more and more by my feelings for Todd! I don't remember smiling so much, wanting to talk to someone, be with someone the way I do with him! We both say that even though we've only known each other since August, we feel like it's been years! There is very little that we DON'T talk about and the conversations flow so smoothly! There have been times were I've freaked out a little bit and I'm very honest with him...sometimes to the point where I wonder if I'm too honest. But he's always so understanding and makes me feel so good about myself! We definitely have an equitable relationship but both go out of our ways to make the other happy. When I call him he answers with a "Hi Beautiful!" Ugh...I honestly can't get enough of this guy. I went to counseling a few weeks ago and she said what stuck out to her was my talking not too long ago about feeling that my standards in a man were way too high. I would tell her that I was ok that my standards were so high. It meant to me that I would never settle, that I know what I deserved and what I want in a partner and if it never happened, so be it. Well, Todd not only meets all the standards I have but actually exceeds them in ways I never took into consideration! We have the same philosophies regarding family, both want more children, both relatively traditional and very active parents. He is very familiar with the Jewish religion and respects it for me and the kids and wants to be a part of that with us. He is great with my kids but not overboard...definitely lets them go at their own pace. They LOVE him!! I find myself sometimes wondering when the rug is going to be pulled out from under me because can things really be this good?? Did I feel this way when Keith and I started dating? But I was 18 years old and life was very different then. My priorities were different. Keith was different. And that brings me to my other fear...that he is great and normal now but what will happen in a year, in 5 years?! I can't predict the future, obviously, but I'm realizing more and more lately that he is worth the risk. Who knows what will happen as time goes on with this relationship but I do know that I can't imagine my life without him now. I also know that if things don't work out, I will be fine. I'm strong and I've proven to myself that I am just fine on my own. I can support my kids, my house, enjoy my job and have good friends. Todd just makes that all so much more. Ok, I said it before...I am completely and utterly in love with this man...and officially going crazy! Guess i just wanted you all to know it.

Installing a Husband

INSTALLING A HUSBAND


Dear Tech Support,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0. In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many
other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, and then
installed undesirable programs such as: NHL 5.0, NFL 3.0 and Golf Clubs 4.1. Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system.

Please note that I have tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.

What can I do?

Signed,
Desperate



Dear Desperate,

First, keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an operating system.

Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.html and try to download Tears 6.2 and do not forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update. If that application works as designed, Husband1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Please note that Beer 6. 1 is a
very bad program that will download the Passing Gas and Snoring Loudly Beta.

Whatever you do, DO NOT under any circumstances install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources.)

In addition, please do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0 - program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0.

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend Cooking 3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Good Luck
Tech Support

There's A First Time For Everything

1. Who was your FIRST prom date?
Jason Golub was my date for my senior prom, but the first prom I went to was with Jon Cohen.

2. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?
Hmmm...I can't remember, but it was something peach I had in England with Richard and all of his friends...maybe he'd remember.

3. What was your FIRST job?
Besides babysitting? Had to be Kelly's Kone Konnection.

4. What was your FIRST car?
Mom's Mazda 626...I was hot shit!!

5. Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
Ugh...Keith.

6. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
Either Zack or Todd...I knew Zack wasn't feeling well when he went to bed last night and Todd...well, he's Todd! ;)

7. Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Can you believe I don't remember? Maybe my mom will....

8. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
Had to be to Florida to visit my Omi and Opa.

9. Who was your FIRST best friend, and are you still friends with him / her?
Has to be Marci and we'll be friends forever!

10. Who was your FIRST kiss?
Josh Chizzick...behind the mess hall dumpster at Laurelwood.

11. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
Ugh again, Keith.

12. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
Yell at my kids?! Does that count?

13. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
I think it was a dirty dancing concert...or maybe it was New Kids On The Block. Not sure.

14. What was your FIRST tattoo or piercing?
Tattoos??? Are you kidding?? I got my ears pierced around age 8. Never anything else pierced...it'll never happen!

