Be kind...Be Happy

The stores are crazy. The parking lots are full. The lines are long. In short...the holidays are here. So why are people so grumpy? I just do not understand.
The Beauties and I went to the mall yesterday afternoon. We needed to buy a few last minute things, a gift for Chloe's teacher and of course a gift for Daddy. Chloe was in great spirits, she was my helper, the star getter for the trip. The triplets...let's just say it is a good thing Santa coming to our house is not based upon their behavior in Target. Because if it were determined on that experience alone, he would not be visiting our house. Whining, wanting, crying, whining, standing in the stroller, oh and did I mention whining? People kept staring at me like I had a big green booger on my face. Seriously people...smile...they are only kids. I smiled as I walked through the aisles with my four sweet little crabby pants girls. We rushed around not finding anything we were on a mission for. We gathered our odds and ends and made our way to the checkout lanes. Why is it that is is the busiest time in stores and they still manage to have only four lanes open. Ten people in each lanes with carts OVERFLOWING. At this point the triplets were on their last leg. They were all climbing out of the stroller, whining and grabbing things off the shelves in line. The woman ahead of us smiled as we approached and insisted that we go before her. She shared how she has four grown children and remembers "those" days. I smiled and thanked her repeatedly. The simple things that strangers do mean the world. Too bad it happens once in a blue moon. Which is sad. I am always teaching the girls different ways to be kind, polite and thoughtful of others. Chloe has started to question why not everyone lives by those rules. She asks why people are not smiling, why they don't say thank you. How do you answer that? I just explain that not everyone is as caring as she is, and that no matter what, be a good person. Hold a door, put some change in the Salvation Army bucket, smile, maybe say a kind word to a stranger, say thank you...just small things that can make someones day a little better, and yours better too. Being kind makes you feel good.
Think about what the holidays really mean. Think about how wonderful life is. Be HAPPY.

I prefer my quad skates

Roller Skating vs. Ice Skating?
Roller Skating wins by a landslide with me!
Matt and I took Chloe ice skating last night. We all had a great time.
I will say that my ankles are very very sore today. I will also say I will be sticking to my quad skating talent. I stunk at skating on ice. Chloe did great. We skated for almost two hours and she was really getting the hang of it by the last 30 minutes. She didn't want to leave. But the hockey players were taking over the ice. It's safe to say that we will go back, Chloe agreed too that she would rather roller skate. Yes...my little clone.

A Success

The Old Capitol City Roller Girls pulled off their first win at their first home bout! Can I get a Woo-Hoot! We played fantastic! The crowd was fantastic! The sales were fantastic! Did I mention it was fantastic? Because it was...If you weren't there, you missed out.
Stay tuned for some photos of the 185-91 win over the Quad City Rollers...

vote

Check out Mutual of Omaha's Aha Moments. www.ahamoment.com
The gal who created the "Feel Your Boobies" campaign has a commercial.
Vote today to help spread awareness on Breast Cancer Awareness.

Feel your Boobies

Save Second Base
Touch your Tatas
Feel your Funbags
Massage your Mountains

Whatever you want to call it...
Please do your breast exams.

October is Breast Cancer awareness month.
I will remind all my loved ones...mothers, sisters and friends, to check yourself or get checked.
We always think things will never happen to us...truth is...we never really know.

My best friend Molly is a survivor...she is 33 years old. She was diagnosed in May 2008 with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. She found the lump herself while doing a breast exam. She went through surgeries and chemotherapy, radiation and now hormone therapy. She is a survivor. She is a strong woman. A beautiful woman. A daughter, a sister. A loving wife and wonderful mommy. She is a survivor. She is my hero everyday. I love you Molly!

Feel your Boobies.

He's a Cop

I had to post this on the blog kt...Thanks for making my day...I feel the same about you.

October 13 at 12:35am

I have no idea why this is on my mind. Maybe I have said this to you before. Do you remember the first time I met you? Mercer park with Katie Stirling and Molly. You had Silvie, Jocelyn and Farrah in the stroller (in baby legs) and you were wearing sunglasses. Someone, for the life of me, I can't remember who said "Whoa, you have triplets AND stay home, what does your husband do for a living?" Without batting an eye, you replied "He is a cop."

