The Rest of Us

I didn't get to complete my last post. I only covered the kids!
Today, we had Luke's soccer game early this morning, had to have the house up to par for a showing (and mom is gone on a "bow trip"), took care of animals, and then while we waited we went to NFM and bought a flatscreen tv!! My eyes go cross-eyed watching the tube. And I can't read the subtitles either. So, I bring this up because this is kind of a look into how our weekends go. And patiently waiting/ trying to figure out how this stinking credit thing works. It's like we're biding our time.....

Aldo finally figured out a few days ago what his plan is for the future. I asked him the other day, saying I need a plan. He heard of an opening within NFM for a warehouse manager. It would allow M-F working 6:00 am-3:00 pm, some Saturdays, starting at 52K a year WITHOUT the Bachelor's that is required for the position. Yesterday, as we were eating out he announced that someone overheard a good word. He might really get this position!! Crosses fingers. If he gets the position, the plan is to send him to school for business or something along those lines. When he completes it, his salary will go up. Then I, depending on the time, can go back to school if I wish -or- he can continue his schooling and look into the chiropractic field.

Where does this leave us with the house hunt? I have no idea. I guess we'll just keep our eyes open, bide our time, and talk to the financial advisor again. These beginning stages are lame. But things might move quicker than expected... who knows... because mom went down to Tennessee last weekend and put an offer down on a piece of land. I never find out anything through mom until much later, so I don't know the status of that.

As for myself, I have been working on Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings since the summer. I'm glad we chose for me to go back to work; it has been a breath of adult air. BUT, it is not at all the same as it used to be. I still need to figure out goals for myself. Without a "to-do list" I feel lazy. Without a specific job I don't feel necessary. It's chump work. And that's ok, but I'm also applying this to the home job too. I've been digging into the Bible on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday early in the morning (and even did my own Bible Study for the teens on Cisterns vs. Wells), but I need something else too. For when I can't read all day. With Luke, I used to come up with projects. That's what I need. Once we have a house of our own, I forsee that I'll probably be DIYing and decorating a lot. But for now, what am I to do? What can I do with a 1-yr-old? I need to get that creative outlet, and satisfaction. Or teaching outlet... but she's only 1. Hmph.
Speak of the sweetie, it's time to feed. Until next time....

One last thing though... I may have an outlet here soon because we have a Halloween party coming up that I need to create some super awesome outfits for. They are family costumes. :) I have my work cut out for me! More to come soon.

An Eating Crayons Kind of Day

Well, it seems the past weeks have been mainly going to birthday parties and cleaning house. I can't think of anything in between.

Luke is the easiest to keep track of. He has school during the day, soccer practice on Wednesdays, and games on Saturday mornings. This past Saturday, Papa came and watched. Although they lost (10-4), and although Luke tripped and ate grass hard so he had to sit on the bench for a few minutes, Luke played his best game yet! He scored 3 points and I couldn't stop bragging about how he bopped the soccer ball off of his head. Like a real pro!! I'm glad my kid enjoys playing outside, playing sports. Lately, he's been trying to pull out his second tooth. The thing is hanging on by a string and his big tooth has come in behind it. Luke said, "Grammy says I have cricket teeth and have to get braces." Haha!

Watching the Cheetahs Play!

Mila is.... I can't even explain. Today I caught her eating crayons at Stacia's house. Lately I've been so tired (not sleepy, but physically drained) to where it's hard to keep up with Mila or do anything. Stacia called and asked if I could help her get her house ready for her grandma to visit. (She's pregnant with her 4th if I haven't mentioned yet.) Maybe it's the lull of my own dungeon of a house, and doing it over and over again.... Anyway, doing things with Mila (such as reading, cleaning, cooking, watching a movie, anything....) is difficult because she likes being on your lap. She likes reinforcement. She likes your attention. There are few times where she'll play on her own, like right now! In the meantime I've been trying to teach her animal sounds and different words. If she wants/needs the attention so much, she might as well learn something. So here is what she is doing, loving, and learning:

- Bullet. She probably says his name more than Mama and Dada. She really loves him so much. It sounds like "Bulley!" She also knows puppy, but we only use that for strange dogs or stuffed animals, and she doesn't say it much. And she can bark too. As far as animals go, I'm also teaching her Big Bird/chicken, horse, elephant, pig, duck, and kitty. Sometimes she shows interest. Most of the time she gets distracted. She may have a name for Luke ("Luuuuuuu"), but I've only caught her saying it once or twice. And today, for the very first time, she said, "BABY!" (I'm putting exclamation points because every time she says a word, she says it with this cute excitement.) She was looking at Jax when she said it and tried to give him his bottle. 