15. What was the FIRST foreign country you went to?
England at 10 years old

16. What was the FIRST movie you saw in the theater?
ET...maybe?!

17. When was your FIRST detention?
Freshman year in high school...right before I got suspended.

18. What was the FIRST state you lived in?
Connecticut

19. Who was the FIRST person to really break your heart?
Hmmm....I'd have to say Gisella. If this means love life, than Liam.

20. With whom was your FIRST date?
Jason Dumeer

21. What was your FIRST pet?
Pippen

22. Who was your FIRST roommate?
Dana Sigall

23. Who was your FIRST love?
Josh Chizzick...as innocent as it was in 6th grade!

24. What was your FIRST screen name?
twinmommy2003

25. When did you have your FIRST baby?
This should read babies...August 14, 2003

Parent/Teacher Conferences

This past week I had both kid's conferences with their teachers. Both kids are doing very well! Both say that Zack and Sarah are good friends, listen well, follow directions and are very attentive. She said they are right on target for all of their learning and are testing between mastery kindergarten and emerging first grade. She said their prereading and writing skills are great. I was so happy to hear it! Both teachers said they would have never known that they are the youngest in the class. That was something I was concerned about and I'm relieved to hear it isn't a problem...yet. Sarah's teacher sees none of the anxiety I see at home. I explained to her the different conversations Sarah and I have had at home pertaining to school so she was aware of it should it come up in school. She also said that Sarah is very patient in completing her work in school, even though she has zero patience at home at times! Zack's teacher says he is handling the other students well (the classroom trouble-makers) and will speak up for himself as needed. She says he is shy and does better socially in a smaller group. I've seen that at home as well. She also commented on how well he works independently, despite the chaos at times in her classroom...at least SHE admitted it! :) Just 2 very different classrooms! So, that's about it! Both are doing great! And thankfully, it seems the torture is saved for me alone at home. Oh great...

Hanging my head in shame

Yes, it's been 2 months since I have updated this blog. Bad me! Bad me! It has been a whirlwind 2 months to say the least. I will start and update on the kids...

Zack and Sarah are both doing tremendously well in kindergarten! They seem to really enjoy it, have made good friends and the teachers can not speak any better about each of them! (So far...haven't had the parent/teacher conferences yet!!) They are separating fine and it isn't even brought up anymore that they don't see each other much in school. The minor issues have been some bullying in Zack's class, which seems to be fine now, Sarah ever-present anxiety about missing the bus, fire drills, going to the nurse, forgetting her folder...poor baby! I have initiated nighttime talks with her every night to try to help with her anxiety. We talk about everything, especially things that are bothering her. She was beginning to get stomach aches from the worrying but that has definitely improved. I think we have a long road ahead but we just have to take it one day at a time!

The kids had a fantastic Halloween! They carved pumpkins with daddy and he came over to go trick or treating. It was the first time they were really excited and actually made it the entire block! Enjoy the pictures...





Since the last time I updated, I was told that Sarah needed glasses. She was very excited at first because she looked like her momma, but the novelty of it all has worn off. She wears them but would rather not. Sorry kid!! It looks like Zachary will need some mouth guards or something soon because his jaw is out of line. That should be interesting to have a 5 year old understand that he has to keep it in his mouth...I'm just picturing Anthony Michael Hall from whatever 80's movie that was!!

Zachary started hockey and is a natural on the ice. Unfortunately he has decided that he doesn't like it and would rather not skate on a team. Keith was able to be an assistant coach and I think his best intentions backfired. He would freak out when Keith would even look at another child and did not understand that he was there to help the entire team. He thrived with his father's undivided attention but it wasn't possible in that atmosphere. So now I think Keith will just spend time with him on the ice and teach him alone rather than pushing the team. But, he looks awfully cute in his equipment!!



Sarah is also doing ballet and tap every Saturday morning and LOVES it!!! She has made some good friends in her class and is counting down the days until her recital in May! Poor thing has no idea she has to still wait 7 months!


So, overall, both kids are thriving!

Now to my update...I've actually been dating someone for a while...ok, not too long but it's certainly a whirlwind romance! I can honestly say I haven't been happier in years. Obviously things are going well and I can only hope it continues to go well. Sorry...no pictures here!! Not yet! ;)

Doing Great!!

