So my weekend recap is happening a few days after the weekend ended, but at least I am doing one.
On Saturday, Z Man had soccer practice again and The Teacher had to take him as I was working. Thankfully it worked out. Z Man had an okay practice I guess. He had issues with pushing and what not, but I guess that almost all the kids did so he fit right in! I think that the Teacher being there intimidates Z Man because The Teacher has a hard time separating his football players from his son. He wants him to be the greatest when it reality Z Man has never played before and is only 4 years old. He did pretty good yesterday when I took him and The Teacher showed up later. He has fun which is all that matters.
On Sunday, we got free tickets to see the Windy City Thunderbolts which is a baseball team that is a part of The Frontier League, so no affiliations with big league teams, but these guys get paid to play baseball. My parent went with us and the kids. Z Man had a blast. Although I think he was more excited about the Sno Cone. At least he was excited about the sno Cone right up until it fell out of the cone and landed on the ground. He was quite devastated then. Z Man pretty much sat there and watched most of it. Princess M really wasn't into it, which I didn't really think she would be. She wanted to get up quite a bit and walk around, which was fine.
I hate that we have to really reserve fun times for Sundays, but that is how it will be for the next several months. This Saturday, my parents are taking us (the kids and me and maybe the Teacher if he gets out of his game early enough) to the Museum of Science and Industry. It was supposed to be a Z Man and grandparents day out, but we know that Princess M would love it too. So we are tagging along.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Z Man's First Soccer Practice
Yesterday was Z Man's first day of soccer. He had been talking about going for a while, so we decided to sign him up through the Park District. He was quite excited when he learned he would be going. We bought him Shin Guards, Soccer socks, a jersey from the Park District, and his very own soccer ball. His practice is from 6-7 and it was kinda nice because The Teacher got out of his football practice earlier than we had thought so he was able to go to the practice. I did discover that The Teacher has a difficult time just letting Z Man just go with the flow. It is a non compete league so everything is just fun. The first few weeks is just teaching the kids the fundamentals about soccer. The Teacher wanted him to be great. I had to keep reminding him that they are kids and just learning. Nobody is expecting them to be awesome.
At one point, his team The Earthquakes were all standing in a line and were going to kick the ball. Z Man looks over at The Teacher and myself and whispered (mouthed) Thank you to us. It was too cute. He had an absolute blast which is all that matters.
We had some problems with trying to convince Princess M that she could not be standing next to Z man and that she had to stay near us. She eventually was content with taking the camera and pretending to take shots of Z Man and us. She was on her knees trying to get the perfect shot. I wish that she didn't have the camera so that I could have taken a picture of her doing this. It was so cute and absolutely hilarious.
Bedtime proved to be quite a issue because both kids were overtired. My Mom said that they did end up falling asleep when she was driving them home, but apparently that was no where near enough sleep for the two of them. Eventually they both did fall asleep. And eventually they both ended up in our bed last night.
On a different note, I blogged last about how my parents had to put their dog Holly down because she had been run over and there wasn't much they could do to guarantee her quality of life. Yesterday was the first day I had gone over to my parents house since it happened on Sunday. It was definitely weird not to hear Holly barking at me when I walked up the driveway or see her find your feet to sit on. I miss her a lot. Z Man still says every so often that he misses Holly but says that she is in Heaven. The other 3 dogs seem pretty unphased by it, but I think my other parents dog is seeking more attention and wants to be around everyone more.
At one point, his team The Earthquakes were all standing in a line and were going to kick the ball. Z Man looks over at The Teacher and myself and whispered (mouthed) Thank you to us. It was too cute. He had an absolute blast which is all that matters.
We had some problems with trying to convince Princess M that she could not be standing next to Z man and that she had to stay near us. She eventually was content with taking the camera and pretending to take shots of Z Man and us. She was on her knees trying to get the perfect shot. I wish that she didn't have the camera so that I could have taken a picture of her doing this. It was so cute and absolutely hilarious.
Bedtime proved to be quite a issue because both kids were overtired. My Mom said that they did end up falling asleep when she was driving them home, but apparently that was no where near enough sleep for the two of them. Eventually they both did fall asleep. And eventually they both ended up in our bed last night.