- Music. The girl looooves music. She was rocking on Luke's guitar until it ran out of batteries. As you know, Luke got her a little piano for her birthday. She'll play on that for a while and now sing in the microphone. She would much rather play on his huge keyboard. There are times where she'll yodel/gargle in a way, which I understand as her singing to herself. When I play music, she'll nod her head up and down. That's adorable.

- Food and snacks. I just told mom the other day that I have no idea where this child came from. She'll eat spicy enchiladas, green bean soup, Chinese food, broccoli cheddar stuff, vinegar-y QUINOA, but not bananas and not peanut butter. She recognizes the sound of an open package of chocolate, but won't touch a cupcake. She likes sipping on my cereal. She'll down a bottle of blue Gatorade, but doesn't go for apple juice or milk unless she's feelin' it. She likes fruit snacks and apple sauce, but doesn't care for graham crackers (because the ones we have are oddly shaped like Star Wars characters). I don't understand this girl at all when it comes to food.

It's a Classic.

When she falls asleep on you.... </3

- Games and toys. Our favorite game is Peek-A-Boo, and it's mainly me hiding in the same spot... in front of the Frankencouch, and saying "Boo" when she walks around. Except last night, she hid! I would love for her couch to be her favorite spot, and to sit still and watch a tv show like Luke watched Elmo or Blue's Clues, but she's not a sit still kind of girl. She walks around looking for things to get into and touch. Remotes. Books. Opening and closing cupboards, doors and drawers. Flushing the toilet. Mommy's purse... taking out credit cards and cash (this has been a repeat thing). Oy vey. But if I absolutely need to contain her - she does like the swing and the slide. And when it gets too cold out for that... we can always go back to Bullet.

 Hiding in Grammy's TV Cabinet

Apple-Picking, Pokemon-Catching & Other Birthday Festivities

Twenty-eight has started out great. I had a couple of ideas on how to celebrate my birthday this year: go to the zoo (because I love the animals and going places, and bringing pleasure to my kids' faces), go to the Renaissance Festival (because it's close and we don't go every year), go on a double date (this was my original idea but it didn't pan out), and/or enjoy the park and then eat a cuisine I've never tasted before, such as Indian or Ethiopian food. We were able to do quite a bit!

The difficulty in celebrating my birthday is that everyone else has birthdays in September also. Why would our common friends want to celebrate so-and-so and then the next day eat out for me and then a week later eat out again?... it's not raining money. 

Friday

Last minute I had an amazing idea to go to the park. First off I wanted to put Mila on her first swing, and two, I thought we could spend some family time together (immediate family time) hunting for Pokemon at the park... figuring out this Pokemon Go thing that has taken the U.S. by craze. I LOVED IT! Every moment. Afterward we ate out at Jose Peppers for Tamra's birthday, and then drove around Shawnee Mission Parkway and Johnson Drive to find PokeStops to collect more PokeBalls to collect more Pokemon. It's quite addictive.

Both of My Kids on the Swings

 Mila's First Push on the Swing

Hunting for Pokemon 

Saturday

Aldo had strange hours because of the holiday. And Saturday I wanted to get out and keep myself occupied so that I wouldn't get the birthday blues (everyone has their own things and can't celebrate me...). Randomly, I was invited to the town's apple orchard, which I never knew existed, by some old high school friends. So I packed up Luke and Mila early that morning and we went to pick apples. It was sort of weird because "my friends" didn't try to catch up with me much at all; I had more in common with the person I hardly talked to in high school and her husband, who I had never met. So yeah... awkward. But Luke and I enjoyed apple slushies and apple-flavored donuts. I bought some apple butter (which I thought would taste a ton better than what it tastes like... I was thinking of some apple spread that you put on bagels and it's kind of nutty too whereas this is more like a bitter apple jelly. Afterward I think we went home and I did some dishes and picked up the house. Woohoo <sarcasticly>.

