Hit me with your best shot ...

My life has now become a cliche of my favorite songs we start with with Pat Benetar belting it out and we end with Freddie Murcury of Queen singing my defeat with another one bites the dust.

Yesterday is just another example of Murphy's Law in the dictionary has a picture of me. As Jill would say if I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck at all! I must say that the new book I'm reading or should I say listening to since reading a book doesn't happen in my current world so I know listen to them on CD. What would I do with out the library, at least for brief moments I can drift off to a dream world before I so rudely get yanked back into the REAL WORLD.

Monday is the day that I pick up one of our employees at the airport, the usual time is 8:30am which is perfect time for me to get there and back to the office before I have to pick Cole up. Well that is usually the plan before the airlines decide to send me a HUGE curve ball. The curve ball is the flight was delayed and would be in at 10:50, ok that gives me 55 minutes to pick him up, drop him off and then leave to pick Cole up. NO worries I can do this, where the heck do I get this positive attitude? Nothing ever works just perfect there is always some kink and yet this day will not be any exception! After driving in a circle 5 count them 5 times, I call the office who gives the guy a call. The call went right to voicemail which lead me to believe he's still on the flight. So I find the cell phone lot which was so easy to find not, I won't tell you about the car I accidentally cut off and honked and gave me a lovely wave. Well I'm so not getting to Cole in time and Rick had the day off so I thought ok he can pick him up for me. Again what am I thinking, it's HIS day off which means its a day for him. Dummy me thinking he wouldn't mind running over there to pick Cole up and taking him to daycare. I really need to knock off this positive thinking thing its just a huge let down each time! After a few nice words that I could muster up we disconnect and I continue my waiting. Finally after being at the airport 1 hour I get the call to go pick him up. I go to the spot I usually pick him up, again after 3 times around the airport I'm getting frustrated and my head is starting to hurt. Finally I get a hold of him to find he's on a different level. There goes that morning!

The rest of the day didn't get any better! You know how you can ask someone should I do this different, they say no don't worry about it it's not a big deal don't spend the time. Then you get the item back with mark ups with the comments you were told to ignore. Yup that is the way the rest of my day went. I was so happy to get in my car and go pick the boys up. Roy went to Extended Care after school and the host people said he can go from now on! Good I'll pick up my boys and then pick him up since he's down the same street. Then I can go to the bank and post office and then go lay down to get rid of this headache. Well I got to the extended care where it is now pouring down. I run down to get him to find he is not there! The other host family took him home with them! You got to be kidding me now I have to drive all the way back to were my office is. I called to let them know what happened and was received with an icy tone, just what I need. My head is now fully throbbing and I just need to go, but instead I have to go up to the door and play nice. Not an easy task when you want to take your eyeball out and relieve the pressure! I make it to the bank right at 6pm, I'm about to pull forward when the gal shuts the blinds! Guess that means I'm not going to the bank! So I'm barely seeing out of one eye and try to get out of there, in doing this I hit the curb which of course scraps off some paint and leave a lovely yellow shade on my car! By this time I'm almost in tears and call Rick to come home. At first he was like WTF Alexis, but I think he heard it in my voice that he better hurry home! I go lie down in bed when Caden decides to stand at my door crying. So I bring him in with me, which is not fun since the lights are off. Finally Rick got home and took all the boys to the mall. Wow I finally found the point that I get help! I just need to be in excruciating pain and close to tears! Yup now isn't that a great way to get help. You got it I was done and I'm the one who bite the dust!

What can I do to make them sleep?

