COMMIT...COMMIT...COMMIT...

oh is so hard to do
just have to try harder
at least I can COMMIT to continue to try to COMMIT
Here is my recap for this past week...
January 26th Saturday...Rick took Alexandre' to basketball practice while Allegra and I went to the grocery store. We only picked up a few things and Allegra was so excited to have "girl diva time" and for Alex to have "boy cool time" with Rick. She is so entertaining with her conversations. Once we were done, we met the guys back at the house and the twins and I just relaxed for the day while Rick went to Dyer Indiana to help his father move into his new home. Once he came back, he told me that I would absolutely love the new house that his dad moved into and he could even imagine us living in a home that big...with a scraproom for me (how sweet of him...we spent the evening watching television once the kids went off to bed.
January 27th Sunday...I had to work at Windy City Scrapbooking. The day turned out to be very busy...again, I love helping scrapbookers and on this day we seemed to have a lot of newbies come into the store...feeling overwhelmed and looking like they had been displaced into the world of scrapbooking. I even had the pleasure of seeing one of my students from my Beyond Basic class come in and buy some cool stuff. I love when my former students come back into the store and shop with confidence, that is one of the many benefits of taking classes. After the store closed, I conducted my second Design Team meeting. So I have been Design Team Coordinator going on 6 months and I LOVE IT...love putting kits together and love the outcome of the projects that the team members come up with. Only thing we really need to work on is turning in projects on time (I am guilty of this too) as it just helps the store out better...helps to move scrapbooking products, both old and new to make room for more new, especially since Christina and Susan are getting ready to attend CHA in Anaheim in a few days
January 28th Monday...Rick continued training with his new job. I reprised my role of SAHM today, as I dropped off and picked up at school today. Before I dropped the twins off, I picked my mother up so her and I could hang out for a little bit. She came with me to Alex and Allegra's school. She went with us to their class room and she met their teacher. She was glad to see that the twins were in a diverse classroom, as I stated before, they are the minority and I really like that as I want them to have relationships and interact with people from all races. Speaking of races, after we dropped them off, my mother and I took advantage of early voting and we went to go and vote. The line was kinda of long but it did move quickly and it only took us a total of 20 minutes to vote. I did vote for Barack Obama and I pray and hope he wins...I would love to see what he will do for our country. I am glad that I am alive to see history being made and I hope that he will be the first African American President. I dropped my mother off at home after running a few more errands. She has to see about going to a family members funeral this weekend as she has to travel to Evansville Indiana. I went to get the twins and once we were at home, we took a nap. I have not been feeling to good. My condition from after I delivered the twins is starting to come back again. For those who may not know...I suffer from fecal incontinence...not pretty for a healthy 38 year old with no prior medical problems. I had to have surgery 6 months after the twins delivery to try and fix my condition...I had an sphincterplasty and was told afterwards that I may have to have another one a few years down the road...I think my time has come. The condition makes me unaware of when I have to go and I will just go on myself...I always experience leakage from the back...I know this is gross but it is what I am dealing with now...I do get down from it as it is embrassing and I know that it has taken its toll on me and Rick (especially him and what he has been through with me and this condition) I am grateful that this condition is not life threatening...just life altering and things could be worse...like having to wear a colospy bag or something. Well, I do tend to get down and depressed about it at times and this was one of those days. I was suppose to go out with my Dining Divas this night but I did not feel like bringing on my little ray of sunshine to the group. I have to make sure to make it next time for I love my Dining Diva group...the group has opened my eyes and my tummy to alot of yummy resturants in the Chicagoland area...can not wait until our next gathering.
January 29th Tuesday...Rick worked today and again I dropped and picked up. Before I dropped the twins off, we had to go to the store since I was snack mom for today. We went to Jewel and I let each child pick out what they wanted to take for their class...two kids, two seperate snacks. Alex picked vanilla wafers and Allegra picked out cheese nips...I ended up getting two boxes of each. We do not have to bring drinks so that is what I took. Since I had to work at Windy City tonight, the twins stayed at my mother's and waited for Rick to pick them up. I was glad that she sent dinner (like she always does) for them so Rick did not have to worry about what to fix for dinner. I worked at Windy City and we just continued with the task of inventory. Yes we are still doing inventory and it is a hassle. The weather was bad as we had a little snow storm come through. I was kinda scared to drive home in the winter storm since visibilty was not good...I took my time and made it home safely. I was not surprised that Alex and Allegra were still up at 10pm. We really need to do better with their sleep schedule. I read them a few books, they said their prayers and off to bed. I really do think that Rick lets them stay up until I get home so I can do the bedtime routine. He does it too but of course...Mommy does it better. I stayed up to wash a few loads of laundry. It is so cold in our basement that I did not stay down there long. I was going to light a fire in our fireplace but did not feel like it. I was in bed by midnight.
January 30th Wednesday...the twins were originally suppose to be off today for report card pick up but they ended up having school. When I dropped them off, Ms. Graham, their preschool teacher handed me 2 envelopes. She explained to me that they were just progress reports and that Alex and Allegra would get report cards in June. Since she had only had them in her class for 3 weeks, she did not have enough to give a formal report card. I waited until I got home to read the report. I was pleased at both reports given. Alexandre' is adjusting well to his class and the routine as he follows directions well. He is a great helper and he has learned to put things away before bringing out something else. He enjoys doing the calendar and weather for the day and he enjoys playing with playdoh and reading. He needs to work on interacting with his peers and learning how to deal with not getting his way. Allegra is also adjusting well to her class and to the class routine. She takes part in the morning dance and she enjoys independent reading and storytime. She immediately goes to the art area daily and she is very detailed in her drawings. She also needs to learn how to deal with not getting her way. Ms. Graham is glad to have both in her class and she is looking forward to them doing well in her class. So I was pleased by this and I will have to continue working with them at home on the computer, worksheets, reading, etc. I also have to work with them on how to accept things not going their way...yeah, wish me luck with that. I was going to take them to my mother's since I had to work but Rick surprised me by getting off early. So his schedule is this...He is off on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays he will work on Wednesdays, 11:00-7pm and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 6am-6pm....and they do call overtime so he will more than likely be going in on one of his off days...especially since we have to play catch up. I tell you...last year was not a good year for finacially but we did survive. Rick only worked a total of 6 months out of 12 and we were able to maintain...it was a struggle, still is but we are doing it. He is off tomorrow and will start his schedule on Febuary 1st.
When I got off, I stopped by my mother's house for she cooked dinner for us. I will just save it for tomorrow so I will not have to cook.
January 31st Thursday...I got up early to lay the kids clothes out for today since Rick was on Daddy Duty with picking up and dropping off. I worked this morning at the store with Sesil...love working with her. We caught up on alot since she has been gone from the store for a month (vacation with family) The snow started up again and I was really surprised by the customers that still came into the store, despite the weather. Our day was normal and I left around 4:30 since I knew the weather and traffic would be bad. I also had to stop off at the store again to pick up a few things for Rick to take for his lunch and a few things for the house. Alex and Allegra was asleep when I came home which I did not like (especially now since it is 11:23 pm and they are both up playing in their room, saying that they can not go to sleep...hence these photos:




Once I got home tonight, I immediately warmed up dinner that my mother cooked the night before (thank goodness) and we had dinner. I let the kids play while Rick started getting his gear together for tomorrow morning. I worry about him being out in the elements, working on train engines...but he loves doing that type of work.
So here it is, almost midnight, my kids are still up and I have to make Rick's lunch for tomorrow. I better get off of this computer so I can do my little chores before I go to bed.
I am still working on my blog challenges from 2PEAS and on my scrapping...Continue to stay tuned.
Hugs & Kisses
Me.

TGIF...

Rick got off to work okay this morning...I love the fact that he has been home at night for the past few nights...I am so praying that they put him on days so that he can be at home with me at night...we both sleep better when we are in the same bed.
My mother came over to watch the twins (no school) while I went to Windy City. We were busy for the most part since Chicago Public School were out and Christina gives teacher's a discount. It was also crop night...glad that I was not working the crop for I wanted to get home early since it started to snow.
When I came home...I was pleasantly surprised (as if I did not already know)by a clean front room and kitchen and dinner (baked pork chops, red beans & rice, greens and cornbread along with fresh lemonade)...Rick was laid out on the couch and the twins were running and jumping around on 10. My mother is the BEST...I do not what I would do without her and here I am, almost 39 years old and she still spoils me.
Rick and I stayed and talked while Alex and Allegra played. Once I put them in bed, Rick follow as he is getting up tomorrow to help his father and his stepmother move. They are moving to a BIG OLE' house in Dyer Indiana and my FIL wanted to use Rick's van. The kids and I will be going to Alex's basketball class and run a few errands. I am craving out some scrapping time but it will be to get organize...I am going to commit to organize tomorrow and I am going to commit to completing some of the Blog challenges on 2PEAS...
Stay Tuned

Hugs & Kisses
Me

P.S. Allegra is still up...here it is midnight and she comes running into our office to see if I am still on the computer and she wants for me to take a picture of her painting that she did at school yesterday and post it

Here you go...

Good Morning...

So I did not wake as early as I wanted too...up late last night with Rick ;).(devilish grin)
So I am up now...trying to get things together so that I may go pick up the twins from my mother's house and begin our day.
I already know that once I drop them off, I am going to Borders to use up my gift card...not all on myself, but a majority on me. I love the fact that my children also have a love of books as I do so I have to be sure to get them a few new books.
After I drop them off at my mother's today...I am off to Windy City. It was good to get back to work yesterday since I was gone for a while...my schedule will be changing since Rick is starting his new job. I will be glad once I know what his shift will be so I can set my schedule.
Gotta go...will be back later on


So I did not go to Borders like I had originally planned...I had to run home to make a couple of important phone calls so that I can make a few appointments for next week. Once I was home, I also watched All My Children and One Life to Live. I got back to the twins school to get them and dropped them off at my mother's. Rick was able to pick them up and they came home with him. I love the fact that my mother is around to keep them for us (they have only stayed with her and my MIL) but I do not want to burn her out with watching them...especially since she is watching them on Friday since they do not have school and I am working at the store.
Once I got to work, I almost immediately started getting packets ready for our Design Team. I love being our Design Team Coordinator and I love when the team gets excited about new product...that in turn will get customers excited too. It has been a challenge so far making sure to please everyone (from Christina to the DT members) and I have taken on the challenge head on...we just have to get better at our turn around time and this month...it is really bad since we had inventory...I am asking the DT members to still turn in their projects on the 1st and on the 7th...I only wish for the best. I ended up having to take a pack since one of our members asked to sit out this month so I have to get my creative juices flowing to design something great...I will be sure to post photos of completed projects more often. I was even asked about my scrap space, which I will post soon too. I will give a before and after since it looks like a storm, hurricane and tornado hit it.
I will be so glad once we get out of the this cold snap...I am so ready for spring.
I stayed up late once I got home as I had a case of insomnia and watched old episodes of SOUL FOOD on BETJ...I loved that show and hated that they were taken off the air...but I still enjoy watching the reruns.
Until tomorrow

Hugs & Kisses
Me

Today...