I remember laughing in my head and being in awe of the audacity of such a remark.

Anyways, I just thought it was time I tell you that from the moment I met you I envied you.

You are incredible. (In case no one told you today.)

oxo
kt

A First for everything

I did something I have never done tonight.
I ordered a product off the Home Shopping Network.
Sammy Joouge Hair Fiber.
From the models' hair on TV...this stuff if amazing!
Yes, I realize that you cannot trust everything you see, especially on TV.
That being said, Do you know how fine and thin my hair is?
Exactly.

Studio 13 Scrimmage

The Old Capitol City Roller Girls are ready for the first home bout. The big one.
Last weekend we had a fundraiser/scrimmage against our good buddies the Quad City Rollers. It was a great turnout. We held it in the gymnasium we practice in. Not much seating, but we still managed to make over a grand on admissions alone. Not too shabby. Especially when we were competing with a Iowa Football night game against Penn State. We learned a lot and are ready to put on the real deal.
The date is October 30th. Monsters Brawl. The Marriott Hotel/Convention Center is the venue. Bout to begin around eight pm. There will be fun, food, adult beverages, a costume contest and music...oh yeah and roller derby girls! All ages welcome. Come check it out.

Whip It

Check this out!

http://blog.redbox.com/redblog/2009/10/real-roller-derby-women-take-on-whip-itmeet-the-hardhitting-ladies-of-the-old-capitol-city-rollergir.html#more

Thanks again Locke!

Monkey packs-trial run

I had high expectations for the monkey packs. The Beauties have been wearing them around the house for the last several days. Happily leading each other around form room to room. We decided to give them the true challenge and use them outside the home. The Beauties and I went to pick Chloe up from school yesterday. They started out so happy to walk "free."
I literally felt like I was being strangled by the monkey tails. The girls still went three different directions. The packs didn't help me much there. In fact it made things more difficult. Oh well. I also have to say, I felt really weird using them. I know they will be used again...just maybe not for a while. I think I will stick the the stroller for a while longer. If nothing else they each have a really cute backpack...or a new lovey to cuddle with.

Life Lessons

I must like to learn lessons the hard way. I must like a challenge so to speak. Maybe I like torture. Not sure what you want to call it...Check out the evening I had. Glad it's over...I hope.

Tell me...honestly...

Have you seen these? Monkey Buddy harness for toddlers. They are a safety device. A backpack style monkey.
Please give me your honest feedback...
I have seen them on many different occasions. The beauties are entering that "I want to be a big girl" stage. They love to walk, and be free of the stroller. Which is great, I am happy about it. However, when I am by myself, it is very difficult to hold three toddlers hands, and they aren't very good at keeping a hold of each others. Especially with Chloe being in school everyday. They would hold her hand most of the time. But...when we are out and about, it makes me so nervous that one of them will let go and run across the street.
We have three monkey packs, but have not used them yet. I need some feedback. I would never want to make it seem like I am treating my beauties like I am a dog-walker.
Please give me your honest opinions.

