Father's Day Fling

Check out the Father's Day giveaway at Life Starring Ellie and Eve.

I have found a lot if interesting things on this site. It is a lot of fun.

Talk about an awesome Dad...My husband Jonny is coming around. I have posted about our marriage slipping away (click here) and I gave a little energy into praying and using some advice from MckMamma and I have to say it really worked. Hard? Yes Very. But I am trying everyday to love my husband even if he seems to not love me and be nice to him even when is not nice to me, and in general put him first. Well we have been doing great (from my point of view). I haven't been able to keep my hands off him. Then he did something I have been wanting for a long time. He built us a new picnic table. It is awesome!!! I am so happy with it and truly proud of my sexy, manly, talented, hardworking husband.

This is a picture before it was completely finished and taken with my cell phone. I will have to upload a better picture now that it is done and use my camera for a better quality picture. While he was building it I would help where I could. And I have to tell you that the smell of Jonny and the wood (strange, I know) just made me want him so much more. I really had a hard time helping him when all I wanted was to ..... Ahem I have to keep this PG-13. My in-laws may read this. Anyway, he smelled really good. So I must say the last couple of days we have been...lets say connecting. Well I must get ready for bed, I have a very early day tomorrow and I want to connect with my hubby now.

Mommy Confession

So there is my mommy confession. What’s yours

http://www.lifestarringellieandeve.com

Visit Victoria at life starring Ellie and Eve to join in.

I love this idea. Of course it came the day I did the most terrible mommy thing. I FORGOT MY SON AT SCHOOL!! I know this is just awful. My husband usually picks Ryan up but once in a while he will ask me to do it. Usually not a problem and it really wasn't a problem today. I even had my friend Shar over and I said to Jonny that she could watch the little ones if they were napping. Well time got away from me and the next thing I know, Lynn (Becca's mom who also teaches at Ryan's school) called my cell phone saying she had Ryan and was bringing him home with her. Oh course I was like "What time is it? Oh My God! I forgot Ryan". She just laughed and said the school had been calling the house, but we were outside and did not hear the phone. I can't believe I did that. Boy I feel like the worst Mommy!

Marriage

I don't know if I should be writing a post like this. But I really need to get this out and in the open. Sometimes it is hard to use the appropriate words when talking to someone with emotions running high so I was thinking if I write what I am feeling I might get it right. My husband has been on a funk lately and it feels like our marriage is slipping though our fingers. We have been here before with one or both of us in a "funk" but when it happens I feel like it is me and the boys living our lives and Jonny is just living "next to" us. We are just coexisting rather than sharing our life. Truly, I hate this feeling. I miss "us". I miss being with him, because right now I don't like being with him. When we are in the same room, it is so stressful I just want to leave. The friction or tension between us is huge and makes things very uncomfortable. Before you ask, I have tried to get him to talk, but he tells me "If I knew what was bothering me I would tell you, I just don't know". Well I believe that to an extent. I have had that feeling but it was my depression, and if he is feeling this way he should get help. If he is feeling like he wants out of the marriage and our life then I would like to know. Maybe we can get counselling and get back on track. I have been asking for us to get some marriage counselling for a while just so we don't get to the point of no return. The more I think about our marriage the more I am starting to understand what MckMamma has to say about her marriage which you can read here. One thing she says is maybe marriage is not meant to make you happy but to make you holy (she is a real God loving woman). And if you act like Jesus does and love the unlovable, respect when one acts disrespectful, and speak nicely even when they are not speaking nicely we become more holy. God loves us when we are unlovable, and we all feel good when we are loved even when we are unlovable. This brings a peace in you which will find its way into your marriage. If I stop wanting and waiting for Jonny to start making me happy, and I focus on making him happy, maybe just maybe it will come full circle and I will then be happy. Kind of confusing...yeah I know, just read MckMammas post. She can explain it better. But for now I am going to focus on my husband and choosing to love him and only him. What Jonny does I can't control, but I can be happy in believing in our marriage and knowing that God believes in it to.

"Not Me!" Monday

There we are on Memorial Day, blogging about what we did not do this week. I am sure I have a ton of things to not admit to. Lets see if I can remember. If you want to join in the fun head on over to MckMamma's blog. Or you can just read everyone else's "Not Me's"!

This week was way to busy for us. It was not me that over booked myself and the kids. I strive to keep the children's lives from being a rush around kind of life. They need time to just be, and I would always think of that before volunteering to do everything.

