Spooked & Memorial day weekend

This is a true story. I haven't even told John yet but that's just because I forgot which is weird considering it's so strange but my friend Kate just e-mailed me and made me remember. I don't know why, maybe because she can be all spiritual sometimes... anyway - what the hell am I talking about? Here goes:
We went to Maine for Memorial day weekend. My whole Hicks family came to spread my grandmother's ashes over the lake. It was a nice memorial, a little awkward, but nice and the weather/setting was perfect.
So, that evening, we all settled in for the socializing portion of the evening. It was early mind you, like 7:30pm, so I was not looped/buzzed/inebriated in anyway. People were standing around the stove and my uncle (Tom) was talking about Grammy and Pop Pop (her husband, my grandfather). Tom was extoling his virtues. Bill (my aunts boyfriend) asked what he (Pop Pop) was like. Tom was about to say something and I said "he was a pain in the ass", out of nowhere. I swear to god I hadn't been thinking that. My uncle looked at me perplexed and said "well, she was 5.." and carried on in good grace while I'm standing there like what the f#?
I let it go without thinking much about it because kids, food, bedtime, crying, waking, beach, etc...
Last night as I lay down to bed (at 8:30pm) I was sort of reviewing the weekend in my head; regretful that my family thinks I'm a lush because I tend to overindulge around them for some unknown reason (at least I wasn't a jerk, I just felt like death in the morning), happy that the weather was so great and the kids had such a good time, sorrowful that Grammy wasn't there to enjoy it, then I thought about that Pop Pop comment and it hit me (while I lie there with my eyes closed in bed, in the dark) Grammy said it! Being the cynic that I am, I immediately said to myself give me a break you loon, of course not. Then (I kid you not) I saw a flash of light (like a car driving by or something, remember I have my eyes closed) and opened my eyes. The ceiling light (fan/light thing) was on full blast. All of a sudden. It was not on when I laid down. Kids were in bed, John was in the basement. I got up and turned the circle thingy to turn it off and laid there freaking out. Grammy had said it. And to put a point on it she turned the light on to let me know that she really did. I swear to god.
Freaky but cool really. I'd love to be haunted by Grammy, how fun would that be??

Shhhhh.....

...I'm pretty sure that this isn't really happening BUT Alexis barely seemed to notice the binky removal. She hasn't woken up crying at all, not ONCE. She has taken a little longer to go down for her naps but all that she's been doing for the 10 minutes prior to sleeping is cooing and giggling. I kid you not. Lord, the things you learn with the second kid I could write a book about!!
In other news I am pretty sure that I have had the worst PMS week on the planet and John has been confirmed for sainthood for not leaving me. And Brooke too. And Linda. And pretty much anyone who has crossed my path for the last 4 days. One big thanks to everyone for pretending like I'm not a raving lunaticwhen I'm aware that I, in fact, am.

What I'll be doing this weekend

So this weekend is officially the pacifier removal weekend. Why you might ask? Well, it's complicated and probably boring but it's my blog so too bad.
1 - I just hate the stupid things. They are annoying and habit forming and I am particularly wary of having my kids fixated on having to have any one thing for fear that it will be lost or unavailable and we'll have a serious problem.
2 - They aren't good for them. Teeth are one thing but I just read they can also cause ear infections - huh? Wish I knew that one awhile ago.
3 - We did it (when I say we I mean I) too late last time. Brooke was old enough to know what was going on and vocalize about it. Lexi isn't, yet, but she's getting really close.
4 - I need a 4 day stretch where I can devote myself to doing it without fear of any kind of event interfering (read: I don't plan to stay up late, drink too much or have too much fun this weekend)
5 - I'm dreading it and am so sick of thinking about it I just want to do it and be done. Much like a lot of kid related things that you "have" to do.

John thinks it's too early because it's going to potentially affect his sleeping. Not bloody likely since he won't get up if she cries (when she cries) and he sleeps like the dead.

My mother believes in (always has) the less intervention is best methodology in which you just let the child do X until she is done. In my case this didn't work too well seeing that I sucked my thumb until I was 12. I am not kidding. Stop laughing Susie!

I know I tend to be a nazi (not in the murderous sense of the word) about all things parental but I think this is going to be an easy one. I've got a big plan with a binky throw away party tonight and everything. I'm sure it'll be a breeze!

