I don't want to say I was right... or toot my own horn or anything.... but I am soooo gonna! Cuz Luke didn't shed a single solitary tear this morning when I dropped him off at school!!! Not a one!!!!!
I am loving our drive into school together. He is such a talker these days. He loves to play the Volkswagon Bug game... yelling out "white one, yellow one!" whenever he sees one. Both the kids are really into this. Today he was listening to a song and it said something about "loving you...." and he says "Mommy! I love YOU!!!" Okay. Most adorable boy ever. ;-)
So a happy 20 minute chat..... and we got to school and walked in... only Ms Jill and Joey were in the room... and I chatted with Ms. Jill a moment... then asked Luke if he wanted to go play with Joey... not much of an answer... told him it was time for me to go... put him down, gave him three hugs and kisses and walked out.... NO TEARS! I stood for a moment out of eye shot.... no tears..... heard him chatting, but couldn't understand what he was saying.... but he was a happy little man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So ridiculously happy for him. Proud of him. It's one of those "I know I'm overselling this" mom moments. :-) He is coming out of his shell day by day... and this is going to help him so much.... I can tell he likes it there... I can tell when he's comfortable and when he's just going along for the ride... and he's comfortable and happy. And so am I!
Yesteday when I picked him up, Ms. Joann told me she is so impressed with his ability to interact as well as he does. He participates and moves through the centers and enjoys circle time. He is sweet and kind and shares without issue. And then she said, she is super impressed by how well he goes to the bathroom by himself. :-)))) He has no troubles pulling his shorts up and down. HA! I little thing... but he DOES have a sister who told him every day over the summer when he asked me to pull his pants up... "Luke! You better learn to do that yourself cuz no one is gonna help you at school!" Leave it to Ally to scare him into learning to pull his pants up on his own. It worked! ;-)
I am feeling very peaceful today. Feeling good about the kids getting back to school... I like the routine of the days. I am not gonna lie. I like that Ally's routine is back. I think she thrives on it. Does well on a schedule. Makes sense... I scheduled the girl from about six weeks. ;-) She likes knowing what's coming next.... she likes having an idea of what is gonna happen. It makes her feel comfortable. I think most kids are that way really... routine and structure gives them stability and peace of mind. I just never thought I would enjoy it as much as I do! Still learning in my old age.... ;-)
So... this is mine and Luke's Friday.... our last day at work and school. Ally laughed when I told him that and said "Hey! Watch who you say that in front of, some of us still have to go to school tomorrow...." And then, Scott reminded us some of us have to work Friday! The kids and I are all off together Friday for a nice long weekend together...... and it looks like it's gonna be gorgeous! I see some pool time in our future!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Third Time's the Charm....
So.... since Luke did SO much better today than yesterday (when I dropped him at preschool), I am thinking that the third time will be the charm. Tomorrow he won't shed a tear!!!! This could be totally wishful thinking, but I'm gonna go with it. ;-)
I could tell he was more comfortable today. Yes, he still cried... but he sometimes still cried when I dropped him off at Nana and Papa's! The little man just loves his mommy. What can I say? ;-)
Yesterday he talked on and on about the stops sign, the rope, and the picture he painted. He wants to know why we don't have paint at home. He announced numerous times "I like to paint Mommy!!" Yes, dear, I know you do... and Mommy loves it when you paint at school.... it's so much less messy for Mommy that way! (terrible mom moment)
I think he's going to do so well...... he's made two little friends... Joey and Jack. Jack is his twin. They even have the same lunch box.... an elephant. Super cute. I know both Joey's and Jack's parents. I love this. Next week Nolan will join them... hopefully they will all get along well... they all seem to be laid back boys... on the quiet side and no one is pushy at all. This is a good thing for Luke. He doesn't have a super strong personality. Nope... he has a sister to fill that role.... and a big cousin.... ;-)
This is the first thing that is all for Luke. His school. His playground. He's big on pointing that out to Ally. Yes, he does want to go to Ally's school... he constantly says "when I'm older I will go to Ally's school Mommy, but that's really far away..." But, he likes that now, he has his own thing. And Ally is happy to ask him about 'his' school... and his day.... I overheard them talking the past couple days.... he loves to talk to her about school. It's adorable.
