Thank you all.

[Wisconsin Beth]

That's prime naptime in our house! Although the not quite 4 year old doesn't always nap and the 2.5 year old sounded like he was dragging furniture around (but he wasn't fussing or crying so I wasn't going in there...)

[Deleted]

Beth, some antidepressants can cause weird and/or very vivid dreams. I'm happy to hear you've been feeling better emotionally.

[Wisconsin Beth]

I'll take the dreams over the crying fits, hands down.

I do see my doctor in a few weeks so I'll try to remember to mention it to her, just as an FYI.

[Wisconsin Beth]

God, my SIL was in a car accident yesterday. Poor girl is getting slammed again. Her Mom's dying of cancer, she's severely depressed to begin with and her H (my BIL) is likely being diagnosed as ADD.

[Wisconsin Beth]

I'm feeling bitchy today. I'm tired of being sick - every time I think I've finally shaken this damn thing off, it comes back. Grrrrrrr. And I'm tired of being responsible. DH is sick too, sicker than me. And the kids are still sick. DH brought me flowers and a donut on Sunday and said he was sorry I'd gotten stuck with so much of the child care/house shit while he's sick. Which is nice to hear but doesn't help me any, you know?

So last night I finished off a bottle of wine and worked my jigsaw puzzle while DH watched River Monsters. He asked if I wanted to watch with him but I really needed some alone time. DD came down stairs to the basement, after she'd been put to bed and scared the spit out of me. All of sudden there's this light touch on my hip and I shrieked or something and she giggled. Kids...

Easter was ok. We stayed home. DH had flank steak and I made a ham for me and the kids. They didn't like it much. He made quinoa for all of us. DS ate a couple helpings of it.

I see Liz tonight.

Oh, SIL is ok, DN is ok too. My younger sister had us over for Easter egg dying and I brought her with us. She seemed to have fun. ANd BIL was diagnosed with ADD. Not sure what he's going to do with the info. It's kinda funny/ironic (or something) because about 8 years ago BIL (and DH) was EXTREMELY vocal in stating that ADD/ADHD was a made up thing.

[Wisconsin Beth]

I saw Liz last night. Not much to report, really. I rambled on about work, going back to school, how tired I am about being sick and having everyone else being sick. Liz let me. Said it didn't sound like much happened since she saw me last because we'd been sick. Which is true. I did tell her about our fight/squabble, which was driven by us all being sick, me trying to coax meds into DD and him asking stupid questions about cutting hotdogs for DS while I was doing so. Stupid little fight driven (on my part) by PMS, frustration and not taking being sick well. I think DH was just reacting to me and him being sick too. Result = stupid little fight.

Liz asked me how the kids were sleeping. Which cued up DS to be up at 3:30 and me not able to get him back down until almost 5am. And then around 6:30 I took my cough syrup with codeine in it, so I'm just a zombie right now.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Today is an up day. I see my reg. doctor tomorrow for the followup on the increased meds. We'll probably talk about my cough too.

I've been getting more sleep, albeit on the couch (DH said I'm snoring loudly last night so I moved.) Mom's got the kids today. I had to drop them off as my parents car is getting fixed. We may mooch dinner. Probably not but we'll see what Mom's making. ;D

I'm ready to start exercising again too. I think my cough's gone down enough that I'll be able to. And I start water cardio with my Mom and older sister on Thursday night. Looking forward to that, in a sick way. And I'm getting some crap done around the house. Things feel doable again, energy wise. Not always financially though. But that's a separate issue.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Today's an up day too. I saw my PCP this morning. She's pleased with most of what we talked about. She's not pleased about my cough. If the cough is still lingering on in a couple of weeks, I'm to call her.

[Wisconsin Beth]

DH saw a mouse this morning in our kitchen. It ran along the baseboard and then down the basement stairs.

[Wisconsin Beth]

I set up traps and caught 1 mouse so far. Please God there was only one.

I had therapy last night. My homework is to keep on doing what I'm doing because I'm clearly doing better. ;D I see her again in a month. She was willing to let me leave without a next appt. but I like the security blanket aspect of knowing that I have another appt. right now.

I was late for the appt. and basically rambled for the time we did have.

[Wisconsin Beth]

DH figured out our budget for April and May last night. Not pretty at all. In fact, it's downright ugly. Mostly due to DH's diet and supplements. We did get careless with snacks for all of us but basically, there's not a lot of space for me to cut/trim things. I'm trying to coupon and use up stuff in the cupboards/freezer. But it's not like I can stop buying diapers and wipes for Caleb. Well, I could but he's not ready to potty train and at 2.5 and our last kid, I'm not switching to cloth. Wipes I can probably do something about, use washcloths or make my own. I'd probably use washcloths, since he's 2.5...