I just wanted to post a quick update since the drama from the fist day at school. All has been well for both kids. Both say they love school, come home telling me stories about various friends, what they are learning, and enjoying their teachers. Every once in a while Sarah comes to me asking why she and Zack have to be in separate classes but a brief and vague answer seems to be sufficient for now. They do see each other at the playground and say they play with each other. Yesterday they told me that they are introducing the friends they have in their classes to each other at the playground. The bus rides have been uneventful, thank goodness!! Now it's hugs, kisses and Bye Mom!! That's it! Phew...

They had their 5yr check up at the pediatrician yesterday. Both are perfectly healthy. Sarah is 42 1/2 inches tall and 38lbs. Zack is 42 inches tall and 43lbs. Both had significant growth spurts but are doing very well. Sarah did fail her eye test so on the 17th we'll be visiting a specialist to see if glasses are in her future. Wouldn't surprise me since BOTH Keith and I wear glasses and I was in Elementary school when I first had to wear them. I hope she doesn't, but if she does, no big deal. Otherwise all is good. It's nice to hear the pediatrician say "Keep up the good work! They are such well adjusted, happy children!" I left there feeling very proud to be their mom.

Kindergarten, here we come!!!

Well, all was good until the bus came. The kids have afternoon kindergarten so we played all morning, talking about school, getting ready for school and doing everything we could to make it as easy as possible. Keith was here and they were fine when we took them to the bus stop. They were playing around all excited. As soon as the bus pulled up both broke down into hysterics, clinging to our legs and screaming on the top of their lungs. The monitor basically took them (better yet, helped us peel them from our legs) and put them on the bus. As soon as they got on the bus they had to talk to the driver and have her change something on their name tag. (Don't get me started on the craziness that is the bus company....)I was watching through the window of the bus and saw that they weren't crying anymore. That made me feel a little better. (ok, a tiny bit better) I had told Keith ahead of time that I wanted him to leave once the kids left. I did not want to entertain him...he has a house 5 minutes away! So he left and I kept myself busy for the afternoon by draining my pool and mowing the lawn and grocery shopping. Keith and I went back to pick them up. The first bus came by which was their morning driver and she said that Zachary was left behind at the school. She recognized him so she brought him home. The whole time I'm thinking she is talking about my neighbor's son. Never did I think it was MY Zachary! Off he comes like it was no big deal! Finally Sarah's bus comes and Keith and I talk with the driver to find out what happened and to make sure it never happens again. I guess the school lines the kids up based on the bus number on their name tag (what they had fixed when they got ON the bus earlier!!). Either he was put in the wrong line or just not put in any line, but thank god the other driver noticed him. His afternoon driver said that she knows him now and would make sure he is with his sister on every drive home. Sarah didn't seem to care that he wasn't there. That shocked me since she has always been lost without him. One day separated and all of a sudden she is Ms. Independent? She said "I told her that Zack was missing." AND??? Whet the hell? I'm going to write his teacher a note to send in his backpack telling her what happened and to make sure it doesn't happen again. I don't know who's responsibility it is to NOT LOSE MY SON!!! Ugh. So, when they came home Sarah wouldn't stop talking about her day. She made a friend named Jordan who she talked about constantly. She told us what she did, what the teacher said, what the kids were like, what everyone wore, even what snacks they brought! Zack, on the other hand, said nothing. Everything was "I don't know." Or "I don't remember." At one point when Sarah was talking about doing something he said "I didn't get to play at all. Only learn." He was pouting. They did said that neither cried in school, which was good, and both said they liked their teachers. Sarah seems excited to go back tomorrow but Zack is already telling me he doesn't want to go. He told me at bedtime that he doesn't want to go and I can teach him so he gets smart. He won't need school to get smart. I tried to reassure him that he did the same thing in preschool but ended up loving it. I told him that mommy would never put him in danger or make him do something he didn't want to do, but school was something he had to do. He seemed ok after talking about it, but we'll see what tomorrow will bring. I know it's a tough transition and the first time he and Sarah are separated but I hope it isn't something more. We'll see! Here are the pictures I took of them before they got picked up. I HAD to take a picture of the actual bus because I had wanted to take a picture of them boarding the school bus, but it wasn't possible. Oh well. Enjoy!