Then, there's Ally - pull up to school, jump out of car. Run back to car... "oops - forgot to say goodbye Mommy.... goodbye!" HAHA!!!! That's my girl...... I know she's having a great day. She was so looking forward to the first full day. Lunch. Recess. Uniforms. Happy girl.......
Many people have asked me recently about school.... about how you choose a school for your kids. Public. Private. Charter. So many choices. It's a huge decision. It weighs on a parent's mind. It can take years to really decide. To know. My advice is always this: Go with what you KNOW. Visit a ton. Visit them all. And simply go with what you are comfortable with. For me... that was what I knew. The type of school I grew up in. A Catholic school.
We are not super-duper religious. But, I like exposing my children to religion... exposing them to spirituality. Giving them something to believe in. But... again, that's how I grew up. It's my level of comfort... and therefore, it works for me.
If you, the mom, want to be involved, send your child to the type of school you went to. This is the best advice I can give you. You will be more likely to volunteer... to be present.... to understand the ins and outs of your kids' days! This will bring you closer to your kids... keep you involved with their daily life. They won't see having mom (or dad!) around as an intrusion, they will be used to it.
Ally LOVES that I am on the PTO - that I volunteer at almost all her events.... that I am running her Brownie troop.... that I was her room mom (can't this year - too many other committments!). She isn't embarrased of me... she wants me around... she is proud of me.... and that is the best feeling in the world (as a mom)!
So... put aside all those other jaded views you have of schools... and go with your gut. Go with what you know. What you understand... and choose what will make you get involved and be present in your kids edcuation and lives. It's different for everyone! So find your fit. Forcing yourself to fit elsewhere won't work... so do what feels best and you can't go wrong!!!!!!!!!
My soapbox for the day....... ;-)
I could tell he was more comfortable today. Yes, he still cried... but he sometimes still cried when I dropped him off at Nana and Papa's! The little man just loves his mommy. What can I say? ;-)
Yesterday he talked on and on about the stops sign, the rope, and the picture he painted. He wants to know why we don't have paint at home. He announced numerous times "I like to paint Mommy!!" Yes, dear, I know you do... and Mommy loves it when you paint at school.... it's so much less messy for Mommy that way! (terrible mom moment)
I think he's going to do so well...... he's made two little friends... Joey and Jack. Jack is his twin. They even have the same lunch box.... an elephant. Super cute. I know both Joey's and Jack's parents. I love this. Next week Nolan will join them... hopefully they will all get along well... they all seem to be laid back boys... on the quiet side and no one is pushy at all. This is a good thing for Luke. He doesn't have a super strong personality. Nope... he has a sister to fill that role.... and a big cousin.... ;-)
This is the first thing that is all for Luke. His school. His playground. He's big on pointing that out to Ally. Yes, he does want to go to Ally's school... he constantly says "when I'm older I will go to Ally's school Mommy, but that's really far away..." But, he likes that now, he has his own thing. And Ally is happy to ask him about 'his' school... and his day.... I overheard them talking the past couple days.... he loves to talk to her about school. It's adorable.
Then, there's Ally - pull up to school, jump out of car. Run back to car... "oops - forgot to say goodbye Mommy.... goodbye!" HAHA!!!! That's my girl...... I know she's having a great day. She was so looking forward to the first full day. Lunch. Recess. Uniforms. Happy girl.......
Many people have asked me recently about school.... about how you choose a school for your kids. Public. Private. Charter. So many choices. It's a huge decision. It weighs on a parent's mind. It can take years to really decide. To know. My advice is always this: Go with what you KNOW. Visit a ton. Visit them all. And simply go with what you are comfortable with. For me... that was what I knew. The type of school I grew up in. A Catholic school.