Rick started orientation at yet...another job. This one will be paying him more (which is good)... he will be back in the locomotive industry (which is good)...we will Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO again (which is good)...he will work 4 days on and 3 days off (which is good)....he will work 12 hours shifts(which is okay...I think?), the only drawback right now, since he just started is that we are not sure of his 12 hour shift...will it be the day morning shift 6am-6pm (which is good) or 6pm-6am (which is bad) and we are not sure if his days will be set or if they will rotate...time will tell. He did interview with another railroad last Thursday and he says that is the job he wants...if they call him. I just want him to be happy...that is what matters to me. As far as my schedule is concerned...it is up in the air right now until he gets his shift and what not...stayed tuned for that.
I dropped the kids off today at school, and I almost stayed to volunteer but decided not to since another parent stayed. I volunteered yesterday for the first time in Alex and Allegra's preschool. I did not get a chance to take pictures since the day was kinda busy and it was my first time. I had to prep the kids to let them know that I was going to be in their class and that I wanted them to behave like always. For the most part, the day went very well. Ms. Graham (their teacher) had me cutting out laminated paper dolls from different countries along with little outfits to go with them...I will have to invest in some fine tip scissors for Ms. Graham. At the end of the day, Alex and Allegra both had mini meltdowns because they did not get the role of the big bad wolf for a little dance routine the kids were doing. They both cried to me and I tried to console them. We were able to calm Allegra down with the promise of her getting to play the part the next time, but Alexandre' contined on with his crying and all was wrong with the world for him until we got to the grocery store...I knew that purchasing some hot chocolate with marshmellows would brighten his day. My volunteer day was good and I can not wait to do it again. So after I dropped the kids off at school today, I left my car parked by the school and walked a couple of blocks down to Borders Book Store. I have a gift certificate from my dear FIL that has been burning a hole in my wallet since he gave it to me for Christmas. I went in and browsed around the magazines, children's books, African American fictions, cook books and even pregnancy books (yes...I want to have more children). I grabbed a couple of home decorating magazines and headed up to the cafe and looked through the magazines for ideas...I seriously plan on doing some redecorating this spring. I treated myself to a strawberry smoothie with whipped cream and received a coupon to use on my next book purchase. I picked up the next series of the Brainquest Cards for the twins and was going to use my coupon until I noticed that it could not be used until tomorrow so I just had them put the cards on hold for me. I already made plans in my head to visit Borders again tomorrow so I will get them then with my gift card and I may even treat myself to a few decorating magazines. I walked back to the twins school and just enjoyed the cool crisp air and also the snow fall. I let the twins play in the snow for a little bit before being dropped off at my mother's house and they had a ball. Alex called himself throwing snowballs at me while Allegra just ran around laughing and trying to taste the snowflakes...she kept saying that the snow was sweet and tasted like butter...silly girl.


When I dropped them off at my mother's she had told them they could have hot chocolate so they were eager to go to her house.
I went back to work at Windy City...after being away for 5 days and everything pretty much looked the same. We are still doing inventory so the store looks alittle chaotic and sparse. I have been looking at the sneak peaks for CHA and can not wait for Christina and Susan to go to Anaheim so that we may get some new merchandise in for the store. I worked on Design Team packets for they are overdue for being given out, due to inventory and me taking additional days off with my back injury. We had a few customers in the store so the time went by quickly. My mother called me to let me know that the twins could spend the night and when I got home, Rick informed me that he will not be going back to his old job, that they were going to pay him for the his remaining days without him going in but he is to come one day next week. So kiss, kiss, hug, hug and I let him get some rest since the twins are not here and I wanted to spend time on the computer and watch television.
Tomorrow, I plan on doing a few loads of laundry and pick up in the twins room before I go and get them ready for school at my mother's. I told her I would come around 10am. I have also made plans to visit Borders again.

TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

What a difference...

that a week makes.

I have not blogged since last week and I tell you I wish I would have since alot has happened and I have to try to remember it now.
This is the main reason why I decided to start a blog in the first place....so that I had a point of reference when trying to recall what has happened to the Coleman Crew and to also help me with my scrapbooking.

So since last Sunday...let me see

Monday, January 14th:
The second week of school started. I woke up early to get Alex and Allegra dressed as I went to work and Rick was on drop off and pick up duty. Since he does not work on Sunday nights, I can work during the day and get home early to be with him and the kids. The only thing that has been happening at work is getting ready for D-day on January 16th and I am NOT looking forward to this task. Once I got home I fixed dinner and we watched our favorite program this season...American Gladiators. Once I got the twins to bed, I actually went to bed early.

Tuesday, January 15th:
I had a late start so that I may drop the twins off at school. We started out our morning at 9am and I think that I will do things with them before school. We read a few books and listened to some of Music Together CDs. Those CDs really brought back memories of going to Music Together Classes with Ms. Irene. We were fortunate enough to attend for almost 2 years and I must admit that Alex and Allegra really enjoyed it as much as I did. Once I put the CDs on, they were able to remember alot of the songs and even did some of the movements with them too. It just amazed me that they were able to recall the songs and movements from the songs. I dropped them off at school and went to Windy City. While I was going to work, Rick had called me with good news. He was granted an interview with E&J Railroad but the only problem was that it was going to be on Thursday, a day that I was to be at work at 1pm since he is on pick up but I immediately called my mother and she said she would help by letting them spend the night. I would just have to make arrangements for a later start on that day and luckily, one of my coworkers, was able to help me out (Thanks Melissa). Once I got home, surprisingly, the twins were fast asleep and I did the same after checking a few emails.



