It's Monday...

Let's see...assessment of life as it stands today. Today is my second and last PTO day. I took Friday and today off. No particular reason, but needed some time away from work and to get stuff done. Friday was nice - Todd was off also so we did some shopping, had brunch out, short nap, and got a doctor's appt out of the way. Saturday/Sunday standard weekend stuff plus took Kate to see Toy Story 3 on Sunday. Kate's behavior on Saturday was awful, but Sunday was a completely different child. So all in all, it was a fairly nice weekend.

I've been interjecting schoolwork - some here, some there - all during the week. I feel more caught up in this class than I have in the past two semesters. So far I am averaging an 85% - I can live with that for now. I am hoping to end up with an 'A' by semester end. I have one more discussion question and week 5 quiz to take today. Week 6 is less work so that is a relief. I am not looking ahead in this class at all. Just taking it one week at a time so as to not stress myself out.

We are still trying to decide on a family vacation (Disney or Disney cruise) next spring or a trip to Europe for me in the summer. We can't afford both. I really want to see Europe, but we've not had a proper family vacation in quite a while. We could combine our vacation with Kate's birthday - no gifts and no party.

We move into the condo July 9th. That is 2 weeks and 4 days away. I can't wait to have my own office with a DOOR! Also, the kitchen and our bedroom are on opposite ends of condo. No more worrying about kitchen noise waking up the other person. I am hoping for nice neighbors - maybe if we are lucky we will have someone who can watch Kate from time to time.

I see the eye doctor for a second follow up today. I think we've found a contact and strength that work for me. Unfortunately, since my prescription has gone down, I will also need new glasses - not cheap.

Ugh, here comes more rain. Gotta run - grocery needs me; lunch awaits; laundry to finish; and school work.

Crappy two days and night

Ugh! I just hated it when I lose my cool with Kate. That child will push my buttons. She doesn't listen or do what she is told and I know better than to let it ride. I have to put her in time out the very first time she is not following directions. Well tonight I kept letting it slide, and finally I exploded and took all her new b-day presents away as punishment. She went crazy and started hitting me. After about the 15th hit, I spanked her bottom with my hand three times. That was the end of the hitting as she then started crying for real. It is never a good thing when she is tired (no nap day) and I am tired too (bad night for me last night). I've been yawning since about 3 pm today and she was sleepy from the minute I picked her up from school. Not to mention I've been edgy for a few days now, thanks to "that time" of the month. I feel terrible when I've punished her more than the 'crime'. She is only four and tired and I am supposed to be the grown-up. All I can do is hope to do better tomorrow.

We used to have many more nights like this one. I can say that, overall, things are getting better. I am controlling myself better and she is responding to time-outs and tixs.

Well, there is always tomorrow....

I'm finished!

Alleluia - the semester is finished! About an hour ago I completed my last assignment for the semester and now I just wait for my grades. At this point I'm not even concerned with an 'A' or 'B' grade...just happy to be released from hell! Summer school starts on Saturday, but it is only one class and I graduate August. Hope to send in papers to begin process of taking CPA exam mid-summer and plan to sit for exam in January 2011. I will need to take a prep course, but that will not be as demanding as school work. My company offers tuition reimbursement, but you have to work for them for one year after being reimbursed. If not, you have to pay them back, prorated. Therefore I plan to look for a new job early next year, after sitting for CPA exam. By May of 2011, I plan to have something new and pay suited to my new degree and license.

Todd and Kate are on their way home from Grandma's. Todd went shopping for party supplies for Kate's b-day party, while Kate played at Grandma's. They left me home so I could finish my school work. It is nice to have a bit of time left-over for myself. May is going to be soooo busy for us - Mother's Day, Kate's party, Kate's dance recital, and start of summer school. I am planning a day off for myself soon - mostly fun stuff I want to do: waxing, pedicure, maybe lunch with a friend.

In August, after graduation, I'm planning a get-away weekend - not sure where yet but I will probably go stay with a friend in Texas or DC or Florida. It will be my graduation present to myself. :)

Big changes coming this year...I can just feel it. The momentum is building....it is very exciting!