We are not super-duper religious. But, I like exposing my children to religion... exposing them to spirituality. Giving them something to believe in. But... again, that's how I grew up. It's my level of comfort... and therefore, it works for me.
If you, the mom, want to be involved, send your child to the type of school you went to. This is the best advice I can give you. You will be more likely to volunteer... to be present.... to understand the ins and outs of your kids' days! This will bring you closer to your kids... keep you involved with their daily life. They won't see having mom (or dad!) around as an intrusion, they will be used to it.
Ally LOVES that I am on the PTO - that I volunteer at almost all her events.... that I am running her Brownie troop.... that I was her room mom (can't this year - too many other committments!). She isn't embarrased of me... she wants me around... she is proud of me.... and that is the best feeling in the world (as a mom)!
So... put aside all those other jaded views you have of schools... and go with your gut. Go with what you know. What you understand... and choose what will make you get involved and be present in your kids edcuation and lives. It's different for everyone! So find your fit. Forcing yourself to fit elsewhere won't work... so do what feels best and you can't go wrong!!!!!!!!!
My soapbox for the day....... ;-)
Monday, August 29, 2011
First Day of School x Two!!!
So... both of my kids started school today!!!! Ally started third grade at Queens... and Luke, 3 year old preschool at St. Mary's.
We kicked off the day bright and early... Ally's alarm goes off at 6:45 and by that time, I'm already dressed and showered and mostly ready to go.... she was bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning. That should last about three days, tops. Then, the morning grumps will set it. I have to respect this. I too detest the early morning! She was happy to do her hair, dress in the outfit she chose for the occasion and have the breakfast she had chosen the night before. Happy, happy girl.... ready to conquer the third grade.
Then, we went in to wake Luke... who simply rolled over and grunted. He was not so ready to conquer the world... or preschool for that matter. He was really just thinking... "pillow... blankie..." Poor little man. But, he woke up and had his customary two cups of warm milk. Yep. My child is three and we start every morning with two cups of warm milk. :-) I respect this as well. I require two cups of hot coffee. We each have our crutch to make it through!
Luke gets dressed... I force the kids to smile for a few pictures...
Then... we were off! Out the door... on time and everything! That too will last about three days. ;-)
We all go to the first day drop off. Eventually, Scott will actually drop both kids. Ally is right on the way to work, and an easy drop off.... she just hops out of the car, you barely have to slow down. ;-) Luke will have to be walked in, but it is literally a block away from where Scott works.... but for now, until Luke grows more accustomed to the situation, I will take him. And Scott will drop Ally. Except for tomorrow cuz Scott is out of town.... and I'm single parenting it... but those times are few and far between.
Ally is our first stop! We all head to Queens and get out... we have the parking lot pictures to take. We are now pros at this, we have done it for two whole years now! ;-) Ally is an entirely different little girl than she was a year ago. No hesitation... she's out of the car before I put it in park... she is with her friends before I can unfasten Luke's car seat! This is the Ally I know and love.
We head to the "gang" and the picture snapping begins!
The bell rings... and Ally is off... she does, however, give me a hug and kiss goodbye... I wonder how long that will last. :-)
They line up... and they walk in... and that is that. Last year, Ally broke every mom's heart and ran out of the school crying. I will never forget the support I received from all the moms around.... how everyone who saw that still says to this day, their heart broke a little bit for us. One mom asked me if Ally would cry again this year... cuz she wasn't sure she could take it. ;-) I was like, "YOU???" HAHA! Yeah, last year, I was heartbroken for my girl.... but look at her now... I could not be more proud of her.
We waved our goodbyes and headed for the cars.... I could sense Scott's anxiety levels rise. Luke's turn....
He was so excited to go in.... he walked all proud... and brave. He hung his backpack up... and put his lunch in the refrigerator. He was doing so well.... and then, he snapped. He realized we were REALLY leaving him... and while we talked and talked and talked about it... nothing is real until it is there and it is happening.