 

Picking Apples (from trees & off the ground)

Sunday
It's been so long since Aldo has been at church, it felt like a major holiday or special church event. And, Pastor's been preaching on The Lord's Prayer for a really long time, and this Sunday he deviated from it, so it felt really special. AND on my birthday. AND Mila stayed in the nursery for almost the entire time. Aldo had to leave for work afterward. I was so tired that I went back home and napped. Later Luke and I went back to the church for a picnic. Hardly anyone was there that I typically talk to. Instead, I was forced to talk some kids into coming to Wednesday nights, which I haven't even been going to. Ugh... I'm such a bad communicator when it comes to talking with teens. 

Monday
Because we figured out how to have our own little family night on Friday, I was able to include mom and Mace in our zoo outing, but they recommended the Topeka Zoo, which I haven't been to in a long time (Grammy used to take us). It is the smallest zoo I have ever been to. Slightly bigger than a petting zoo, but it does have some exotic animals. Like the "mouse deer", which I had never heard of, but apparently Luke had, so it was nuts when Topeka ended up having those (and not zebras?). The day was nice. I think I may have gotten cranky for a brief moment due to the heat, but all in all I think everyone had a nice time and ended the day at the zoo at the perfect time. We were home for maybe an hour to rest up and move out mom's heavy, antique cash register. Then we went to Alina's birthday at the Cubbages. She had a Bob Ross party. (How fun does that sound?!) We ate potato and chicken tacos, and the kids played together in the living room. I chased Mila around for a verrry long time. And when Pastor Sheri and Dez showed up, we watched an old "home video" from when the church went on a trip to an Indian reservation. (Both Aldo and I were touched by it; we really miss our friend.)

With the Fam at Topeka Zoo

(Maecy, Mateo, Aldo, Mila, Mom, & Luke)

Our Most Recent Family Photo (I look scary though...)

What Is Wrong With Me???

  

Feeding the Zoo Birds

Tuesday
Luke was still off of school, but Aldo was back on regular hours, so he went into work. Luke, Mila and I slept in (about an hour) and chilled all day long. When Aldo got home we went to (someplace I haven't eaten before) Carrabas because we had a gift card from years ago. According to the helpful hints and knowledge base we've aquired from watching Top Chef - Judge Luke said that the pepperoni pizza was too salty, I felt that the lobster ravioli could use some crunch, Judge Aldo liked the basil in whatever noodles he had, the appetizer's ratio of outer layer to mozzarella was off, and the pineapple cocktail drink (Aldo insisted I have it to relax) could have used more grenadine and pineapple.

So, I must admit, it hasn't been a bad celebration at all. Very laid back; not too much planned (more sporadic), which isn't really my style - but it worked!! Next year I think we should just plan to go on a small family trip - like to the lake or something. I did mention that it's been a while since I've been canoeing... And Aldo said he has never gone before. !!! And the wheels start turning...

Dog Training

1 Year, 19 Days

Amongst all the other things that have gone "wrong" in dealing with selling the house / showing house / moving sales / finding a new home to move to / etc. by far the craziest thing is when Bullet, Mom's dog, bit the neighbor kid in the butt. After the ordeal had been blown out of proportion in so many different ways, Mom decided to hire a dog trainer. I think she lucked out for once, because it's actually been informative, interesting, fun and even successful! Last week we had our first lesson. Bullet was given a collar that sends pulses to get his attention, like tapping on someone's shoulder. I can feel level 1 in my palm if I'm really concentrating and ready for it. A level 7 makes my hands feel extra sensitive after the fact, like I should be wary of more pulses coming. (I honestly don't know what the difference is between "pulses" and "shocks". The instructor said today that an electric fence takes on average of 8 times before a dog understands its boundaries. By our scale on the collar device, let's say an electric fence goes up to a level 20. Ours only goes to 7, so it'll take a few more "pulse" zaps before Bullet fully understands. ...An electric fence will make a dog jump!)