Monday...another busy week

Supposed to be working on my either my job-work or school work right now....obviously doing neither. Can't be helped really - my stress level is thorough the roof and has been for about a week now. The end of the semester struggle is really bad this time and trying to force myself to care is tough. At least I got a decent night's sleep last night. Had Todd sleep in living room so I could go Ambien-free last night. I've found too many nights in a row of sleep meds and I, one, don't sleep as well, and, two, it affects my daytime mood too much.

Todd has his in-person interview for the Ass't Mgr job on Wed...oh please let him get this job. I can't stand being stuck in this apt night after night, while he works, for much longer. Of course, it would be helpful if Kate had a normal Grandma who was willing to help out in the evenings past 7 pm. Also helpful if Grandma was willing to watch Kate so mom could get some adult-time. My mom only thinks she should help out if it involves my job or school work. If I ask her to watch Kate on a Friday night so I can go out with the girls, that gets a "no". Since my hubby and I only get one night, Saturday, I feel guilty going out without him. The whole situation totally sucks!

Have my report for writing class - it was due yesterday..oops! I get 5 points deducted per day late...o'well. I can only do so much. My shoulder was hurting so bad by Saturday night that I was practically in tears. The thought of more computer work on Sunday was about unthinkable. Even now my shoulder is starting to flare up again and I have a whole day of work ahead of me.

On a completely different note, had two blasts from the past contact me over the last few days. It is funny how people pop back up in your life after long periods of time. I like to know that someone is still thinking about me, and in a positive way, after all these years. Makes me feel good. Lord knows, most days I don't feel appreciated in any positive way so these connections make me feel nice.

Well, I think I've gotten most thoughts out for now. Time to work...

Stuff

I have stuff, random and not so random, thoughts running through my head. I wasn't going to blog but I feel like if I don't get it out, my head might explode. As usual, the week got worse with each passing day. I start out each renewed from the weekend - nice time with Todd and Kate (usually) and no work stress. But as Monday becomes Tuesday becomes Wednesday, etc., I start to get annoyed and irrated at everything and everyone. Some weeks are better than others, of course. This was my bad week b/c it is month-end. The stress of closing out the month makes everyone a little nuts and then you throw the holiday/spring break in there too? Oh geez! Plus Michelle, my boss, had her surgery on Wednesday. Today Kate was out of school for their "spring break" day. God Damn, Good Friday...more freakin' places are closed on Easter than on Christmas. What the hell?? Todd went in a bit late today and took her out for a while, but it still badly messed up my work day. I mean, really, would you take your 3 year old to the office and expect to get any work done? Our apt is my office - I do the same work here that I did when I went to an office building everyday. It makes me nuts to have her home and me trying to work - Ugh! Definitely a downside to "work from home". I tell Todd "what would you do if I worked in an office? Why can't you take the day off to care for her?" I told him it was ok if I cut out of work early today but then, as things do, work went south around noon and never recovered. This afternoon I was tired, hot, and had to deal with a cranky preschooler while Todd went off to work.

I've been trying to stick to a schedule and do certain things on certain days - my attempt to control the chaos. Had two successful days this week - Tues and Wed. I guess I should be glad for those two days. Instead, as I tend to do, I bitch about the other 3 not so great days. My shoulder has been killing me, I swear I am constantly picking up either Kate or Todd's stuff, dishes, laundry, cat boxes, etc. etc. *AAAHHHH*

Been missing my Wii also - we got the damn thing so I could try to fit a work-out in at home. Guess what? Still don't have time to work-out even when you cut out the commute time. It is crazy. I am really trying to take things one day at a time - not plan too far ahead. Each day, I tell myself "just get through this day". Work on what needs to be done TODAY - not tomorrow, or next week, or next month. It is difficult for me to compartmentalize like that, but I am trying. I also remind myself that this semester ends in 5 weeks - I can handle 5 more weeks. I have finally started my Valuation project - I have two more Tuesdays to complete it. I figure as long as I do some work and turn in something, how bad can my grade be? I just need to graduate - I am way past caring about my grades.

Ok, need a to-do list for tomorrow so I can sleep w/out worry - think I may have overbooked myself (again) this weekend.

