Trapped!

I have been bringing Ben and Lauren along when I show homes to clients that I have good relationships with. When it is a buyer that I have worked with for a long time I don't mind bringing them with me. They have been really good in the past; I guess I just got cocky. Today I took them along to show some town homes not far from my house. My buyer was a little late so we sat outside while we waited so we could enjoy the beautiful weather. Ben and Lauren were running up and down the sidewalk. Lauren tripped on her flip-flop and scrapped her knee. She whined as we went through the first two houses. In the third town home we stepped outside onto the balcony to check out the golf course view. Ben and Lauren followed us onto the balcony and Ben swung the door shut. When we turned to go inside we realized the door was locked! There were not any stairs to the ground from this second story balcony; we were trapped like rats! I called the owner of the town home to see if he could come unlock the door. The owner was at a closing and wouldn't be able to rescue us for at least a couple hours. Crap! I make a habit of leaving the front door open as a safety precaution when I show houses, so I called Trisha hoping that she was not in the middle of something. She rushed right over and was able to rescue us within about 3 minutes. It wasn't the disaster that is could have been, but it was certainly embarrassing!! Needless to say, Ben and Lauren won't be coming the next time I show that buyer a home!

A Day Of Firsts

Today was an emotional, exciting, exhilarating, electrifying, eerie and many other 'E' adjectives day. As you know I got my real estate license. It started as a way to learn more and save money when we buy investment properties. Then as I got further and further into it I became more and more interested in pursuing real estate as a career. My hope is to work part-time for the next two years, then have a thriving full time career when Ben and Lauren start Kindergarten. I already have a listing and two more listing leads! Today I took buyers from CA around so they could get a better idea of what they wanted and what they could get for their money in TX. I had to take Ben and Lauren to Adventure Kids Playcare while I was working. I didn't mentally prepare myself for this day. After all, what's the big deal? I have left them with babysitters in my home countless times, Jack went to daycare the first year of his life, this is only a few hours at a time and this place came highly recommended from several reliable sources. As a matter of fact, the owner is from Nebraska and personally knows one of my best friends. I built this place up like no other. Ben and Lauren were so excited. They couldn't wait to take their lunches in their Dora and Diego lunch bags and play with the other kids. When we arrived the director took the kids and I on a tour of the facility. Before we were through the whole place Ben and Lauren were climbing through the giant indoor jungle gym. I finished the tour without them, and then stopped by to let them know that I was leaving. They each gave me quick kisses and hugs then ran back to the jungle gym. Lauren must have sensed that I was upset (after all she will be a woman someday) and came running after me for one last hug, kiss and a "see ya soon mommy, I love you!” When I got to my car I really thought I could throw up and I had to fight back tears. I don't know why this hit me so hard! I called Travis and got his voicemail. In retrospect it was better that I got his voicemail he wouldn't have gotten it. I called my girlfriend Trisha who was able to talk me off the ledge. Thank God for girlfriends!

SANTA Fe

Jack: Where have you been?
Me: Santa Fe.
Lauren: I am going to sit on Santa's lap!
Jack: You are scared of Santa!
Me: No, she isn't scared of Santa anymore she is a big girl.
Jack: I love Santa, why didn't I get to go?
Me: Santa doesn't live in Santa Fe; he lives at the North Pole.
Ben: Then who lives in Santa Fe?
Me: Ms. Trisha's dad.
Lauren: Mr. Clint lives in Texas, not Santa Fe.
Me: Mr. Clint is Ms. Trisha's husband; her daddy lives in Santa Fe.
Jack: Is his name Santa?

Shout Out!

I had my first Tysabri infusion today. All went well, I am feeling good. I am a little tired, but it could be because I got up at 4:30am to take care of sick kids, or it could be the Benadryl they gave me before I left or it could be the nearly 3 hour rush hour drive I had on the way home. Seeing all of the other MS patients reminded me how lucky I am. I am in great shape and hopefully this new medicine will keep me this way long enough to find a cure! My girlfriends deserve a giant shout out! Ben and Lauren were sick, but Trisha still took care of them without reservation. Anne picked Jack up at school and had him for 5 hours. My friends rock, I am the luckiest girl in the world!

BFFs

Jack: How many kids are in our family?
Me: 3
Jack: How many mommies are in our family?
Me: 1
Jack: How many daddies are in our family?
Me: 1
Jack: How many Ms. Annes are in our family?
Me: 1
Jack: How many Ms. Trishas are in our family?
Me: 1

Kids are really better at putting their feelings into words than adults. Anne, Trisha and their families have really become our extended family since we have moved to Texas. Our families mesh perfectly, the husbands get along great and are actually friends outside of our "couple friendship" and the kids love to play together. Whenever we go somewhere Jack wants to know if Derek and Lily are coming, most of the time they are; but he is so disappointed if they aren't. At least twice a week he comes to me and says, "I have a great idea, let's invite our friends over for dinner!" I really feel lucky to have such wonderful friends!

