I spent 9 wonderful day with my sister Mary and her family. Wish it was under better circumstances but I am glad that I was able to drop everything here to be able to take care of her. My job was to help with cleaning her house, taking care of the kids and any other stuff that I needed to do.
Mary had made a list of things for me to do, good thing she told me after I got there. I was able to knock off a lot on her list, some she was able to do by the time I arrived like brushing her hair and putting it in a pony.
I didn't clean her car, help with her socks & shoes (she wore flip flops), visit with her neighbors over the fence (they weren't out), I did talk to one out in the front of the house. Didn't train the puppy, go to Hobby Lobby or return books. The trunk was already emptied. Keith took the trash to the corner on Monday night. The school wouldn't allow the paperwork to leave the office, she can take care of that later. Mary hasn't decided what her "retail" therapy will be yet, but she does have some ideas.
I did clean house but not the entire house, had help from Lexie. Laundry detail I had help from Lexie and Keith. We had laundry going all the time.
I did make hot tea for Mary, but by the end of the week she was able to lift and pour the kettle herself.
Aunt Patty's Chore List:
Wake up too early with the kids, help them go potty, get dressed, brush teeth and find matching socks.
Feed the kids eight times a day.
Clean up after said feedings.
Feed and water the dog. PS - we're out of dog food.
Make lunchboxes
Homeschool Gracie and Libby. Catch up on their homeschool folders.
Check with their teachers and find out if they are caught up, behaving, etc.
Take the girls to school and go pick them up again.
Explain to Charlie why he didn't get to go to school too.
Empty the trunk of my car. It's full of donation bags that need to go in the donation bin. They've been there for over two weeks.
Clean my car. Good Lord, it probably needs it by now!
Clean my house. The whole entire house. It's not terrible, but it's neglected.
Take out the trash. I nag and nag and nag, and yet, the trash cans are all full.
Monday night take it to the curb.
Mop my floor. Oh please! It's just nasty!
Open the door for me. Shut the door for me.
Open my water bottles.
Open my medicine bottles.
Make coffee. Make hot tea. I can't lift the pot of water to make it or pour it.
Laundry.
Dishes.
Bring me food and beverages and medicine as requested.
Help me put my socks and shoes on. In fact, I lost my shoes. No clue where they might be these days.
Help the kids with their socks and shoes too.
Listen while I take a shower just in case I topple over in there.
Save me if I do.
Take the kids to the park and run the hyper right out of them.
Brush my hair.
Put my hair in a pony tail.
Give the kids baths, brush them, and check for lice. I always think they need to be checked for lice.
Change the sheets on the girls' beds.
Clean the girls' room. The lost their floor (among other things)
Train my stupid puppy.
Visit with my neighbors over the back fence.
Go to the Farmer's Market and get me a green smoothie. I've wanted on for a long time!
Visit with my friends as they come over, return their dishes to them, etc.
Take some paperwork to an office and turn it in for me.
Take me to the school and help me fill out the paperwork for next fall.
Take Gracie to the movies.
Trim Libby's nails.
Go to Hobby Lobby and buy half yard of fabric, I'll give her a swatch. It must match perfectly.
Return library books to Michelle's Place for me.
Help me with my "Retail Therapy" since I just had a major surgery, hmm, what should I buy to treat myself for it? She can help me shop!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Sister Visit
I spent a week with my sister and her family. My sister had a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery about three weeks ago and I went out to help her.
I wish I was able to go on better circumstances. I was glad that I was able to leave for 9 days and I spent a wonderful time taking care of the family. My brother in law had to go back to work and my older niece had many appointments.
It was a busy week and it all went so very fast. It has been a while since I had to chase three little kids but it was all fun. Had to give a time out only once and the only casualty of the week was my phone.
It was hard to leave yesterday, especially when Mary had just received the diagnosis from re oncologist. We didn't have time to talk about it.
