Retirement is Golden

It has been just about six months since my father had his "finally retired" panic attack in the emergency room. I was concerned at that time (and so was AJ) that he was going to go crazy with all the free time on his hands. Boy, were we wrong. Sometimes it seems way longer than 6 months since he said Adios to those long work weeks and hello to days filled with accomplishment, contentment and laughter. Dad throughout his cancer recovery has taken the lighter side of life (thank goodness) and (most days) is a joy to be around. Although I must say that I am sure its in part because I have seen my parents at least three or four times a week for the past five months. Between them watching the girls and the bathroom remodel its been an everyday sorta thing... and I love it. I cant imagine not having them so close, but I don't want to be any closer either... 12.5 minutes away is perfect for me. We can still visit them without traveling all day but I still have time to run around the house and pickup starting from the time they call until the time they are on my doorstep. Yup, pretty swell round these parts. (touch and go at times hahaha)

Wild Animal Kingdom

Today the girls and I hitched a ride down to Madison with my parents. My Dad had some business down there with his new consulting firm (which seems to be going well so far) and so we tagged along for a little day trip to go exploring. We started off at the Zoo (my favorite one in the state... I have very fond memories from childhood I guess) and it was hot. Not uncomfortably hot but when you go from 55 degrees one day and 82 the next, your body just isn't ready for it . So the four of us girls started out great but eventually got a lil crabby (imagine that). For example: Via wanted to go on the carousel. OK no problem. We got our token and started to wait in line. She didn't want to wait in line. After watching two sets of ride takers go before us when it was finally our turn to get on, she chickened out. What??? No way Jose. She was going on that stinkin ride even if I had to put her up on that zebra (which I did). I stood between the two girls and help them tight so they didn't slide off the ride. It was at this point when Katie started to get a little sassy and ran away from me when I was getting Via off the ride. That little stinker just wasn't listening at all. Not that she is all that great normally but this was way worse. Thank goodness I brought a little leash for Via (don't judge me) because mom was hot and distracted so it was pretty much my job to chase after the girls. Don't get me wrong, as the parent I realize that I should always be watching after my chitlins but when we agreed to divide and conquer I was getting pissy having to chase them both. That was until we all decided to dip our toes in the lake to cool off a bit. That worked! The water was still ice cold and so after only a few minutes we were back to normal=== a Diva moment and me caught without a snickers bar hahaha.

After a few hours at the zoo we packed up and headed to the children's museum (Katie's favorite) it was Via's first visit to Madison so we wanted to show her the ropes. I know it seems odd that Olivia has never been there seeing we go all the time but I guess I have always been nervous to send her very far especially without me. She hasn't had a seizure since she was 6 months old but I still freak out about it. I am better when she is with her dad but even an overnight with my parents makes me a little edgy. She goers in November to see the pediatric neurologist for a check up and I am hoping he weans her meds and discontinue them. He always tells me that 2 years old in the world of seizures is not old and to be patient. I have to grit my teeth and remind myself that no matter what the inconvenience and cost the Kepra inflicts it is priceless to have me little princess around. Even if she does blow "raspberries" right in my face (I have kyra and Tim to thank for that). She had fun playing in all the various areas at the museum but i think the piano was her favorite. Bella spent a really long time at the painting station and all I could do was sit in awe at how awesome and different they both are--- but still just like their momma! I have said it before but I can say it everyday--- I am happy and blessed to have such a wonderful and full life. Of course there is little stuff that makes me crazy and my blood pressure still bounces around all the time (not really I just like the imagery that implies) but life is good. On the roof of the museum there is a garden outside that overlooks the city and the capital building. Wouldn't you know I find a "sign" up there. Not only was there an awesome metal sculpture (which reminds me to continue with my art) but it was the last creation of Dr. Evermore (look him up on Google). Craziness (I am pretty sure we are kindred spirits). I have started the habit of looking for the positives in my day and acknowledging all the serendipitous coincidences that go on. For example: every time I hear the song "Its a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong mixed with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" I know that my grandparents on the Jones side are around me a that I am loved. I usually end up crying because its bittersweet how much I miss them but I remember how good they were to me. Other times I hear people and even conversations that total strangers are having trigger some memory of a loved one (dead or alive) and it makes me appreciate everything right in my life. I could be a negative Nellie-- sure-- but I like being a positive Petunia better.