Snotty Mom Club

Snotty Moms...I don't understand them. I can honestly say I am not a member of their posse. In fact I wanted to throw a "hip check" at a couple of them today.
Let's start at the beginning...
I decided yesterday that the triplet beauties and I would hit story time at the local library this week. They LOVE books. We have not taken a trip to the library since before they were born. I felt it was past due. So we went. Story time began yesterday at 10:30. After I took Chloe to school, we had breakfast and packed up and headed out. When we arrived, there were mostly older kids there. Four and five year olds. The librarian at the desk said that we could give it a try and also informed us that the "tot" story time was on Mondays and Tuesdays. We decided to give it a try. The librarian reading the story, made a comment directed toward us and a few others with younger kids, that she would begin with a short book, and see how "things" went. Funny because the triplets were paying more attention than a majority of the older kids. Hmmm. We headed out after the second book to explore the library, they had a great time. We even checked out some new books to take home.
Yes...back to the snotty mom club...
Since yesterday went well, I decided to give it another shot. The other library in town has "WEE Read" on Thursdays. This one geared to toddlers. Right up our alley! We arrived and the beauties were very excited. We went in and the librarian in charge of the story time greeted us with welcoming smiles. Commenting on never having triplets at story time before. She gave them each a name tag in the shape of a bunny and we took a mat on the floor. We were one of the first to arrive. More Moms and toddlers were coming in. The triplets were having a great time placing mats on the floor and looking out the windows. I will say they were not exactly using their "library voices" however, this is a toddler story time...not exactly the most quiet audience with or without triplets. I am always cheerful to others, for the most part. I smile and comment and talk to other Moms kiddos, it is a natural thing to me I guess. None. None of the other moms there smiled. Not one. In fact, I received several frowns, glares and stares my direction. The Beauties were not misbehaving. They were being normal, curious toddlers. There were two moms in particular that really rubbed me the wrong way. They were rude and very unwelcoming. Both had only one child with them. I attempted smiling at the them. I attempted to start a friendly chat. They literally stared at me. Apparently I had a booger in my nose or something. Or maybe they were jealous because my kids were obviously way more beautiful and smart than theirs. Seriously. I do not get it. What is the point of being a stuck up, snooty, bitchy Mom? What are you teaching your children about being friendly with others?
That being said, we had fun at story time. We sang and bounced and listened. The librarian even did each of the verses of the songs three times, so I could do them with each beauties. She was really sweet. I think we will go back. Maybe next time, I make a point to sit right next to those two stuck up moms...and teach the the art of being friendly.
To end the story, we went to the mall for lunch afterward, I let the beauties run free, pushing the stroller behind them as they frolicked. As we were leaving a woman walking by us made a comment. the comment I hate the most of all the ones I hear over and over. "Ugh, I feel sorry for you." I smiled and looked at her and replied, "I feel sorry for you too...because you will never experience something as wonderful as this every single day." As I walked away, I added "and because you are ugly." How's that for being nice? Hey, I said I was cheerful most of the time.

The City Slickers vs. The Farmer's Daughters

Sunday was a team divided.
The City Slickers took on The Farmer's Daughters during Cosgrove Pork Days.
It was a close match, but in the end the Farmer's Daughters took the victory in a 46 to 43 final score. The floor was slippery to say the least. It was good fun, great practice for our first home bout coming up on the 30th of October.
It was a great turn out for such a small town. Lots of Fans and Family came to cheer on their favorite IC Derby Girl.

I just peed myself

Thanks McMommy!

Random Thoughts From People Our Age

-I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

-More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can
think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

-Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you
realize you're wrong.

-I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

-Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're
going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

-That's enough, Nickelback.

-I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

-Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?

-Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

-There is a great need for sarcasm font.

-Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and
suddenly realize I had no idea what the f was going on when I first
saw it.

-I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually
becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting
90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's
laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little
bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the
only one who really, really gets it.

-How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

-I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

- I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear
your computer history if you die.

-The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to
finish a text.

- A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the
spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

- Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

- Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart",
all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

- How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

- Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in'
examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete
idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and
said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

-What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and
instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

- MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

- Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the
shower first and THEN turn on the water.

-Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty,and you can wear them forever.

- I would like to officially coin the phrase 'catching the swine flu' to be used as a way to make fun of a friend for hooking up with an overweight woman. Example: "Dave caught the swine flu last night."

-I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

- Bad decisions make good stories

-Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their
profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

- Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

-Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go
around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

-You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything else productive for the rest of the day.

-Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't
want to have to restart my collection.

-There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are
going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

-I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

- "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

-I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people
watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will
they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't
watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and
leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

-I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello?
Dammit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and
goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not
seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

-I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle,
then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

-Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising
speed for pedophiles...

- As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

-Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still
not know what time it is.

-It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

-I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

-Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

-Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car
keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the
Donkey - but I’d bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze
button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

-My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would
happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?

-It really pisses me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and
the link takes me to a video instead of text.

-I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they
drive behind obeys the speed limit.

-I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

-I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or
Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

-The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words,someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard before dinner.