It was a busy week by going to parks, the movie, the zoo, school and running errands. I didn't have to cook any meals as friends were bringing dinners every other day. The only time I cooked was on Saturday when the kids wanted eggs.
I wish I was able to go on better circumstances. I was glad that I was able to leave for 9 days and I spent a wonderful time taking care of the family. My brother in law had to go back to work and my older niece had many appointments.
It was a busy week and it all went so very fast. It has been a while since I had to chase three little kids but it was all fun. Had to give a time out only once and the only casualty of the week was my phone.
It was hard to leave yesterday, especially when Mary had just received the diagnosis from re oncologist. We didn't have time to talk about it.
It was a busy week by going to parks, the movie, the zoo, school and running errands. I didn't have to cook any meals as friends were bringing dinners every other day. The only time I cooked was on Saturday when the kids wanted eggs.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
San Diego Zoo
I wanted to do something special and fun with Gracie, Libby & Charlie. My first thought was to take them to Disneyland. Mary nixed that idea, first it's just too expensive. It was $120 per person to get in and since it's spring break would be too crowded. We would have spent our time waiting in lines.
So I thought I would take the kids to the zoo, Lexie too. Gracie was up for the idea, but Charlie wanted to go to the trampoline place. Libby wanted to spend the day with Charlie so jumping won over the zoo. Gracie still wanted to go to the zoo.
I gave Lexie money to get them into the trampoline place, then Gracie and I left for the zoo. It was a fun afternoon just having Gracie time.
We got to the zoo in no time and it was easy. I followed the directions on the GPS in the car, it took me on a strange route through a neighborhood, but we arrived. I thought it was a strange route, but since I'm no familiar with the area then ok. The place was very busy and full. I got there and young kid tried to direct me to park in a dirt lot, but I kept going. He then put out the sign that read "Lot Full". Thanks, next time have that sign out first then I will know what you are trying to do.
I made my way around and we parked in the overflow area. It was way in the south 40, had quite a walk to get to the gates.
Mary has season passes to the zoo, but she didn't receive Gracie's yet just Libby's. Gracie used it, they didn't ask her name, besides Mary gave Gracie instructions to be Libby just to get in. Mary also gave me a coupon so that I could get in for half price. Normal price was $46 and I got in for $23.
I went to start to take pictures, but I didn't have a sd card in my camera. I left it in my computer when I downloaded photos from the other day. Drats, had to buy a sd card at the zoo and it was a bit pricey. Lesson learned.
Gracie and I had a good time, we got to see a lot of stuff, we even experienced the 4D movie of Ice Age. It was fun.
Not all the animals were out, we didn't get to thee the tigers, apes or monkeys. The zoo closed at 7:00 and Gracie was ready to go home at 6:00.
We stopped at the gift shop and I bought the three kids a stuffed animal, Gracie picked them out, a flamingo for her, a peacock for Libby and a cheetah for Charlie. Libby did a report on peacocks for school so she was excited.
While we saw the giant pandas we had our picture taken. We had three poses, one where we were holding a baby panda, holding a parrot and one where a herd of rhinos were chasing us. I bought two and let Gracie pick them out. She liked the parrot one which I brought home with me and the rhino one, I let her keep that one.
The only casualty of the day was my phone. I dropped it and the screen is shattered. Couldn't believe it. I thought I had it in my purse, but apparently not. First it hit my foot then the ground. At first I thought it was ok until I picked it up and looked at the front. I do have a screen protector on it so that held all the glass in. I don't have any jagged edges to get cut on.
Keith thinks I can get the screen repaired and he told me not to pay more than $50 for it. Naturally I don't have any insurance on it because I am always careful with my phone. Right. Once I get it fixed for a reasonable rate, then I am going to buy a case for it. If I can't get it fixed, then I will have to deal with a shattered screen until November of 2015.
My phone works, I can get internet, text and talk on it. The camera works both front and back.