DH is going to make some changes with his diet - less organic berries and greens; more nuts and whole grains. We both feel bad about this. Part if it is neither of us paying attention to the budget. Part of it is both of us thinking/feeling "he deserves some treats" except the treats turned out to be a LOT of treats on a fairly regular basis. He's also going to think about the organic part too. Because Gluten free; dairy free and organic is NOT cheap. Add in low soy and low sugar and it goes up even more...

Anyway, we agreed on a plan of sorts last night, which is the good thing. I've got a bunch of comics that I don't want anymore. Some of them have some value. I'm going to try to eBay them, see what happens. I need to get rid of them anyway. If they don't eBay, they're going to the troops overseas. I'm also going to lower my 457 contributions until the end of June. If DH lowers his 401K contributions right now, he loses the match for the entire quarter. I'm not happy about this part (regardless of who lowers their contributions) but it's got to be done. Having DD go to public 4K in the fall would help our budget but I don't know what school she got. We applied for one that decent and close to home but haven't heard anything yet. Guess that means I need to call MPS this week.

[anciana]

Beth, I went back on the Babycenter to find our May thread, but couldn't find it. I wanted to wish Keira a happy birthday. I have been so busy and not really able to check in. I am glad things are looking up for you. Mostly. I will try to check in more often.

[Peace Of Mind]

Beth! I didn't know about this thread and just wanted to give you (((Hugs))) . Sounds like you are doing much better and I hope your cough goes away soon!

Happy Birthday, Keira!

When I recharge.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Thanks! Both of you. I've got a dancing banana thread going for Keira on EE for her b-day. She'll love it.

Yeah, things are getting better. I can drink on the higher meds. I know I shouldn't but it's nice to be able to, if that makes sense.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Yesterday was a down day. I told DH last night that if I hadn't been on this dose of meds, I probably would have been in tears. Not because of anything in particular but just because it was a lousy day.

I'm not back up today but I'm doing better. I have a plan for dinner, I'm getting caught up on laundry (except for folding) and I got the lawn mowed yesterday. AND I'll be doing water aerobics twice this week. Now if I'd stop pigging out, I might see the scale move in the downward direction...

[anciana]

I'm sorry, Beth, that sucks At least you have plans for moving on. And best of all, in my book anyways, the spring is in full swing and the sunshine is just gorgeous. Hope things look up soon. *hugs*

[Wisconsin Beth]

Yeah, it's really gorgeous here this morning. I've got 3 coworkers out today so I'll be picking up the slack today.

And DH is taking me out for dinner on Sat. night, for Mother's Day! And he made all the arrangements, his parents are going to watch the kids at their house for us, he found several restaurants he thinks he can eat at so we talked about them and I basically said "I want steak. I don't care where we go as long as I can get steak." Which did knock a couple of places out of the running. So he started calling and ended up going with the 1st place he called. I don't remember what the name is but it's at the yuppie mall in Brookfield. He says I deserve this. I really want to ask what, in particular, makes me deserve this, beside Mother's Day but I don't want to put him on the spot and I'm also not really sure I want to know the answer... We really can't afford to do this but we're both saying "F it."

[anciana]

I hope you didn't get swamped too bad at work. And I'd take dinner out no matter the reason Mmmm, I could do steak too. Might even ask for it this weekend. Thanks for the idea!

[Wisconsin Beth]

No problem. I like steak but I don't particularly cook it well. I'm getting better at it. But I'd much prefer to have someone else cook it and deal with cleanup!

[anciana]

Well, I don't grill. Just don't know how to grill well so DH does it. And does a fabulous job too ;D And I've learned that when I'm craving some "strong" protein, it should be beef so steak is perfect
Cloudy day here. Not helping that I haven't slept well this past week. I hope to get some more sleep this weekend. Too much stress lately so not even chocolate is helping.
How are you doing going into the weekend? Hope you have a great date night tomorrow. Are your ILs keeping the kids over night?

[Wisconsin Beth]

Our grill needs gas. We generally broil steak in the oven.

It's nice here today.

And I hear you on the tired. I'm tired too.

No, the kids aren't sleeping over at the ILs. They ILs aren't set up to have the kids do sleepovers yet. They hoard, sort of, so there's stuff everywhere. And to be honest, I don't think they want to do overnights with the kids yet. The ILs are night owls. Keira's doing her first sleepover next week. My younger sister's oldest girl's class is doing a Zoo field trip with kids and they asked if they could bring Keira. We said yes. I'm nervous about it and we'll start talking to Keira about it this weekend, to build it up for her. She loves the Zoo and the last time we were at my sister's house, Keira wanted to stay. So I'm hoping I'm just a worrywart.

Are you on the MSN Mommies FB group? I heard from Cakesy and she said that they're doing well.