Me, my day, and my decision

My day has been all over the place and I realized so has my mood. I know mentally that I should be happy and strong and not let things bother me. I have a good life. My husband and daughter are wonderful and love me and I love them. I have a roof over my head and Todd and I are both employed. Still, I let things get the better of me today and it is upsetting. I feel like it was a day wasted and I just don't have time to waste a day of my life. I got upset, although not too badly, with Kate tonight b/c she kept getting out of bed. It is rare to have that problem with her anymore. I think the stress of "single-mom" five days a week is getting to me. Once again, I know I need to keep it upbeat and not let those things get me down. I want to be happier, satisfied with my life, enjoy the things I have but somehow that seems to keep eluding me.

I know once school is finished and I have that added stress out of my life, it will help a lot. With my current job situation, I am starting to question why I even went back to school. The first semester was great but after that it became a pain and stressful. I just couldn't have anticipated the situation we would find ourselves in - Todd's job loss, the moving - twice, Todd working second shift. In a way, I think I am dealing with grief. The loss of my life in Florida, the loss of our house, the loss of our standard of living....things have been moving so fast. I just don't have time to grieve. I know things are on the upward swing. Kate loves her new preschool. I know Goddard is one of the better decisions we have made lately. We plan to move to a 3 BD June/July timeframe so I can have an actual office. I've kind of given up on a new job anytime soon. The market is too bad right now. I need my degree and CPA finished and then a new job should be much easier to find.

I wish to be more thankful for what I have and focus less on what I don't have. I hope for the strength and sanity to find my way before I permanently damage myself or my family relationships. I want a happy, healthy, loving home for all of us, but especially for Kate. She is so young - she doesn't need this kind of stress in her life. Sometimes she takes the brunt of it when mommy had a bad day - I lose my patience too fast; I am impatient with her. I hate myself after. It is just so hard, day after day, night after night, doing it all alone. To her credit, Kate has been great lately. She is 90% well-behaved and that helps a lot.

Right now I need sleep and tomorrow is a new day! I promise to be happier and love my family more!

YES!YES!YES!

WooHoo - finally remembered my password. This is tied to an old, no longer working, email address. I couldn't reset my password b/c Blogger couldn't verify the old email...no kidding...it doesn't exist anymore - DuH! I am so excited...now I can blog again. Gotta get that log-in email changed so I don't have this problem again.

Long time, no chat

This summer has been crazy busy but now I have a moment to breathe. June was moving and getting settled; July was lots of Mary Kay, finishing summer school, and going to Dallas for seminar; now August I have no school until the 29th and I am caught up at work.

Any of you who know me will not be surprised that I have changed my mind (again!). I am going to finish school. I have thought about it and talked it over with Todd a bunch and feel strongly that I must see my master's degree through to the finish and see what happens. My ultimate goal is to teach accounting at the university level. It has been a vision of mine for some time now to teach. If I don't see this vision thru, I will drive myself crazy wondering "what if".

I am still working my Mary Kay business but it will be where I can fit it in. I am going to my MK meeting tonight and taking two guests with me...it should be fun!

Reading a book called The God Delusion - interesting so far...will have to see if I keep reading it. The author is an atheist and since I've always been a bit on the fence about God myself, I thought I should see what he has to say.

What is up now?

It has been a while since last I wrote. I was busy with getting ready for our move and then this last week has been unpacking boxes, getting a new driver's license, doctor for Kate, etc. The move itself was kind of long (lots of driving) but it went well. Kate was a real trooper for all the time she spent in her car seat. On day 2 of driving, we actually ate our lunch sitting on our stuff in the back of the U-haul truck in a rest area.

The apartment is great. It was very clean and new carpet. The neighbors are friendly and Kate has been making friends at the pool. Our area is full of anything you could want - two big convenient grocery stores, preschool for Kate, hair salon, nail place, and just a short drive to lots of restaurants and shopping. All my favorite things! Best of all Grandma is about 30 mins away - she will watch Kate for us this Sunday. Todd and I are going to actually get out and (woohoo) we don't have to pay a babysitter. I hope to find a nice high school girl soon to watch Kate most of the time but it is nice to have mom if we need her.