Last night I ended my 2nd job around 1:45ish got into bed and had sugar plum dreams of sleeping in. Yeah right how am I kidding I was just hoping for maybe a few winks before the mutiny started. So following suit Caden woke up at 3am, 4am, 5am then he gave me a little break and slept until 6:30am!!! Since Rick was so sweet (NOT) yesterday about getting up with him I knew it was my morning. I made a bottle took him to the couch and hoped I could get him to fall back to sleep no such luck Roy woke up and sat down with us and of course started to play with him. My mom's death look was off or maybe he really does just ignore me, who knows! After a few minutes Cole gets up! At this time I'm about to loose my biscuits and ask everyone even though no one is listening to me, what the heck are you all doing up at 7am? Yup My tone fell on def ears, everyone just went about playing and oh yeah whining that they were hungry. Hungry really that is the least of your problems, you have a mom on your hands who had 6 hours the night before and now 4 1/2 hours today of sleep. Again I just got looks like so what where is our breakfast! I think I need to go back to mom 101 to get my death look fixed, it's really off!

Since no one was going back to sleep and my coffee was helping keep my eyelids at half mass I made french toast with that amazing white bread I made last week. Can I tell you how much I love my bread maker and all these awesome recipes. You bakers rock by posting them with all your little tweaks. Ok back to breakfast ... I put back on my Cinderella apron made every ones breakfast put one aside for me for sometime this morning. Then cleaned up what somehow missed their mouths, did the dishes yet again. And yet again rinsed the plates that were just shoved into the sink even though I've asked around 20 times to rinse them!! Since Cinderella's apron is on I'll do laundry and why not do the sheets while I'm at it. Then Grumpy butt wakes up I give him his breakfast, in the mean time walking by mine once more hey it's cold but I'll take a bite I might finish it before noon. I got grumpy out the door and even had time to take a quick shower with only 3 times Cole coming in to tattletale on Roy.

After that great adventure I clean the floors put in my 5th load of laundry no joke! The lady from craigslist stops by and picks up the Chili Pepper costume, yeah only 3 more to go! While I'm cleaning Roy and Cole go in the room to play. While I go back to put #5 in the dryer and #6 in the washer I walk into my bedroom. To find a white dusting on all the clean clothes I haven't folded yet. I think I'm going to loose it, then I go into Cole's room and see it all over his bed, the baby's bed. I run out to the living room, count to 10, and ask nicely what the HECK happened here. Of course Roy has no idea and says it must have been Cole, oh come on guys you both were playing together. I ask them both do you think I don't clean enough, plus of course you had to pick the baby powder that is not the generic version that also was the medicated so it was super expensive. Oh yeah did I mention it was a NEW bottle and it was completely EMPTY!! I look closer at my bedroom and see it everywhere. I think I might just cry, so instead I go online and sign us up for members at the Children's Museum even though it's $75 for a year it's so great to just take them there to run. Also had to hear it from Rick that spending that money, he just doesn't understand my sanity is worth every penny!

We get dressed and head over to the library to pick up new books for all. Only had to hear Cole yell across the library 3 times, hey were doing better. Then we head to down town Tacoma to take the Light Rail to the Museum. Heck the ride is free, parking is free and the kids are excited to ride it .... really a win win! We get there they have their new exhibit set up ... The Raven after the book. It was pretty cool the kids had fun, well I thought they did until Roy came up to me to tell me he's bored. Oh geez dude we're out of the house and they have painting, drawing, magnet's and a blocks use your imagination and deal with it. Instead I just smile and turn around and bite my tongue, I think I might not have a tongue left soon! 2 hours and everyone is feeling better so we head back out and of course as we're walking down to the tram we see it pass, did I mention it's Sunday so it comes every 20 MINUTES. So I go buy some drinks and a bag of Frito's to share, Roy must have really liked him he almost to the bag out of my hand and ate it. We get back to the car all in one peace, no one is crying including me so it had to be a success right?