On a different note, I blogged last about how my parents had to put their dog Holly down because she had been run over and there wasn't much they could do to guarantee her quality of life. Yesterday was the first day I had gone over to my parents house since it happened on Sunday. It was definitely weird not to hear Holly barking at me when I walked up the driveway or see her find your feet to sit on. I miss her a lot. Z Man still says every so often that he misses Holly but says that she is in Heaven. The other 3 dogs seem pretty unphased by it, but I think my other parents dog is seeking more attention and wants to be around everyone more.
Monday, August 16, 2010
RIP Holly
So yesterday was a sad day in our family. An accident happened and their one dog was run over. She was rushed to the Animal Hospital but it was determined that it would cost way too much money and make the poor dog endure way too much pain in an attempt to make her okay. It is devastating for my family. I feel horrible for my parents and brothers. It was my parents dog.
I was obviously upset and I had a hard time concealing this from my kids. Princess M kept asking me while I was crying and I knew that I was going to have to explain to the kids what happened. They spend a lot of time at my parents house since my mom watches them for me and even though they weren't going to there tomorrow, my mom was going to be watching them at my house. I struggled with the words to tell my 3 and 4 year old about this. The Teacher quickly volunteered not to explain (although in the end he helped). We have never dealt with this before. We have had a few family members pass away, but it was when the kids were really young and to people that they did not know. I dodged a few bullets there. This one though I knew I wasn't going to be able to dodge.
So we sat the kids down and tried to explain in the best way possible that Holly had an accident and that the animal doctor was unable to fix her up so she went up to doggy heaven. They are so sweet and innocent that they asked if she would be back at Grandma and Grandpa's tomorrow. We explained no, but it was a difficult conversation. Z man ran to his room and was crying so I was explaining to him again and just trying to comfort him. Princess M I think was more feeding off everyone else crying so she was crying as well.
I had a difficult time falling asleep last night because I was feeling horrible for my brother especially. The kids seem to be doing okay. I am more concerned about Tuesday when they go to my parents house and realize that Holly isn't there.
Death I understand is inevitable but it is the hardest thing to explain to children. I know that Holly is up in Doggie Heaven running around playing, but I do wish she was still here to pet and play with!
I was obviously upset and I had a hard time concealing this from my kids. Princess M kept asking me while I was crying and I knew that I was going to have to explain to the kids what happened. They spend a lot of time at my parents house since my mom watches them for me and even though they weren't going to there tomorrow, my mom was going to be watching them at my house. I struggled with the words to tell my 3 and 4 year old about this. The Teacher quickly volunteered not to explain (although in the end he helped). We have never dealt with this before. We have had a few family members pass away, but it was when the kids were really young and to people that they did not know. I dodged a few bullets there. This one though I knew I wasn't going to be able to dodge.
So we sat the kids down and tried to explain in the best way possible that Holly had an accident and that the animal doctor was unable to fix her up so she went up to doggy heaven. They are so sweet and innocent that they asked if she would be back at Grandma and Grandpa's tomorrow. We explained no, but it was a difficult conversation. Z man ran to his room and was crying so I was explaining to him again and just trying to comfort him. Princess M I think was more feeding off everyone else crying so she was crying as well.
I had a difficult time falling asleep last night because I was feeling horrible for my brother especially. The kids seem to be doing okay. I am more concerned about Tuesday when they go to my parents house and realize that Holly isn't there.
Death I understand is inevitable but it is the hardest thing to explain to children. I know that Holly is up in Doggie Heaven running around playing, but I do wish she was still here to pet and play with!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Our weekly Schedule
It is sad to say but summer is coming to an end. For us, the end of summer gives way to a hectic and chaotic fall. As if our fall wasn't already crazy enough, we decided to sign Z man up for soccer. He will be going 2 days a week Tuesdays and Saturdays. We know that he will love it. He is talking about it nonstop. He needs this structure for sure.
I am writing my schedule out so that I can feel I have a better handle on this. Our calendar on the fridge is filled up every day. There is always something going on. Not necessarily with me or the kids, but when The Teacher works/coaches, it means that we have a new routine/schedule.