Well, Bullet doesn't like the vibration. So we just use the lowest of pulses. This past week we focused on basic commands: Come, Sit, Free, and This Way. Come and Sit are obvious, except that he isn't supposed to move until you release him. Which is what Free is. This Way is kind of like "I don't have a specific place for you to go to, walk with me this way." And with each command we must hit the button on a level 1. That way he knows to pay attention when Owner is around. It might take a few times to get his attention, in which case, if it takes more than 3-4 times of commanding him, we have to turn up the level one notch. The highest I've gotten with him was a 3. But by the end of the week, after using all of this while walking Luke to the end of the drive for the bus, it was hard to even command him because he was already doing things before I had a chance to say it. He also started going poop on his walks without any training! Instead of going in the garage. Mom says that he's "respecting us more".

Anyway, so today we had our second lesson. We put up flags around the front perimeter of the house, only to the circle drive and across to the side of the house before the fence and on the other side in the small field to the fence, so he would know his boundaries. The flags tell him, "you can't pass this point". If he comes within 5 feet, we warn him with the sound. If he comes within 2 feet, we "pulse" him at a 4-ish. (Every dog is different. Some only need a little buzz and some need the mack daddy pulse. Bullet whimpered and freaked out a 7 when we were testing him. He learned quick not to cross over by the flags. So we only have to use a 3-4. Maybe a 5 or 6 if he doesn't return to the safe spots.

This week is all about the front yard and going off leash.

By the end of his lesson, he was DONE. It wears him out. He didn't even want to be near the yard, only wanted to stay on the front porch. Or in the garage. By the end of the week, he'll know his limits.

I thought this would be an interesting thing to write about because, well, we've never had a "trained" dog before. And also, because Bullet is Mila's favorite. We'll go outside and she'll look around for him and call - Bull! Bull! He'll come over and lick her hand and the inside of her mouth. She enjoys it.... And my last reason is because maybe, just maybe, one day we'll decide to own our own pet (and of course it'll be a dog because we're dog people - must be warm-blooded unlike the stupid fish and stupid crabs Luke had/has) and we'll need to know how to train them. So for your records, sport dog? is the brand of dog collar that's been working. I'll let you know more about our doggie school as it comes up!

Milestones Plus

I had better catch up. I realized that I don't know the exact day that Mila started walking. Believe it or not, I thought she walked first with me. And I was so excited about it because she took 3 steps to make it to ME!!! And then later I found out that she had already walked for mom. Way to burst my bubble. Anyway, here are the milestones for a 1-Year Old.