Here we are all happy waiting for the tram

Tacoma's Light Rail, it Rocks because it's FREE (My fav word)Cole in the "Build it" part of the new "ART" room at the Museum

Roy creating on the Design Wall (Caden helping)

Roy dressing up in the new Indian Theme CostumesThe boys hanging the Salmon in the new exhibit

The scene in the car when we got home
To bad that didn't last until we got home, I put Caden to sleep and Cole went to sleep on the couch. Well Roy wasn't tired so he woke Cole up, my head was feeling so heavy I just had to take my chances and go take a nap. When I awoke it was to a screaming Caden, you know what I found. Roy and Cole with the light on standing over the crib, really boys was that necessary? Then I go into the living room were I find raisins on the floor, fruit snack wrappers everywhere and the room I just cleaned this morning trashed once again. I think you need to lock me up and put me in a padded room, it may be the only peace and quiet and down time I'll ever get. Guess what I did, yes another load of laundry just to make my day better! Thankfully mom called and send home a casserole with Rick. He was her yard slave all day, good pay back for what my weekends are like.

Now I'm going to lay down watch TV and maybe if I can go to bed early. Oh those sugar plum dreams, who really am I kidding?

And they say life is boring ...

Friday was yet another crazy day thanks to my friends Roy was able to stay over at extended care which was great since I got out of work an HOUR late!! Can you say hold on for a bumpy ride. I must say it was so NICE not having to slink my way up to pick Roy up like I'm going to my parents when I did something bad. I walked in, ok only after I went to the wrong door 3 times and was greeted by happy faces. Roy was playing pool, and was smiling. Yipee now let's hope that Roy can get his parents on board since they have been ignoring all attempts from the host people about getting him into the program. I gave the host people a call to let them know it went and also he let me know the other gal will be going there on Monday? Ok if she's going Monday don't you think it would have been nice to let me know so I could arrange also? Geez can my life every get less complicated?

Well I'm so excited I've been able to sell 2 of the Halloween costumes, and I found an amazing Scooby Doo that was reg $50 for $15 and super close to the house. So I packed all the kids in the car and picked it up. Of course Cole and Khari had to try it on, check out the pictures below. Friday night was a great release, Tarra picked up pizza and we watched Iron Man. Minus the cranky Rick who didn't watch the movie with us. Guys I really need to know how their brain works. We wife take care of all the bills, take care of everything we can and darn it if we don't remember to always tell them everything we paid or things we paid in advance so it wouldn't kill us next month. Darn us for being prepared and just doing things in order to make our lives move on. Oh well I digress, Saturday will be better (well at least that is was the idea I went to bed with).

So 6 hours later I'm feeling fresh and ready to take on my morning show, the gal that helps me is suppose to be in a 1/2 hour late which turns out to be over an hour. Which isn't bad but I needed to be off the phones by 9am to get ready for the NW Trek. And the program is a financial one for people who are retiring or close to retirement. So of course with market crazy the calls were lining up and people wanted to talk. I think I did close to 40 calls by myself in the 4 hours I was on. In the mean time Caden woke up at 6am and then at 7am and that time he wanted to be up. I gave him some treats, changed his bottom and was thinking I was doing great. Then Roy got up around 7:30 and got Caden going I had to shut the dinning room doors which of course then peeved Caden off. Finally I had to make a bottle and take him into Rick who of course was not too happy to forced into the morning. After a few unhappy moments Rick got dressed and took Caden for a drive, well I know that is going to be an issue later this morning. I couldn't worry about that since the calls were stacking up. And my living room is now a romper room with the two older boys up. Oh geez what is it with 7am and everyone wanting to be up! I finish my calls at 9am, well there was more but the lady I work with did the last few calls so I could go get ready.

Talk about hoping around like a mad woman, and you know how I love crazy days so why not add another item on. So it's 9:30 we have to leave in one hour and I get this hair brain idea that I need a pair of rain boots. Now on my defense it was getting really wet outside and some of the trail is in the outdoors. So I take Cole and Caden with me to Target and of course can't find any boots I like but of course I found snacks for the boys! We get back to the house with 10 minutes to spare before we must leave. Being the positive thinker I am thinking ok we'll have no problems everyone will get right out the door. Yeah right since I woke Mr. grumpy to get up to take care of Caden he was in no mood to join us for NW Trek. Great once again one me and 3 kids, I'm so out numbered soon there is going to be a mutiny!

