Christmas Chaos...I mean Cheer!

Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!



I couldn't sleep- I lay awake thinking of all my Christmas pasts...the anticipation, the excitement, what is Santa going to bring, will he bring anything at all, what time will he come, will I have to wait for my parents to get up...I couldn't help but smile thinking that my birdboys were having the same thoughts as they cuddled up in bed. I peeked in their door.... Nope, sawing logs, an occasional chatter as they talked in their sleep. Seriously... are boys and girls that different? Apparently so.

Don't get me wrong, I know they are/were excited about the prospect of receiving all the loot on their wish list. But seriously...how can they just sleep through the night without budging knowing that Santa is clearly going to drop off a boat-load of gifts. I'm 36...I still can't sleep when I know Santa is coming.

Anyway, the birdboys slept in until 5:23...much later than the 4AM last year. The carnage was completed by 8:05. We took our time this year- Bird1 received, of all things, a BB gun. Must to my dislike- but the kid has been at it since 8. Maybe he can shoot my ground squirrels in the yard. Merry Christmas, furry things. Bird2 received, of all things, a Nerf Stampede gun... do you see a theme going on here? Where in the world are my dolls, barbies, easy-bake ovens? But again, he's been at it since 8 as well. Maybe he can practice shooting ground squirrels without really hurting them. Next year we'll step up to the BB gun. Bird3 refused to open much of anything after he received a choo-choo train. He was so overwhelmed he shut down. And Birdbaby slept until 8:30...he's never done this. WTheck? He seemed pleased with his RadioFlyer wagon and a box of graham crackers. Birdpapa didn't say much as he was armed with batteries and screwdrivers ready to attack at any moment a toy was thrown at him. His only peep was "geez, do they think this is Fort Knox?" Other than that, he loved his music & gift cards. As for this Queenbird- He had me at Wicked. I didn't need anything... except of course, all my birdbabies enjoying their stash.

Merry Christmas 2010 from the Mieska 6.

Birdfamily Christmas Eve 2010

Whew! The day finally arrived and it couldn't come fast enough for the birdboys. A great afternoon was spent at G&G Mieska's house with cousin Ava. Grandpa Steve even took the 'lil birds sledding! Watch for one photo of Grandpa and tell me who he looks like!

Birdpapa Birthday

Birdpapa has been counting down the days until his 36th birthday...a little weird if you ask me. Anything past 30 is just old, right? We're on the other side of 35 which only means we're closer to 40...ugh! I remember when my mom turned 40 and I couldn't believe how O.L.D. that sounded. Well, last night was just a confirmation that Jere's NOT old and we've got a really long way before we hit that point!

One word. Bullriding.

Okay, it wasn't technically bull-riding but it sounds great, right? Birdpap doesn't EVER get embarassed however, I sensed a bit of trepidation when the waiter rolled the horse saddle over to our table, handed Birdpapa a cowboy hat (made for a toddler), and told him to 'buck up and enjoy the ride'. I nearly fell off my chair, okay booth, but just the same. Birdpapa is a firm believer in "go hard, or go home" so boy did he enjoy the hootin' and hollerin' from the entire restaurant when the waiter annouced that he was turning 21! I love that dear man! He is and always has been a grown.up.toddler!

All joking aside, I do love him and am so blessed to have him in my life. God picked out a good one for me! Happy Birthday, Jere.

Now, can we get on with the week and start prepping for Santa....Geesh.

Crack me up....

Poor baby Finn
What was I thinking? Failed Christmas card attempt



Just needed to post some random photos of random Mieska moments... Enjoy your Saturday everyone.

Note to self....

Be specific...be very specific. Let me explain. I think every mother has high expectations for the perfect Christmas card. It's like being the PTA mom, or the only mom to bring treats to school (for no reason), or better yet...the only mom to give all the kids at a birthday party Mt. Dew- that is the definition of C.O.O.L mom! Okay, squirrel moment.

I DO have visions of being the perfect Queenbird, and of having the absolute cutest, perfect, adorable christmas card. It AIN'T gonna happen this year.

My perfect moment came this morning when I asked the boys to run upstairs, get their matching sweaters I bought (for again, the perfect card), and come back down so we could get some family shots in front of the tree. HA! What was I thinking. The boys had a different idea for the card. Guns and a Jason mask. REALLY? is it too much to ask...