So our Mondays: The Teacher leaves by 6:30 am, Z man starts school at 8:45 which means we have to leave our house by 8:20ish to ensure we make it there on time. Princess M will be starting dance class soon, so soon after dropping Z man off at school, we will rush over to the dance studio where Princess M will have an hour long dance class. After dance class, we will go and pick up Z man and rush so that I amy be able to drop the kids off at my friends house by 11:40ish and then rush to work. I work til 8 pm, The Teacher works until 7ish. I am really hoping my mom is able to talk to work and that she is able to get Mondays off so I can just drop the kids off at her house and not rush so much!a
Tuesdays: The Teacher leaves at 6:30am. We thankfully have nothing to do in the mornings! Realistically, it will be me doing laundry and changing sheets, etc. We will have to leave our house by 11 am so that I can drop the kids off at my friends house. My mom will pick the kids up and take them back to her house. I will then leave work at 4, run to my parents house, eat dinner, and get Z man ready for soccer. Soccer is from 6pm-7pm. After soccer, we will head home for baths and bedtime routine. Hopefully the same time we get home, The Teacher will be home as well and he can assist.
Wednesdays: The Teacher leaves at 6:30am. Z man has school, so off we go by 8:20am. After dropping Z man off at school, Princess M and I will probably either run errands or go back and hang at my parents house. Once school is over, we go to pick him up and then once again rush to get to my friends house to drop the kids off. I will work from 12-5pm and then go to my parents house for dinner. This day will be hopefully the day The Teacher gets out of work earlier (if they have a Thursday game)
Thursdays: Our day of absolute nothingness. I will cherish this day! The Teacher will have to work, but the kids and I will have absolutely no set plans. We will probably do stuff but at least we don't have to do anything. It may very well end up being my cleaning day. Who knows and who cares! I know I don't! If The Teacher has a game on Thursdays, we might go to the game and see him. He doesn't seem to have a lot of Thursday games though!
Fridays: I thankfully don't work, but Z man does have school again. The Teacher is nonexistant this day. He leaves at 6:30 in the morning and that is the last that the kids see of him. He typically does not get home until after 10 on this night (due to Varsitys schedule). It is a long day for me. The nights are lonely as I am home by myself, but I make due with movies and watching the Tivo'd shows I missed during the week. Plus one of my favorite shows has moved to Friday nights. We will have dinner at my parents or grandparents house so thankfully, I only cook dinner on Thursdays in my house! ha ha! Life is good. I dread Fridays though.
Saturdays: I work every other Saturday from 8-2. We have it I believe planned out so that someone will be able to take Z man to soccer practice on the days I am unable to, since he has practice from 10-11 am. The Teacher has either practice or games on these days. I am lucky to have great parents and in laws who will help out as needed.
Sundays: Our day of rest or family day. It's also grocery shopping day. At least we are all together and that is what matters.
I stress out right now over this schedule but I know that the first few days will be hard, but then it will get easier for us. We get by and that is all that matters!
I am writing my schedule out so that I can feel I have a better handle on this. Our calendar on the fridge is filled up every day. There is always something going on. Not necessarily with me or the kids, but when The Teacher works/coaches, it means that we have a new routine/schedule.
So our Mondays: The Teacher leaves by 6:30 am, Z man starts school at 8:45 which means we have to leave our house by 8:20ish to ensure we make it there on time. Princess M will be starting dance class soon, so soon after dropping Z man off at school, we will rush over to the dance studio where Princess M will have an hour long dance class. After dance class, we will go and pick up Z man and rush so that I amy be able to drop the kids off at my friends house by 11:40ish and then rush to work. I work til 8 pm, The Teacher works until 7ish. I am really hoping my mom is able to talk to work and that she is able to get Mondays off so I can just drop the kids off at her house and not rush so much!a
Tuesdays: The Teacher leaves at 6:30am. We thankfully have nothing to do in the mornings! Realistically, it will be me doing laundry and changing sheets, etc. We will have to leave our house by 11 am so that I can drop the kids off at my friends house. My mom will pick the kids up and take them back to her house. I will then leave work at 4, run to my parents house, eat dinner, and get Z man ready for soccer. Soccer is from 6pm-7pm. After soccer, we will head home for baths and bedtime routine. Hopefully the same time we get home, The Teacher will be home as well and he can assist.