Lil Soccer Star

Katie is not even close to a soccer star as far a skill goes but she certainly shines bright out on that field... assuming she stays on it. Bella was able to sign up this year for summer soccer league in the Green Bay area. They dropped the age to include 4 1/2 year olds and she just made it. which is fairly evident when you watch her play because it is quite the experience. Bella has never attended daycare or been around other kids for a prolonged period of time. Sure we drop her off at the YMCA for an hour or so at a shot but that is more of a play-day than a focused activity like organized sports. Her poor coach. She started practice in April twice a week and now has had a few games. So far her favorite activity is spinning and picking flowers off the field. I have to say that when prodded she will run with the pack but she does it with her eyes practically shut, head thrown back and arms stretched wide out... envision riding in a convertible on the wide open road... she just exhutes happy. Every game seems to get easier for her behavior wise. The first couple times she was focused at the beginning but then lost interest and decided to walk off the field. Like literally walk off the field. I am trying to keep an open mind and appreciate how incredibly adorable she is. The other parents sure think its cute but the OCD mommy in me is going crazy and totally wants to scream at her. Woosah... but I haven't... and I am trying my best not to. They are only this little and innocent for such a short time... I have to remember to enjoy it while I can.

Face lift? Yes please!

Its been 10 years that my dad has owned the Bader street property (where I live fyi). When he first purchased it there were some cosmetic changes we planned to make down the road but nothing that was too urgent. Over the years we have done a lot as far as upkeep, a new roof, new gutters, replaced the doors, I bought new kitchen appliances, changed the first floor flooring and we even did a little dry walling in the upstairs bathroom. When we moved in the basement bathroom had some messed up fish wallpaper and a really weird set up (a toilet on a riser between the shower and the sink) but we planned to change it out eventually. Well with the wedding 7 years ago we did just that but it appeared that it was messed up because there was a small leak behind the wall. So we pulled the wall out and fixed the leak and had it dry walled by one of Tim's buddies and repainted. All was well. Until the summer of 2012 when we noticed the paint was bubbling. Crap. We still had moisture behind the wall and it was sure to become a mold problem. The shower still worked and Timmy and I are not fussy so we let it go. That was until my dad retired and decided that it had to be fixed. Works for us! We will take a face lift any-day. We hired a company to come in and demo out all the existing bathroom and then turn the shower 45 degrees making it larger while still allowing room for a toilet (not on a pedestal this time hahaha) and a sink, maybe even a fan). The estimate came in and the date was set for demo. That was a month ago... and I still cant use the room. Fasten your seat belts cause its about to get bumpy...

You hear about people having horror stories while building or remodeling a home. Tim's grandma had a roofer that quit mid-job and split with the money leaving a giant hole in the roof. Well our adventure starts with demolition in the rain. Wisconsin is well known as having some pretty interesting climate changes and mother nature was probably trying to warn us with all the rain. But we pushed through it anyway. The first day they brought in the jack hammer and tore the old stuff out. Not bad, loud but progress. Then the electrician came in to survey what he would have to do to accomplish what we asked for. In the process of checking everything out we found that the wiring in that whole area was not legal. Awesome. Ho fixed everything so it was up to code but as he went to the fuse box (in my basement bedroom) he noticed that we did not have an escape window. In the little room adjacent to ours (Kyra's room) there was one but I guess not suitable for today's standards because he notified the city and I had an official knocking on my door the next morning. WTF? I felt like I was on cops or something. Like I was a delinquent (outside of my obvious shortcomings) Turns out we have to now dig out the egress window and replace it with something much bigger while also installing a set of steps in the basement to get out. Long story short this process took a few trips to city hall (building permit bullcrap) and eventually Tim's dad was able to adapt a pair of steps mom and I found at a rummage sale to fall within the guidelines set forth by the city. Thank God for family Sigh*
We waited a few days and then the plumber finally came to work on the pipes. He was there not 30 minutes and left for the day. Ummm Ok. He said he would be back the next day. It was two. Then he left again. Now I am crabby. The third visit that week and he finally finished what he was supposed to accomplish the first day. (two day install my ass) Then the main guy putting the tub in gets the flu. That was a Thursday. We are now pushed back another week. Next week they get the tub in and we are waiting for the floor guy. Somehow he talked my dad into putting a tile floor into the basement (probably the fanciest laundry room on the block) but with all the moisture it didn't set up. SO he had to come back to reset it not to mention all the tiles that keep cracking because he didn't level the floor. Now, I am not into construction but would you pay someone before the job is done. Hell to the no. But my father felt it was close enough to the end that we could pay him and have the job finished in good faith. Nope. That was a mistake. Tiles keep cracking, the guys keeps no showing and I still have no laundry room, heating room, bedroom or place really for Kyra because everything in our basement is in disarray. I just want my life back. Its been a month with really no end in sight. I feel so guilty because it was proposed as a two day job and now has been weeks and weeks of men in and out of my house. My father just doesn't have the endurance he used to and with my parents bearing the majority of the daycare and house sitting while Tim and I are working its wearing on both of them. They really are outstanding and I am lucky to have them. (and dad's checkbook because if this was my house we would be dirt broke) about 2,500 over budget... sucky for sure.