Nasty.Gross.Yuck

I was watching TV last night. Not something I do often, but every once in a while I channel surf. I started watching a new show on A&E called obsessed. It was about two woman who are pack rats so to speak. It was an in depth view of their lives and issues that have caused them to be "hoarders" of stuff. I will continue by saying that my home is by no means...neat, tidy or even mildly organized. It was once upon a time...before I married Matt and had four children. Hey I try to keep things in order as much as possible. But after watching this program, I realized that our home is really clean...no...I mean really really clean. I will also say that I am not one to judge. People keep their homes the way that is best for their personal lifestyle. That being said...these woman...their homes...made me throw up in my mouth. Sick.Nasty.Gross. These woman were living in utter filth. I have never ever heard of or seen anything like the homes on this show. Garbage. Rotting food. Fly papers hanging everywhere. Clutter. Animal poop. How could anyone live like this? The people from the show were literally walking around in haz-mat suits and masks because it was so bad. They were cleaning out basically everything from the houses. the one woman would not let them throw food that was in the refrigerator with an expiration date of like 2007 and some older. Ewwww. She was literally having a fit about throwing it. Why? Why would they put a show like this on? Who would agree to have it televised on national television? I am dumbfounded. I vow to no longer be hard on myself if laundry goes unfolded/put away for a week, or if my vacuum doesn't get run. Eww. Gross. Nasty. Oh did I mention Yuck?

The big day...almost here

The countdown is on. The before school ice cream social...
Chloe met her Kindergarten teacher tonight, Ms. C. She was everything we could have hoped for in a first teacher for Chloe.
To begin, Chloe received a letter addressed to her yesterday. The letter, from Ms. C, was inviting her to the classroom before the ice cream social. A time where the children could come and see their room, meet their classmates and of course their teacher. What a wonderful idea!
When we arrived, Ms C greeted Chloe at the door, she knelt to introduce herself. Chloe smiled bright and big and returned the handshake saying "nice to meet you too." She quickly found her table with her name on it and then began exploring all the fun new things to look at and of course touch. It made me feel warm to see her talking with other children and looking so at ease with her surrounding.
After time in the classroom and chatting with Ms. C, we headed to the ice cream part of the social.
It is safe to say that Chloe is very excited for Thursday. What was her favorite part? The ice cream...of course. Oh and the playground.
Mommy and Daddy are too...kind of.

More trouble in the hood

In the last week...two armed robberies and another shooting in a bar. All in a 2 mile radius of our home. You'll be happy to know the shooter is in custody. The bar is being closed down...for good.

Police Presence

Things in the neighborhood have been unusually quiet since Wednesday night. Which is fantastic. In fact, more than fantastic. The city is beefing up on the amount of units in the area, and so far it seems to be helping. Let's hope that the serenity continues.

Fun with Derby Girls

A little after practice fun.
Bat r Up, Tynamite, and Ophelia Fracture.

The hood

Warning...this post is of pure and uncensored vent. Read if you want to. Remember...my blog...my opinions. Read on if you like.

It seems that the neighborhood in which we live in is by and far getting worse. Last night shortly after 11 pm...where was a drive by shooting. At the end of our street. Three houses down on the corner. I am so angry I have smoke coming from every hole in my body. I am frightened. My children do not deserve to be in a place like this. We do not feel safe in our home. No more walks outside, or playing in the yard. This followed another incident a week prior, where shots were heard at the other end of the street and shell casings found. Two weeks ago, a co-worker of Matt's fatally shot a man that was stabbing another man. He dies. The city and the freaking liberal assholes that live in it continue to question the officers decision. WTF? Every time law enforcement attempts to start doing something...racial profiling gets brought up. How about it is not a racial thing...it's a culture thing and surprise...look around...who are the ones causing the problems? The kicker is...the crap that this city continues to welcome here with open arms. Giving section 8 housing, food stamps and monthly welfare checks. What happened to the honest working class families? Where is the concern for our well being? The city officials need to pull their fucking heads out of their asses and ship these people back where they came from. They do not belong or deserve to be here corrupting this community. I still remember when this entire area was a wonderful place to live. Small town, Midwest, the heart, the homeland. I used to walk and play outside all over town..alone. I wouldn't even let my girls play in our fenced back yard alone.
I am sick. SICK. I cannot stand it. I feel trapped and confused and I don't know where that leaves me.
Matt an I have talked several times about putting our home on the sale market. We have to. Scary thing is...will it sell? Will it sell for what we need it to? We are so strapped financially that it hurts, on a daily basis. I haven't worked since I went on bed rest with the triplets, which means a family of six on one income...the income of a police officer. A mortgage, 2nd mortgage, 2 vehicles, utilities and food. One paycheck doesn't go quite far enough some months. Money doesn't buy happiness, but it sure may buy safety. Doesn't matter. We have to make every attempt to find a home that is safe for our children to be. We will do anything and everything we have to do.
I really hate living in the ghetto. Why?