I guess so. Enjoy.

Maintenance...

I could very easily lie and say that my computer has been broken, my house burned down and we didn't have access to a computer, alien spies stole my laptop and little green men kidnapped the entire family for over a month... but you would all know it wasn't the truth- damn, that facebook! The truth is I've been all about maintenance lately- maintenance in terms of just barely treading water and maintaining my sanity! I tell ya...4 kids is a heck of alotta work! (Loriann, cover for me PUHLEEEZE!) I would have it no other way, but daaannnngggg I'm E.X.H.A.U.S.T.E.D!!!

I barely remember the time when just 3 kids occupied our life- it seems like that was just too easy. Don't get me wrong, Birdbaby is THEE EASIEST baby ever, but just the dynamic of 4 kids is trying. Not complaining, just sayin'.

Enuf! Lots has happened in the last month-

Bird 1 and Bird 2 acquired a dirtbike- 'nuff said there... If anyone has any extra valium lying around please think of this Queenbird-

Bird 3 is officially potty trained- HALLELUJAH! Say it again, everyone...Hallelujah. Birdpapa and I were spending nearly $90 every few weeks on diapers so this has been a bit of a raise- not sure where that moolah went but it's just nice not to have to purchase those extra things. He's also doing GREAT in school- had a bit of a troubling transition to the toddler room. Apparently other 2 year olds don't like being bitten... not sure what that's all about. Anyway, he has friends again.

And sweet birdbaby is now 9 months old... did I say he was the sweetest baby EVAHHHH??? well, he is! He's close to walking (which I'm not encouraging- is that wrong?) He's not sleeping through the night any longer- guess he's still wanting cuddle time and to nurse-- How can I say no.

Birdpapa is exhausted too, but somehow he handles it much better than me. Work is great- extremely busy. Feast or famine with him. Can't complain. He's close to his next anniversary- 36 is quickly approaching. I'm so lucky that he's SOOO much older than me. :)

Well, that about does it for me. My christmas tree is staring me down- the dishes are piling up, and the laundry is walking on it's own...damn, Jeremiah needs to get to work. I'm going to bed. Nighty night.

Seriously...has it been that long???

I know, I know... you're all thinking it's been a great long time since I last blogged- and it has, sorry, life got in the way. But that's not what I'm referring to. Birdpapa and I just celebrated our 10 year anniversary! I don't know how it's possible that 10 whopping years have gone by. In the blink of an eye. He's actually put up with me for that long :)

I met Birdpapa in the 4th or 5th grade and we had a 'crush' on each other off and on over the years- lasting through high school. He liked me so much in high school he let me cheat off him in Spanish class...or maybe he cheated off me. Either way, we were cheaters (Mrs. Thompson would be mortified). I tell ya, it was true love then we just didn't know it. When you can look a man in the eye and say, Mi llamo es Raquel (my made up spanish name) without busting a gut then you know you've got a keeper. But I digress. Then I decided to move half way across the country. And yes, life got in the way again... luckily I came to my senses :)

Birdpapa proposed on bended knee, in the kitchen, on Y2K! I thought, hell, I have to say yes- I might not see tomorrow because the world was supposed to blow up and heck, computers were not going to be able to read the dates. Well, none of that happened. The gas masks we purchased and the 18 cases of water stored in the basement were of no use so I had to go on with life. Forward to September 2, 2000. It was hotter than blazes- I remember standing over the AC vent at the church and and feeling all "Marilyn Monroe-ish" and praying I wouldn't sweat while walking down the aisle. Yes, very romantic. But really, it was. We were made for eachother. He's my lobster.

And here we are...10 years later. We've purchased 2 homes, 3 cars, 1 dog, 1 bird, had 4 amazing Birdbabies...life could not be any sweeter. I'm amazed he's kept me this long. So here's to 50 more, my prince. I love you my 'spanish-cheating, hippy-loving, tree-hugging, soccer-playing, guitar-strumming, non-handy, work around the house, football-loving, in-law tolerating, beer-drinking, wine-sipping, and super duper house cleaning, lover of all things Queenbird' husband.

No Visitors Allowed...

Setting of scene: It's mid-July on a hot hazy morning (about 7AM) Queenbird is weeding the front landscaping. She looks down and notices a funny looking weed. Wait, it can't be a weed it's too... what's the word... cute. So she decides to leave it be.

