Labor Day Weekend

This weekend has been a whirlwind of activities.

Saturday we took the kids to the Real Pirates! exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philly.

Drewby is really into pirates and knights right now.

The Real Pirates exhibit is about a pirate ship, the Whydah Gally, which was located off Cape Cod. There were actual cannons, guns, and pirate treasure on display.

Drewby was fascinated with the artifacts, and the fact the youngest pirate was 8 or 9 years old.

He definitely sees this as an alternative to playing football or going to school. He now has the pirate bandana, eye patch and telescope. He's all set.

Miss M liked the exhibit, but was more into the other exhibits at the Franklin, including the Sports Challenge, where her softball pitch was timed at 22 MPH. (And that wasn't even a good pitch.)

We trekked all over the Franklin, and even hit a show at the Fehls Planetarium. However, after the show, we found out the Franklin closes at 5pm.

I suppose I should have known what time the Franklin closed, but - I didn't.

And I had promised Drewby we could see the train exhibit after the planetarium show.

Did I mention the one other thing Drewby really likes is TRAINS?!?!

Needless to say, the entire drive home, as well as all evening, I had to hear how we missed seeing the trains.

Not that the kids were ungrateful for the day, or had a bad time. They just both chose to focus on what we didn't see - instead of what we did see. (I know, they take after me - as I also tend to look toward the negative and need to try harder to focus on the positive)

(Okay, I started this post Saturday night, then fell asleep - so here's the rest of the weekend's events!)

Sunday, we were once again helping my brother-in-law and his wife, by watching their 21-month old son. He only works weekends, and she is on bed rest, pregnant with twins.

So I made a big pan of lasagna and we spent the afternoon and evening at their house playing with our nephew. Once he was safely in bed around 8:30pm, our shift was over, as my brother-in-law gets home around 11:30pm.

It was a good day, and I know they truely appreciate our help.

The Monday we travelled from one end of the county to the other end, and back home.

We started at home, and just had to stop at Chik-Fil-A for the free chicken strips to anyone wearing a football logo. Miss M and Drewby each wore one of Drewby's football jerseys, and my hubby wore his Cardinals football t-shirt. I was the odd one (but I only really wanted a sweet tea anyway)

From there, we went to hubby's other brother's house for thier youngest sons 3rd birthday.

Hanging with the out-laws, um I mean in-laws, is never one of my favorite things to do. (But that is for an entirely different post)

So, we did the hubby's family for lunch, cake, and presents. (3hours and 17 minutes - start to finish)

Then we left and headed for my mom's house - Lizzie's. She had invited us over for each day of the weekend, and we had other things going, so Monday I was determined to get to see her. (Both for me and the kids)

When we pulled up - Kiki was there too, along with her girlfriend Kaleah. The kids and I were so excited!

I can't tell you the last time the kids saw Kiki, and I hadn't seen her since Neil Diamond.

So we all hung out, and ate a great meal - thanks Mom! - and just relaxed.

I love getting together with my family. And hubby doesn't mind to much either. He has pretty great in-laws (not out-laws, like I have)

Having Kiki back home from California (she lived there for 3 1/2 years) has been great. While she does live 2 hours away - it is so much better than having her across the country. We've gotten to go to the beach with her, and just hang out at mom's. Plus she will get to see the kids action in their various sports.

So that was our weekend - the kids didn't want to leave mom's house, but school was back in session today, and they needed showers and to get to bed.

We did make plans for all of us to go to the PA Renaissance Faire in October.

I figure, Drewby's gotten to see all about pirates - why not let him go see knights! And the Ren Faire to such a cool place - and Drewby has never been there. In fact, Emily hasn't been there in 6 or 7 years.

That's all for our weekend....

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

Updates

This is just going to be a quick update, because I am still feeling pretty down - and I am exhausted to boot!

On the puppy watch - hubby still says it's a no go to get Drewby a pug puppy for his birthday. I have not given up yet. I have until November!!