New Thing

The Beauties have begun a new nighttime ritual...I guess that is what I would call it. They used to lay right down and chatter a bit before falling asleep. They don't go down so easy these days. Jocelyn cries...repeating "Mama, need you. Mama, need you." Farrah cries...for the lights and all the extra pacies in the drawer. Even when she all ready has a hand full of them. Silvie cries and wants to be covered with ten or more extra blankets. They continue this for different amounts of time. The last three nights have been horrible. I have reverted back to the sleep training direction. Go in and check them after a certain amount of time. No talking to them. It's heart breaking. Jocelyn cried for over an hour and a half last night and is headed in that direction tonight again...as we speak. Just when I think that I have things under control, they pull a switcheroo. We have been loving on the weather lately, but seriously, I am ready to set the clocks back so it gets dark at night sooner.
They were super crabby again today. I thought that since the ear infections were gone...the happy beauties would return...I thought wrong. Not sure what the deal is. We are spending lots of time outside. They are napping pretty well. I just do not understand the crankiness. I can say that it is really beginning to wear on the Mommy. I keep questioning what I am doing wrong? What could I be doing differently? I still have not come up with any answers.
The other behavior which I have seen progress in all three...naughtiness toward each other. They tease and taunt each other all of the time. They hit and pull each others hair, the biting has returned. They fight for Mommy's attention and do not want to share it with each other or their big sissy. That has become very difficult for me. Sometimes they are so loving and sweet to each other. Giving kisses, sharing toys and books, hugging, getting each other things. That is so wonderful, they really do love each other...but...when they are mean, they are so mean.
I am so blessed with my beauties. I never take it for granted...I never forget how wonderful they are and how truly blessed I am to be their Mommy. That being said...I am emotionally wiped. Drained. Tired.
By they way...they are still crying...time to check on them. My wonderfully grumpy Little Beauties.

Biggest Loser Challenge

It's official...
Sugar Mommy is joining the Brown Girls Biggest Loser Challenge.
It begins tomorrow and goes until October 31. The winner will take the pot and the bragging rights...not to mention...lose weight! The last being the best of the winnings!
I am ready...taking it full on! Look out Brown Girls...hahaha.

Outlook

A new chapter...a positive self-loving chapter. I love my husband. I love my Beauties. I love my life. I love me. Who cares about the small stuff. I will get there!

Brave Sugar Mommy

Can I get a whoop whoop?
I took four Beauties to the Zoo today...
Alone...
Just me and the beauties.
Check out Little Beauties for some great photos of our "beauties only" outing.

Head Bounce

Practice was great last night. Hard workout with lots of endurance and drills. I took a very hard fall with one of the fresh meat. We were in a pace line, running a whip drill and somehow she grabbed my back and took me down with her. My head bounced really hard off the floor. Guess it is a good thing we wear helmets. I felt so bad for her. It was so unintentional, she felt so bad for taking me with her. I of course know this is part of the game and that we have to roll with it. I was very lightheaded and turned pale. Had a hard time catching my breath. After a few minutes I was fine, but I do admit, it was a little scary. I still have a headache today. That part does suck.

A day

It has been one of those...so Sugar Mommy is headed out with some of the Derby girls to catch the Cedar Rapids vs. Chicago bout...maybe a few adult beverages too.
Chloe girl is spending the night at Grammy Pam and Papas...she said home isn't fun (ah the trials of coming home from a vacation.) Grammy Val has the triplets. Everyone is in good hands.
Cheers to Sugar!