Forward 1 week. The funny looking weed has now tripled in size. What the heck is that thing? HMMMM? Queenbird is perplexed.

Forward 2 more days. The damn weed has now started inching close to the concrete. it's definitely not a weed...this strange vine is starting to look somewhat like a watermelon plant. Could it be? Of course not... Birdboy1 finally fesses up. At some point (he has NO IDEA when) he strategically planted a pumpkin seed. ONE SOLITARY PUMPKIN SEED! That's all it took. And now there are no visitors allowed. The cute little vine has now taken the front steps hostage. I literally have to jump through the hydrangea bush, duck by the hostas and shimmy through the door to get in my house. I wouldn't dare trim back the pumpkin monster now.

So I'm apologizing now. If anyone tries to visit I will stand with my front door open, my megaphone in hand (yes, I still have one buried in the basement from my cool high school cheerleading days) and I will yell at you in the street and say "No Visitors Allowed- My Son Buried A Single Solitary Pumpkin Seed" Come back after October!

Farewell my friends... there are no visitors allowed right now.

Perfectly...BORING!

So Birdpapa and I are sitting staring at eachother the other evening (because apparently we're too exhausted to do anything else but stare at one another)and he states that I need to update the blog.
Huh?
I thought I was doing a good job. Apparently not.

Well, honey... there isn't anything I have to blog about... we're perfectly boring right now. Nevermind, starting school for all four Birdboys, a possible broken leg, mounds of laundry, soccer schedules starting up, football frenzies, 6 month shots (Babybird), working until midnight for a week straight (Birdpapa), Lots and lots of thrown together dinners, chocolate sundaes for all the neighborhood kiddos, and hugs all around.... yes, dear we're perfectly boring.

TGFG!!!

Thank. Goodness. For. Grandma!

What would we do without Mamaah Mary? She saved us this week when I had to go back to work, the kids hadn't yet started school, and the birdboys needed new school shoes! PHEW! TGFG!

Mamaah Mary even picked Bird3 up early from daycare on Friday because he's been having such a rough time adjusting to the transition. Poor little bird is hoarse from crying so hard all week!

Just wanted to let you know how much we love and appreciate you, mom!

Turn it back on!!!!

Sweet Bird3 is feeling a bit better but not completely his old self. However, today was a glimpse into his ornery behavior shining through. As we sat on the front porch I watched Bird3 carefully pick a small lightning bug off a delicate leaf. He studied it, stared at it, blew it kisses, then ever so gently with his tender angel toddler hands lay his new little friend on the concrete. As I sat there thinking what a wonderful lesson he's learning- taking such care of all God's creatures Bird3 did the unthinkable- SPLAT! He stomped on his poor unsuspecting friend. Then cried, "Mommy, turn it back on"! AAAHHH! The wonder of toddlers. I love him to pieces.

Murphy's Law

Phew! So glad the week's over! We all survived QueenBird going back to work...barely, but we survived. Everyone was fed, bathed, and breathing on Friday night so I think it was a successful week. I'll be honest- I had NO idea how hard I worked at home until I went back to work. It's been somewhat of a mini-vaca from doing laundry, dishes, cleaning up messes, changing multiple diapers, etc...not that I'm complaining because as I stated in earlier posts I would much rather be home, but it's a lot more work!

What a week it's been. Bird3 decided he really wanted to try his hand in flying. UUUHHHHH...well, we all know how this turns out. Wednesday evening I peered out the kitchen window to see Bird2 and friend carrying Bird3 up to the house from the swingset. Oh no! He wouldn't put any weight on his right leg. Oh no! What in the world happened? He literally thought he could fly and dove off the swingset. Seriously.

Forward to Thursday: Bird3 continues to severly limp. Still, do I call the dr? no. I call my mother, the nurse- yes, the one who gave me the dog's expired antibiotics when I had strep throat as a child! She says "don't worry about it". Okay, so I don't. Except that he's still limping.

Forward to Saturday: Bird3 now has fever, sore throat, drooling, stinky breath. Okay. UGH! I realize this has nothing to do with the flying incident but it's another problem none the less. So off to Ergicare we go. Strep negative- shocking because he had theeee stinkiest sick breath ever and while we're there might as well have the foot looked at. Two-fer-one special. Doc says foot looks fine- damn, the QueenBird's mom was right- but if he's still limping by Monday go back to the regular doc. So here we are Sunday- Bird3 is still snoozing. Pray it's a better week for my Bird.