Well of course whenever Anng and I go out with the kids it can't be perfect. So we get there the rain is starting so we each take an umbrella. My umbrella, or should I say the one I stole from my mom is the umbrella of choice. So of course the two younger ones argue of who's going to hold, etc. I was just excited the weather let up so the tram would be fun. Fun I could only wish, we did get on the tram and see a few animals before it started. First Cole was in one seat then the KJ came to share. And being the kids they are sharing just wasn't working one persons check went over the line towards the others. Got to love the thought process of a 4 yr old. So we get them settled down and then Caden starts acting up he wants to of course walk around the moving bus. I swear the 2 couples in front of us where trying to light me on fire with their eyes. Then we opened the windows for the kids too look out, you would have thought we cursed in front of their kids. I'm telling you people kill me, they come to a place that is for kids yes they have kids too but HELLO they are older did you forget what it was like to have young kids? It was a pleasant ride is all I can say about that!

We then took a hike and when I say hike I really mean hike around to visit the captive animals. All was well then we started with the umbrella again, I'm so buying two of everything from now on. I totally agree with Anng the kids were acting like brother and sister which is giving a crystal ball into the future of what Cole and Caden are going to be like. Maybe I can just lock us all up until they go to college? Well that would help them but I would be bald from pulling out my hair. So by this time the kids are upset and the sky opens up and dumbs like 6 inches on us and of course we are half way thru our hike. By the time we make it to the car I think I could wring out my clothes to water the plants at home. We get in the car and everyone falls asleep wouldn't that be nice!

Being the wonderful parent that I am I wake everyone up to go shopping at Costco! LOL if I can't sleep no one can! At least it was sample day and everyone got a quick bite and we weren't there for too long. We got home and Rick sprang into action, he must have known that I was not to be messed with. He got everyone into dry clothes and took them to for a while. I decided that I would go to Fashion Bug to use my coupon. It was great I had this awesome coupon that would save me like $60 off $150 so I was grabbing everything. Tried one it all and of course ended up with maybe 1/4 of the items that looked good. I walked up to the register and was so excited about my new clothes for work since we're changing our dress code. And since today couldn't get any worse my coupon that rocked really didn't since it had to be used on only regular price items and not even on their brand that is "Priced just right". Oh yeah that sucks, she asked well we can still ring you up. Of course you can doesn't mean I'm going to pay that price, so I walked out empty handed and very defeated!

Rick did take us out to dinner which was sweet of him but I'm sure it was because he thought the way my day was going I might burn down the house. Yup that's my life want to trade?

Only if you could go back to bed and press restart!

Yesterday started with a bang, that is me jumping out of the bed and making a loud jumping noise and screaming. The edited version is "Rick why did you turn my alarm off?" as a sleepy Rick rolled over and mummble something out he didn't. OH really the alarm for you to take Cole to school is on, but mine is turned off! No time for this I'm getting no were he will NEVER admit he did something wrong or say sorry, typical guy! The night before I had the brillant idea that I would shower in the morning, so here I am running 20 minutes late, still need to shower get ready and of course feed Roy. I think I got most of the soap out of my hair, but looking at myself in the mirror later that day it was looking a little funny. Left over soap was the least of my worries! Thankfully I still had some pancakes made up in the fridge, heated those up quick and banged on Roy's door to get up. I'm sure my tone was oh so sweet, especially when I had to knock a few minutes later again! Finally he got up and ate while I finished up in the bathroom, got Caden dressed and thanked my lucky stars Cole was going with Rick today. I was making good time, until Roy took 20 MINUTES in the bathroom. He reminds me of a guy I use to date in High School/College that boy would spend FOREVER in the bathroom. But at least that guy would gel his hair and do other "pretty boy" things I used to call it. Roy is 10 and shouldn't be needing that much time. And I couldn't really yell at him to get his butt in gear, so my speed racing around the house fell flat on it's face.