I could see Scott start to freak... he wanted to linger, he wanted to stay. It is any parent's reaction... but Ally has taught me many things.... and this she taught me too. Goodbye and go. It doesn't do any good to linger. You gotta rip the bandaid off.... and I grabbed Scott's arm and pulled him out.... and listened to Luke scream "one more kiss Mommy" as I walked down the hall and choked back the tears that were right there ready to come.
UGH!!!!!!!!! Deep breaths. Get in the car. Go to work.
That's what I did... and I promptly called the school..... :-)))))) Where Ms. Linda got Ms. Sue and everyone let me know that Luke was now just fine. Ms. Sue asked him if he was hungry as soon as we left. She said "Luke, sometimes when I'm hungry, I get upset... are you hungry....?" And she told me that he shook is head and gave her a half smile... which, I can of course picture as clear as day... and then, he went and had a bowl of cereal in her office with her (she's the director) and then, happily returned to his room in time for "class" to begin. No tears.
Ms. Joann tells me he went from each of the stations with ease. When I reminded her it was his first time in a setting such as this, she was surprised. He did very well. Followed directions like a champ. He got teary one other time, during rest... and wanted me again.... but those tears were short lived and he fell asleep for about an hour.
I picked him up a little earlier than I normally would. Ally only had a half day... and she and her friend Caitte and I went to lunch... and then I got Luke around 2. I still wanted him to experience the day he will usually experience.... but I did get him about and hour and a half early. So he missed the second trip to the playground... where I learned Ms. Jill has a stop sign to stop cars and they hold a rope to cross the street. Luke wishes we had a stop sign and plans to ask Ms. Jill if we can borrow hers sometime.
In the end, Luke seemed happy. I asked him right away if he wanted to come back tomorrow, and he answered with an emphatic yes and nod of the head. That HAS to be a good sign. :-)
Looking forward to what the school day ahead will bring us!!!!!
Unlocked...
Yes... I unlocked the blog.... :-) I have some family members that are just too important to me that cannot manage the password issue.... and I need to make the change. Family needs to keep in touch. So, here were are... out there for all to see. I will try to behave... :-)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Happy Birthday Sierra...
Ally had a birthday party today at the Make It Yours pottery place downtown. What an adorable little shop!!!! The girls were able to pick out a piece of pottery and paint it themselves. It will be glazed and fired and they will get it next week! Ally loves this sort of thing!!! They had a little private room to have cake and ice cream and open gifts afterwards..... what a fun time!
What a bunch of goof-balls!
What a bunch of goof-balls!
Going, Going, Gone...
Where the heck did summer go????? Ally and Luke start school on Monday!! MONDAY!!!! My summer officially ends when they return... I don't care what the weather is outside... things get crazy.... schedules get busier... and our days become a bit more routine.... the routine is good and bad all at the same time!
Ally found out yesterday who here teacher is at Queens. They make a pretty big deal out of posting class lists on a certain day... and that NO ONE finds out until then. My cousin, who is a teacher there, didn't even tell me... and I didn't "bug" her for the info either. Ally had a certain teacher in mind she REALLY wanted... and she was lucky enough to have gotten that teacher! So... a very happy little girl will be in Mrs. Phelan's third grade class come Monday, Aug. 29!!!!
It also helps that one of her best friends is in her class... the girl she spends the most time with... either at gymnastics, at her house, having her over, taking her to the pool... you name it.... her BFF for life, Kennedy. :-) Ally is over the moon with all this new-found information... and is really looking forward to starting the school year!!!!!!
I think we are ready to go. We have gotten some more uniform items... she still had quite a few short sleeve tops... so we grabbed a few more... some shorts, and a new skirt.... a couple pairs of shoes... and some socks... and we are set! We have everything on her supply list... plus a new backback that she agonized over, and is super pleased with her choice.
Then, there is Luke....... who THINKS he's excited and ready to go, but anyone who really knows him, knows he will pretty much be a big crying mess that first day.... and maybe for many, many days after... if he ever gets used to it at all. This is why it IS so important for him to go to school......