Other news - made a decision recently to ramp up my Mary Kay business again. I feel very strongly that I need to give it another shot. I would really like to earn the use of a free MK car. That would be very cool. Since I can only handle so many activities, I am taking a year off from school to concentrate on MK. I am keeping my accounting job - MK will be strictly evenings and weekends. This also helps Todd b/c he is ready to go back to school for some retraining and we can't both be in school at the same time.

Kate's first day at her new preschool, which seems like a great place so far, was Monday. Todd asks her what was her favorite part of the day at the new place. With no hesitation, she answers "eating". How funny is that? I asked her again today and this time she said "playing". I asked what was she playing with and she says "friends". I think she just loves school for all the other little kids. Mom and Dad are great but she really seems to like other people. She introduces herself to strangers, adults and children alike, all the time when we are out.

Holiday getaway, countdown to departure, and much more!

I have so many things floating around in my head that I want to get out. I can't type fast enough or remember them all once I sit down to write. We took a day and half getaway to Panama City Beach since we had an extra day off. We figured we should take Kate to the beach one last time before we leave FL. We may never come back. The next beach I would like to see is in Hawaii. This last 36 hrs was relaxing even though I did not sleep well at the hotel. The room next door was very noisy and Kate was up at 5:40 CST.

We went to Margaritaville restaurant - way TOO noise! Would not recommend to families. Plus our food took about 30 mins to come out - way TOO long when you are with a 3 yr old. However we did go past a Merry Go Round so after we ate Kate had to have a ride. Two things happened to make me upset. First of all, we had to pay for Kate and Todd ($3 each) b/c she is over 3. I told the guy "look she just turned 3 two days ago and will not ride by herself" and he said "too bad, you have to buy 2 tickets". I mean really - he couldn't let that go, not to mention I think parents having to pay at all is ridiculous. It is a kiddie ride for crying out loud - do they think parents are trying to put one over on them? Like "woohoo, I fooled them. They thought my kid wants to ride the Merry Go Round but really it is me, the 30 or 40-something". Crazy!

Second thing was small but I thought showed a "great" example of our viewpoint in this country. A man in his 30s who was there with his wife and about 2 yr old daughter actually said the following (mind you we are in a totally public area - nothing belongs to anyone) - "Man, that really pisses me off. That old lady is going to take my seat." I look around to see what he could possibly be talking about. There is a nearby bench for onlookers to watch and wait for kids on the ride. His wife and daughter were on the ride and he had to get his lazy ass off the bench to come get his wife's purse. In the meanwhile, the "old lady" (who I am sure was viciously waiting in the wings for him to move) sat down on the bench. Mind you the bench had room for at least 2 people anyway. I could not believe it - this just blew me away. First of all, it wasn't his bench and why on earth should he be angry b/c someone else sat down. Second of all, he should have gotten up to give his seat to someone older and female in the first damn place. This is the kind of guy who would make a pregnant lady stand on the bus rather than offer his seat. Hold on folks, this soapbox is almost to the finish line. This kind of "me first, only me" mentality is what has this country all messed up in the first place. Maybe, just maybe, if people thought about others once in a while, this would be a nation at peace instead of at war. Ok, soapbox is put away for now. It is safe to continue reading. :)

Kate. One word, one totally unbelievable topic. She has been really amazing lately. We are working on some behaviors and I am seeing a difference. It is very exciting. Several times now over the last week or so, she says "yes, i will do that moma" when I tell her something such as "put your shoes in your closet" or "put your socks in the hamper". It is so exciting to hear her say "yes" instead of no and then whining if we persist. Now, we still have a ways to go but it is an improvement. Also, getting her to play by herself has been very challenging. We have spoiled her so with all our attention, all the time. Saturday - twice in one day - she played by herself for 45 mins at a time! I was actually able to get some work done while she was awake. It almost felt like a miracle. She was in her room and so quiet at one point, Todd says "what is she doing?" I said "playing I think". I peeked around the corner to see where she couldn't see me and she was playing with her birthday crown and some stickers. It was wonderful.

At first I felt guilty pushing her way to play alone, but I knew it had to be done. Plus I've discovered something. It doesn't matter how much time or attention I give her, she will always want more. In fact the more attention I give, the more she demands. I enjoy her more and I think she me, when we spend a bit less time together. I believe we are all happier.