Here I think I'm doing well I pull into the parking lot just a few minutes late, then I look over to see Roy still sitting in my car! Oh crap kid you need to speak up, so back out I go drop him off. I'm about to pull out when I see the husband coming over to my car. They have plans tomorrow and Roy can't come over at school, maybe I could do extended care? Ok I'm getting the point and believe me I've been asking every few days for the last 6 weeks to get Roy into the program. I'm turning blue asking so much and not getting any where! Enough about that I can't do anything except send another email and ask also about Roy's mom that I've been told is coming next week? Can my life get any crazier, I have a feeling I'm about to find out.

Work was crazy especially with me having to leave to pick Cole up and also have to leave early so I can get over to pick Roy up in the time slot they have asked me to be there! Something has to give I can't do this anymore, at least Cole's for only the month! We pile all the kids in the car once more for our trip home. Once home I of course try to figure out what I'm making for dinner, even though every night on the way home Roy asked "What is the dinner menu for tonight" you think I might start to plan so I can answer. So finally after some thought and Internet research I find a casserole and roll with it. Of course 10 minutes before my timer goes off Tarra calls asking if she can buy dinner, crap only 30 minutes earlier and that could be the plan. Instead we make plans for a special dinner tonight and watching Iron Man that has been sitting on my counter since Tuesday.

The night was perfect we had dinner, my house wife Tarra gave baths and got everyone ready for PJ's. I did the dishes made lunch for both Cole and Roy, since Roy has a field trip and needs a sack lunch. I am very proud to look around and see a pretty clean kitchen, a front room that looks like a war zone and over all a clean dinning room. Hey 2 out of 3 rooms is a victory in itself.

Night ended on a positive note I received a call from the host coordinator saying to put Roy into the extended care for one day and try it out. About Roy's mom coming they were a little surprised and they will figure out more on this, but I'm not responsible for airport and shuttling around! Yippee one less thing for my plate, I can only spin so many plates!

Let's hope today goes better, the jury is still out on that one!

I feel off the wagon ...

That being the no fast food wagon, come on guys I haven't drank that much since College. Ok I guess I should start with my day yesterday so you'll understand the falling off the wagon.

Today starts with a project that is due in 2 weeks but we're wanting out by the end of this week, yup no problem I can do that! Crap everyone stop coming into my office and needing me to do things for you. I've been told to be rude and tell you to leave, and you all know how good I am at saying NO just look at me taking on a 3rd kid. NO problem, just smile and work it out right? Thanks Tim Gunn your stupid saying has become part of my daily life! So here I am putting together my proposal and oh crap I have to take some to the airport. Sure no problem I can't find anyone to do it, so that leaves me. Ok so I'll find a company car to take him in, yup I had 2 options and guess what. You got it one just got snatched up and the other one belongs to a person that doesn't really fly with the company car for anyone to borrow! So it's my car, we get into the my car only after I wipe his seat from whatever crumbs one of the boys left there! And sure just put your suitcases on the car-seats in the back not a problem. Then we take off and of course my gas light is on, which earlier this morning I wasn't worried about since it's payday and I can deposit the money and then go fill the take. So here I am no gas and unsure the debit card will work, crap! I go to Costco Gas and of course my passenger wants to help pump, so he got a GREAT view of "Card declined". Can I tell you how embarrassing it is to have someone see that! So we have to hope back in my car, with a brave smile I say ok let's try another place that takes cash. Thank GOD I sold 2 Halloween Costumes and have $30 in cash! Then I see a Shell station and remember that Tarra gave me a $10 card, yippee that will give me 2.54 gallons just enough to make it there and back! So we fill up and I try to sit in the car with as much dignity I could, please just put the $10 in. I so wanted to go home and hide under the covers!