Lately

I have been having the strangest dreams lately.
I wish I knew how to interpret them.
My stress level seems to be high. So many things to do and not enough hours in the day to get them done. Oh and not enough energy either.
I need a vacation.
Chloe is home. She had a great time in Florida. I am happy to report she is as white as she was when she left. Grammy Pam did a great job on the sunscreen and the reapply. Thanks Grammy.
Matt has been working tons of hours.
I miss my man.
Derby is going well. I think we are headed in great direction.
My house is a mess.
Bella is still missing. Chloe looks for her everyday. She handled the news of the escape very well.
Happy summer.

still mia

Chloe is due back tomorrow evening...yeah...however, still no locate on Bella...

A little lame

Happy Birthday America!
What a wonderful day to reflect and be grateful that we live in a wonderful country.
Thank you to our troops...past and present.

It was a rainy Saturday here in Iowa. We had planned to take the girls to a parade or two. However, the rain began in the night and continued pretty much the entire day. So...we skipped candy gathering. Matt is working overtime and I had intended on taking the triplets to see the fireworks. Yep, another however, they have been so crabby today that I could not see messing up their sleep schedule and keeping them up WAY past their bedtime.
I'm lame I guess. Call me the 4th of July party-pooper! No parades, no candy, no bbq, no fireworks. There's always next year, right?
I miss Chloe. She is due back from sunny Florida on Monday night. Still trying to figure out how to break the news to her that Bella is running around the house somewhere.
Happy 4th of July! Hope you and yours are out painting the town red, white and blue.

Cocoa Puffs...

While in an attempt to clean my piggy's den, you know the one we call home...the littlest beauties were having fun on the porch...a little too much fun if you ask me...I realize why our home is always a mess...I have four tiny tornadoes whirling around this place. So if you stop by my house, just close your eyes. I can't help it. On a side note...I can get the stomach flu now...because the potty is sparkling clean! At least there is one room in the house that is really clean. Thanks to my hubby for running the vacuum and scrubbing the floors today. You rock!

Some Derby Stuff

We began the weekend on a Derby road trip to Davenport. As severe weather moved in, Mother Nature had a different idea. It began raining before we even left home. Two cars of derby gals got into an accident (with each other) needless to say, not starting the trip off very well. It poured rain the entire way. Wondering how possible the demo-bout at Sturgis on the River really was...as it was scheduled to be outdoors under a pavilion. We learned when we were about five minutes away, that it was in fact canceled. We arrived there and stopped in to say hello, just in time for the 80 mph winds and torrential downpour. We watched a huge tent come down on about 30 Harley motorcycles, a beer tent come down on a huge crowd and the area in which we supposed to skate on, fill with water. We were all safe and decided to have a few drinks at the local Old Chicago. Good times.
Sunday was the Gay Pride Festival. We skated in the parade and then hung out at City Park at our vendor table. We chatted with locals about our team, listened to music, and felt the love.

Overhaul

I remember a time when I was so organized. Everything had a place. In the past few years, however, I feel like we have accumulated a lot of things that do not seem to have a place. JUNK. Out home is not large. Less than a thousand square feet in fact. For a family of six, I guess that actually is pretty small. However, with one income, we are not going anywhere for a few more years. I have decided that it is time to do a little overhaul. The problem is, where do I begin? We have more toys that most toy stores. Oh and did I mention the amount of clothing? Well, let's just say I have four little girls...enough said. On any given day the house is strewn from one one to the other with clothes, shoes, toys, dolls, and books. Not to mention, my wonderful hubby is not what you would call a neat freak. Then there is me. I have piles of photos downstairs, waiting to be scrapbooked or put into albums. Paperwork to file, clothes that need to be taken from the closets. Kitchen and bathroom closets and cupboards that I have no idea what is really in them. Wasted space. Dust bunnies under every piece of furniture. I want a relaxing family room to be in and hang out together. At this time the family room seems to be a catch all and is in no way shape or form safe for the triplets to be in. They are in to everything! Basically, there is a lot of crap that just needs to makes it's way right out the door. Our back porch has a corner designated for things to sell at the "garage sale." You know, the one I have been "planning" since last year, but haven't pulled off yet. Then there is the garage and shed! Like I said, my hubby is not a neat freak, nor is he even the slightest bit organized. Seriously, where do I begin? Our home could be really nice. But clutter is overtaking it at this time. What do I get rid of? What do I keep? What's the best way to store and organize? HELP I have become one of those people on TLC...I need suggestions and I need them fast. I think de-cluttering and organization would really help me in my everyday zen...