Final topic, briefly, is our countdown to leaving FL. We are at T minus 10 and counting. It is very exciting. Look out KY, here we come, ready to start over fresh and set the world on fire!

The Painted Pony and other Sunday stuff

For an early birthday celebration we took Kate to The Painted Pony farm in Monticello (see picture). It is just east of Tallahassee. She had a blast. She got 2 pony rides, a hay ride, to play in a big sand pile, to put her handprint in paint on a pony, and ice cream. She came home with a t-shirt and a $3 raffle prize that is a small pony figure that she named Charlie and is currently sleeping with. Next weekend we are going to "really" celebrate her birthday with a cake and presents and a trip to Build-A-Bear to make her own pink unicorn. I can hardly wait - I just know she will love it.

This morning we went to church, like most Sundays. We actually like the Rev. at this Unity Church better than the one we had in Palm Harbor. He is very deep in his topics and talks. He really makes you think - I like it. I just love Unity. If it weren't for Unity, I wouldn't go to any church at all. I feel I am a spiritual person and like to think of what most people call God as an all-compassing universal "power" that is in and around all of us. We are all our own God, in a manner of speaking. God is within each of us, not some being "out there somewhere" to be feared and unknowable. Religion is not the same thing as spiritual. Religions cause war and hate and fear and separate people from one another. Just my two cents for today...

My Mother's Day

We got a sitter and Todd took me out last night - that was my Mother's Day present. We had a nice dinner where we took our time and I didn't have to cut up food for Kate. Then we caught the 8:45 pm showing of Wolverine - got to love Hugh Jackman [especially when he is running off naked :)]. Crazy us - didn't get to bed until almost midnight. Of course, just our luck Kate was up at 5:40 am this morning. Todd got up with her and let me sleep until 8:30 am. After I was up for a bit he went back to bed and I took Kate to WalMart. Now that Kate is in preschool we hardly ever go anywhere together, just the two of us. She used to do all the shopping with me, when I was home all day.

We skipped nap today and took her to the Tallahassee Museum, which is oddly named b/c it was nothing like a museum by my standards. It was more like a nature preserve with a few historical things thrown in. I would like to say it was fun but, for me, it was not really a good time. I am not much of an outdoor person anyway and it was hot today, about 90. We walked around in the heat for almost 3 hrs - I was totally wiped out. It was shady in many places and we sat down for a snack twice but still exhausting for me. Kate had fun - she loved the animals we saw - there was a bald eagle, panther, snakes, and farm animals.

Sweetie Belle has arrived

Sweetie Belle is Kate's reward for staying in bed at night, after lights out and we leave. Kate had to earn 10 stars on her "staying in bed" chart to earn Sweetie Belle, a My Little Pony 'doll'. Last night was star #10 - yay! After those couple of awful weeks, bedtime has improved. Kate actually seems tired and with not much fan-fair goes right to sleep. Thank God!! Not totally sure about her naps at school but from what I can gather, she is only napping about an hour to an hour and a half.

Other news - my mom is scouting out apartments for us. We sent her info on several places and she is going to see each one and reporting back. So far, so good. We sold our car yesterday - very exciting (and a bit scary). I figure other people live with only one car and we can too. Growing up we had only one car for at least the first seven years of my life.

We've given notice to Kate's preschool that we are leaving. They seem to think we are going to keep paying them until they find another child to fill her spot. This is their "policy". Like I told Todd and my mom, they can just come on up to KY and try to collect that tuition money. :) I can't wait to get her out of that school. Yesterday she came home with sand on her face, including all around her eyes, b/c one of the other kids threw sand in her face. I do not get these children - we never had issues like this at New Horizons. We will be very careful about her next preschool in KY.

Updates...