Walking out the door...

My bag is packed, my lunch is made, Queenbird's new outfit is ironed and ready to be slipped on, new pretty, glittery necklace is ready to be awed at...except I'm NOT ready at all. The first day of school is like a black cloud hanging over me. As much as I'm excited about being back in "routine" (whatever that means), having new crayons in my bag, and seeing all my kids again I HATE walking out the door! I already miss my birdboys and I haven't even left yet.

Don't get me wrong- we have our days during the summer when I can't wait to get back to work, and the birdboys can't wait to get rid of me...but really I adore being with my rotten little monsters (I say that with pure love). It doesn't matter how many days are bad or good, I still miss them terribly when I'm back to the grind. Again, don't get me wrong...I absolutely love my job! I really do, not many people can say that. I love that I make a difference in the lives of kids that live in a silent world. But in a perfect world I would be home with the birdboys all the time. Fortunately I have an amazing birdpapa that puts up with my moods and swings...he's been warned.

On another note: we were blessed to have GG (great-grandma Mieska) drive all the way from Minnesota to visit the birdboys (and save me from a camping trip in the 100 degree heat) I love you for that Grandma!!! GG is 80 years young and every bit a spitfire if I ever met one! Now not many people at all can say that! She is one of the strongest most God-fearing women I know and will go out of her way to do anything for family. "Family is Everything" as she said to me over the kitchen table recently. I remember my great grandmother smelling of mothballs and butterscotch- EWWWW! My boys know their great grandma as the one taking them to the rodeo. How cool is that? Love you Grandma!!!

Life is Short...

I would rather stab forks into my eyes than take 4 kids to a swim party! Nice opening, huh? No seriously- I would- but since Birdpapa didn't do the dishes & I had no clean forks (our leftover Taco Bell sporks don't work- I tried) I had to pack all 4 Birdkids up and take them.
Birdpapa was working late, or so he says. He seems to forget I know his boss personally & stopping for beers with birdbrain friends doesn't constitute working- or "net"working as he says. So 2 bags, 5 towels, multiple diapers & swimmers, 1 life jacket, & oh yeah, 4 excited birdboys with 1 frazzled Queenbird we were out the door to their swim extravaganza.
When I first got the evite I was completely irritated with my friend, J~ also a mother of 4. How could she do this to me? Doesn't she realize I just had a baby...like 6 months ago? Whatever, 6 months is like yesterday in baby land and I'm nowhere near the size 4 I was before I got preggers- whatever...the number doesn't matter- whoever said that should be shot.

Sorry, had a squirrel moment.

Anyway, her 4 kids range in age from 1st grade to high school so she's had more time to lose weight and looks great. This darn swim party is all about me anyway. So needless to say I was not looking forward to showing up in a suit, with no husband and kids running all over the place.

3 hours later and after a long talk with my friend J, I realized none of this is about me... Damn! Life is short, forget the stress, forget the size, forget what people think of you (or me)...the kids had a ball, they love their Queenbird, and the Birdpapa showed up (late)and minus the beer breath--- he actually did work late! So I was put in my place. God told me.

Life is short...
Jolene passed away yesterday holding her daughter's hand while the rest of the family looked on. A special lady...we will miss her!

Just Sayin'

So I've been thinking about my blogging lately and I think it's become mundane, boring, down-right sloppy. However much I love posting pictures of my kids, I'm getting tired of all the usual things we've done year after year (can't believe I've been blogging for nearly 2 years!!!)... SO, I've decided to take this blogging in a new direction, or try to anyway. I'll attempt to post more often and about my true confessions as a mom, wife, friend, co-worker...yada, yada, yada. So it won't be for the faint of heart, nor will it be all gushy fun smiles. I'll continue to blog about my kids (because I love them and they're...well, funny little creatures)and I'll continue to blog about my extended family and friends, but I'll also include just random thoughts and ideas. Henceforth, my boys will be referred to as Bird1 (L), Bird2 (O), Bird3 (J), and BabyBird (F), Jere will be BirdPapa, and myself...well, queenBird... because well, I am :) Why Bird? my children are dirty little birds most of the time and I often refer to them as such (I often tell them they look like little orphans as well because they are dirty, shirtless, and shoeless for a good portion of each day). That's just the way we roll...