Hanging my head in shame...

Wow! Ya think after a month it's about time for an update?!?! Gosh, everyone! I'm sorry!

Let me go backwards because it's easier for me...Zack and Sarah are now 5 years old!! I can't believe 5 years ago I held tiny (and I mean teenie tiny) newborns in my arms and began the wonderful journey of parenthood. (Bear with me for a minute while I gush...) I would not have changed a single minute of the last 5 years. Of course I would have changed how many times I yelled rather than stayed calm, how many times I jumped to conclusions, how many times I said no before really thinking it though, how many times I struggled with my discipline, let them do things they really shouldn't have, rushed when I should have reveled in the moment or spent too much time dealing with me and missing opportunities to make new memories with my angels. But, really?! Who hasn't?? So, it's not news to me that I'm less than worthy for the mom of the year award, but when it's all said and done, I think my kids are pretty damn great!

Zachary is just as laid back as he was at a week old which is good and bad. Sometimes I wonder if anything bothers him..."Zack, go in time out! Ok mom!" With a smile on his face! Other times I see him watching and studying things, learning how to do everything to the best of his ability. This includes sports. The little man is already hitting well to overhand (faster) pitches and will run and adjust himself to catch all the pop-ups he can. He amazes me with his athletic ability. We just signed him up for hockey and he will begin that in September. If he takes after his father, he will be better on skates than on his own two feet! He loves to build...anything! Legos, blocks, rocks, playing cards...anything he gets his hands on he will build something with. His imagination amazes me!

Sarah is very much the girlie-girl. If it's not pretty, lacy, sparkly, shiny, ruffled or jeweled than it's not good enough for her! She has definitely found her sense of style and takes pride in dressing herself up to the nines! She has also perfected her "mommy" ability with all her "babies." These include her new pride and joy Nathan, Jacob, Sally, Big Baby, Lucy, Steve...I'm sure I'm missing a dozen or so. And she knows exactly who is who and what goes with what! Her patience is non existent lately and she is beginning to grow into her personality, her very loving, caring and stubborn personality. She is also the most inquisitive child I have ever met. She is constantly asking me questions...and very thoughtful questions! It's always why, why, why, how come, how come, etc. I know it's a sign of learning and growth, but it tries a mom's patience. Now we make a joke out of it, but the last thing I want to do is quash the curiosity she has. I think it's wonderful! I want her to keep asking...keep dreaming and keep pushing for bigger and better. Speaking of which, we signed her up for dance (tap and ballet) and she will begin this Saturday. If any of you remember, we've tried this already. The separation anxiety was too much and after battling with her for months, we allowed her to quit. Granted she was 3 years old...but now I am lightly holding my breath. She's been saying all summer that she wants to dance and be a ballerina. We went to the studio, she took the tour, met her instructor and is all ready to go...keep me in your thoughts this Saturday morning when I bring her for her first class.

Their birthday was the 14Th. Keith and I took them to Water Wizz...a water park about 45 minutes away. I definitely have one dare devil and one chicken! Bet you can't guess who is who?! :) All in all, the kids had a great day. We finished the day at my favorite restaurant...Japanese Hibachi style. What a treat for mommy as well. It's become my birthday spot with them. The three of us even went for MY birthday! Their party was yesterday and was a huge success! We even had a bounce house (again) but this time it wasn't picked up until tonight. Needless to say that's where we were at 7am all in our pj's! My poor neighbors...that's all I have to say.

Zack and Sarah begin kindergarten officially next Wednesday the 27Th. I am ok with the whole kindergarten thing, but not ok with the school bus. The thought of handing my children over to a stranger to drive them around without seat belts, car seats, nothing, scares the crap out of me. To say here you are...drive carefully...you are carrying precious cargo! We go this Thursday for their orientation. We will hopefully meet their teachers, see their classrooms, practice using the bus and hopefully meet some new friends. Thank goodness they got afternoon kindergarten. Now I can stay with them all morning each day, drop them off at the bus and then head to work when they go to school. Every day except Friday, but that's ok. Also they will have a new babysitter for after school. They will be going to my neighbor Michelle's house who will pick them up at the bus stop and keep them until Keith gets them at 6pm. Only a few hours 3 days a week. Not bad! She has 3 kids who Zack and Sarah play great with and I get to have peace of mind and save some money. It couldn't have worked out better!