If I had overbooked the family, I would never try to go to a planning meeting with the kids in tow, and expect Zachy to behave like a little angel. And then I wouldn't get mad that he kept running all over the church, because I thought he would sit and play nicely. Not me, I would have been responsible enough to find a sitter or not offer to go to the meeting. And if I did to this, Zachy would have been a wonderfully behaved little boy, because my kids are perfect.

In one of the many things I offered to do this week, I didn't almost cut my pinkie finger off with my very sharp chefs knife. I know how to handle knives and I would not be rushing to cut a watermelon up so that we could get to the next thing I had offered to attend. Not me! I would never be so careless with a knife.

I didn't drag my feet getting ready yesterday just so I wouldn't have to sit at my in-laws when it was raining outside. I wouldn't behave that way, its not that bad having the kids stuck in side at their house. If that was me, I have every reason to want to wait until it cleared up so we could be outside while there.

What did you not do this week?

Busy week

This as been one very busy week. We have been running none stop since Monday. The boys had a hard time settling down for bed last night. Ryan had Tee Ball, which doesn't get over until after 7pm. My boys are usually in bed at 7pm. This week bed time has been pushed back to 8ish if we were lucky. With Tee ball twice this week, Robbies birthday, and Village Snack bar on Monday with Aunt GG they did not get to bed on time once this week.
Me...I had meeting after meeting this week. Plus, the preschool picnic and the last day of preschool which the kids sang songs for the parents. I can't imagine if I had a full time job, I wouldn't be available for all this. I am extremely grateful that I can be part of my children's schools, church groups, and volunteer when needed. Volunteering is something I love to do. It is very rewarding. I really don't know how to explain how much I enjoy offering my time and services without getting "paid" to do it. Ok...maybe that doesn't sound right. Never mind, let me just say that if I had a "job" instead of volunteering, it wouldn't be as much fun.

The weather here in the Green Mountains has been HOT. It was 83 today and yesterday. The kids have been playing in the little pool I picked up the other day. Luckily I did because I am sure they have sold out the last couple of days. Zachy loved splashing around in the water until he fell over and his face went under water. Then he was done. Griffin tried wearing his goggles, which don't fit on his face, but he still loved trying to use them.





Blessings,

Yummy

I just wanted to share a great recipe that is super easy to make. It doubles as a side dish or a dip for tortillas (this is how I eat it, the hint of lime ones).

Corn and Avocado Salad/Dip

2-3 Avocados diced
1 medium red onion diced
2 11oz canned corn
1 red pepper diced
1 15oz can of black beans
1 small can of chick peas
juice for 2 or 3 limes
about 2 tablespoons of olive oil
a bunch of cilantro chopped

Dice everything and toss in a large bowl. Drain corn and add to veggies. Drain and rinse beans and add to veggies. Whisk lime juice and olive oil and chopped cilantro together then pour it over the veggies and mix. Chill for about 30 minutes.
Then EAT!!!

My measurements are purely guesses. I am not sure how much olive oil I use. I really just drizzle it into the lime juice until it looks right. I have to make a special bowl without beans for my sister-in-law Nancy, because she doesn't like beans...can you imagine that. Really the beans are wonderful in it. You can serve this as just a side dish or will chips as a dip. Either way it is so good.

Child Labor Laws...

Not here in Vermont. Just kidding. Ryan has been bugging us for a long time to let him mow the lawn. Tonight when Jonny got home he let Ryan mow a little strip out back. He did great! So, Jonny let him mow most of the side lawn. Ryan is just too funny, how much he wants to be like his Daddy...Our lawn care business IS called Melen and Sons.

A little this and that

My super cute baby!

Our day started out great. Griffy, Zachy, Becca, and I went to the park. We met our friends and their children there. It was so nice to be out on such a beautiful day and spending time with wonderful friends. I have started getting to know the mom of Griffy's preschool friend O. I really like her, we have a lot in common. O is the cutest little guy and he is extremely funny. Both Ryan and Griffin love him. Not only does he go to school with Griffy they also attend our church. His mom, Shar, is on a lot of the same boards/committees that I am on. I find her very easy to talk to and very easy to be around. You know how some people just make you uncomfortable by their presence alone. Shar is so not like that. Right away we hit it off, and because of Church (and school) we have really hit it off. I really feel blessed to have new people in my life.

**********

Why do four year olds think they can demand help? But not really even say they need help and then get mad because you didn't help them? Which you didn't even know they needed help, because they never really asked?

