HAPPY EARTH DAY

So, here we are on Earth Day and besides the normal recycling, I can't say that I've made any great effort to be more environmentally friendly today. I got paper sacks at the grocery... but then again, that takes trees. Well, if it helps, I'm recycling them into robot costumes for my children.

The day didn't go exactly as planned, but I can't say it was a total loss. I went to the grocery store with Ian and Carley after dropping Billy off at school. Then I came home and cleaned. Then I picked Billy up and we all just played games all day. We pulled out Don't Spill the Beans, Elefun, Let's Go Fishin' and Trouble. It was fun.

I was supposed to go out tonight with a few friends (our birthdays are all within the same week... but I couldn't get a sitter. It was a frustrating and then big let down of an evening. I'd been looking forward to this night out for awhile.

But the kids are in bed and I must say, it's quiet for a change, so I guess I'm feeling okay. Tomorrow is my 28th birthday. I'm meeting my husband in Des Moines and his parents are watching the kids at our place. I've never left all three kids for more than a few hours, so this ought to be interesting. Carl's in training for work in Des Moines, so I'll be flying solo in the daytime. I plan on visiting the capital and the Blank Park Zoo. I'd love to catch up on my reading and enjoy the pool too. At least I have something to look forward to. I guess my twin nephews are competing tomorrow in Des Moines for a construction thing.

I've spent a good portion of the day making notes and maps for my in-laws. Trying to get them up to date on the kids' schedules and such. I've already packed and was considering just reading on the couch in my jammies and then I remembering Niki saying I haven't updated my blog in awhile.... So here it is, complete with a few pictures since the nice weather started. My camera battery has been dead for several days, I charged it yesterday and only took 4 pictures, here's 2. Enjoy and I'll try to do better and write more consistently.

As for your wondering about the house (everyone). We have not sold it yet. There is another open house scheduled for May 4th. I'm trying to get the gardens (flower and vegetable) ready for that one. Wish us luck and pray for us.

Haircuts for the boys

Well, I'm giving myself a pat on the back tonight after giving the boys- what I believe- to be spectacular haircuts.... I even showed Billy how to spike, smooth and wave his. I did not cut Carley's hair. Mainly because I have 0 experience cutting girls' hair. It will come. I did give her some super-cute pig tails, but she would not leave them in long enough for a picture. :(

I didn't get much done on the house today... I picked up the yard and did dishes and laundry. I'm hoping to get the the basement and garage cleaned up this week because we have an open house planned for Sunday 12:30-2 p.m. We'll be in Waterloo this weekend looking at houses ourselves.

Not much else has been happening. Yesterday my realtor gave a preview of the place to 16 realtors in the area. I was still cleaning when she showed up- nearly done. She said that there were lots of positive comments. Here's hoping.

Well, I'm hearing footsteps upstairs so perhaps my rambunctious boys aren't in bed yet... gotta run.

Tuesday- March 18th

Well, today I gave Target my two weeks' notice. I just can't keep up with a changing schedule and planning for sitters all the time. Some weeks I work two days, others five; some days four hours, others 7. It's been crazy. I do like the atmosphere though.
So, I turned in the paperwork yesterday to get our house sold. There should be a sign in the yard tomorrow. This weekend Carl and I went house hunting. We may have found something. Do you think the Hartsons living on Hartman is too wierd? Anyway, we haven't made an offer yet and it would be contingent on us selling our house. We love the elementary it is zoned for, but not the high school.
Once the move happens I will work on getting a new part time job that is more regular. The kids are doing okay. Carley's had a fever since last night... but her spirits are high. Ian just got over an asthma problem... I think he's finally under control. Billy was spinning last night and ran right into the woodwork in the living room. I'm looking forward to not working while I have to take care of the little ones and keep the house perfect for showings. More soon, I'm sure.

A new week ahead

Well, just over a week ago I made my last entry and I've gotten so much done since then. Carl and a friend painted the entryway (staircase) and I painted the guestroom- the one with all the beadboard. I cleaned the carpets and cleaned and cleaned and cleaned everything else. It looks like just one more week of boxing up and cleaning up and we'll be on the market. The realtor was very impressed and gave us a hopeful number while she was here. We're working on the bank to okay all the terms for a green light to sell. Maybe we'll be in Waterloo with Daddy before the summer hits. Billy gets his cast off tomorrow and the dog gets a bath in the morning. That pup stinks!
Today at church was crazy. I think the warm weather brought wiggly kids to Primary. All 6 in my class were wild today. It dampened my spirits a little but I still enjoyed being with them. They are so smart and funny.
Carl was here this weekend, but with the threat of another winter storm he was on the road Sunday night (tonight) again- just like last week. We've been seeing so little of him. Our weather this weekend was beautiful. No snow, ice melting everywhere and clear. The kids had lunch on the screened porch this afternoon and were in their heaven. Poor Carley has seldom been outside to play her whole 14 months. She was really enjoying eating at the picnic table with the boys. And the dog thinks going in and out is a nice change too. Looks like it won't last long though. More yucky weather coming.
As for the rest of the week, I'm working Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. And I need to find some time to get ready for Ian's birthday party. He'll be 3 you know. Hope you'll all be letting me know how you're weeks are going too. I'll be checking your blogs. Most of you are better at keeping them updated than I am and I appreciate the encouragement.

The last two days have been exhausting. I have been working hard on getting the house ready to be sold. I've washed curtains, dusted, vacuumed, boxed things up... and tonight I got the entry ready to be painted. It's been fun. Especially with the little ones still feeling yucky. Ian's doing much better and I think Billy's worst days are over... but Carley's had it rough today.
I can't wait for Carl to come home tomorrow night. I could use a break.

What a day!

Well, I called Billy's doctor and he was on vacation... then I called the doctor who was covering for him and he was in surgery- and would be all day... so I was told to take Billy to the ER. Well, a friend (who is very pregnant and has two boys of her own) graciously offered to watch the little ones when I couldn't find anyone and we spent 3 hours at the hospital. It was such a relief not to have to take Ian and Carley. After reading magazines, drawing on the bed paper, playing the rhyming game, making a chicken out of a blown-up glove and blowing drinking straw papers all over the small room, the doctor splinted Billy's arm. It took forever. Once we got home and had lunch, the kids all took a nice long nap.
Tonight I managed to box up some of the kitchen- just 7 boxes... I have a lot more to go. Looks like I need more boxes. I've already had to refill the tape dispenser. I'll try to start earlier tomorrow. There's so much to be done. Hopefully on Saturday the entryway will get painted. I'm working on getting some volunteers.
You should have seen the kids smile when Dad called in a bedtime story tonight. They needed that. It's only been 2 days and we're all really missing Daddy. Well, more tomorrow.

Uh-oh... Billy's cast has slipped around

Well, last night at about 3 a.m. Billy started crying and compaining about his fingers being gone. I gathered him up on my lap and lo and behold his cast had turned 180 degrees on his arm. His fingers slipped inside and the thumb has no hole to emerge from now. So, we're headed in to the doctor this morning.