Our new puppy

I guess I wasn't prepared for Sparky as I thought I was. He is really worse than any child I've been with, and worse than the two I am raising. He really is into everything, and is nipping at the girls. Although the nipping has toned down some. He also is 95% paper trained, I just found an accident he obviously had sometime after I swept the kitchen floor, and also ripped into my box of lentil soup from a wahm I bought. So right now I am not happy with Sparky at all. My husband wants to get him a shock collar but I don't know that that is best. We need to let sparky know he is not ruler of the roost. At night time, he does let us sleep, and he is fairly good with the girls...I am just very frustrated.

other news:

The family has been going on 1.5 mile treks at forest preserves. I have lost 20 pounds at least, but I have been sick, and am sure that I lost weight through my illness. I love being with my family on the weekends. I also have a baptism this weekend that I look forward to going to.

The girls will start their acting class this November, and Becca wants to be in Orchestra playing the Viola. The meeting for that is later this month, and there is a dance at our church for Abby the same day, so I don't know how I will be able to be in two places. Chuck will have to be in one, and I will drop Abby off in one I guess.

Also the school told Becca she had to choose her after school tutoring OR her religion. My husband threw a fit, and he isn't even Catholic. We will see how this develops after the weekend.

Until next time

Carole

Mr. Mom

Yep, that's his new nick name. Chuck got news that he has to be home for a little while longer due to his carpal tunnel surgeries. Disappointing yes, for him anyway. He was looking forward to going back to work, and economically the best thing for us is to get him to work soon! Now to get to the point of the blog today.

A few day ago, we had the neighborhood kids playing in our yard. Unusual, yes, but doable. My house was not clean enough, sadly to have 5 children running around in it with a puppy. Besides, it was much nicer out that day. So, cut up a watermelon for them as a snack. Then, he made a fruit salad. He is experimenting for his 50th birthday party. Party goers will enjoy this colorful fruit salad on 8/27. Soon after, my 9 yr old comes in the house to declare her hunger ..and her friends as well. So fruit bowls for all. Easy enough. However, sandwhiches were a different story. Here's where Mr. Mom got a little frustrated, and found out, it wasn't so easy to be home. Five kids, three different way to make sandwhiches. Ham without cheese or condiments. Ham with cheese, no condiments, and then our two with everything. It boggled Chucks' mind, but he did. I sat back and giggled. Life is good. Good job Mr. mom! Regardless of how much he complained, he loved it.

Until next time.

Carole

Life of a Diabetic

Yep, I'm a diabetic. I don't dwell on it if I don't have to. I am bound and determined to watch my girls graduate go to prom, graduate high school, enter college or trade school and get married. Things my dad wasn't able to do. He was also a diabetic, but a very non compliant diabetic. I watched him deteriorate, and it wasn't a pretty picture. It was very sad actually, and his life shortened far too early. Diabetes is a horrible disease, and mainly genetic, but it can be controlled with meds and diet. That is how I hope to beat this disease! I have family members who are also diabetic. My brother, a sister, and a neice. So you could say, it runs in the family.

Having your world surrounded by thoughts of how one is going to eat isn't easy. One does have to watch high glycemic foods, such as white bread, potatoes, rice. Those foods raise the blood sugars. Also your sweetest fruits are not good, esp the really sweet ones...of course they raise blood sugar.. My doctor informed me "Everyone thinks fruit is good for them, it really isn't" It isn't good for a diabetic to pig out on them. We, you and I know that anything in moderation can't hurt, and fruits have some terrific antioxidants. So not all bad.

My blood sugars shot up because I was not eating well. I'm changing that and bringing my sugars down. Follow me again in my attempt to loose weight without pills and etc. Comment to this blog and tell me your tricks, and if you have any recipes, let me know that too!

Until next time

Carole

Writing does the soul some good

I'll admit it, I am not the greatest writer. I want to be. I want to write a book about my heart child and write some childrens books. Writing helps me vent, talk about my children, my joys, my heartaches, my accomplishments. Writing helps me share the same experiences other mothers may have.