• Cruising/Walking - ALL THE TIME. Cruising is when babies/toddlers walk along stuff, like the couch. This is easy peasy for Mila. And I realized a few days ago, that she is daily walking more and more by herself. First it was 3 steps. The next day 4 steps. The next day 5 there and 5 back again. But, she's only walking when she wants, because cruising and crawling are a whole lot faster. And she's got places to be.
• Pincer Grasp - She was able to do this long ago. She's been able to break into her snacks with her teeth since the day she first had them! And... she can't hold just one snack at a time either. Must have hands full of food!!!
• Separation Anxiety - She has this every once in a while. She used to cry when I got home from work (after Aldo had been watching her all evening). She would be fine, but then when I would walk through the door realize that I had been gone. I think this last time I came through the door she just looked at me and then went back to what she was doing though. I was kind of heart broke.... There are other times though where she's okay with others talking to her and sometimes even touching her, but she'll just give them the stare down in Mama's arms. But if it's someone she doesn't know... you can't even touch her hand. Don't even try it. Last Sunday I was able to leave her in Nursery at church from the get go. By the end she was ready for me. They said she screamed every so often. They just had to keep her busy. So we're making progress. (Today I am at work from bell to bell, so we'll see how she did at Mama Lily's.)
• Throwing Things on the Floor - If she's not interested in it anymore, then it's ready for the floor. I don't play this game for long.....
• Forming Language - She's a talker. She can be loud. She's a singer too. I know she's saying real things though, I just don't understand them yet. Because there are times when I say something like "all done" or "night night" or "Bullet" and she'll repeat it. She comprehends. And she's forming it all in her mind. Sometimes it just doesn't come out clear enough for me to understand it.
• Sleep - Still not sleeping through the night, but that's because she's breastfed and I am a comfort object. I bet once we have the crib up again, or better yet, her own room (!!!), she'll be sleeping through the whole night.
• Solid Food - She can now eat ALL things! Her favorites are: avocado, fruit loops, grapes, spicy chicken enchiladas, and macaroni.
• Play - She likes to play with the cabinet doors, and now get into them. It's the tupperware... She'll pretend to cook like Mommy. She also plays "Peek a Boo" with socks, except that when she hides, the socks end up behind her head instead of in front. I clearly see her, but I pretend for her sake. :) She likes to read books herself. And of course, anything Luke has is fair play too. Oh, and I forgot to mention earlier - she'll try to climb to get stuff. And she has no fear of trying to get down either. It won't be long before she is getting up and down from the couch.
• Nap Time - Every once in a while Mila will take a morning nap, but most of the time it's for 1.5-2 hours at around 4:30 pm. Wahoo for something consistent!
• Dancing - I mentioned somewhere that she likes music. She bops up and down, sqatting her legs. She will be a little dancer like Mommy! <I squeal in delight!>
• Humor - She thinks she's funny. I can pretend laugh and she'll mimic me with her most fake, white girl laugh. Gosh, I love her!

I HAVE to put these pictures on here. All day, all I could do was look at the pictures on my phone. There are so many I haven't been able to share. People would be overwhelmed with how photogenic and gorgeous she is. Consider that a warning; here they are.

 

 A Special Photoshoot by Mommy

Mila in Her Tutu

(She was clapping and yelling at Bullet) 

 

 

<3 One of My Favorites <3

All of the above were taken for her First Birthday Invites. She was 11 months old and I took them in our front yard by the apple tree gate. She only smiled because Bullet was outside. She kept screaming at him. He is her puppy. Haha! 

 

Mila's First Pony (Almost 1 Year)

Watching "Life of Pets" with Papa

These next pictures were taken at the Overland Park Arboretum yesterday. It was my first "day off" from cleaning/prepping the house, from library work, and just a day to rest in general, and then my mom invited us to go to something like a botanical garden. It was boring and hot as all get out, but I got some good photos out of it. Mila behaved well and liked the flowers anyways.

 

Striking a Pose

(My Delicate Flower...) 

 

Mom taking more pictures of cheesy stuff she'll never use....

 

The Cuteness!!!

Birthday Blah Blah

I'm not too ecstatic about Mila's birthday.
It's not right that I have to put off celebrations to cater to the schedules of others. To the point where it may have to be celebrated in a different month entirely. And also, that those who claim to love her obviously don't care too much about her because then they would know that this is a huge milestone and would shower her in gifts, yet they didn't get even one. It's not about YOU on HER birthday. SHE gets the attention. I thought that this birthday etiquette was understood. But here I am on a venting overload.

Mila, know that I tried to get you a big birthday. I tried to go all out. I had the plans. It was going to be a "Ruffles & Bows" themed party. I had the outfit (and backups) picked out for you. I would have even attempted to do special frosting on the cake myself - ruffles! I had the invite. It came down to the date, time and place.
Can't have it at home (which is where I really wanted to have it) because the grounds need to stay clean for the sale and for the house going on the market. Also can't have it for long because it's a "distraction". Can't have it at the park because it's hot. Can't have it at the pool because there wouldn't be any food. Can't have it at the church because they've already done so much for me, and I would feel expected to decorate. But I can't decorate because it could also be considered a "distraction" and we need to save for a house.
I'm so sorry Mila. You are my baby girl, my sassy pants, my princess. I wanted to have this big, extravagant thing and I was, honestly, let down.