Couponing is going okay. I don't have much of a coupon stash yet - so I am limited in my savings. Last week my total was $3.55 in coupon savings. More was saved due to Club Card savings, but I don't have that total in my head right now.

My hubby has not yet decided what to do about his BFF's wedding in October. It has been decided - mutually - that the four of us as a family are not going. He may fly down to Florida for two days to go - but will not do Disney.

Miss M has handled the mean girl well so far this year. The cheerleading coach has separated them, and Miss M steers clear of this girl both in school and at cheerleading.

And yes Diamonds are forever. The Neil Diamond concert was FAB-U-LOUS!! He put on quite a show - sang all our favorites (Forever in Blue Jeans - mine, Cracklin'Rosie - Kiki's, and I Am I Said - Lizzie's) Then the three of us had an enjoyable evening out.

That's all for the update....

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

I Am Defeated

I had such high hopes for things I wanted to accomplish this week.

With the kids back in school, I would have my days free to work on the short (and not-so-short) list of things needing to be done around the house.

I would have been content accomplishing (to the finish) just one.

Now would be a good time for me to fess up to some things:

I am a perfectionist.

I suffer, in cycles, from moderate to severe depression.

I am prone to anxiety attacks.

All in all, things have been going along well. I've not had any days of not being able to get out of bed in awhile. My last anxiety attack was just after the 4th of July. Almost two months.

And trust me - the perfectionism must come in waves because with getting ready for the kids to start school, the house in is dissarray.

So, Monday came. I missed the kids being home, running around, and being needed 24/7. I kept busy, but wasn't focused.

Nothing on the list was accomplished.

Tuesday, I had an appointment with my therapist - who has me looking for the positive in situations. Tuesday was also hubby's days off - so he and I went for a 4 mile nature walk. Here's the positive - I spent some wonderful quiet time with hubby.

Another positive from Tuesday - I'm positive nothing on the list was accomplished.

Today - I had nothing scheduled. I was taking today to accomplish something on the list.

Nope - volunteer responsibilities for the kids' school crept into the day. As fundraising coordinator for the school, an upcoming event needed attention. I did accomplish those items; however, my short-list sits next to me - with nothing crossed-off or finished.

With activities and running each night of the week, I would like my days to be more controlled, organized.

So, I am beginning to feel defeated. On a course set by someone other than me - and not in a good way.

I don't like feeling defeated, and down - and I really have to try to snap out of it or I will be on a course for a rough spell with many down days.

Look for the positive.

I walked 4 miles this week. (Good for the heart and body)

I spent quality time with my hubby. (Good for the heart and marriage)

I got to write this out - which has helped a little, because in starting this I couldn't think of anything positive in the week.

Hopefully, to anyone reading this, it didn't bring you down too.

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda

My Little Man

Today, Miss M and Drewby went back to school.

It is hard to believe Miss M is starting 5th grade and Drewby is in 1st grade.

Drewby has the same teacher Miss M had for 1st grade.

I walked Drewby to his classroom as he was a little apprehensive.

The teacher welcomed him warmly. She showed him where to place his bookbag and bag of tissues and paper towels.

He saw several friends from last year.

Then he was fine.

So fine, he walked into the classroom without giving me a hug or kiss.

I was a little (okay, more than a little) shocked.

Is this the same little boy who held my hand walking down the hall?

Who needs to sit right next to me (or on my lap) whenever he can?

Who needs to be tucked into bed several times by me to be able to sleep?

Who would give me a hug and a kiss every hour of every day if he could?

Yes, it is the same little boy, although he is not so little anymore.

He is growing up quickly, learning something new everyday.

At the end of the school day, Drewby came running right out to me and gave me that big hug I didn't get this morning.

Then he and Miss M took turns telling me all the great things that happened today.

And we all went for an ice cream cone to celebrate the beginning of a new school year, and for me to remember my kids will only be little once.

Although, Miss M will always be my baby girl and ...

Drewby will always be my little man.


Til next time, I'll still be.....

Being Brenda