So as long as I'm sitting down at this 'puter and don't have one of the birds nipping at my ear I'll go ahead and start my rant! Cancer pisses me off...just sayin'. I'm mad, angry, pissed, hurt, and yet faithful...Unfortunately we've ALL been affected one way or another by this crappy illness. I just don't get it, how can we put a man in outer space, do surgeries on babies IN UTERO!, Skype around the world, yada yada yada but can't get rid of this horrible disease??? I. Just. Don't. Get. It. and it pisses me off (again). A good friend of ours, Jason, lost his dad to cancer when we were in high school. It was awful, tragic, heartbreaking then... he was the only male in the family with one sister and his mom. So he's taken care of the girls since that time. Yesterday, he put his mom in hospice- crap! It's not fair. Lift up the Harriman/Poland family Please!!! Jason and his sister will lose another parent Way. Too. Soon... Give them strength, Lord.

Just Sayin'

Please VOTE!!!!

Another shameless plea from me, a mom, an admirer of my babies, and a fanatic for anything FREE! My dear friend Janna and her husband, Chad, have always photographed our family. They do amazing work!!! Well, anyway, every year she does a blitz to get more people to her website and an incentive for returning customers. This year one can win a 16X20 canvas of an old or new photograph and I would LOVE to have one hanging above our fireplace. SO PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE :) vote for Jude's photo!

Go to www.jselanderphotography.com/jblog/ Jude's picture is letter "O".

THANKS!
Gina

Cub Scout sleepover at Rosenblatt

Jeremiah and the big boys (#1 & #2)spent the night on the field at Rosenblatt last night. This was a special outing for the Cub Scouts and they had a great turnout- over 500 scouts! They were able to watch a double header Omaha Royals game vs. New Orleans Zephyrs. After the games the boys put up a tent, watched a baseball movie on the scoreboard screen, and played catch until the wee hours of the morning! As most of you know Rosenblatt will be torn down at the end of the Royals' season this year. A new stadium is being built further out west and a new stadium for the college world series is being built in downtown Omaha. As we're all sad Rosenblatt will be gone we're also excited to start new memories at a new ballfield!

Fresh Lemonade and Make 'Yer Own Pizza Night

The boys spent two days selling fresh lemonade and watermelon slices at 25 cents a pop! They made over $17!!! My little business owners :) They had a ball.

Friday night is usually make your own pizza night. I make fresh wheat dough in the breakmaker and the boys get to create their pizza with their favorite toppings. It's always a hit at our house!

Chicago!!!

Because I have the most incredible husband in the WORLD, yes, I said WORLD I was able to sneak away for 36 glorious hours with one of my very best girlfriends to the Mile High City... Chicago! I met Alecia (she flew in from HOTlanta) in the airport and we trekked off to find the L-train to head downtown. It took us just under an hour, through a creepy train (we definitely are not BIG city girls) to get to our destination- the Magnificent Mile. We stayed in a nice little hotel 1 block off the mile and 1 mile from Navy Pier. We had no agenda and NO kids! Don't get me wrong- I missed my little monsters but it was a much anticipated and much needed little break! And as I stated, because I have the most amazing husband who is very hands on with his kids and possesses domestic abilities I was able to go on such a trip. Alecia and I had a grand time and got a little rest- she has 3 kids of her own, all under the age of 4! I already miss her and am looking forward to our next destination getaway...maybe somewhere tropical and for more than 36 hours! Thanks honey for letting me go!!!

Adventureland!

We were able to sneak away for a quick trip to Adventureland in Des Moines this past weekend. Luke compared the amusement park to Disney World...well, I certainly don't see ANY comparison whatsoever but I'm glad a fun time was had by all. We stayed at Adventureland Inn which had a great little waterpark inside the hotel. We'll definitely be travelling there again!

Isn't this a little much???

Seriously Jere... I have nothing more to say. Happy 4th everyone!

1, 2, 3....wait a minute, where is #4???

We're missing one but couldn't resist the picture with the 3 in the grass. We LOVE summer!

Treynor T-Ball

Owen finished his T-Ball season strong! He had a great time but is ready to move up to the "big" leagues. It will be coach pitch next year. We enjoyed watching him play and getting to know more of his classmates and parents. Great job, O!