[anciana]

I never even thought about broiling it in the oven. Never mind, I'd probably overdo it anyways and hubby does a great job with the grill

Are they really able to bring little cousins to their school filed trip? Here they ask the parents that are chaperoning not to bring their other kids. That's sounds great and I'm sure Keira will love it!

I don't do FB So, I have no idea how is anybody else doing. Except for the few that still post on Babycenter. Cakesy actually appeared there this week. I also read her blog sometimes. Telling you, I'm a total lurker

[Wisconsin Beth]

I think this trip is the class that had to do the "baby week" thing, where you have a doll that cries at odd times and needs diaper changes at 2aqm. So they want the kids to have to chase little ones at the Zoo and to help encourage them NOT to have kids anytime soon...

Yeah, I've been posting on the Toddler thread. I read Cakesy blog sometimes too. She and I were chatting in her comments section last week.

[anciana]

Well, I had my steak and it was yummy. Had a pretty nice weekend too. I hope yours went well too and your date was a success. How did the field trip go? Or is that later this week.
And I meant to ask you how do you like water aerobics. I've been wondering about finding some sort of exercise to do. Totally unmotivated though, lol

[Wisconsin Beth]

It was. We had another one last night. We were supposed to go to a natural stress release class but neither of us wanted to go and we had a sitter already at the house. So DH found a bar that serves glutenfree beer and we went there and talked/hung out/drank for a while. It was really nice. We had a good time and destressed a lot. ;D This morning sucked though (snorty kids, car issues for ILs, the babysitters for today, etc.)

Field trip is tomorrow. Tonight is the 1st sleepover.

I like it. I wish the water was a bit warmer. I need to start treadmilling because when the class ends I need to be doing something. I think my sister and Mom and I will be doing this again in fall but none of us want to do it over the summer. Too much other stuff going on.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Sat. was odd. The morning sucked, the afternoon rocked.

Sunday was forgettable. I'm PMSing like crazy too.

[Wisconsin Beth]

So DH gave me an update on the budget. Still sucks but it sucks slightly less this month than last month. If we're careful and don't have any emergencies, we might be able to make up some ground in June.

I did make up a list of financial stuff and emailed it to DH. He thinks we need to make 5x what we do to achieve them all. I admit it's a big list but I didn't think it was that bad. I think I'm going to update it, since I did take care of a couple of things on it already (kids needed new shoes and some more summer stuff) but there's a couple more things I'd like to add to it.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Beth’s wants/needs, in no particular order…

1. 2 more fitted twin sheets
2. 1 fitted queen and 1 flat king sheets
3. new shoes for both kids – sneakers and sandals/crocs
4. swing set and kiddy pool
5. plants for garden - DH doesn't think he wants to put a garden in. Works for me...
6. patio bricks for walk by garage
7. patio bricks for rest of backyard
8. flowers for front beds- my rose bush is HUGE and covering up where the flowers would go, so I'm thinking I can cross this off the list.
9. fix screen for back door
10. refill gas for grill
11. new cushions for patio set
12. date night once a month
13. chocolate milk/lemonade on as wanted basis
14. fast food for kids on as wanted basis (nutritional issues aside)
15. 529s
16. taxable savings account for building house on land and car replacements
17. 20% going to 401K/457 plans
18. electrician to fix kitchen
19. replace garbage disposal
20. gut kitchen
21. gut bathroom
22. fix bookcases in basement
23. 2 ceiling fans for bedrooms
24. IRA/Roth IRAs maxed
25. dedicated vacation fund
26. dedicated health insurance fund
27. EF fund/new car fund
28. House repair fund
29. new underwear for me
30. shed on land
31.summer clothes for kids
32. sign kids up for activities
33. new plastic dishes shopped at the Attic of Mom...
34. fix front door woodwork (project started last year)
35. find/replace charger for weed whacker - DH found the charger but it's missing 1 more piece.
36. buy leaf blower
37. replace garden tools as needed
38. buy tulip bulbs in fall and plant
39. get carpet out of kitchen and small bathroom
40. deal with tile in basement
41. new beer equipment for Scott
42. stainless steel cookware
43. cooking steamer
44. Curious Chef knives and gear for kids

[Wisconsin Beth]

I had therapy last night. Liz thought my list above was a good idea. She's fond of lists. She also liked DH's list for thoughts on how to get/find money. She thinks I'm moving in the right direction, overall. I rambled a bit about finances, wills/guardianship, the baby thread, the kids, DH, bailing on the stress reduction class to go drinking with DH (She thought that was good for us too, not necessarily the drinking part but getting out and reconnecting and talking, etc.), being off on Friday and the kids. No homework per se but when I go back in 5 weeks she wants a progress report on the comics being sold.

[moosmommy]

Wisconsin Beth you should look on your fb to see if they have a local yardsale site. I shop and find stuff we need on the one where I live all the time. At least for the toys for kids or building materials/yard stuff.