Wednesday, January 16th:
D-Day for me...or for us working at Windy City Scrapbooking. We had inventory that day and boy was it a day. I got there at 1pm after spending the morning with Alex and Allegra and once I got there, I wanted to turn back around. I know that this has to be done but it is just so long and detailed. After 9 hours of counting, checking and double counting, I called it a night. I hope that the counts come out right as we did not finish at all but I think we made a good dent. I was glad that we had volunteers come and help us out...I really do not know if we could have done it without them.


Thursday, January 17th:
I was dropped off and picked up today as Rick went to his interview. I hope that he does well as he has been on two so far this month. Even though he is working now...he is not getting paid enough...at least what we are use to and he is working overnights...the working overnights would not be as bad if he was getting paid what we are use to...I really just want him to be happy at what he is doing. After I picked up Alex and Allegra, I dropped them off at my mother's and went to Windy City. I taught Beyond the Basics which turned out very well. I love teaching people about scrapbooking and I really love having them learn more tips and techniques that will allow them to take their scrapbooking to the next level. Once I got home, Rick was up getting ready for work...he felt as though his interview went well and so we will have to wait and see. I went to bed right after he left for work since I knew I had to get up early to pick up Alex and Allegra from my mother's house since I had made plans to attend the first Mocha Moms' meeting for 2008. New year with a new executive board...should be good.


Friday, January 18th:
Boy was it freezing cold this morning that even I was taken aback and I was told it was going to get colder. I made sure to pack long johns for the kids to wear out. Once I got to my mother's the kids were in a great mood, especially once I told them we were going to the Mocha Mom's meeting.
I got there a few minutes late but still had enough time to introduce myself and hear a few more introductions of new and old members. I am historian this year along with a fellow Mocha Mom LaShanda. I have had the pleasure of being on several committees and also being Co Chair on a couple of committees, such as Hospitality and Cocoa Cubs. I plan on being on Cocoa Cubs again this year along with Social and maybe another one...I do love my Mocha Moms group as they have truly been a blessing and have helped me with being a mother and especially being a SAHM (Stay At Home Mother) of Color...I have gotten so much advice, love and support from this group of women, not to mention the friendships I have formed not only for myself but for my family too...these are friendships that I truly value and hope will last a lifetime. I had to leave the meeting a little early so I could go drop off the twins at school. I met up with a few of my Mocha buddies and we had lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, "Dixie Kitchen" so I had the treat of fried catfish, red beans and rice and greens along with johnny cakes and peach ice tea for lunch...I was so full when I went to pick up the twins from school and I felt alittle bad as I gave them lunch meat,crackers, and juice for their after school snack...I will be sure to take them there soon. I made the mistake of letting them take a late nap for I wanted to take them to my FIL school, McDade Classical school at which he is the principal for an event they were having that night. He even called me to see if we were still coming and I told him "YES' for I had made plans to attend. They were having guest authors come and read stories to the kids and they wanted the kids to come in their pajamas. So of course I had their clothes all laid out and matchy, matchy as Alex was to wear his Thomas the Tank pajamas with matching house shoes and Allegra was to wear her Dora pajamas with matching house shoes. The twins had a different plan than me...when I went to wake them up, all HELL broke lose as they whined and cried that they were sleepy, they did not care who there were going to see, who was wearing pajamas...I could not even bribe them with suckers to eat in the car on the way there (bad mommy...hey but I knew I needed a sugar rush for them if they were to stay up)...so I had the displeasure of calling Rufus back and letting him know that we were not coming. He understood and we just made plans to see him next weekend. We ended our evening early as I knew we had to wake up early for Alex's basketball class.

Saturday, January 19th:

Okay...so the weather was TERRIBLE...too cold but I was able to get both kids dressed and out of the house for Alex's basketball practice. So he is in "advanced" Bitty Basketball this year, since he has been in basketball for a full year now. Class actually started last Saturday on the 12th but we did not get up in a great mood so I did not even bother to try to get them dressed. This morning was a challenge getting Alexandre' dressed for he hates to wear long johns, under shirts, and socks that come up to his knees...we have been having knockdown drag out arguments about his clothing. So this particular morning, I guess I was in a "Big Sister" mood from back in my college days. Alex insisted that he did not want to wear anything warm and that he wanted to wear shorts and he went on whining and crying....so I went to the front door and opened it and let him stand outside for about 2 seconds before he turned around to me and said..."Mommy, it would be a good idea to wear those things there" as he pointed to the undergarments that I had laid out and he close the door and came back in the house. It seems as though he is a show me type of child and so to avoid us debating this was a good route for us...I guess letting him make the final decision based upon his own observation worked (and yes he is only 4 years old). So practice was fine and once we left, we came back home and started to clean up their room. I really need to get some more storage for their toys as the toys, books, and games are truly taking over. I do plan on investing in some pieces from IKEA once we get a chance to make the drive and I also wanted to try to get a few more storage bins for the basement as we will start using that space again come spring (it gets kinda cold in the winter in the basement and I do not always feel like lighting our fireplace down there) After cleaning up...it was nap time for everyone except for Rick. He was fortunate enough to be contacted for a DJaying gig for a friend and had to pack up the van and get his music together. I can really appreciate his love for music as he has been able to benefit from it by DJaying and he plays all genres of music.
I really wanted to attend the Teacher Open House at Windy City Scrapbooking so that I could let the public know about classes that I have coming up for the 1st quarter at the store, but I was unable to make it due to my family obligations...I heard that it went well and a few people asked about me...I hope that they will sign up for one of my classes . Once I woke up from our family nap, I had to start getting ready for my SOS CROP which was at Darvi's house. She had a SCHOOL DAZE crop where she wanted us to bring out our Greek wear (for those of us who pledged a sorority) and/or apparel from the colleges/universities that we attended. Now being that I was pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. 20 years ago, I had to make a little trip to the Greek store to get some gear. I was able to get a cute t-shirt to wear for the evening. Of course I wanted everything that I saw and I vowed to return to the store to get some new gear since I will be turning 20 years old in November this year...hard to believe that I was only 19 when I pledged and as I remember all that I went through and have experienced as a DELTA...I would not change a thing. As soon as I can, I plan on being active again as I have not been since I I found out I was carrying Alex and Allegra.
So after dropping them off at my mother's I went to my crop and was quite productive...I did 4 layouts, well actually 2, 2 page spreads which was good for me considering that we spent the night talking away about our college experiences, pledge stories (that we could tell) and just caught up with each other. So I found myself home at 4:18am and my husband was laid out DRUNK. He woke up trying to have conversation with me among other things but he was out of it, so we fell asleep...quickly.
Here are a few pictures from our SCHOOL DAZE crop...in my Scrap On Sistah group, there are a total of 3 Deltas (myself, Lisa, and Nicole), 2 AKA's ( the two Toshas), 2 Sigma Gamma Rhos(Darvi and Kay), and 3 Independents (Rae, Nashonne, and Danielle).. which makes up our dynamic group. At this crop we even had a few guests...Christina who just went over into Sigma Gamma Rho land and Darvi's sister Kim...who really needs to be on Last Comic Standing or Who's got jokes or something...she had us cracking up the whole night.

Sunday, January 20th:
I took the day off for I knew that I would be exhausted from the crop the night before. I woke up after only a few hours of sleep to pick up Alex and Allegra from my mother's and when I did...it hit me. MY ACHING BACK. I wish that Rick was the cause of it (devilish smile here) but I have a history of having herniated discs and my back started to ache. I was able to go and get the kids but once I came back home...my HELL started. I spent the entire day in the bed not being able to do anything for myself that involved walking...I literally had to crawl the bathroom one time (Rick had ran out the house for a second)...the kids were on the floor with me trying to help me. Rick even had to assist me in taking care of myself after I went to the bathroom a few times for the pain was just unbearable that I could not even wipe myself. I was taking everything I could put my hands on but nothing was working. Rick ordered pizza for dinner and we pretty much let the kids do whatever as he tended to me for the majority of the day. I was truly frustrated and upset as everything that I wanted to do on this day, went to the wayside, but I knew that I needed to rest in order to get my back in order. I have had MRI's in the past and I have 3 herniated discs and they just do that at any time. I can not predict when it happens nor can I for see when it is going to happen...I try to manage the pain with bed rest, over the counter medications (I will be getting some prescription pills soon, with my physical being a couple of weeks away) and some exercises that I learned from when I was going to therapy for my back. Rick and my mother feels as though this was my body's way of telling me to slow down and I guess maybe the cold may have attributed to it...who knows but it had me flat out. I just spent the rest of the day trying to rest up for I was to work on Monday...for the holiday. I was really miserable and even cried a few times because of the pain. Allegra claimed to have a back ache too since I did...I was up all night and the pain pills that I was taking gave me NO relief....terrible night.

Monday, January 21st:

I ended up calling Christina very early in the morning for when I woke up...I still could not move without experiencing pain and I could not see myself being fully functioning at Windy City. I hate having to do that but I know that my health is more important and I am glad that she agreed with me. So I spent the day just trying to rest and get better. I had Rick run out and get some Aleve and I tried it along with the Tylenol and I started to feel alittle relief. I was finally out of the bed around noon and able to spend time with my family. Rick was up playing music and the kids were acting like they were putting on a concert with their play microphones and instruments. Then Alexandre's started dancing and even tried to call himself break dancing...Rick immediately went to our selection of DVDs downstairs and came upstairs with the original DVD, "BREAKIN" with "Shabba Doo" Quinones and "Boogalo Shrimp" Chambers...now this was a movie from my past as I grew up in the beginning stages of hip/hop and rap music and break dancing. Alexandre' and Allegra watched the whole movie and once Alex grabbed the DVD case and started staring at it and even took it to bed with him when he took his nap, I knew I had to prepare myself for a marathon of this movie for a while. Our day remained quiet for the rest of the evening as we just ate leftover pizza for Rick and I both agreed for me not to do anything that would aggravate my back...so I continued to rest. I also wanted to make sure that I was better since I was going to be volunteering for the first time at Alex and Allegra's school tomorrow. We all took warm baths for the evening and went to bed kinda early for our day tomorrow would be long.

Scrapbook related:

I still have not forgotten my word nor my commitment to do the challenges on 2peas...I just have to play catch up, which I plan on doing this weekend...Stay tuned

TTFN

Hugs and Kisses

Me

Weekend Recap...