Not my business...but...

I am normally a "to each their own" on matters of family and opinion.
Not a normal view for me, I watched, Jon and Kate plus 8 tonight. I normally cannot stand this show. I hate it when strangers ask me if I watch it, simply because I have multiples. First of all, I don't have time, usually. Not to mention, this show is not the true life of parents/families that have multiples. I think it is great for them that they turned their family life upside down by letting the world into their home to view their "everyday lives." I think good for them that they found a way to support their family. I think good for them that they get to go and do things that even families of one child often cannot afford to do. Things like Disney for 10, Colorado ski trips with private ski lessons for toddlers and luxury trips to Hawaii. Ah the glamorous life.
I will however stick my 2 cents in here, take it or leave it...
Their family has been ripped apart. Infidelity, tabloids, photographers following their every move...more importantly the moves of their innocent children. They sat in individual interviews during the show, talking about how none to this was ever for them. It was all for their children. Hmm, that doesn't add up to me. Kids don't care about monetary gratifications. They just want to be loved. Especially at that age. What are they doing? Who are they kidding? They kept repeating how they do not "hate" each other. How they only want what is best for their children. Um...how about cancel the show? How about take the bull by the horns and get to the root of the problem? Kate continues to state that things have been bad for a long time. Well, hmm I have seen other episodes of the show, and from what I saw, they plainly treat each other like shit! Both of them. They obviously do not communicate or care enough to attempt to communicate. When you live day and night not respecting each other...what do you think will eventually happen? Exactly.
Life is not easy. Being married is not easy. Having children and parental responsibility is not easy. However, each of these things takes time, commitment and energy. It takes a willingness, it takes respect. There will be ups and downs. No matter how many children you have. No matter how long you have been together. No matter how much money your bank account has in it. You have to work at it to make it.
It makes me sad for their children. I hope they both pull their heads out of their rich asses and get it together. If they care about their children, as much as they claim to, they better figure it out. Seriously...figure it out.

The second bout

The OCCRG vs. CRRG bout last night went great.
We played hard, blocked hard, jammed hard, oh yeah, and fell hard.
The final score was 132 to 90 CRRG took the win. However, I think we were short quite a few points on the score board. No matter. We had a great time and walked away smiling and happy to have kicked tail in our second ever bout. It only gets better.
Friday we are at it again in the Quad Cities for Sturgis on the River. We were invited by our friends the Quad City Rollers and are very excited. It is an outdoor event and from what we have been told a huge crowd in past years. We are pumped.
This week practices will take on new shape. Getting more tough. Focusing on some things we have learned in our first two bouts. Look out for the OCCRG. We will be practicing hard and building strength and more endurance. We will be ready for a home bout in August or September and the planning has begun.
We had team photos tonight on the steps of the Old Capitol. It was fantastic. We are full of vigor, energy and determination. In due time we will take the bragging rights to the corridor. All in good time. We will conquer.

Gearing up

I am gearing up to skate my second derby bout this weekend. We are taking on Cedar Rapids Roller Girls for the title of the corridor bragging rights. There team is in it's second year skating together and have skated many bouts. They are an intimidating team, kind of. The gal who began OCCRG used to skate with them and she left on not so nice terms. I hope the bad blood has not carried over to the rest of the team. As of last Saturday, there were more than 3000 tickets pre-sold. YIKES! It is a big match because we are so close in area. Also the proceeds are for the victims of last years flood in this area! If you are in the area...come check it out! It will be a great match!

Our Derby Cherry is well...popped

What a fabulous way to spend a Saturday night!
We Old Capitol City Roller Girls played fabulously! We hung with the big dogs!
The final score was 135 to 132. We almost pulled it off. It was a nail biter for sure. The announcers actually thought we had won...and announced it that was! We cheered like crazy...and then found out that one Ref had not sent in points. Quad Cities won by 3!
No matter we did great!
A first bout to be remembered forever!
We are ready for Cedar Rapids this weekend!
We can't wait!