The egress windows turned out great though and passed inspection no problem. The guy from the city came and within literally two minutes approved the job. I asked if he wanted to go into the house and see the steps we installed and he said to me "I am used to half assed efforts... this is a phenomenal job. Tell your dad he is not my typical slum lord." I told him I would be sure to put that on his birthday card in June and that was it. 950.00, a Saturday afternoon of man hours and finally, something right. *Whew

We actually put the egress window in on Mother's Day so Tim's parents were around along with his 2 brothers and respective children. Paula came too and so I swooped her up when I we needed to make a run to the store for more river rocks to fill the window well. It was nice to visit and get the scoop on whats been going on with her and my nieces. I am looking forward to spending some time with them hopefully this summer.

Oh and taking a shower sometime soon!
(don't worry, we have another bathroom upstairs)

Doctor Herrman in the House!!!

We have a doctor in the family y'all! Miss Anna Herrman (formerly Antos) has officially graduated with her PhD from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in Communications. (which will hopefully lead to our families communicating well over the long term. that was a joke. ba-dum-dum) but seriously she has put alot of time and effort, sacrificing things she wanted to do so that she could accomplish this tremendous goal that she set for herself almost a decade ago. Over the years, her passion to teach at the college level has fueled her ambition to finish her doctoral degree before the age of 30. I give her credit... because I personally have never been determined on such an incredible level in my entire life. I am super duper proud of her accomplishment and a little jealous to tell you the truth. Way to go Anna-Banana :) Glad you are my sister-in-law... I plan to ride your coat strings all the way to the end sugar pants!

Great America Trip

Kyra is super excited to go to 6 flags Great America today down in Illinois today. She did some fundraising over the winter (thanks to all that participated) and will be traveling with her band group the few hours to get the via Coach buses (better than a school bus for sure). I forgot how much work goes into piking out clothes for an event like this for a  teenage girl. I guarantee that I was the same way (I still remember the Puma sneakers having to match my mini backpack/purse ... remember Jackie???) but it was fun to spend the time with her involved and excited about something other than her cell phone, Ipad or computer. This whole generation of technology gurus makes me a little uncomfortable. They say (my generation) people in their thirties are "technology immigrants" ... all I can tell you is now I know how Chef Boyardee felt coming to America... quite the learning curve. I had the opportunity to chaperone (my trip paid for) but after a few minutes of consideration (more like seconds) I realized that chaperoning dozens of 13 year olds sound like total hell to me... you couldn't pay me enough to do it... well maybe there is a number out there.

Spring is finally here!!!

Yeeeessss!!! We can finally walked outside without our lungs burning from how cold it is or have our nose hairs become brittle because the snot surrounding them has instantly frozen. Now, for those of you in a much more temperit climate, its only about 55 degrees here but for us that's a great temperature to be outside. No winter jackets just a sweatshirt and we are ready to hit the playground... its like a bear in hibernation--- we got this down pat. I have been trying to get the girls clothes ready for spring (which may potentially be here finally) and hopefully a summer. All their cute little dress and flip flops.. I cant wait. So today we are at the park while I have a bin of extra clothes that they wont wear or wont fit into at the kid's resale store. I am trying to sneak every penny out of the things we aren't using and there is alot of that I guess. So here is my process. Typically I will buy Katie's clothes either at a rummage sale, sometimes a thrift store or on sale at a dept store like Kohls. Then it all gets stored for two years when it fits Olivia (knock on wood this process has worked so far). So granted Katie gets more "new" items but miss Via has so many options its ridiculous. Case in point: Via has 20 pairs of underwear. Is this necessary? Hell no. Is it what a borderline hoarder does to make sure the girls have everything they could possibly need for potentially the price of one package of undies? You bet your biscuits. So I have a problem. I admit it. But I am happy. And prepared hahaha. So after the clothes go to the kids store (which typically results in about 30-60 bucks off the top) then I take pictures of the nice things that didn't sell and put them onto my virtual rummage sales on Facebook. People on these sites pay more than at my traditional rummage sale for the sheer convenience of it so I will et the items sit online for a few weeks which banks anywhere from 50-100 depending if I can find just the right person. Then whatever is left over I put in the rummage sale for close to what I paid. When all is said and done, for the most part I am ahead financially (original investment maybe 35.00 typical payout 100.00) which goes into the pot for the next season. Its a vicious cycle that feeds my addiction but I can rationalize it at this point in life and its working... why ditch something that's not broke? for example: Katie's jammies cost 50 cents, her sweatshirt was 1.00 and her flip-flops were 25 cents. Total outfit cost me 1.75. Via will wear it in two years and then I will sell it (assuming no stains or tears) for at least that. I am sure to sound crazy to some but it makes sense to me :)

PS- my best friend on the planet had a birthday yesterday. We woke up and had celebratory cupcakes (with candles) for breakfast. I think we sang "happy birthday" to Unkie Jackie roughly 20 times before they were sick of blowing out the candles (frankly cause the got short and burnt my fingers).