Wednesdays: The Teacher leaves at 6:30am. Z man has school, so off we go by 8:20am. After dropping Z man off at school, Princess M and I will probably either run errands or go back and hang at my parents house. Once school is over, we go to pick him up and then once again rush to get to my friends house to drop the kids off. I will work from 12-5pm and then go to my parents house for dinner. This day will be hopefully the day The Teacher gets out of work earlier (if they have a Thursday game)
Thursdays: Our day of absolute nothingness. I will cherish this day! The Teacher will have to work, but the kids and I will have absolutely no set plans. We will probably do stuff but at least we don't have to do anything. It may very well end up being my cleaning day. Who knows and who cares! I know I don't! If The Teacher has a game on Thursdays, we might go to the game and see him. He doesn't seem to have a lot of Thursday games though!
Fridays: I thankfully don't work, but Z man does have school again. The Teacher is nonexistant this day. He leaves at 6:30 in the morning and that is the last that the kids see of him. He typically does not get home until after 10 on this night (due to Varsitys schedule). It is a long day for me. The nights are lonely as I am home by myself, but I make due with movies and watching the Tivo'd shows I missed during the week. Plus one of my favorite shows has moved to Friday nights. We will have dinner at my parents or grandparents house so thankfully, I only cook dinner on Thursdays in my house! ha ha! Life is good. I dread Fridays though.
Saturdays: I work every other Saturday from 8-2. We have it I believe planned out so that someone will be able to take Z man to soccer practice on the days I am unable to, since he has practice from 10-11 am. The Teacher has either practice or games on these days. I am lucky to have great parents and in laws who will help out as needed.
Sundays: Our day of rest or family day. It's also grocery shopping day. At least we are all together and that is what matters.
I stress out right now over this schedule but I know that the first few days will be hard, but then it will get easier for us. We get by and that is all that matters!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
A Long Hiatus
I made a vow to myself that I would try and blog regularly but life happens and time gets away from me and it just never happens.
We have been enjoying our summer though. I am however ready for the fall to be here because it means we will have our routine back again. I very much enjoy our routines. The Teacher starts back to school well yesterday. He is a football coach and they had their first official practice yesterday. Today and tomorrow will be a long day in the miserable heat. Better him than me. Ha ha. Then starting next week, starts a treacherous long 3 months for us. I know that The Teacher loves coaching, so I try really hard not to complain and just do what needs to be done, but the stress eventually gets to us. I am tired because I work granted 3 days a week, but I still am doing the normal mom stuff, like feeding the children, cleaning the house, laundry, driving Z man to school, picking him up, taking Princess M to dance class, Zman to soccer, etc. You get the idea. Its a lot of running around and crazy hectic schedules and I feel like I am a single mom. Of course this year will be harder since right after football season is over with, The Teacher goes right into coaching Basketball, but at least based on what I have seen, it isn't quite as hectic as football. At least this is what I am hoping for. Plus the kids and I can venture out to see more of his games. Football is hard because the kids are obsessed with running up and down the bleachers!
Princess M turned 3 on Monday. I cannot believe that my baby girl is 3. She is thankfully almost completely potty trained. She has a little bit of an attitude at times and has accidents because she doesn't feel like going, but I am hoping that this attitude is due to the transitioning we are going through right now. I am tired of doing so laundry because of these little accidents. We had a Princess birthday party for her on Saturday and she had a blast seeing her friends and all our family. She of course got spoiled and it makes me happy to see her happy. On her actual birthday we took the kids to the Lincoln Park Zoo and it was nice. It wasn't very crowded and we were able to see and do something different. We almost always go to the Brookfield Zoo since we are members there and it is nice, but this was a change of scenery for us.
Z-man is doing great. He cannot wait until he goes back to school in a couple of weeks. He is happy to be going 3 days a week. He needs to go back because he really needs the structure that school provides for him. We are signing him up for soccer this fall. The Teacher wants to sign him up for Hockey as well, but I don't necessarily think that is a great idea. It's beyond expensive. The Teacher looked into and said that it was $70 for lessons, which I could handle. However, then they tack on the whole $150-$250 range for equipment. He's 4 1/2 years old and I am not spending that much. So he will do soccer this fall, and tball in the spring. Maddy is doing dance class this fall and then we will add gymnastics to the mix in the spring. To say that we are going to be busy is an understatement.