All and all...we had a great weekend.
I worked on Friday night and helped the store get ready for its Bag Sale...and when I got home...the whole family was up. Sometimes I do not mind the twins staying up late but for some reason, I felt as though Rick should have had them in the bed...especially since we were to get up early the next morning for Alexandre' first day at basketball and Allegra's first day at ballet. So they did not fall asleep until almost 11:30 and with that being said, they missed there first days of their classes. I am not to worried about it since we did not pay that much at all...they are through the Chicago Park District and the fees are little of nothing...we figured at this age, see if they have a true interest in it and if so, when they get older, then we will invest the big bucks. Alexandre' will be starting Advanced Bitty Basketball...yes he is really good, for a 4 year old, especially at dribbling and keeping the ball under his control. Allegra will be starting her Ballet class with her old Kenicott school teacher Miss Keisha and she just adores her. When they woke up on Saturday morning, they were still sleepy and cranky so I had them go back to sleep and we just missed the first days...I will be sure that they will not miss next week.
We laid around in our pajamas until it was time to go to my girlfriend's daughter's birthday party. Her name is Ashley and she turned 4. We went to Mokena to a place called JUMP ZONE and that is what my babies did...jumped until they were in the zone. This place has HUGE bouncy houses and slides for the kids of all ages and yes...I even joined in on the jumping fun in one of the bouncy houses with Alexandre'...I almost past out but it was fun. My children had their first taste of SLURPEES. First they shared one and then we all had one on our way home. Since Rick worked overtime on Saturday night...it was just me and the kids. After the party, I went to visit my mother in law for a little bit, had dinner with her...she treated us to Chinese food and then we went home. I do not like coming home late at night, since the incident a few months ago and so I made sure to be watchful as I got the kids out of the car...I have been told that it will still take me a while to feel comfortable in my surroundings...again, I do not live in fear, just in faith.
Once we got home, I gave those little munchkins nice warm bubble baths and put them in the bed. I later went to sleep as well.
I wanted to make a big breakfast when Rick came home Sunday morning but was too tired to do so...so the family settled for oatmeal, toast, juice and milk. I worked today as it was the last day of the Bag Sale. I am glad that I planned my dinner before I left so all I had to do was make a phone call for Rick to put things in the oven so that by the time I made it home, dinner was almost done.
At work, we were busy and I had the pleasure, as always, meeting fellow seasoned scrapbookers and also helping out the newbies.
Once I was home, I finished with dinner (Steak, mac and cheese, green beans and garlic bread) and since Alex and Allegra ate their dinner so well, without me having to make them, we made cookies for dessert (just the break and bake ones)
So as stated before... all in all, our weekend was good...Good food, good time with family and friends and good fun.

Here are few pictures to recap our weekend at Jump Zone...a photo opportunity with the birthday girl and the twins first time eating a SLURPEE (you see why I ended up getting them their own once it was time to go home)

TTFN
Hugs and Kisses
Me

3rd day of school..

So we are going into the 3rd day of school and so far, so good.
On Monday, January 7th, Alexandre' and Allegra started a new chapter in their young lives as they started at Phillip Murray Language Academy in Hyde Park. This was a preschool that I applied to last year so that they could go this past fall. We did not get in for the fall but I received a phone call before the holidays saying that there was a spot for Alexandre'...well, I had to go take both of them in to ask for two spots and luckily now both of them are in Murray. I really debated about this over and over since they would be starting in the middle of the school year and the shorter time in class but I continued to pray on it and seek advice from my family and friends and decided to give it a try. Since it is a public school, if we are not pleased, we do have the option of taking them out...but as stated earlier, so far, so good.

So my recap of that first day...
They were really excited about going to school and talked about it all the way as I drove to school. I tried to keep their enthusiasm up and engaged in their conversation about school, having a new teacher...Ms. Graham, and meeting new friends. Everything was going well, until we walked up to the front door of the school and the 4th graders came barreling out the door for recess. This shocked both of them as they both just stood there in fear of the BIG KIDS. Alex immediately looked at me and grabbed my hand, asking me to stay with him. I tried to reassure him but I could tell that his attitude changed. We went inside and waited with the other preschoolers and parents. Allegra was fine as she walked and tried to play with the other kids but Alex stayed by my side. Once inside, we went into the cubbie area and they were so thrilled to find their names and put their coats and belongings in their cubbie holes. Allegra ran off with the other children towards Ms. Graham but my Alex, started with his pouting and whining saying he wanted to go with me. The teacher's assistant, Mr. Philips reassured me and told me to go ahead as he led Alex with the other children. As I left, I heard him scream my name and of course it tugged at me but I felt he was in good hands and they could call me if things got out of hand. I did stick around for a while and did not hear him crying. I was told by another parent that Ms. Graham had him in her lap and Allegra was next to them and they were just talking quietly...so I went ahead and left. Rick went with me to pick them up and we did have a bad report...Alex did start crying again and he was kicking and throwing things. I was VERY SURPRISED to hear this as he does not even do this at home. Rick immediately snatched Alex up and went out the classroom and got down eye level and talked to him. I apologized to Ms. Graham and just prayed for a better tomorrow. She was fine with it but once we got home...I explained to Alex that his behavior was not acceptable and how he had to apologize and not do it again. When we went to school the following day, the first thing that Alex did without me having to remind his was go and apologize to Ms. Graham ( Proud mommy moment #1). I left them there and went and ran a couple of errands. When I went to pick them up, I decided to let them play in the playground for a little bit...the weather was not as warm as it was on the day before but it was okay temperature wise. Afterwards we went home and relaxed.