Here's how it went: I had to work, so while I was gone Luke and Daddy got up and blew up balloons for you. Luke really wanted you to have a surprise when you woke up. When I got home I was super excited about you opening your presents, but Daddy made us eat lunch first. After lunch and ice cream, you opened your gifts from us. You weren't even dressed up yet, but that's okay. We couldn't wait! Luke gave you a fun, pink and purple piano and a Minion microphone that sings a Minion-version of "Barbara Ann". It's about bananas. This is right now your favorite song. <3 Daddy and I gave you a barn puzzle that talks. Luke also made you a homemade Pokemon book.
Grammy called and was slightly bummed that you already opened your gifts and so we re-packaged them, dressed you in a cute outfit, and decorated your chair for when it was cupcake time. You re-opened your gifts. They were just as great as the first time around. You didn't want to sit in your seat (it was close to nap time) - but you were okay once you saw the candle, which Luke accidentally blew out in demonstration.
You poked the cupcake frosting. Once it was on both hands, you tried to wipe it off... with your hands... and you got angry because it was messy. So I forced some frosting in your mouth. You spit it out. I put some more in and you just weren't having it. Daddy said you might be like him and not like sweets. (I know that's not true because you can sense when I am eating chocolate.....) So I gave you some of the cupcake portion without frosting. You didn't care for it either. Cupcakes were a bust. You were more interested in these flavorless teething treats. And that was it. Blaaahhhhhhhhh....

Selfie with the Birthday Girl

 Not Too Sure

 Trying to Share.

Trying to Help.

Trying to Trick You, But It Didn't Work.

Mila Likes Her Music

Worst Week Ever

Maybe it's been two weeks, I'm not really sure - the days are beginning to blend. I typed this all out once already. It was cranky. It was tired and worn. It was venting. It was the honest truth. Yet, I still (even if nobody ever reads this) want to keep my family members in good light. Out of all the times I feel as if my husband or I have been misrepresented, I just can't speak ill of people... because I want others to get their own impressions, not base it on someone else's ideas and thoughts.

All in all, my lesson for this week is: Actions speak louder than words. And eventually, the truth will come out.

• It started with mom putting the house on the market and wanting to have a huge estate sale. Everything goes. Except what she can fit in the 3rd garage. I would be better help if I knew what she wanted to keep (she is keeping a lot of - what I would label as - junk) and also, if Mila wasn't so clingy. Of course, when mom needs me, Mila is sick or teething or not sleeping at night or dealing with separation anxiety because I worked the night before.

• Our 7th Year Anniversary was in the middle of all of this. Aldo works crazy schedule hours, and so to celebrate we went to World's of Fun with the youth. He insisted I go this year because I've missed the last 2 or 3. I got burnt. Baaaaad. At the time it didn't feel like anything, and I pasted on the sunscreen repeatedly, but it seems the older I get, the less the sunscreen works. My skin was baked at the end of the day. Like a juicy, ripe tomato. So on top of Mila not sleeping, I couldn't sleep from the fact that I couldn't get comfortable. Lack of sleep = Lack of motivation to do anything.

• We didn't get our mortgage loan approved. Apparently we don't have enough credit lines.

• We haven't received any info on our credit card request. That was supposed to take 24 hours. It's been weeks.

•  And last, like the cherry on top of it all, when I go to church, and yes, still without my husband which is a crummy deal all in itself and now without my mom or sis, I can barely stay for worship. It is a struggle to hear the message because Mila wants what she wants and I can't leave her alone in nursery because it is overflowing with kids and she's needy. Somehow I'm the only one that can communicate with her. Others can barely last an hour, if that. When Mila cries... She doesn't wear out. There's no consoling her unless you know the one thing she wants. So needless to say, Sundays have been warfare. Additionally, the leadership want to have a Sunday night service. I'm all for it, but I keep asking myself - what can I do? I have nothing to give. My Sundays have been taken. My early morning devotions by myself have been taken (it's the only time I can do any work because Mila is asleep). I'm worn.

So I'm holding out for this sale. Hopefully things go more smoothly when the house gets listed officially. I will continue to hold my tongue even in disagreement. I will push through at church and maybe even wake up earlier in the morning. God and Me Time has to be a priority. It just has to.

I'll end with this - and I'm sorry this is so random - People make mistakes. I'm trying the best I can. <3