My four year old, Griffin, is really pushing my buttons. Has you may have read here, I am not a big fan of the four year mark. Griffin today just proved how much I don't like it. After we had a great day, we went to pick up dinner (I know I should have made something) and pick up our dog from my sisters house. We all have our shoes on, I pick up Zachy and put his shoes on as Griffin lays on the floor in front of me. He kind of whines, but I can't make out any real words, so I say to him "get your shoes on we are leaving". Again, some whines and thrashing on the floor but no real words. I have no idea what is up so I calmly say "do you need something?" And then I notice he can't get one shoe on because the heel part of the shoe is bent way down into the shoe. Again, no words just whining and thrashing on the floor. So, trying to stay calm, but realize I am nearing the point where I can't stay calm I say to him "I would love to help you but I need to hear you ask for help nicely with some manners". To which he says "Mooooommmmm!!!" So I tell him "Pick up your shoe and get in the car because I am leaving, with or without you". He is not happy that I wouldn't just put his shoe on for him, but I stand firm and tell him to ask me politely and I would help. But of course he couldn't or wouldn't so he storms down to the car with his shoe in his hand, crying that I am mean. Whatever! Boy I can't wait until he grows out of the fearsome fours. In the car his brother Ryan helps him put his shoe on. So lesson not learned...he did not need to ask anyone politely for help, because Ryan just did it for him. Oh well...

**********

I swear I have pneumonia (my husband thinks I am crazy). I have been coughing for a few days and my chest is killing me. Even when I breath my chest hurts. The coughing won't let up and I am so tired. You would think I would go to bed rather than blog. But oh no, I am not smart enough for that. I should probably call the Dr tomorrow. We will see. I probably have the swine flu (just kidding).

Not Me Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

As for me:

I certainly did not have a minor temper tantrum in church yesterday because the boys would not "behave" the way I wanted them to, so we got up and left before it was over. I would never act that way especially in church.

It was not me that pouted some of last week, because my laptop was broken and I strongly dislike the desktop. I would never act like such a spoiled brat.

It was not me that cried just thinking about all the sick babies in the world. Babies I don't even know, but my heart was just breaking for these little ones in the hospital or in their mothers belly just waiting to be born ill or not make it to be born alive. I think it must have been the PMS. I am somewhat sensitive to these usually, but nothing happened to bring it on, just hit me like a ton of bricks.

And then I found out my new little nephew has neutrapenia. That did not bring me to my computer until 11:30 at night researching it. I do not have a problem that makes me over research everything until I fully understand it.

Lastly it was not me that was very close to not writing this post because I am so tired and all the kids are asleep, so I really should be napping myself (we were up again all night) or doing laundry. But I just couldn't resist .

Now what did you not do this week?

Griffy "it wasn't me"

Long Busy week

We have had a long very busy week. On Sunday night I received a call from Griffins preschool teacher Mrs. H. The parent helper for this week cancelled and they needed a sub for Monday morning. Of course I said I could help all week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), forgetting we had the teacher appreciation lunch and I was already volunteering at Ryan's school Tuesday morning and I had the Women's Group meeting on Friday. But that is alright, I can do it all (except the Women's Group). Then to make everything even harder, Zachy got an awful diaper rash Sunday night. With his super sensitive skin that means back to homemade wipes (which I just stopped making last month) and wash clothes instead of the very convenient store bought wipes. I would use cloth diapers on him which would help keep his rashes down, but Jonny won't have any of that.
So, Monday morning Griffin and I had to stop at the Grocery store on our way to school to pick up snack and then we went off to our morning at Preschool. Of course I had a blast, I just love working with the kids. Then Tuesday morning we got up and brought Griffin to his friends Austin's house, pick up Courtney (my niece who watches the kids for me) and I went off to Ryan's school to help with Kindergarten screening. That doesn't seem to bad, other than I am not home as much as the kids are used to. Which makes for a very clingy Zachy.
That brings up to Wednesday which was the busiest day. Again, I was the parent helper for Preschool. Followed by the teachers lunch, which I had made a veggie casserole the night before and just had to be heated. I was in charged of the kids on the playground while the parents and teachers had a nice lunch in the church parlor. Courtney, Rev Tracy, and another mother helped with the playground duty and we all rotated eating lunch with the adults. We did not finish that until after 1:30. We made it home in one piece and washed up then everyone (kids) were put down for a nap. Griffin does not take naps anymore, but this was him on Wednesday:



Griffin was sitting with me and the next thing I know he is snoring in my ear. I guess a morning of school and 2 hours on the playground tired him out. But that was not the end of the day for me. I had a preschool board meeting that night at 7:00pm. Thankfully my hubby decided it would be ok to have take out that night so at least I didn't have to cook. Not that I could, our oven is broke. But that is another post.
Thursday we did not do much. It was our only day that was not straight out. We took a ride with out friend Stacey and her daughter Brianna to a yarn shoppe in Poultney (which is about 25 minutes away). Then just the day as usual. Jonny came home and offered to take us out to dinner. Which we haven't been out to a restaurant in a while. But the boys were very good. Then I was suppose to go to knitting, but I just couldn't keep my eyes open. I decided to go to bed at 8:30.
Today is finally Friday. Everyone had a hard time sleeping last night. Ryan was up crying because I think he is coming down with a cold. And Zachy was up every three hours. I am not sure why, I think he was just missing me. So, very reluctantly I got out of bed showered, ran to pick up Courtney, went to the grocery store to get snack for the preschool class and back to the house to get Griffin. Off we went to preschool. Of course I had a great time as the parent helper, this is a really great group of kids. After school Griffin and I went out on the playground with his friend Owen from some special play time. Not I am sitting here with my eyes barely open enough to type. I think I will take a little snooze.
Maybe the weekend will be nice and quiet!

"Not Me! Monday"

We all have missed MckMamma's Not Me! Mondays post, so when I saw that she was working on one I had to start mine. Join in our fun at My Charming Kids, and share your own Not Me's!


1. It was Not Me that missed these posts for the long time poor baby Stellan was in the hospital.

2. It was Not Me that has had the worse PMS in years, so that nobody could stand being with me. And if it was me, I would not be so PMS that I can't stand to be around anyone anyways.

3. It was Not Me that screamed like a little girl when our broiler element in the oven blew up. I don't react in any other way than calm clear headedness (if that is even a word).

4. It is Not Me that has become a huge Bruin hockey fan. I normally don't like watching sports. But those Bruin are something else. A few of them are just too cute.

5. That was so NOT ME that just called the hockey players cute.

6. It was Not Me that missed 2 weeks of church because the kids were sick. My kids never get sick and would never miss church because of it. But if it was me that missed it, I was so happy to be able to go today.

7. It was Not Me that missed Church last week because the sick kids kept me up all night. Sleep is just not that important to me.

8. It was Not Me that stalked McMamma's blog and tweeter to stay current on Stellan's situation. Ok that was me, but it was also most of you. We are such wolverines!

We did miss you McMamma! So glad you and Stellan are back home!

Gardening

This is the first year we decided to have a vegetable garden. I spent some time digging up the grass and starting the plants from seeds in the house. The boys have loved digging in the soil, and Jonny used his new rototiller attachment on the weed whacker. Now we are just waiting for the weather to warm up so we can plant them in the ground.
Here is a picture of my little garden masters:

I love the Bruins shirts, shorts and work boots. Not to mention Ryan has his leprechaun socks on. This kid cracks me up.

We have been having a good time. Things have worked themselves out regarding my PMS, Griffin's attitude and Zachy not sleeping. We still have issues but they seem to be more manageable. Today we had some unpleasant excitement...I was in the kitchen making sweet potato fries in the oven. The last couple of minutes I put them under the broiler. While I was getting some paper towels, having my back towards the oven (the oven door was open because of the broiler) I hear this awful sound. As I turn around I see blue sparks, fire, and smoke coming out of the oven. Of course I scream like a little girl, slam the door shut and turn the power off in one swift motion. At the same time Jonny comes running holding Zachy who started screaming because of me screaming and Jonny's reaction. Ryan and Griffin start crying because of my screaming and the smoke alarm goes off. Luckily Cassie (our dog) was outside. She would have started whining or howling and we really didn't need more noise and commotion. Anyway...after checking (hoping) to see if it was safe to open the oven we find out the broiling element blew up. How scary was that?!! My heart was beating out of my chest for a while after and the sweet potato fires had to be throw out. But we were all safe. To top that off...after the boys are in bed and sound asleep one of our smoke detectors battery was low so it kept beeping. We couldn't find the one that needed the new battery (because we have 7). The one that needed the new battery was one we forgot we even had. What a day. I am ready for some sleep now.