I went back to work today at Windy City and boy was I amazed. We are getting ready for a big sale this weekend...getting rid of old not only to make room for new (trade show coming up in February) but also to help us with our inventory process next week. I was just busy helping prepare for the sale this weekend. Saw alot of things that would be good to get too. I have been so good with my shopping for scrap supplies...believe me, I do not need anything else...at this time.



Here are a few photos from Alex and Allegra's first day...I wanted to get more but with Alex crying and such, I did not get everything that I wanted to but I am sure, as I volunteer and spend more time at Murray with the twins, I will get my fill of photo opportunities.

Enjoy

TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me

Is it really January 6th???

Because it feels like it is April or May 6th.
The weather is unseasonably warm and it suppose to get even warmer tomorrow...kinda makes you think about global warming...
This week was pretty busy for me as I found myself working every single day since the New Year...trying to help the hubby out, since he was off on vacation. Now things will slack up for me as the twins start BIG KIDS SCHOOL tomorrow. This has been a very hard decision for us as in attending Kenicott they were in school 9am-1pm (and now they extended it to 3pm) and now with attending CPS preschool for all, they will only go 12pm-2:30pm. A VERY BIG difference in time but within those 2 1/2 hours, they will get alittle bit more curriculum and at least they will be in for sure next fall where as I will not have to worry about the application process for pre-school.
I will be off for the next couple of days so I can finally put take down our Christmas decorations and catch up on the never ending loads of laundry.

I also hope to start cleaning up my scrap area. My dear friend Susan was brave enough to post a picture of a section of her scrap room on Windy City's Scrapbooking blog and I must commend her for doing that.
In reference to my word for the year, here are some words of encouragement from Ali...

"Now that many of you have chosen a word for the year, what will you do to keep it in mind throughout the year? It can be very simple or complex, a craft/scrapbooking project or a simple reminder in your planner or on your bulletin board. Some sort of visual reminder is a great way to add a bit of focus to your word.

Here's a couple ideas for honoring your word this year:

• Go through some magazines looking for your word or themes/phrases/etc that relate to your word. Cut them out and collage them together as a visual reminder. This could grow and expand throughout the year.
• Commission or locate a piece of jewelry that features your word. I am ordering a necklace with "vitality" from Lisa Leonard. Love this as a daily visual reminder.
• Print out a word card (see photo above) and place it where you will see it everyday (a bathroom mirror or refrigerator or bulletin board are all front and center).
• Create a canvas that introduces your word. Dump some paint right on there and go for it.
• Start a journal to document thoughts, feelings, experiences you have with your word over the course of the year. This could be a visual journal or just focus on the words. Your journal could be as simple as a Word document on your computer."
So here is another thing that I really want to accomplish this year...already, am I putting too much on my plate
But once I COMMIT to being a more organized person, this will be easy for me

So I want to start back in the blog challenges from 2PEAS and in doing so, I am going to go backwards to the first challenge of the year...

Blog Challenge from 1/1/08:

How did you celebrate/bring in the New Year?

I was with my family on New Year's Eve...the day started out with the twins getting their yearly doctor's exam complete with shots and having their blood drawn, we went to a few craft stores in Orland Park (window shopping) and we went grocery shopping and to McDonald's. Once we were home, we all got cozy in our pajamas, took a few pictures (they are posted in my blog already). The twins went to bed early and Rick and I watched television and tried to remember our past New Year's together.

So I laid the twins clothes out for their first day and I am ready for them to start a new chapter in their young lives. I want my babies back...I was really feeling it since I went to get Alexandre' some overnight pull-ups as he is still wetting the bed at night. I tried a new brand this time, Pampers (I usually get Huggies), but I bought the Pamper's brand since the overnight ones had Spiderman on them as opposed to Toy Story and since Alex is a Spiderman fanatic, I thought that maybe he would not urinate on him as opposed to Woody and Buzz Lightyear...WOW...listen at me as I reason around some cartoon characters

Well...I am off to bed now as morning will soon come and I want to be refreshed for tomorrow as I have to get up early and drop of medical records just to be sure everything is ready for the twins at Murray and I also have to go and get them a few supplies like paper towels, hand wipes, glue stick, markers, tissue, etc.

TTFN

Hugs & Kisses

Me

Bitter Cold...

was today...

I could not believe how cold it was today and of course, evertime that it gets this cold in Chicago, I always vow that I am going to move...Right.



I went to work today and had a little car trouble where as Rick had to come to the store with the twins to see about my car. I drove all the way to Windy City with NO HEAT and then the temperature light popped on and the car stopped on me as soon as I got in front of the store...luckily, it was only that my coolant was low and so Rick was able to fix it with no problem. So glad that he was able to come right away and it was good to have the twins come to the store to hang out with me for a while. Alex was a little whiny when it was time to go. I do not like when he gets that way but I know that he just misses being with me. It was kinda of busy at the store today as people were coming in starting to redeem their gift certificates. I am really thinking about joining the Quickutz Club at the store...they call themselves the Quickutz QT's and they do get alot of perks of being in the club for a small membership fee.



Shifting gears...

I have been thinking about my word for the 2008 and since I have COMMIT as my word, I am ready to do just that COMMIT...so here we go
I will resolve to COMMIT and also enjoy the journey as I do so
In looking at the definition of COMMIT I picked one of the 12 definitions that I felt was a good match for me
COMMIT: to pledge or engage oneself
I want to commit myself in my relationship with GOD
I want to commit myself in all of my relationships (husband, children, family, friends and of course with myself)
I want to commit to a healthier lifestyle
I want to commit to a better ME all together.