Otherwise we all are well. Been spending way too much time with Keith lately because of their bday stuff and preparing for school. It ok for the most part, but than other days I notice how screwed up our boundaries are sometimes. I'm between a rock and a hard place because I want him to be a part of bday planning and school shopping (because I know I would want to be a part of that) but there are other days when I can't stand him! I notice more and more the reminders why I'm divorced from him...there is no doubt I'm better off! My house continues to come along slowly. It was helpful having the bday party here. Definitely lit a fire under my ass! I put up curtains, 2 pictures and finally put away more boxes. Ok, so some were just put in closets for the sake of the party, but hey?! They are away! :) It's getting there...definitely need to update with some pictures! In the meantime, enjoy these of my big girl and big boy!

Still believe in miracles...

Thank you everyone for your prayers sent to Breanna, my friend's daughter who just had surgery to remove a tumor. Well, prayers were answered and the pathology report came back that the cancer is dead. It was very large and unfortunately the incision is from her spine around to her nipple, but it was necessary to remove it completely. Now other than yearly blood tests, Breanna will recover and go back to being a feisty just-about 5 year old little girl...just the way it should be.

(Oh, and she came home today and is being well cared for by her 3 older siblings!! They sure are glad to spoil her right now! I'm sure it won't last! :) )

LOVE IT!!!

Power of prayer

I am a firm believer in the power of prayer so I am reaching out to all of you asking for your prayers and positive thoughts. I have a special friend from a message board I'm a member of who's daughter needs your prayers. Last night she was brought to the ER after swallowing a penny. The penny got stuck in her esophagus and while they were x-raying her chest to plan for surgery, they found a very large tumor in her lung. This tumor takes up the top half of one of her lungs and is pressing on her heart. The testing has begun to see if this is cancerous but all prayers are needed for this poor little girl. She will be 5 next month. Thank g-d for that penny!! Thank you...

Words are not even needed...

Buying a car tomorrow...

After months of looking, researching, test driving...(hey! If I'm going to pay for this, I better make sure I cover all my bases!!) I've decided to buy a 2007 Subaru Outback. I'm going tomorrow morning to show the kids the car and fill out all of the financing paperwork. Ouch...it's been nice NOT to have had a car payment for the last several years. Not any more!! My old car is literally falling apart little by little and has 140K miles on it!! Not reliable anymore and the gas milege sucks!! So, hopefully even though I will now have a car payment, the money I've been paying for gas will dramatically decrease. One can only hope, right? So, as I said...going to sign more of my life away tomorrow and hopefully I can pick the car up on Saturday. I will post pictures.....

My poor backyard!

Just another day...

What would have been my 8 year anniversary just passed on the 28th. Marci knew the day was coming and, assuming it would be difficult and emotional for me, sent me this heartfelt and wonderful email. Honestly I was a bit concerned about how I would handle it but once the actual day came, it was no different than any other day. That surprised me! Last year I spent the day with my parents, grandfather and kids in Florida. It was a tough day. It honestly is amazing to me the difference a year makes. It's so hard to go through the "firsts" in everything, but it's becoming more and more apparent how much easier the "seconds" are...and so on. As always it's the anticipation that's the worst. Hard to imagine I've been separated for 17 months and it's now been over a year since we went to court. When people ask me how long I've been divorced, I really don't know what to say! We went to court for the divorce in May of 2007 but there was a waiting period. Therefore it wasn't legal and final until September of 2007. So, have I been divorced since May? Or since Sept? Any ideas? Not that it really matters. When I see how far I've come it seems like it must have happened years ago, but other times it feels like it was just a few months ago. People I know are beginning to wonder why I'm not dating yet. I've been on a few dates over the last year but I still have very little interest. If it happens, fine. I'm still not ready to go out searching for anything. Not sure why but I know I'm not. So there! :)

Here's the rest of the update...