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

Last night Travis had a wonderful surprise party for me at a local wine bar. I was told that we were going to an expensive restaurant with friends who had a gift certificate. When Travis got home he told me that the reservations had gotten messed up so we were going to eat later and stop at the wine bar for a drink since we all had sitters already lined up. Our sitter arrived early so I wanted to go ahead and leave. Travis dilly-dallied which drives me crazy, but I didn't think anything of it since he always does that! When we arrived at the bar I saw the two couples that we were suppose to go to dinner with as well as another couple. I hate to admit that my first thought was "oh, I didn't realize they were coming, that gift certificate isn't going to go very far". Imagine how bitchy I felt when I realized that there were even more people there and it was a surprise party for me! All of my friends were there and it was just fabulous. Anne and Trisha made the most beautiful cake ever. I think it was even prettier than my wedding cake! I have always wanted a surprise party and after 32 years my wish has been granted. What a great night thanks to wonderful friends and a great husband!

Remember The Alamo

Last weekend Travis and I took the kids to San Antonio with two other families, some of our best buddies. We took all 8 kids to the Alamo and the riverwalk on Friday. I had never seen the Alamo, so I figured I should be a responsible Texan and at least stop by. Travis and I were definitely disadvantaged not growing up in Texas and receiving the required Texas history class, we both agreed that we weren't there long enough to figure out what all the hype is about. We then went to the riverwalk and had a mediocre Mexican dinner. I don't know if I didn't enjoy it because I was dining with 8 kids under the age of 6 or if it was the food. Saturday we took everyone to Sea World. Jack, Ben and Lauren all had a great time! During the Shamu show Ben and Lauren sat on my lap so they wouldn't miss a second. They loved clapping and making the hand motions to make the killer whales splash! By Saturday night we had learned our lesson, when we were greeted by a 1-hour wait at the restaurant we decided to get take out. The food was great, I don't know if it was because Ben and Lauren were already in bed and the rest of the kids were able to run amuck in piece or if the food was actually good. We got all the kids to sleep then had some quality adult time with cheap margaritas made in the hotel coffee pot and played pitch. Yesterday Jack asked me when we are going back to San Antonio with his friends, I guess it was a hit with him, which makes it all worthwhile for me!

Peter Piper Poke My Peepers Out Pizza

Today was my friend Trisha's son's 6th birthday. It was at Peter Piper Pizza, this was my first experience at this kiddie heaven. As you know, if it is kiddie heaven, it is Kelli hell. This place was like a small-scale casino, minus the alcohol and plus about 50 screaming kids. My kids were no exception. If they weren't screaming with excitement, they were screaming in pain. I have a headache THIS BIG and it has a glass of wine written all over it. All in all, it was a nice party. The kids had fun and the cake was good, which makes it a success in my book!

Spank Them!

Although we had a great time at the lake I think Jack missed our Texas friends as much as I did! Yesterday when I brought him home from rocket camp he wanted to invite a friend over. I explained that he had to take a nap and we might be able to do that when he woke up. I admit that I am guilty of the same "might trick" that my mother used to pull on me. I was figuring that he would forget about it and didn't bother to extend any invitations. When Jack got up he asked who was coming over to play. I tried to tell him that all of our friends were busy but he wasn't taking that for an answer so I called Trisha and invited us over when Ben and Lauren woke up from their nap. Unfortunately, Ben and Lauren didn't get the memo and they didn’t wake up until 4:45. I had to leave for Pilate’s at 5:45 and the kids needed to eat dinner before I left, so we just didn't have time to go play. Jack cried and cried. I really felt bad, I have been missing Trisha, and I was really looking forward to hanging out with my friend too! But, I had finally had it.

Me: Jack, you are going to have to stop crying
Jack: I am not going to stop crying until you spank the babies
Me: Why should I spank the babies?
Jack: Because we can't play because they slept too much
Me: They didn't mean to sleep too long
Jack: (through tears) spank them and I will stop crying

I don't spank the babies. Travis doesn't spank the babies. I don't spank Jack. Travis only spanks Jack in extreme cases. Why did Jack think that spanking the babies for taking a nap was reasonable?

The crying continued off and on anytime he thought about the horrible injustice.

"Bring Out The Gimp"

"But the Gimp's sleeping."
"Well, I guess you're gonna have to go wake him up now, won't you?"
I really didn't care for Pulp Fiction; actually I disliked it so much the first time that Travis and I walked out of the theater. But, that isn't the point I am trying to make.

Trisha and I took the kids for a walk this morning and I was so gimpy it was embarrassing. My leg started tripping less than half way through and got so bad by the end that I was just glad that I could use the stroller like a walker. I just hate this MS; it is really pissing me off!!! A special thank you to Trisha for putting up with me.

Ben is in a mood today. He really hasn't stopped fussing at me since he woke up this morning. The poor little dude is trying to tell me something and I am just not getting it! I can't wait until he is old enough to feel guilty for treating me crappy on days that I am gimpy!