Happy New Year To Me
Hugs & Kisses
Me

HAPPY NEW YEAR....2008

This is a photo of Rick and I on Christmas Eve...I thought it was a cute picture and we were actually toasting to the New Year that night...we were getting the festivities started early.
So the New Year came in and I am so grateful to be blessed to see it.
A lot of things happened both good and bad and 2007 and I know that all it does is make me stronger and wiser for myself and my family.
We had a good New Year...especially since we have been in our pajamas ALL DAY LONG.
Yesterday, on New Year's Eve we had a long day.
I was able to make an appointment to take the twins to their new doctor located in Evergreen Park. Since we have Blue Cross/Blue Shield HMO as opposed to PPO we had to switch physicians. We picked Dr. Linn Roberts for their pediatrician and the experience was nice until it came time to give shots. The twins each received 4 shots to follow up with their vaccinations from last year plus they had to get 2 vials of blood drawn. Allegra was screaming bloody murder even before the nurse administered the shots and Alex was crying due to Allegra crying. I had to hold both of them down for their shots and blood drawing. I felt so bad to see them in pain but I also had to crack up when I heard Alex say..."Excuse me Miss Lady, could you please not do that to me?" (he was referring to getting shots like his sister...even the nurse had to stop and laugh and she said that his comment was for the books...he even went further to say..."Mommy, could you take the shots for me and Allegra?" I would if I could. I am glad that I gave them Tylenol before going...(thanks Nicole for advising me to do so) Here is a photo of my babies at the doctor's office waiting to be examined

Once we left the doctor's office...we headed out to Orland Park. I filled up my gas tank and we went to Jewel's to get a few groceries before the New Year. We then headed over to a few crafting stores just to past the time away. When we passed by the golden arches the twins went into an uproar so I gave in and since they were such troopers in getting their shots, I treated them to McDonald's. Chicken Nuggets is not the favorite anymore...they are getting into cheeseburgers and they both can eat a whole one. It started to snow alittle bit on the way home and I thought that Alex and Allegra would fall asleep on the drive home but they surprised me and did not. They stayed up with me as we sang songs and talked about going to the "big school" all the way home. Rick helped me bring the groceries in and

once we all got settled in, fatigue set in. I think that I was more tired than Alex and Allegra. I really wanted to go out to my friend's house for New Year's but as it reached 7pm, I knew that the Colemans would celebrate the New Year's at home. We called Adonis to wish him a Happy 13th Birthday. I was kinda of upset as we just found out on this day that his mother was giving him a bowling birthday party. We would have attended to support him on his birthday and so that Alex and Allegra could see him. I really do not care for Adonis' mother for I feel as though she makes things difficult after all of these years for no reason...I guess it is to make her feel good. She is only hurting Adonis. I can not believe he is now 13 years old. I first met him when he was 18 months old, and now he is in his teens. Hopefully we will get him before school starts back up next week.

I made Alex and Allegra chicken nuggets along with salad, spaghetti and applesauce (great New Year's eve dinner) and Rick and I ate Popcorn shrimp with spaghetti and a salad. I let the twins stay up until 10pm. Rick and I watched the end of BET top 100 videos and flipped channels between BET and MTV for the east coast countdown. Once it was Chicago's turn...we turned to Channel 7 and watch the countdown. After a few kisses, we found ourselves trying to remember our New Year's eve celebration from years past. Our first New Year's which was 94 going into 95, we spent on the telephone talking all night, I was engaged to someone else and his son was being born (long story) and since 2003, we have been right at 7445 with Alex and Allegra. Rick even jokingly said that he was so glad that I started scrapbooking just for the reason of trying to remember. There are still a couple of years that we can not remember but once one of us do...I will be sure to document it. We stayed up a little bit longer flipping channels.

New Year's Day...a day of rest and relaxation for all of us. I cooked breakfast and just relaxed the rest of the day. My mother, bless her heart...came by to see us and brought over dinner. She was on her way to see about a friend of hers who fell in her home. She is going to be staying with her overnight. I tell you, my mother is a true Florence Nightingale as she is always looking after someone else. Once she left...the twins and I took a nap and did not wake up until a little after 5pm. While the kids were playing, Rick and I got into a conversation as to what we wanted for our family for 2008. Peace and Prosperity along with Upward Mobility and Stability is what summed up our conversation. I always enjoy talking with him about our goals for ourselves and our family as a whole. I even shared with him about my word for the year and he feels challenged to have a word for the year along with me. I started to warm up New Year's eve dinner when we were surprised again and this time it was by my MIL. She came in and all of sudden, started to break down crying...at first I thought something happened either to her husband or with her husband (she is remarried) but she just stated that she was feeling blue...it has been one year since the death of her mother and she just found herself really missing her. I can totally relate as I get alittle emotional around the holidays for I miss my daddy. I really wish he was here to enjoy Alex and Allegra...I know he is looking down on us and I always say that he is my guardian angel. After dinner, the twins watched their favorite movie this holiday season "Space Jam" and they are still up now watching "Toy Story".

I go to work tomorrow and so does Rick, tomorrow night....so it is back to the bump and grind.

I will make sure to post tomorrow as I continue to think about my word for 2008 and now that Rick is joining me, it should be fun. I have also challenged readers of the Windy City Scrapbooking Blog to join in...I can not wait to see what others wish to have as their word for the year. I have to make sure to check Ali Edwards blog before I go to bed to see what she is writing about.

Good night

Happy New Year

Hugs & Kisses

Me



Here are a couple of more photos from our New Year Eve's....Enjoy!!!