1. Allergies are kicking us all in the you-know-what! Poor Zack was coughing so hard tonight that he made himself throw up! Hopefully medicine will help.

2. We had the kid's parent/teacher conference this past week to discuss Kindergarten readiness and their progress over the last year. Both are right on track academically and are doing very, very well. She did mention that sometimes Zack's attention span is off but he is easily redirected. She said he is also really silly at times. (No, really?!) She attributes it to him being a boy (again...no, really?!) and young! A lot of the kids in their class are 10 or 11 months OLDER than my kids are. She doesn't see it as a problem because he is redirected so easily and because it isn't affecting his academics at all.

3. (MOST IMPORTANT!!!) The work on the new septic system began yesterday and as of 8:30 tonight, I am all hooked up to the new system!!! What was the first thing I did, you asked?? Flushed the toilet and then threw in a load of laundry! Ohh the simple things that make us happy!!! It's like it's my birthday!!! Then I look outside and see the disaster that is my backyard at the moment. Tomorrow morning I will go out and take some pictures. It's all dug up and destroyed. There are huge trucks and machinery parked right where my fence is supposed to be and tubes are sticking up all over the place from the sprinkler system. The kids have been loving the 10ft mounds of dirt in the yard and think their backyard is now a huge sandbox!! Thankfully the workers have been really good with the kids and have been talking to them about what they are doing and the machines they are using. Zack is in his glory! Sarah has finally stopped crying about it all and will actually go out and play and watch them. She doesn't mind now that she knows she won't fall in the holes and disappear forever (her words, not mine...poor kid!!). All that's left is to bury everything, fix all the landscaping, collapse and fill in both cesspools...ok, guess there's a lot left to do. But, who the hell cares?! I can do laundry now!! An I think I may just run the dishwasher tomorrow just for the hell of it!! ;)

4. Still trying to find someone to install the ceiling in my basement. The walls are painted and home depot installed the carpet this week. The room is GREAT!!! I wasn't sure who was more excited about it...the kids or the dogs?! Once the ceiling is in (and Nathan can install the new lighting) it will finally be done. But, at least the kids can go down there now, run around and play! I'm so glad I had it done. The painting is done on the inside of the house but I'm not happy with my room. He did a great job but the color isn't bright enough for me. Not sure what I'll do but I'm not concerned about it now. The pics don't show the decorations the kids put up in their rooms or their curtains. I'll post more another time.

Here are some pictures of the inside:

HE'S DRIVING ME TO DRINK!!!

I absolutely CAN NOT BE ALONE IN THIS SENTIMENT!! At least not amongst parents of preschoolers! G-d help me if I am! Zack is driving me absolutely crazy!!!! One minute is is lovey-dovey and sweet...next minute the devil must have taken over his body! He is whining and screaming over everything! He's fresh unless it's his way and he gets what he wants, when he wants it. He WILL not help out or do a damn thing for himself anymore, he's become mean...tonight he literally pushed his friend out of the way who was just standing there because wanted to walk by! He and Sarah love to play rough and I never stop it unless someone gets hurt or isn't listening to the other. I would hear Sarah constantly tell him to "stop!", "it's hurting me!", "please don't do that"...you name it and he completely ignores her! He will even chase her around the house to terrorize her with something that scares her JUST BECAUSE! I tell him not to do something and not even 10 seconds later (and sometimes even looking right at me) will do it again! I'm a broken record!! No punishment, yelling, rewarding...NOTHING seems to even faze him! He thinks everything is a joke and even laughs in my face! I'm at my whits end!! G-D HELP ME!!! I need a martini...anyone wanna join me??

(Disclaimer...I love both my children more than anything in this word...no matter how much they drive me crazy! However, some days (or ok, weeks!!) are harder than others! Usually when I get to this point is when he "snaps out of it" and my sweet little well-mannered boy is back! I'm waiting for that day...impatiently waiting but waiting none-the-less. I know he's in there!! I just have to coax him out! Come out, come out wherever you are!!!)