So I thought I would take the kids to the zoo, Lexie too. Gracie was up for the idea, but Charlie wanted to go to the trampoline place. Libby wanted to spend the day with Charlie so jumping won over the zoo. Gracie still wanted to go to the zoo.
I gave Lexie money to get them into the trampoline place, then Gracie and I left for the zoo. It was a fun afternoon just having Gracie time.
We got to the zoo in no time and it was easy. I followed the directions on the GPS in the car, it took me on a strange route through a neighborhood, but we arrived. I thought it was a strange route, but since I'm no familiar with the area then ok. The place was very busy and full. I got there and young kid tried to direct me to park in a dirt lot, but I kept going. He then put out the sign that read "Lot Full". Thanks, next time have that sign out first then I will know what you are trying to do.
I made my way around and we parked in the overflow area. It was way in the south 40, had quite a walk to get to the gates.
Mary has season passes to the zoo, but she didn't receive Gracie's yet just Libby's. Gracie used it, they didn't ask her name, besides Mary gave Gracie instructions to be Libby just to get in. Mary also gave me a coupon so that I could get in for half price. Normal price was $46 and I got in for $23.
I went to start to take pictures, but I didn't have a sd card in my camera. I left it in my computer when I downloaded photos from the other day. Drats, had to buy a sd card at the zoo and it was a bit pricey. Lesson learned.
Gracie and I had a good time, we got to see a lot of stuff, we even experienced the 4D movie of Ice Age. It was fun.
Not all the animals were out, we didn't get to thee the tigers, apes or monkeys. The zoo closed at 7:00 and Gracie was ready to go home at 6:00.
We stopped at the gift shop and I bought the three kids a stuffed animal, Gracie picked them out, a flamingo for her, a peacock for Libby and a cheetah for Charlie. Libby did a report on peacocks for school so she was excited.
While we saw the giant pandas we had our picture taken. We had three poses, one where we were holding a baby panda, holding a parrot and one where a herd of rhinos were chasing us. I bought two and let Gracie pick them out. She liked the parrot one which I brought home with me and the rhino one, I let her keep that one.
The only casualty of the day was my phone. I dropped it and the screen is shattered. Couldn't believe it. I thought I had it in my purse, but apparently not. First it hit my foot then the ground. At first I thought it was ok until I picked it up and looked at the front. I do have a screen protector on it so that held all the glass in. I don't have any jagged edges to get cut on.
Keith thinks I can get the screen repaired and he told me not to pay more than $50 for it. Naturally I don't have any insurance on it because I am always careful with my phone. Right. Once I get it fixed for a reasonable rate, then I am going to buy a case for it. If I can't get it fixed, then I will have to deal with a shattered screen until November of 2015.
My phone works, I can get internet, text and talk on it. The camera works both front and back.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Going To School
The girls have school 3 days a week, the other 2 days are spent home schooling. On Wednesday morning I took the girls to have a donut before school. The donut shop is near the school and it was very easy. A right turn to get into the donut shop then a right hand turn to get out towards the school.
Mary knew I was going to do this, in fact she was the one who mentioned it. I just had to make sure that they got to school before 9:00. It was a snap.
Libby wanted me to park and walk in with them. Gracie was fine with this too, but as soon as she got into the school off she went I could go. Libby wanted me to walk to her classroom, then I got a bunch of hugs before leaving.
I met many parents and teachers. Wednesday morning a couple of Mary's friends came over for coffee, one had a young daughter Charlie's age, so those two played.
I met many of the Schumacher friends, just don't ask me their names right now. It was a very nice morning.
I had to pick up the girls at 3:00, thought I was in trouble when there were detour signs getting out of Mary's neighborhood, but I was able to get to the school by the normal route, no problems. One of the major streets had a water main break so traffic was rerouted through Mary's neighborhood. Wasn't bad getting out in the afternoon, but mornings were awful.