Luke will be attending St. Mary's preschool three days a week.... for the hours that I work - which are Ally's school hours... 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. So... he will have traditional "pre-school" until lunch... then, have lunch, nap/rest time, and then I will be there to get him!
I was astounded at the amazing field trip schedule that St. Mary's has!!!! Each and every month, they go on two field trips!!!! And to really cool places too....... so I am so happy he is going to have this experience.
Luke has a little pre-school backpack... it's small, but I guess he doesn't have to carry much, if anything at all... so it will do just fine. It has a truck and his name embroidered on it.... and he loves it to pieces. He has taken it to Nana's every day since he got it.
I am looking forward to his starting up..... and I guess we will all just have to see how things go. I have heard great things about his teacher... and we will learn more at the Open House we are attending tomorrow evening........ Ally is excited to see his room..... and he is excited to show her the toys. Yes, the toys. ;-)
We have been living it up these last weeks of freedom....... last week, I was in South Haven and Saugatuck a few days for a work retreat and that was awesome. I am constantly reminded how lucky I am to work with such amazing people and great friends! It was more a vacation than work and for that, I am blessed....... we enjoyed a dune buggy ride, many amazing meals, and a lot of drinks.... some late night volleyball games, a BBQ on the beach of lake Michigan, fires on the beach, and lots of laughter......
Scott, Ally and I went to Put-In Bay with some friends over the weekend. We have become good friends with some parents of one of Ally's good friends at school... and they invited us down to their place. We left Luke behind with my in-laws as they had gotten a babysitter for the weekend and intended a lot of adult time and I knew Luke wouldn't be down with that arrangement.
We hardly saw Ally... there was a whole gaggle of kids running around at all times... and they just had a blast... and we had a blast too! What a fun weekend with a perfect blend of kid and adult time... okay, okay... more adult time ... but who's counting? It was a great weekend away... and what a fun place Put-In Bay is!!! Holy party central!!!! :-)))))))
This weekend, I am headed to Chicago alone for a final hurrah.... a girls' weekend in the Windy City..... some shopping... and eating amazing food.... and celebrating a wonderful friend's birthday and attending her book signing! Going to be a great time........
And then, the summer's over....... time to buck up and work, work, work. ;-)
Nah.... not totally... there is still so much fun to look forward to! While I am certainly sad to say goodbye to sunny days... I am looking forward to what fall will bring! We just got tickets to an MSU football game.... we have taken Ally plenty, but Luke has never been and I think he is getting to the age where he will be fun. Some tailgating... show them what college is all about! :-) There are Lumen games... and I love that Ally already wants to go to those. She already has a friend's "Survivor" themed birthday party on the books for September... and we have a family wedding.... and the Fall Family Festival...... and that wraps up September... we've already filled the weekends up!!!!!!!!!
So much to look forward to! So much going on with our lives and the kids... a really, really exciting time. I am loving the age of my kids right now... I feel like they are so much fun... things with Ally are going so well...... she ends therapy this week! I feel so, so good about all that we have done for her and with her on that front......
I hope you are all enjoying the last of summer.......... how are you spending it?????
PS - New pics from August posted to Mobile Me (South Haven, Put-In Bay and others)
Ally found out yesterday who here teacher is at Queens. They make a pretty big deal out of posting class lists on a certain day... and that NO ONE finds out until then. My cousin, who is a teacher there, didn't even tell me... and I didn't "bug" her for the info either. Ally had a certain teacher in mind she REALLY wanted... and she was lucky enough to have gotten that teacher! So... a very happy little girl will be in Mrs. Phelan's third grade class come Monday, Aug. 29!!!!
It also helps that one of her best friends is in her class... the girl she spends the most time with... either at gymnastics, at her house, having her over, taking her to the pool... you name it.... her BFF for life, Kennedy. :-) Ally is over the moon with all this new-found information... and is really looking forward to starting the school year!!!!!!
I think we are ready to go. We have gotten some more uniform items... she still had quite a few short sleeve tops... so we grabbed a few more... some shorts, and a new skirt.... a couple pairs of shoes... and some socks... and we are set! We have everything on her supply list... plus a new backback that she agonized over, and is super pleased with her choice.