As for me, I am doing good. My birthday was on July 29th and we celebrated by going to North Beach with the kids and my mom. The kids had an absolute blast playing in the chilly water. It was fun for all involved. I have been stressed the last couple of weeks because I was trying to arrange for some additional childcare. My moms work schedule has her working a couple of days til 1 or 2 pm, and since I start work at 12, I needed someone to fill in the gap. Thankfully I have a great friend who has 2 little girls the same age as my kids who is going to help me out and fill in the times when my mom is still at work until she is able to go and pick them up for me. I think it will be nice for the kids as well because they love playing with their friends. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. I am like I said earlier getting nervous about our crazy routine but we always manage to survive somehow. Thankfully I have a great support system in my friends and family who help me out. Plus when The Teacher is home, he is a big help and gives me a little break. I do have to say though I hate making dinner just for the kids and myself. I like eating dinner as a family.
I am sure that we did a lot more this summer ( I know we went away) but I just don't have the time to blog about it. Maybe I will in the future. Doubtful, but I can dream!
We have been enjoying our summer though. I am however ready for the fall to be here because it means we will have our routine back again. I very much enjoy our routines. The Teacher starts back to school well yesterday. He is a football coach and they had their first official practice yesterday. Today and tomorrow will be a long day in the miserable heat. Better him than me. Ha ha. Then starting next week, starts a treacherous long 3 months for us. I know that The Teacher loves coaching, so I try really hard not to complain and just do what needs to be done, but the stress eventually gets to us. I am tired because I work granted 3 days a week, but I still am doing the normal mom stuff, like feeding the children, cleaning the house, laundry, driving Z man to school, picking him up, taking Princess M to dance class, Zman to soccer, etc. You get the idea. Its a lot of running around and crazy hectic schedules and I feel like I am a single mom. Of course this year will be harder since right after football season is over with, The Teacher goes right into coaching Basketball, but at least based on what I have seen, it isn't quite as hectic as football. At least this is what I am hoping for. Plus the kids and I can venture out to see more of his games. Football is hard because the kids are obsessed with running up and down the bleachers!
Princess M turned 3 on Monday. I cannot believe that my baby girl is 3. She is thankfully almost completely potty trained. She has a little bit of an attitude at times and has accidents because she doesn't feel like going, but I am hoping that this attitude is due to the transitioning we are going through right now. I am tired of doing so laundry because of these little accidents. We had a Princess birthday party for her on Saturday and she had a blast seeing her friends and all our family. She of course got spoiled and it makes me happy to see her happy. On her actual birthday we took the kids to the Lincoln Park Zoo and it was nice. It wasn't very crowded and we were able to see and do something different. We almost always go to the Brookfield Zoo since we are members there and it is nice, but this was a change of scenery for us.
Z-man is doing great. He cannot wait until he goes back to school in a couple of weeks. He is happy to be going 3 days a week. He needs to go back because he really needs the structure that school provides for him. We are signing him up for soccer this fall. The Teacher wants to sign him up for Hockey as well, but I don't necessarily think that is a great idea. It's beyond expensive. The Teacher looked into and said that it was $70 for lessons, which I could handle. However, then they tack on the whole $150-$250 range for equipment. He's 4 1/2 years old and I am not spending that much. So he will do soccer this fall, and tball in the spring. Maddy is doing dance class this fall and then we will add gymnastics to the mix in the spring. To say that we are going to be busy is an understatement.
As for me, I am doing good. My birthday was on July 29th and we celebrated by going to North Beach with the kids and my mom. The kids had an absolute blast playing in the chilly water. It was fun for all involved. I have been stressed the last couple of weeks because I was trying to arrange for some additional childcare. My moms work schedule has her working a couple of days til 1 or 2 pm, and since I start work at 12, I needed someone to fill in the gap. Thankfully I have a great friend who has 2 little girls the same age as my kids who is going to help me out and fill in the times when my mom is still at work until she is able to go and pick them up for me. I think it will be nice for the kids as well because they love playing with their friends. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. I am like I said earlier getting nervous about our crazy routine but we always manage to survive somehow. Thankfully I have a great support system in my friends and family who help me out. Plus when The Teacher is home, he is a big help and gives me a little break. I do have to say though I hate making dinner just for the kids and myself. I like eating dinner as a family.
I am sure that we did a lot more this summer ( I know we went away) but I just don't have the time to blog about it. Maybe I will in the future. Doubtful, but I can dream!
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