Thursday morning Libby wasn't too excited about going to school, she was taking her time eating breakfast. I had to hurry her along. She told me that their Mom lets them be late for school. I know this is not true, so I told Libby that Aunt Patty is taking them to school and Aunt Patty's rule is nobody is late for school. Libby wasn't happy about that, especially when I told her she was done with breakfast.
The detour traffic was awful, it took me 10 minutes to get out of Mary's neighborhood. The problem was all the rerouted traffic and the morning school traffic on Nutmeg. There is a school just up the street. Good thing we left a little early, no donuts today.
I was able to get in a visit with one of my classmates, Debbie Adcock. She lives in Menifee which is very close to Murrieta. Debbie and Mary hooked up on facebook and since they are Hardin girls just clicked right away. What are the odds of two Hardin girls living in the same area. It was a nice visit.
Friday was a donut day, got the girls up a little earlier because of the rerouted traffic. Had to take Charlie this morning as Lexie had an early appointment. It was fun and we enjoyed our donuts.
The girls are on spring break now so they get about 11 days off from school.
I had no trouble at all with directions to the school, it was very easy, just have main traffic streets and lights.
Mary knew I was going to do this, in fact she was the one who mentioned it. I just had to make sure that they got to school before 9:00. It was a snap.
Libby wanted me to park and walk in with them. Gracie was fine with this too, but as soon as she got into the school off she went I could go. Libby wanted me to walk to her classroom, then I got a bunch of hugs before leaving.
I met many parents and teachers. Wednesday morning a couple of Mary's friends came over for coffee, one had a young daughter Charlie's age, so those two played.
I met many of the Schumacher friends, just don't ask me their names right now. It was a very nice morning.
I had to pick up the girls at 3:00, thought I was in trouble when there were detour signs getting out of Mary's neighborhood, but I was able to get to the school by the normal route, no problems. One of the major streets had a water main break so traffic was rerouted through Mary's neighborhood. Wasn't bad getting out in the afternoon, but mornings were awful.
Thursday morning Libby wasn't too excited about going to school, she was taking her time eating breakfast. I had to hurry her along. She told me that their Mom lets them be late for school. I know this is not true, so I told Libby that Aunt Patty is taking them to school and Aunt Patty's rule is nobody is late for school. Libby wasn't happy about that, especially when I told her she was done with breakfast.
The detour traffic was awful, it took me 10 minutes to get out of Mary's neighborhood. The problem was all the rerouted traffic and the morning school traffic on Nutmeg. There is a school just up the street. Good thing we left a little early, no donuts today.
I was able to get in a visit with one of my classmates, Debbie Adcock. She lives in Menifee which is very close to Murrieta. Debbie and Mary hooked up on facebook and since they are Hardin girls just clicked right away. What are the odds of two Hardin girls living in the same area. It was a nice visit.
Friday was a donut day, got the girls up a little earlier because of the rerouted traffic. Had to take Charlie this morning as Lexie had an early appointment. It was fun and we enjoyed our donuts.
The girls are on spring break now so they get about 11 days off from school.
I had no trouble at all with directions to the school, it was very easy, just have main traffic streets and lights.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Going To The Movies
Today I took my nieces and little nephew to the movies. This was one request that Gracie wanted. She had three movies on her list to see, "Lego Movie", "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" and "Muppets Most Wanted".
I googled the theater that we were going to and all three movies were playing. Gracie had a choice. The one movie that she really, really, really wanted to see was "Mr. Peabody & Sherman". Mary told me that if I went to the first showing in the morning then it was cheaper than the other showings.
No problem movie started at 10:15 am and it was pretty easy to navigate. Gracie is a good navigator telling me where I needed to go, the only problem was she didn't tell me when to turn until it was too late. I was in the wrong lane. No problem I will just go down the street and turn around.
