Too much

Lately I feel as if life has gone into overdrive. Let me list why:

1) The kids are in two activities for the first time - soccer and gymnastics. Soccer involves two games on Saturday and then two practices during the week. Gymnastics, thank god, is only once a week. They are in separate classes, but they are held at the same time.

2) Harrison has started a third activity that is twice a week for an hour and a half - also after school. I am being vague on purpose, but just know that we wouldn't put him in this if it wasn't a good thing.

3) The yard is under construction. This means many things. Mud is all over the kitchen floor. Trenches, as deep and wide as the Nile, are all over which tends to be a bit of a safety issue for two short children. The contractor, as mentioned, is my brother in law. We're trying to help him jumpstart his new contracting business. Unfortunately, I'm starting to realize why he may be having some issues with success.

4) I am still without a job for next year. There are two positions available in my new district - one full time, one part time. I am waiting to be called for an interview for the full time opening. I just learned that two other counselors are planning to apply. Being the new kid - I doubt I have a chance. That said, I'll be able to apply for the opening that they leave behind, or the half time position. Most of the time I feel confident that I'll get some position, but then there are other moments when I worry that I'll interview through June and be left with nothing.

5) I lost my cell phone yesterday. Retraced my steps (only had to go to one small park and one small market) but couldn't find it. Called it and ran around the house and went back into the car. Nothing. Couldn't see it nor hear it. I called and had it turned off which made for an extremely long day today (even though I always swore I didn't really need a cell phone). This afternoon - right before I left work to go volunteer at Ella's school - I decided to look under the seats in the car, etc. Wouldn't you know it? It was right on the passenger seat. Right there. Staring at me.

I'm feeling pretty exhausted - and it's only Wednesday.

A Family Affair

I've been implying that we're overwhelmed and in over our heads with all the construction on our yard. Truly - the only one with a problem is me. I have to have faith, though. The contractor is Chris and his brother. They have this "do it right" gene. They want to do it the best way so that it will last.

I just can't see the vision yet. I'm sure I'll get there. The kids don't seem to mind. They're having a blast. (oh - and Harrison and Ella are having fun, too!)

Exhibit B

This is the front yard. Just a little front porch - that's all I wanted. A small slab of concrete where I could enjoy a glass of wine after work. They promise me it will be gorgeous.

On the way to school this morning

Ella: I just love Spanish class.

Me: Well that’s good.

Ella: But not as much as I love you. I love you to heaven and back.

Me: I love you too, honey.

Ella: I love Spanish class just to a tree and back.

I haven't stopped shaking my head

Before

After

We've lived in our house almost three years and this is the first remodeling project we have attempted because our house was pretty move-in ready. We also had remodeling-itus after working steadily on our circa 1895 house back in Green Bay for the four years prior.

Last week, Chris mentioned that we should start on our plans for a deck, before summer, so that we can enjoy it this year. That turned into - "Let's put on a front porch, too, while we're at it." Which became, "You know, the retaining wall is leaning and really should be replaced." And of course, "With a new wall and deck, we need a better fence." So a mini-backhoe and bobcat were delivered Friday afternoon to the delight of the little boys in the neighborhood. Yesterday we all put on our grubbies and played in the dirt. I just didn't realize that one of the outcomes of this project would be that we wouldn't have to mow this year.

It snowed today

Rest

I went to Florida last week. Alone. To visit my dad. Alone. In case you didn't pick up on that - I DIDN'T TAKE MY FAMILY. Any of them.

My dad lives a pretty peaceful existence down there. Lots of reading, lollygagging and golf. He doesn't need too much more than that. When I got home and called to say "Happy Easter" and "I made it home just fine" - he thanked me for motivating him and getting him out of the house. I'm not sure what we did. I do remember one trip to Costco. And a visit with Jonna. (My dad loves her more than me. "She's so perky and vivacious!")

It was back to reality today, though. My kids are on Spring Break this week (mine was last week.) I went to work, they went to camp. A few days before I left for my trip, I was notified that my position (yes, the new one that I just took which has immeasurably improved our lives) was eliminated due to budget cuts. This must make some kind of record. I have held the job for exactly five months. I will stay through the school year, but don't know if I'll be able to slip into any other opening in the district. I spent the day trying to figure out who else may be interested in the available position. It was really fun.

The kids missed me, but Chris did an incredible job single parenting for a WHOLE WEEK. He didn't complain at all. I complain if he comes home after 6 PM. They both started soccer last week and are still in gymnastics. I vowed never to get this involved. Especially in sports - it's too...athletic.

Ella celebrated her birthday while I was gone. I called and sang to her. Harry had a musical performance at school - he was an echidna. I bought the fabric - Chris made the costume. He used shoelaces, from his boots.

Maybe I should go back to full time - I really think they'll all be fine.