Then, there is Luke....... who THINKS he's excited and ready to go, but anyone who really knows him, knows he will pretty much be a big crying mess that first day.... and maybe for many, many days after... if he ever gets used to it at all. This is why it IS so important for him to go to school......
Luke will be attending St. Mary's preschool three days a week.... for the hours that I work - which are Ally's school hours... 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. So... he will have traditional "pre-school" until lunch... then, have lunch, nap/rest time, and then I will be there to get him!
I was astounded at the amazing field trip schedule that St. Mary's has!!!! Each and every month, they go on two field trips!!!! And to really cool places too....... so I am so happy he is going to have this experience.
Luke has a little pre-school backpack... it's small, but I guess he doesn't have to carry much, if anything at all... so it will do just fine. It has a truck and his name embroidered on it.... and he loves it to pieces. He has taken it to Nana's every day since he got it.
I am looking forward to his starting up..... and I guess we will all just have to see how things go. I have heard great things about his teacher... and we will learn more at the Open House we are attending tomorrow evening........ Ally is excited to see his room..... and he is excited to show her the toys. Yes, the toys. ;-)
We have been living it up these last weeks of freedom....... last week, I was in South Haven and Saugatuck a few days for a work retreat and that was awesome. I am constantly reminded how lucky I am to work with such amazing people and great friends! It was more a vacation than work and for that, I am blessed....... we enjoyed a dune buggy ride, many amazing meals, and a lot of drinks.... some late night volleyball games, a BBQ on the beach of lake Michigan, fires on the beach, and lots of laughter......
Scott, Ally and I went to Put-In Bay with some friends over the weekend. We have become good friends with some parents of one of Ally's good friends at school... and they invited us down to their place. We left Luke behind with my in-laws as they had gotten a babysitter for the weekend and intended a lot of adult time and I knew Luke wouldn't be down with that arrangement.
We hardly saw Ally... there was a whole gaggle of kids running around at all times... and they just had a blast... and we had a blast too! What a fun weekend with a perfect blend of kid and adult time... okay, okay... more adult time ... but who's counting? It was a great weekend away... and what a fun place Put-In Bay is!!! Holy party central!!!! :-)))))))
This weekend, I am headed to Chicago alone for a final hurrah.... a girls' weekend in the Windy City..... some shopping... and eating amazing food.... and celebrating a wonderful friend's birthday and attending her book signing! Going to be a great time........
And then, the summer's over....... time to buck up and work, work, work. ;-)
Nah.... not totally... there is still so much fun to look forward to! While I am certainly sad to say goodbye to sunny days... I am looking forward to what fall will bring! We just got tickets to an MSU football game.... we have taken Ally plenty, but Luke has never been and I think he is getting to the age where he will be fun. Some tailgating... show them what college is all about! :-) There are Lumen games... and I love that Ally already wants to go to those. She already has a friend's "Survivor" themed birthday party on the books for September... and we have a family wedding.... and the Fall Family Festival...... and that wraps up September... we've already filled the weekends up!!!!!!!!!
So much to look forward to! So much going on with our lives and the kids... a really, really exciting time. I am loving the age of my kids right now... I feel like they are so much fun... things with Ally are going so well...... she ends therapy this week! I feel so, so good about all that we have done for her and with her on that front......
I hope you are all enjoying the last of summer.......... how are you spending it?????
PS - New pics from August posted to Mobile Me (South Haven, Put-In Bay and others)
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Mobile Me...
Hello all! This goes out especially to my family - My mom... Grandma... Geri.... Siblings (Dave, if you even read anymore!?!?).... Cousins... and anyone else who likes to look at a LOT of photos of my family....
I am resurrecting our Mobile Me site! This is the easiest way for me to upload a lot of our photos for you to browse easily! Much easier than posting to this site (which I will still do!), much easier than relying on Facebook and it gives you guys a venue with which to browse pics AND video!