The haves and the have nots

Today my friend, Ruth, treated me to a free day pass to the Ritz Boston Common LA Sports Club. What an awesome place! If you ever get a chance to go you must go. I swam my laps (at lunchtime while at work) and went in the steam room. The steam room smelled like eucalyptus leaves. You could have as many towels as you wanted. There was shampoo, conditioner, bath scrub, moisturizer, shaving cream, hair spray, deodorant and more available for free. The locker room was spotless. It had a plasma tv in it. I wish I was rich and could live like that. I'm so envious of all the people that were there that obviously have no idea how lucky they are. I'm glad I went because it's right across the street and it's been haunting me that it's there and I couldn't go. So that's the up side. The down side is that I'll never be able to join because it's ridiculously expensive ($400 initiation fee and $140 a month, which is a huge discount from the normal prices). I may be able to wrangle another free pass though so here's hoping!!

Waiting for the shoe to drop...

The list of things that I need to get organized before I leave the house (nevermind go from room to room IN the house) is crazy. The number of times that I actually remember everything is VERY small. You would assume that this is child related but not always. I look forward to Tuesday mornings because I always think I'll fly out of the house on a breeze with a cute tote in tow, no need for kid stuff but it never happens that way. Here is what I had to gather to leave this morning:

Coffee cup
Towel
Bathing suit (for the Y)
Sneakers, t-shirt, sweatpants, sports bra, socks (in case I decide not to swim)
Paper towels (I'm the one who has these at the office, in case you are wondering)
Bag of food including (bagel, rice & broccoli, banana, apple, cheese stick, 2 frozen dinners for later this week)
Regular bag with wallet, lipstick, tissues, etc.
umbrella (because apparently we've all pissed God off pretty badly here in New England)
rain coat (which is large and annoying)
bottle of water for car

I think that's it. Crazy huh? It's actually a much smaller list if the kids are with me. Snacks, sippy cups and diapers. Wallet. Water. OK, you get the point but it's crazy.
Anyway, the point of all this was that I remembered it all this morning AND I got a good parking spot! The commute was OK and all is well. I'm sure something is coming my way but I'm prepared to duck if necessary!

Photo heavy post!

Brooke got a new bike! She can't ride it yet (alone) and it's a little too big (John bought it) but it's great because she is excited about it and keeps trying to ride it. She can pedal a little and stop a lot which is better than the reverse.
In these pictures the funny thing is that Lexi realized Brooke needed her helmet so she just went and got it for her. Too cute!
















Along the same lines, we have officially quit swimming. I fear it was getting to be too stressful for Brooke. My fault. I should have waited until she was 4. She still loves to go in the water but just doesn't like the organized class or the way the instructor was leaving her to float in the middle of the pool (btw - the swim teacher was gorgeous! She had some sort of eye liner that never ran, I never got to ask her what kind it was).















Friday was 80 degrees out so we decided to go to the beach. I've learned my lesson with the digital camera in compromising places (limos, beaches...) so I don't have any photos but I do have one before we left the house (I know, thank god! you are saying).














Friday, Saturday and Sunday we did a lot of playing in the sprinkler. May I be the first one to thank whoever came up with this contraption? I can see how it's going to allow me to keep my sanity this summer:















On Saturday the girls "helped" Daddy with the gardening. Lexi loves getting in the truck and crawling around. Between the the truck and the sprinkler I may be able to relax quite a bit this summer (in 5 minute bursts). Yippee!















Finally here is a random photo I took of the girls playing with the new Barbie house. They both love it and they seem to be able to play with it simultaneously without killing each other. Fabulous!
If you like these pics there are many more at the Vallier family photo gallery!

Beautiful Friday

I am taking a big chance here. I am writing a post while the kids eat snack and watch Clifford (which, Thank God, is an acceptable alternative to Dora & the Wiggles).
We had a fabulous Friday here is Marshfield - 75 degrees so we decided to go to the beach! The girls jumped and played in tidal pools while I watched. They played in the sand and ran around. They had a great time. It was a blast! I wish I could get pictures at the beach but the obvious issues prevent me from bringing the camera.
So the beautiful beach trip was topped off by 3 hour naps all around while allowed me to finish the laundry so that I don't have that hanging over my head AND to watch Veronica Mars (which was so good this week).
Finally, tonight is date night so the sitter is coming at 6:30 and we can go enjoy dinner without anyone sitting on our lap (unless we want them to!!).
Hope everyone had as great of a day as did in Vallier-ville.

