Wow. Its been WAY to long since I updated. I’ve meant to SEVERAL times…but alas…I’ve not.

I don’t think I could even muster the ability to remember all that has gone on in the last few weeks, so I will keep it short and to the point :) Currently this is “my life”.

Three kids
Three DIFFERENT schools
Three different “First Bells”
Three different “Last Bells”
Two work schedules
Two Soccer Practice schedules that encompass three nights a week
Two Soccer games, every Saturday

One vehicle.

Never in my life have I driven around so much, and never left a 10 mile radius. Seriously.

Typical Day?

I Wake up, leave for work at 630am (on a good day).
Drive 7 minutes North to get to HP.

825am I leave work to get kids and Dan.
Drive 7 minutes South to apartment.

After gathering “load” I drive 2 minutes South to drop of TJ at school.
Drive 4 minutes North to drop off Claire.
Drive 10 minutes North (PAST HP) to drop of Haley.
Drive 5 minutes South back to HP.

245pm I leave work to get girls from school.
Drive 5 minutes South to get Claire from school.
Drive 10 minutes North (PAST HP AGAIN) to get Haley.
Drive 10 minutes South to go back to the apartment.

*sometimes*
Drop of girls (TJ has walked home and is on curb by carport) and go back to work
Drive 7 minutes North to HP.
Work several hours overtime.
Drive 7 minutes South to the apartment.

5/530pm one of us takes a kid, or sometimes all three to one of two parks for a Soccer Practice
Drive either 10 minutes or 5 minutes North to practice.

Its insane. On top of that, gas in our area (while plentiful) is still rather expensive. Considering our budget is still tight, this has made things really fun. Although I will admit I’ve had the chance to read several books from cover to cover (Harry Potter 5 and 6 and Stephen King’s ‘Needful Things’) but its tiring just the same.

The account I support at work has me very stressed. I’m doing my best to just hang on and do the best I can, but sometimes the politics between the two, the lack of tools, my shit head Sales Rep who does NOTHING (and drops all kinds of shit in my lap)…its really wearing me down. I mean, all I want to do is get the account running smoothly and renewing on cycle and on time. Is that really too much to ask? Instead, I spend 6 of 8 hours buried in email, involved in he-said she-saids and chasing down people that usually end up no longer working for the Company anymore, because no one can seem to keep their records updated. ARGH! Although I am happy to report I’ve been assigned a full time assistant. His name is Brad, he’s 18 and he makes me feel OLD. I mean really. *sigh* Oh well. He is super smart, and catching on very quickly. He’s just come out of training, so his mind is MINE TO MOLD AND CURRUPT!! Or…utilize to its full extent and to the best of my delegating abilities *grin*. Fiscal Year End for HP is end of October, the ramp up has already started…I doubt I will be able to focus on much more than keeping my head above water the next few weeks. I will be VERY glad when its over, and I can go back to focusing on organization and clean up. (which will make NEXT year alot easier).

Speaking of October and a few weeks. I’ve begun the yearly denial that I have a birthday coming. I cannot believe a full year has come and gone already! I had a hard enough time with Claire’s first birthday….ugh! Can’t we slow it down folks! I’m seriously freaking about how fast the days are going by! And yes, for a few that asked, my Amazon “Wish List” is up and current :) Thomas has his birthday coming up soon as well. I’ve been contemplating a trip of to Apple Hill. We will have to see how it goes, between budget, work and soccer. Might have to wait till after October for any possible family outings.

Thinks. Claire is now almost 14 months old. She is walking, babbling and driving us all insane. But in a good way :) She says things like Ni-ni, Ba-ba, Ma-ma, Pa-pa (if he is lucky), but thats about the extent of it. However, you can tell she is very clearly understanding what is said TO her. For instance if you tell her to lie down on her boppy (for bottle or whatever) she will do so. Or, if I ask her where my “shiny” is, she will immediately dig under my shirt and grab the chaing my pentacle and Oak Leaf hang on. :) She is a smart cookie. Her birthday celebration was quiet. I enjoyed it. Just my bud Heather and her daughter Ella, our crazy clan, and my Mom and one of her friends. Claire made out like a bandit gift wise. I am still somewhat confused from time to time when Dan gets her dressed for school. “Where did she get THAT??”. LOL. Very cool to be blessed by such loving and giving people in our lives. I am in the process right now of uploading about 80 pictures to Ofoto, so if you are one that usually gets “albums” sent your way, expect one tonight or tomorrow, depending on how long they take to edit and purty up :)

THe kids are really enjoying school and soccer. Haley is in 6th grade and is at a Middle school now. She has a “boyfriend” named David, though its not much more than a glorified crush. Cute, just the same. She has had her first “dance” at school. It was a couple hours after class one day. She seemed to enjoy herself. Her soccer team is the “Butterflies”. She primarily plays Sweeper, although she will occassionally play right mid field as well. She is REALLY good at defense, and the Sweeper position seems to suit her. She managed to make her first goal this last Saturday. I was so happy and proud I literally jumped up and down, screamed and then broke into tears. :) Thats my girl! She finally has front teeth! We found a way to get them fixed that would not be more expensive than our rent! They are “buildups” but look VERY real! She will keep them until she is 16 and can get full crowns. Its wonderful to see her beautiful smile again! :)

Thomas is now in third grade, and seems to be trucking along as per normal. School is fun for him still at this age. Not overly stressful and a nice way to escape his sisters for a few hours every day ;) He is REALLY enjoying soccer. He usually plays full back, but will get put in as a forward from time to time. His team is called the Racers, and its a real hoot to watch them. Haley’s games are very organized and professional looking. The Racers are more like a mob of 7/8 year olds chasing a ball from one side of the field to the other…very funny. THey try SO hard, which makes it near heart breaking some times to watch…but always a good time! Thomas was given one of the M.V.P. balls last week for playing “Awesome Defense”. He adores his coach and his team…all is right with the world :)

Dan is prepping for his gastro bypass. He meets with the surgeon to establish a surgery date at the end of October. I know he is very nervous and worried…as its normal to be so. But I also know he is really looking forward to the outcome and the possibilties that lie before him. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts as he travels this path!

I think thats about all I can come up with right now. I’m still playing Neo, though in very small spurts. I’ve had so little time to actually sit and be at the computer, its not really something I feel like doing when I DO sit down. I’ve met a few new people via the mall guild I am in, thats been kinda fun. The kids and Dan and I have been playing a fair bit of “Monster Rancher 2″ on our PS2 as of late. Its something we all like and can do together (participate/spectate). I think I will go put Monster Rancher 4 on my wish list :) Its a fun game. You should try it sometime!

Anway, I’m around. I’m reading LJ/Email/Blogs when I can. So, even if I dont speak up, know I am thinking of you all and sending my happy thoughts and love your way :)

Until later!