I must admit, I've had quite a few harsh sentiments about my blog. Those feeling the need to critique it. I've had alot about my businesses in my blog, and apparently not the type for some to read. But hey, I feel that if those who critique don't like what they read, they can choose not to read it. I love that I have an outlet to put down my thoughts. I never got into the whole journal thing. I blame Oprah for that. Everyone was journaling, Oprah made it big. I'm not into what everyone else is into, yet here I blog. I first started blogging to get some of my at home businesses, and my parties (vendor parties) off the ground.

I love to write about my daughters Abby and Becca. Becky, (as we call her) told us today she didn't like to be called Rebecca ann, and Abby didn't like Abigail. I told her they were beautiful names. Becky is getting to be quite the grown up 9 yr old. She said some very grown up things at breakfast this morning, although I can't recall them. I meant to blog about them right away, but had a patient to see. The girls are getting bigger, and Chuck is already thinking of retirement. I'm not ready for either. I'm probably going to work up until they actually dig my grave. I'm also prepared to have my girls around for a while with this economy.

I'm usually an optimist, but with this economy, I don't see anyone affording much. I feel fortunate we were able to sock a few bucks away for the girls for college or trade school..if they can use it. Worry worry worry, as one of my patients would say. Such is the life of a parent, ah yes they do grow up fast.

Until next time.

Carole

Pre teens, Abby I am so proud of you!

She may never know it. Even though I told her. She loves volunteerism. This is the 2nd or 3rd time she's done it. Today she packed food for children in underdeveloped countries. I didn't have to beg or coerce her. She also has the opportunity to go on a 2 day retreat. She didn't want to, but when she came back from her good deed, she was very excited and wanted to go again. I am so proud! I am glad she's a great kid. Sure she looses it every now and then, but I wouldn't trade her in for anything! I couldn't ask for a better kid. Ok, done bragging...

If you're reading this and didn't get an invite to her splash station party this Aug 13th...you let me know, you are more than welcome to come!

Until then.

Carole

Awesome children

I have to admit, I have little to complain about with my two daughters. Their one flaw is every kids flaw, and that is their messy rooms. Sure my oldest has a salty mouth at times, but she gets alot from all around. Patience is a virtue, too bad the schools don't have it. I realize they must be strict there, but every one I talk too, and in different school systems has a negative thing to say about public schools. So I don't feel bad. So why are my kids awesome. It took some time, but they are actually starting to help out in the house. They actually like doing some of the house work. Now, I am not naive. I know there is something behind it...like allowance, and being able to get candy with the money they earned. What's wrong with that if they brush their teeth? And finally I am getting Becca to take a bath! I've never seen a girl not wanting to take a bath, but tv had its dark hold on her. They are great girls. Once in a while, I get a whine from them, but for the past couple of weeks their dad has been home, and that does help. I have them doing dishes, cleaning their rooms, taking out the trash and the dog, and cleaning their rooms, cleaning the living room as well. Hey, when mom works, everyone must help out, and Abby is even learning how to do laundry, awesome kids! I can't complain!

Until next time.

Carole

Annie Get your Gun! Congrats to Carmine and Wallace!

I'm sad this musical is over! Why? Because I still have all the songs going through my head. Abby and Becky have been actresses for a long time now! Abby since she was about 6 or 7. Becky since she was about 4. Laurie Carmine always does an excellent job directing these kids in whatever play she chooses. It doesn't ever look like it will all come together but she gets them there, and boy do the kids deliver. An awesome cast in Annie get your gun, and I have some pics here. We are not sure of the fate of our musicals, but here's to hoping the girls and directors will be able to carry on for a long time. The girls have camp next in the fall, so stay tuned for that. Laurie Carmine and Barb Wallace did an excellent job with Annie get your Gun. Not enough thanks and appreciation for all their work!!! If you see them running around without a play to direct, tell them Carole Harris said thanks!

Besides the drama camp Abby has decided she wants to join the youth ministry choir, and try the joliet glee club. Becky wants to do some kind of gymnastics, and perhaps learn to play the guitar. I wouldn't mind freshing my skills on the guitar either. Of course, we have parties to plan and things to do...not sure where our money tree has been lately...LOL....

Until next time.

Carole