Strange things that go through my head

My husband knows this most of all but my mind works a little differently than other people. Sometimes I'll just bust out with some strange non-sequitor and John will be like "what the hell?" Like one time we were driving down the road and I asked him if he had ever used an outhouse.
"??" popped up over his head like a cartoon (I swear).
"Oh, you didn't see that shed?", I asked.
"Excuse me, are you having a stroke or something?", he said.
"No. Oh, you don't know what I was thinking." I realized. "Here is how it goes: I was looking out the window at the houses. One house had a shed that was kind of run down, I thought 'wouldn't it be funny if that was actually an outhouse. Wouldn't that stink to have to use an outhouse'...., blah blah".
So the reason this anecdote popped in to my head is a more evil thought flow I had this morning. This Zakaris Masoui guy (I know I didn't spell it right, I don't care) got life in prison. Fine, I'm not going to go on and on about the moronic jury. I was thinking I'm sure someone in prison will get him and that's fine with me but then I thought you really shouldn't leave these things up to prisoners. I bet they get some sort of street cred for that kind of thing and that isn't right.
So I was thinking (again this is all in about 10 seconds) who else could whack him without any real repercussions? Then one of those ads for a pharmaceutical company came on and I thought - if you are definitely dying of cancer - soon - couldn't you "whack" someone and pretty much get away with it? By the time they try you etc. you would be dead yourself.
I know it's strange but really, if you think about it, it's true.

High tech Blogger

Did anyone notice that I've added Ads to my site and a site counter (at the bottom)? Aren't I fancy? Aren't I cool? Well, fine. I think I am so *poof*!
Speaking of that. I am getting a lot of *poof* and you're such a twirps back at me from Ms. Brooke. Jeez. You don't realize the things that you say in an off hand way until you are around a 3 year old with the verbal intellect of a 16 year old.
I also do a lot of rhyming I wasn't aware of until she starts to pick it up and guess what Mom rhymes most closely with that 3 year olds are obsesessed with but 36 year old mothers don't often want to talk about.... yes, that's right BUM.
So I get a lot of Mom, Mom, the big old Bum. For no other reason than it rhymes (and that it's fact but I'm pretty sure she doesn't know that yet, though we did bathe together recently so maybe it's her subtle way of letting me know......no, I know, just kidding).
On the other hand at least she didn't ban me from her birthday party because of my bums' largesse. What are you talking about you ask? Brooke told John that he couldn't come to her birthday party at school because, "his butt is too big and he takes up too much room."
Thank god she said it to him because I may have cried. BTW, in John's defense his butt is truly the perfect size for someone who is practically 8 feet tall. Even if his butt was the size of the garage door he still wouldn't have cared because guys butts can be as large as they like and no one gives a hoot. Yet another reason why life isn't fair. I'd like a big carefree butt someday. But then you'd be forced to call me Beyonce and I just don't think I could pull that off.

Back to work

I haven't blogged in about 10 days because I was out of work at home with Lexi Lou again. She had (wait for it.....) an ear infection! I know, shocking! Let's see - here is the progression for you following along:
- Friday (sometime in April can't look up the date but it was after April 20th) off to the doctor for ear infection re-check (no infection!) and Brooke's 3 year checkup (read - everyone is, in theory, healthy at this point)
- Saturday all appears to be well
- Sunday, some ear tugging that Mommy chooses to ignore and chalk up to tiredness.
- Monday up all night crying, Mommy in bed with Lex, in big bed with Lex, giving medicine, blah blah - fever of 103
- Tuesday - off to doctor - double ear (get the shot which the nurse missed on the first try and ends up making 3 holes in poor little Lex)
- Wed - back to Dr. fever gone - no second shot (but we'll take that copay, thanks!)
- Thur - fine and dandy, until 4pm when all of a suddent vomiting randomly ensues with another 103 fever. Call the dr. "don't worry but if she is still sick tomorrow call. OK?"
- Fri - seems better, fever gone - take kids to Y because I haven't been all week (ok, maybe not the smartest move of all time)
- Sat - Lex is coughing up a storm, runny nose, whole deal. Gonna wait it out - see how it goes.
- Sun - better but still some snot - no ear pulling though!
- Mon - cold appears to be gone - really - I think, dare I say it, she's healthy.
Now here we are on Tuesday and I'm back at work. Maybe I'll make it through the whole week. Both kids are "transitioning" this week from their old classrooms to the next level (saves us about $250 a month). I suspect we may have some tired campers this afternoon. I am debating if I pick them up early or go to the Y because you never know when you will have another chance to exercise this week. BUT the kids could be really wiped and want their Mommy BUT Mommy's butt needs to swim BUT well you get the idea it's a dilemma.