Good Friends + Good Wine = Bad Sunday

Last night we had dinner at friends. It was a threesome of sorts. Anne and her husband invited our family and Trisha's family over. The girls polished off a couple bottles of wine and a delicious vodka concoction Anne made. Needless to say, Travis and I were pretty tired today and didn't do much beyond eating and napping. It was worth the wasted day because last night was really fun, I am so glad that Trisha and Anne enjoy each other’s company. The only problem is that they are our only two couple friends. If we all start getting together that has cut our once full weekends down to just one night. I guess we are going to have to start accepting applications for at least one more couple! I have met lots of girl friends since we have moved, but Travis has rejected most of their husbands. The search continues!

I Need A Vacation!

We had playgroup this afternoon. When we get together we have lunch then the kids get to play. Today the kids were eating lunch and out of nowhere Elsie's little sister whacked Jack in the ear. Jack started crying and Elsie's mom put the little girl in time-out. While Elsie's mom was away Ann started going he he, Elsie's sister has to go to time-out. I was so proud of my boy, Jack stopped crying and said, "It's not nice to laugh at other people's misfortune", Elsie jumped on the bandwagon and said "Yeah, I'm not laughing". Yes, Jack was just repeating something that he has heard me say, I don't think he even knows the definition of misfortune, but he must get the point. It made me laugh to myself to hear someone so little say something so mature. Just the sound of Ann's voice has been making my skin crawl lately. She talks so loud and does this high pitch squeal, I need a vacation!

We went outside to play and our hostess broke out the dessert. Ben and Lauren were the first to start on their snack cakes, a treat they have never experienced. They were in heaven! Ben inhaled his, and then it was on Lauren's remains. I think the neighbors could have heard her telling her brother off down the street! One of the older kids left their half eaten snack cake on the table. It wasn't long before Ben saw this as an opportunity; he waited for just the right time and pounced on her cake too. By the time it was all said and done Ben had binged at least two whole snack cakes and was covered from head to toe in cake and frosting.

I leave for Santa Fe tomorrow with my friend Trisha! I can't wait for a vacation. We are going to relax, shop, drink wine and relax! I wish Travis and I could go on vacation together, but it isn't easy to find someone to take 3 kids for an extended time. When we went to Napa for our friends' wedding we were only gone Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon and we had to have the kids at two different houses. It was much easier when we lived in Nebraska and we could just have my parents take them. We went to Puerto Rico last summer and my mom and aunt came down to watch them. The logistics are just too complicated; the vacation is hardly worth it! When the kids get a little older it will be much easier to farm them out. Ben and Lauren aren't bad, they are just typical two year olds, but if you aren't used to them, they are a lot to handle. Just another reason for my parents to move down here! Enough about that.

Travis has asked me to set out clothes for the kids for each day and write down what to feed them for every meal. It is almost as though they aren't his kids. I left Travis with all three kids last year for a trip to Kansas City to meet my friend Katie from Nebraska. I don't remember having to do this for him last time, but I guess Ben and Lauren weren't eating real food yet. I think it will be good for Trav to get a taste of what I do on a daily basis. I think he appreciates my work more after he has the opportunity to do it every now and then.

I'm Lost

My girlfriend Trisha is out of town for two weeks. She left last Friday. This is almost as bad as when Travis is out of town. She lives just around the corner and I didn't realize until now how much I rely on her. I don't have anyone I can call and say one of the kids is going to die if I don't get out of the house right now. Nobody to call and ask if they can watch the kids for a few minutes while I quickly do whatever. No partner for drinking wine while Travis is out of town this weekend. And, to make matters worse my email isn't working. What to do? I guess I will go eat worms.

All Aboard the Guilt Train

Last night I attended a Montessori fundraiser with a good friend. Her husband was out of town and although she knew tons of people there she didn't want to go 'alone', so I was her date. It was lots of fun to get dressed up. Especially, since the last time I got dressed up was for Travis' company Christmas party, which he decided at the last minute, he didn't want to go to! They had a silent auction, a Dutch auction and a live auction. Before they started the live auction a gentleman gave a little speech which ended with something along the lines of 'you model values to your children and you need to be able to go home tonight and tell them a story about what you got at the auction and how much you bid'. Choo, choo...all aboard the guilt train, next stop, auctionville! I couldn't believe it! But, the people must respond to that. During the live auction people were bidding a grand, that's right, one large, one thousand big ones on artwork done by their kids classroom. I wanted to go hand an invitation to the MOPS art auction to one particular gentleman who seemed to be getting off on being a "good model" for his kid. It was obvious who was doing all they could to just send their kid to the Montessori school and who had more money than sense! Needless to say, I didn't purchase any "art", nor did my friend, or anyone at my table! The auctioneer was very entertaining. It has been a long time since I have listened to a real auctioneer and I had forgotten how much fun it is!

Now, I need to start working on my speech for the MOPS art auction. What can I say to guilt people into buying art by known artists??