Kate was home early from school on Friday - woke up from her nap and had exploding diarrhea. Feel sorry for her teacher. I managed to get everything clean again except the underwear - it went straight in the trash. Todd went and picked her up - she had a fever for about 24 hrs and was more tired this weekend but is now feeling much better. Due to sleepiness from illness, she went to sleep very easily Friday night and a good nap on Saturday. Saturday night only got up twice and then was asleep. Sunday - refused to nap - but...Ta-da Sunday night after 10 mins of rocking went right to bed, did not get up once, and fell right to sleep. She was up at 6 am this morning - feeling good and ready to go. And she slept all night too - no getting up during the night. Todd feels very strongly that we are headed towards no more napping at all. I realize she is about to be 3 but I thought she would continue to nap for at least 6 more months or so. O'well - no napping isn't the worst thing - especially if she sleeps well at night.

On the move - we are making progress in the "selling our stuff" department. We've gotten rid of our patio furniture and lawn equipment - definitely won't need those in an apartment. Still working on selling the car. We may not be able to get the true value out of it and if that is the case, then it isn't worth selling. We will have to see. We've picked out five apartment complexes to have my mom go look at. They are all in KY. We feel the KY side has more to offer and prices are cheaper than OH. Several Internet city to city comparison websites have said we will pay 10% less for groceries in OH/KY than we do here in FL. Plus KY has lower taxes on gas, etc. than OH.

PS. This picture is Kate about two weeks ago, helping Daddy make playdough. She looks so grown up.

No sleep again...

Well unfortunately we only had the one really successful night. After that it was back to the issues. Last night it took her an hour to go to sleep and Todd sat with her the whole time. Tonight was the topper - she just fell asleep about 15 mins ago at 9:45 pm!! We first put her in bed at 7:30 pm. We don't know what the deal is but I am starting to think there is something really wrong with Kate. We've never had sleep issues this bad, for this long, ever before. Tonight I even tried letting her play by herself with the little light on. I just told her not to leave her room - that didn't work either. I can understand she wants one of us to be in there but that is not getting her to sleep either. She tosses and turns and kicks the covers off repeatedly.

Her school has said she naps about an hour and half on average while at school and I know she is very active while she is there. So lack of sleep and lack of activity, which can sometimes cause bedtime issues, are not the problem. We've been in the new house for a month now and the sleep issues have gotten worse, not better, so the moving thing doesn't seem to be the problem. I have noticed some comments from her lately that seem to show more understanding on her part that Palm Harbor is gone and we don't live there anymore.

We really miss her old preschool, New Horizons. The children were nicer and Kate was loved by all her classmates. When we dropped her off in the morning, the other kids would smother her with affection. They were always excited to see Kate. At her new school, sometimes the other little girls tell her to "get away" and "leave me alone". I think it hurts her feelings. The other day one little boy hit her in the face with a plastic toy (he was talked to) and it left a bruise and scratch on her face. Kate's current preschool was recommended by another preschool director as one of the best in Tallahassee. It seems like the teachers try but for whatever reason some of the children in Kate's class are very bratty. Not sure if there is anything really we can do right now.

Sleep success!!

After many frustrating nights (see earlier blogs), we finally had a successful bedtime last night. WooHOO!! It was Todd's suggestion that we shorten her nap. He truly felt she was just not tired at bedtime. She will be three in less than a month so I thought a shorter nap might work too. So yesterday (Sunday) we only let her nap about an hour and 15 mins, instead of her usual 2 hour nap. She went to bed at 7:30 pm, only got out of bed once, and 'viola' she was asleep at 7:45 pm. Even better, she only got up once last night and slept until 6:45 this morning. Yah!! This morning Todd is going to talk to her preschool about shorten her nap at school b/c they sleep for two hours during the day. I hope they can accommodate us. The school seems pretty flexible.

Going back home

As you know, our family has been through some difficult times as of late. We uprooted our family and moved to Tallahassee to start over, only for Todd's new job to come to a dead-end. Unfortunately our enlightenment came after we moved up here, instead of before. We've now made two decisions: (1) We are never moving to take a job again and (2) We are tired of relocating and starting over so we are going home to Cincy to put down our own family roots. I told Todd and he agreed that before Kate was ready to start kindergarden we had to be settled. I am not uprooting her to move across the state or country every five years when one of us takes a new job. We've made a decision to make OH/KY work no matter what. Jobs come and go but family is forever.

The area is nice - I have lots of family there plus a couple of friends from high school. I know I will enjoy four regular seasons again. I can't wait to see Kate and her first snow! The near-by Smokey Mts will be great for family vacations. We can even drive to our Luna family reunion in MI, instead of flying.