I get back into town and was going to pick up sandwiches at Nordstrom's Cafe since that is what me and the girls always go on payday. To my surprise the Tacoma one is closed until the Nordstroms is open. Taco Bell anyone? So I pick Cole up and drop him off at Grandma Pat's. Then I swing thru Taco Bell, well at least it was off the Fresco Style (which is lower fat). So that was my day at work in a nutshell, just add in a few dirty looks and shooing people out of my office.

On the way home I remember that I called in my RX to Target on Monday, hey it's only Wednesday and I might want to take my Thyroid Meds here soon! So I give Tarra a call to let her know we'll be home shortly. Only to find out that her mom is sitting down the block from my house and she's on her way home. So I go home and have to WAIT ... LOL I'm just joking Tarra made a crack that since she made me wait that I would put her in my blog, and I told her I would just to make her famous! So look Tarra your famous!

Here is something funny, how many kids can you pack into one car? 3 in back and 1 in front and oh yeah me too! Don't they look comfy?

So a quick run to Target where of course Cole has to have a Hot Dog, Roy has a popcorn which I tell him he has to share (not too happy there). And since it's so late why not do a double whammy and stop at Wendy's for dinner. That is one good thing that has come out of having Roy stay with us, no more quick dinners. I actually make real meals and sit with the boys and eat just like my mom and dad would do. Rick gets his plate warmed up when he comes home, it's actually a nice settings. But today as you can see I feel of the Wagon and not only did I have fast once but twice! At least Taco Bell was lower fat, I tried to order Wendy's the same with no cheese and chili instead of fries. But of course the boys didn't eat all the fries so it was ok to eat a few right? And then the burger had cheese, so instead of peeling it off I ate that too! Oh geez I won't even mention that Rick brought home pizza from his class, I'll just leave it at that note!

Day 1 and we're still in school ...

So yesterday was our first day back at school and when I picked Cole up, everyone was smiles even the teacher. I so love that look instead of the look I got previously! We got praise reviews from the teacher, she even told me that Cole was more alert in the AM class! Cole was very excited to tell me that he was line leader for the week! Oh yeah you should have seen how he told me what he says to the other kids. First he stands up and looks them sturnly and starts to shake his whole arm and telling them to clean up there stuff and area and get in line. It was the cutest thing I've ever seen and wish I had a video camera there. I'll have to see if he'll do it for me at home and tape it. So Phew one day down and good reviews!

Since I'm out I make the most of it and run an errand for work to pick up some drawings. Thankfully at this time Rick calls me to remind me that tomorrow is picture day at Cole's school. Oh crap he really needs a haircut! When I run in to pick the drawings up they weren't ready, but guess what is next door. Luck stars were flying at me a barber shop was next door! We ran in real quick and got a $8 haircut, right on! Ran back over and grabbed the drawings and quick drop off at daycare. Of course I can't go in since then Caden would cry that I'm leaving, so with a wave I leave Cole outside ... just playing Grandma Pat was out there and took him inside.

Of course now I have a gap in my day that I need to fill back up, so I run around work getting everything done plus some last minute end of the month items! I of course show up 7 minutes late picking Roy up and yes I noticed the look and sigh I got. After picking the boys up, no Khari tonight we run home for a quick dinner. Hoping everyone is tired and will go to bed early I do bath and have everyone ready by 8pm. I read 3 count them 3 books to all the boys and tuck everyone in to bed. By the time I have a bottle for Caden, Rick walks in the door and I get his dinner to him and almost fall over. Guess it's no time just relax, just enough time to go lie down in bed and fall asleep to some show that I'm sure made no sense since today I have no idea what it was. Got to love TV right?

Now only if I could fall asleep like this ... this is what I found after running around getting ready for bed:

Well at least half the week is almost over, gearing up for Northwest Trek on Saturday after I get done with my 2nd job! One day all the bills will be paid with just one job a piece until then it's get all the money you can! Maybe I'll win the lotto? Hmm ... ok it's a dream well not even that!