ticking down to takeoff

Wow, I can hardly believe that in just two days, we will be headed towards Buffalo then Atlanta and then ultimately, to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. It seems so long ago...and I guess it was, that we started planning this trip as a celebration for Johnathons 40th birthday. After alot of discussion, saving, and planning, we booked just a few weeks ago and we are all quite anxious and excited to plant our feet in the white, soft sand of Playa Del Carmen.

Two days and what feels like two weeks worth of things to do!! I am trying my very best to remain and appear calm and focused on what needs to be done but really inside, I am totally freaking out! And how do I pack this family of four into three suitcases for ten days?? Pre-kids, I needed two suitcases just for myself for just a few days. Some trips, a whole suitcase in itself being dedicated just to shoes!! (Bon, you know what I'm talking about)!!

I will try though...very hard to keep it to 3. We are highly irritated with the airline from Buffalo to Atlanta with whom we have to pay for EACH checked bag! All this because of gas prices...well, the last I looked, those gas prices have come way down. And I'm quite certain the checked baggage costs are here to stay. GR.

my babies

I know alot of you must be wondering when in the world are they going to cut their boys mops.....but I just love this pic and wanted to post it. This was yesterday, pre-sickness.

For my family and friends down south, we have a new holiday here called Family Day which started last year. Today is Family Day....but unfortunately, Family Day is being spent here with our little munchkins sick. It started yesterday with Nicholas not feeling well and a slight fever. He seemed fine after some medicine and then it came raging back last night and this morning again. And then Shane woke up the same way. So today is all love and liquids and hopefully, by this evening, they will be feeling MUCH better!

Happy Family Day to the rest of you....Enjoy.

my hubby turns 40!

I am days late...but that is quite typical lately, isn't it? Big week here....my honey celebrated his 40th birthday !!! 40 = Wow! 40 years...10 decades!! The big 4-0! I remember being little and thinking 40 was soooo old. Actually, I remember being in my twenties and a friend had a girlfriend who was 40...Ewww 40, I thought. That's old. But now, here we are....my love is now there....and uh, I guess that means I'm not too far behind!! But behind...definitely. Let's not get carried away...

Okay, back to Johnathon's big birthday this past Tuesday. Nicholas was quite thrilled that there was a birthday in the house. And we had big plans to make Daddy a fabulous cake. I had bought all the ingredients the week prior....so once Shane went down for his nap, we took everything out....except I seemed to have overlooked the fact that you need eggs to bake cakes!! Who knew??!! So, we had to improvise because once Shane was awake and the boys fed, and then off to the store again, it was simply too late to make a cake so Nicholas agreed that we buy a plain cake and decorate it ourselves...which is what we did. Once Daddy was home from work, we had cake and sang and opened cards and gifts. Later that evening, we met up with some friends and my brother....dinner and some celebrating. Happy Birthday my Love....40 and Fabulous! Or like the shirt that The Sharps gave J-man....FORTY - The Legend Continues. How true.

three minus one

Well, it turns out I am only working two nights this weekend. With Nicholas' appointment tomorrow morning, I would find that next to impossible to go to after working all night. I would definitely not feel comfortable driving with him in the truck. And Johnathon already had to miss the weekend working to be home with the boys soooo...thankfully, my boss gave the okay and found someone to take my place for the night. And it also turned out, much to my surprise, that Mom and Dad were in town for my nephews birthday. I even talked Mom into finding someone to replace her at work tomorrow (truly, that didn't take much coaxing!!) so they could spend the night again tonight. So, it has been a nice relaxing day....a little bit of sleep and then time with the boys and my parents. I fed them Chinese...and now, we are gearing up for our poker game once the boys are all tucked in. And, I am feeling lucky....!!

one down

I’m taking some time out tonight at work to write a few words in an email to myself to post this morning from home. Yes, I did say tonight. While all of you are all tucked in nicely with your dreams and your day long over, this woman is working a 12 hour night. And if that does not sound appealing enough, I get to work three of them in a row = all weekend! I know, I just know it…you are all green with envy!!

Okay, maybe I’m being a touch sarcastic…

I’m actually very torn right now, going over every scenario with different vacancies I have applied for, others that I believe I am in consideration for and wondering, do I really even want to leave what I am doing now. Yes, the shift work is difficult…in a few ways. My family is adapting, which is wonderful, but Nicholas still struggles and doesn’t understand. He remains very optimistic though and every few days will pep me up with him saying that a new job should come up soon Mommy. Physically, as well, I believe it takes its toll. It just can’t be healthy to be all over the place between nights and days. These people that have worked shift for years, whether by choice or necessity, I applaud you. Funny though, as I write this, on the radio, they are playing “I wouldn’t want to be like you”…..

The hardest part about taking on a new position will be leaving the wonderful people I have made friendships with. When I came back from mat leave last summer, I never in a gazillion years, would have thought that I would be happy coming to Stores in the plant. NEVER. I knew it was inevitable and happily, at that time, I stayed put where I was for longer than expected. But the day came where I was summoned to Stores….and begrudgingly I went. What choice did I have? So, here I am and I am very thankful for being able to meet some truly great people and form real friendships with a couple of them. So, even if/when I do leave here, those will carry with me. For this, I am very thankful.

As it stands….I have contacted the hiring manager from the interview I had and she informed me that I should be hearing from her this week. I was also contacted by my Chief Steward that I am first in line for the same position but permanent….but yet to hear from the hiring manager on that one.

So, enough about all of that. One of these days, I am going to write THE post…..THE post that will let you all know my shift days are over. But I have to be honest, I am not in the big panic rush I was a couple of months ago. Whatever is meant to happen, will. I’m content with that.

It seems we have a certain special someone turning the big 4-0 next week!! Unfortunately, last weekends surprise for Johnathon was kyboshed by yet another snowstorm. But we will have a wonderful day planned for J-man/Daddy-O on Tuesday, his BIG day!!

Nicholas and Shane are doing wonderfully……and dare I say it….they are both over their colds and healthy. Nicholas finally gets in to see the ear specialist on Monday although his ears are currently just fine but it’s time we discuss tubes.

Today is my nephew, Jack’s, birthday party….which Nicholas is very excited for. Happy 4th birthday to the Jackster!!!