I've thought several times over the past years about moving back but could never take that leap of faith. I was scared to move with no job and then what? I was raised to believe that an income, no matter how crappy the job, was paramount and to be without a job was unthinkable. My parents were totally unconcerned with being happy with their work. It was a paycheck and that is what mattered. Not for me to live like that anymore - life is too short to spend it doing something you dislike. Can't wait until I finish my master's so I can go forth and get my dream job.

In light of these "revelations", we have decided to do some other things we've discussed in the past but never implemented. We are simplifying. For starters, we are selling one of our cars. Right now we just don't need two cars, especially since I work at home and Todd is not working at all (and might end up working from home also). This will rid us of one car payment, the insurance on that car, and net us some additional money to live off until Todd has a new job. Another car can always be bought, if needed. Also, we are selling our huge entertainment center and our loveseat couch. Both are much too heavy to bother bring with us to Cincy and the loveseat was from our pre-Kate days. It is not really a family piece. These are all just 'things' and not really important to our overall goal.

Continuing Bedtime issues

We are trying a new tactic. No helping her get to sleep at all. We realized over the last six months, b/c she was sick so often, we had been doing all sorts of things to help her sleep: rubbing her back; rocking her; sitting on the floor by her bed. I swear to you this child used to go to sleep with no issues. So far things are going very poorly. Last night Todd sat outside her door and she was up and down until 9:30 pm!! And then she was up at 5:50 am this morning. Tonight was my turn to sit outside her door. About 5 mins ago Todd came and relieved me of duty b/c I was threatening to spank her, among other things. It is so awful!! She is not just up and down out of bed, but yells at us to not touch her, leave her alone, pushes us away, etc. You can't put her back in bed unless you force her to lay down. She laughs in your face. She seems to think this is all a big game. Tonight I especially do not understand as she should be exhausted from way too little sleep last night.

I don't know who this child is. Ever since the new preschool she talks back and yells at us. Now all these bedtime issues. This is crazy. I have things to do at night, like school work. I can't sit outside her door for an hour or more, trying to get her to stay in bed. And I refuse to lay down with her or rub her back for 30 mins until she falls asleep - and that is not a guarantee either. She is almost 3 - we should be past this stage.

I am going to go completely crazy if we don't get this problem fixed and quick! Any ideas?

So frustrated with bedtime

I am at my wits' end with Kate and bedtime. I put lights out at 7:20 pm - a little earlier than usual b/c she seemed tired - and here we are at 8 pm and she is still awake and getting up and down out of bed. NOTHING works on this child. I took away her favorite toy, 3 ponies, and her bicycle privileges tomorrow. She doesn't care! I even spanked her butt - something I swore I would never do. She doesn't like it but it didn't keep her in bed. She got right back up. Todd is now sitting in her room to make sure she doesn't get up and he will have to stay until she falls asleep. She was up at 6 am this morning and yesterday morning too. She should be plenty tired. I just want to scream!!!!! And, now with this Jack in the bed syndrome tonight she will either be up in the middle of the night and/or up at 5:15 am tomorrow. I can't live like this! I swear I've tried all the 'solutions' in all the books I've read. Nothing is working. I did everything right, right from the beginning. She was always on a schedule, naps and all. She slept straight thru the night from 9 months on and was a fabulous sleeper until the last 6 months or so. The books said follow a routine - same all the time, teach them to put themselves to sleep, etc. - I did all that. What is wrong?

Saturday - how nice!

Well this morning I ditched my online class (no biggie 'cause I can watch it later) and we took Kate to the Brogan Museum in downtown. It is similar to MOSI in Tampa but not as far away and not nearly as expensive. She had a great time and then we spread a blanket in some green space in front of the museum and had a picnic lunch. She just loves to eat outside! Then we all play "It" for about 15 mins. Then it was time to go home for a nap for Kate and real lunch for mom and dad. She was very well behaved the whole time and even this morning before we left the house. She only yelled at me twice and both times I took Alex (her favorite toy) away for 15 mins. It definitely seemed to work - no more yelling after that.