Gracie thought the world was going to come to an end, we would never make it to the movie. I kept reassuring her that if we miss the first showing we would catch the second. She was worried because the price went up that way. No problem I would pay anyway.
We made it to the movie in plenty of time, no worries. The kids made a beeline to the concession stand. I ordered a large popcorn with boxes for the kids so we can share, then I ordered a large Sprite to drink. Mary told me to get the large because you get a free refill on it. The kids don't really drink soda with Mary, but I bought it for them anyway. Gracie whispered in my ear to make sure they put butter on the popcorn. I gave her a look that said "why wouldn't I".
We found the theater and got our seats, one nice feature of this theater is that they had booster seats for the little ones. Libby & Charlie both grabbed one and we found our seats. The theater is a stadium type with nice comfy seats. It wasn't crowded so we didn't have an issue of finding seats together.
I shared the popcorn then went and got some more. I got me a diet coke which Charlie helped me drink.
The movie was cute and the kids thoroughly enjoyed it. I am the best aunt ever. I really scored a lot of best aunt ever points this week.
I told Mary about the butter on the popcorn and she told me that she doesn't get butter on popcorn. Oh that makes sense now.
The rest of the day was spent at home and I knocked off some more stuff on Mary's list. One of the things on the list was helping the girls clean their room. We managed to get it done later that night, Gracie found her school project which was lost. Mary was feeling a little better and started cleaning the girls' room, until I stepped in and made her sit down and relax. Had to take her arm extensions away from her. She was using the grill tongs to help reach things.
The room got clean and Mary found Gracie's school project. Whew!!!
I googled the theater that we were going to and all three movies were playing. Gracie had a choice. The one movie that she really, really, really wanted to see was "Mr. Peabody & Sherman". Mary told me that if I went to the first showing in the morning then it was cheaper than the other showings.
No problem movie started at 10:15 am and it was pretty easy to navigate. Gracie is a good navigator telling me where I needed to go, the only problem was she didn't tell me when to turn until it was too late. I was in the wrong lane. No problem I will just go down the street and turn around.
Gracie thought the world was going to come to an end, we would never make it to the movie. I kept reassuring her that if we miss the first showing we would catch the second. She was worried because the price went up that way. No problem I would pay anyway.
We made it to the movie in plenty of time, no worries. The kids made a beeline to the concession stand. I ordered a large popcorn with boxes for the kids so we can share, then I ordered a large Sprite to drink. Mary told me to get the large because you get a free refill on it. The kids don't really drink soda with Mary, but I bought it for them anyway. Gracie whispered in my ear to make sure they put butter on the popcorn. I gave her a look that said "why wouldn't I".
We found the theater and got our seats, one nice feature of this theater is that they had booster seats for the little ones. Libby & Charlie both grabbed one and we found our seats. The theater is a stadium type with nice comfy seats. It wasn't crowded so we didn't have an issue of finding seats together.
I shared the popcorn then went and got some more. I got me a diet coke which Charlie helped me drink.
The movie was cute and the kids thoroughly enjoyed it. I am the best aunt ever. I really scored a lot of best aunt ever points this week.
I told Mary about the butter on the popcorn and she told me that she doesn't get butter on popcorn. Oh that makes sense now.
The rest of the day was spent at home and I knocked off some more stuff on Mary's list. One of the things on the list was helping the girls clean their room. We managed to get it done later that night, Gracie found her school project which was lost. Mary was feeling a little better and started cleaning the girls' room, until I stepped in and made her sit down and relax. Had to take her arm extensions away from her. She was using the grill tongs to help reach things.
The room got clean and Mary found Gracie's school project. Whew!!!
Monday, April 7, 2014
Los Alamos Park
I arrived in California yesterday, Keith and Gracie picked me up at the airport. The kids were so excited to see me, guess Charlie was looking for me all day. I got big hugs from everyone. Charlie was upset that I kept my jet at the airport and wouldn't give him a ride in it.
Today the kids wanted to do something fun so I took them to the park. Mary suggested Los Alamos as it had shade on the equipment and it would be easy for me to find and get to.
I was able to drive her car with has navigation in it so I was able to get around pretty well. It was easy. The hardest part was getting Charlie buckled in his car seat, it has been a long time since I've had to deal with these. Good thing he knows how to buckle himself.
The kids wanted to get ice cream before playing, so I found the park and then made my way to the ice cream shop, which was very close to the park.
We had a good time and the ice cream was very tasty. It was a small shop and very affordable which surprised me. After ice cream we played in the park.
It was a hot day, in the 90's but the kids had a lot of fun and they were able to run off some energy.
Tonight one of Keith's co-workers brought over dinner and it was very delicious. She brought chicken with peppers, and yummy green salad and ice cream for dessert.
It was a very tiring day and I was tired. I am getting up early in the morning because of the time difference. My body is working on mountain time, no pacific.
Today the kids wanted to do something fun so I took them to the park. Mary suggested Los Alamos as it had shade on the equipment and it would be easy for me to find and get to.
I was able to drive her car with has navigation in it so I was able to get around pretty well. It was easy. The hardest part was getting Charlie buckled in his car seat, it has been a long time since I've had to deal with these. Good thing he knows how to buckle himself.
The kids wanted to get ice cream before playing, so I found the park and then made my way to the ice cream shop, which was very close to the park.
We had a good time and the ice cream was very tasty. It was a small shop and very affordable which surprised me. After ice cream we played in the park.
It was a hot day, in the 90's but the kids had a lot of fun and they were able to run off some energy.
Tonight one of Keith's co-workers brought over dinner and it was very delicious. She brought chicken with peppers, and yummy green salad and ice cream for dessert.
It was a very tiring day and I was tired. I am getting up early in the morning because of the time difference. My body is working on mountain time, no pacific.
Friday, April 4, 2014
I Joined The Anti-Chub Club
My friend Dulcie has started the Anti-Chub Club to get into better health. She has started a blog called Anti-Chub Club and here is the web address for it. I will let you read her story. www.antichubclub.blogspot.com
I have joined her club, it is not about how much weight to lose but to get into better health. She is a good friend of mine and also my office neighbor. Together we can get into better health.
We can help each other stay on the right track. I am bound and determined to lose the weight that I gained back since my surgery almost three years ago.
Several years ago I lost 30 pounds and managed to keep 25 of them off for three to four years. Very disappointing when I gained all of that back rather quickly, amazing what menopause does. I have been able to keep my weight on an even keel, haven't gained but I haven't lost either.
A month ago we had a wellness fair at work and we got our results back. It's an eye opener when you get that report, this is the third one so we can see our trends. Some are good, others not so much. Overall I am a healthy 50 year old woman. According to all the charts and such I am considered obese. Seeing that on paper is very disappointing. I have decided that I am going to show them next year.
This is going to be an uphill battle but one that I am determined to conquer. I know that I may roll back down the hill, but I will get over it.
I have joined her club, it is not about how much weight to lose but to get into better health. She is a good friend of mine and also my office neighbor. Together we can get into better health.
We can help each other stay on the right track. I am bound and determined to lose the weight that I gained back since my surgery almost three years ago.
Several years ago I lost 30 pounds and managed to keep 25 of them off for three to four years. Very disappointing when I gained all of that back rather quickly, amazing what menopause does. I have been able to keep my weight on an even keel, haven't gained but I haven't lost either.
A month ago we had a wellness fair at work and we got our results back. It's an eye opener when you get that report, this is the third one so we can see our trends. Some are good, others not so much. Overall I am a healthy 50 year old woman. According to all the charts and such I am considered obese. Seeing that on paper is very disappointing. I have decided that I am going to show them next year.
This is going to be an uphill battle but one that I am determined to conquer. I know that I may roll back down the hill, but I will get over it.
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