I am unsure how it looks on web browsers you might use, so please, leave me some feedback if you have trouble with the site. I will try to post on here when I update/add albums to the site.... and I will also have a permanent link on the blog on the right side... so watch out for it!
Here is the website:
Mobile Me
I edited the post below and deleted the old one... now you can view it much better, so check it out! Also, all the pics are also in the ' Lovin' Summer' album. Give the videos a moment to load - be patient - they will load!
I think this is gonna be a better way to share lots with you! Hugs...
I am resurrecting our Mobile Me site! This is the easiest way for me to upload a lot of our photos for you to browse easily! Much easier than posting to this site (which I will still do!), much easier than relying on Facebook and it gives you guys a venue with which to browse pics AND video!
I am unsure how it looks on web browsers you might use, so please, leave me some feedback if you have trouble with the site. I will try to post on here when I update/add albums to the site.... and I will also have a permanent link on the blog on the right side... so watch out for it!
Here is the website:
Mobile Me
I edited the post below and deleted the old one... now you can view it much better, so check it out! Also, all the pics are also in the ' Lovin' Summer' album. Give the videos a moment to load - be patient - they will load!
I think this is gonna be a better way to share lots with you! Hugs...
Friday, August 12, 2011
Selena Gomez....
On Wednesday, August 10... I finally got to tell Ally the biggest secret I've ever kept from her. The longest I've ever NOT shared something I was so excited about.... the suspense was killing me!!!!
Some time ago, some other moms and I conspired to take our daughters to the Selena Gomez concert at DTE Energy Music Theater in Clarkston. The girls love their Selena... and I have been wanting, for some time, to introduce Ally to the concert experience. Music is a pretty big part of all of our lives around here... and her Daddy and I love concerts... I am slightly obsessed myself... and I had a feeling Ally would feel the same way.
So, we made the rounds and picked girls up and pretended like we were just having a special night out and dinner in Ann Arbor..... we all met up to carpool, and that's where we told the girls what was really going down that evening. There were many screams and much jumping up and down.... and off we went (after just a little mishap with some locking keys and tickets in the car and a call to AAA - what's an event without a mishap?).
The drive was long. Traffic was a bitch. But, we made it and attempted to secure seats. The lawn was over-packed! We ended up at the top of the hill on this new deck area they have built... and it was PERFECT! The girls could see really well over all the people on the law. It turned out to be the best spot in the house (well, unless you were in the first 20 rows or so!).
We grabbed food and drink and the show began... we didn't have to wait long.... I must admit, I spent most of the evening watching Ally's face. I could see in her eyes how I feel when I go to a show. The anticipation of the artist coming onto the stage. The energy. I just loved every moment of it! She was so, so much fun to watch......... and we had a great night.
The moms had a blast too... nothing like sharing such a fun event with your girls.... a link to a slideshow I made from the evening's pictures!!!
Who says you're not perfect? :-)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Ally's Room...
Today we went to meet two of Ally's friends and their moms who I have become good friends with to see
The Smurfs. Luke came along too... And it was an adorable movie! A million times better than I thought it would be. But I went in with some super low expectations. ;)
Luke started to lose it halfway thru. I already felt bad for dragging him along to Ally's event... So I pulled out some "great" parenting and promised him we could go get a stuffed Smurf after if he sat still.
And still that kid sat. He can be bought. ;)
So we ran over to Target after the movie. And of course, I felt like I had to let Ally get something too. We found the Smurf and Luke was giddy. He danced with his Smurf. Sang the Smurf song. It was adorable.
Ally was drooling over a mini pillow pet when we started looking at bedding. We have been wanting to update her room all summer but had yet to get around to it. She found a comforter that she loved. I loved it too. It was not only super cute but on sale. The matching sheets were on clearance! The matching everything was an additional percentage off. We grabbed it all. :)
Then we went and found curtains. And some wall hangings. And a new lamp. And there are more things we left behind that I know I will go back for.
We got home and put Luke to bed and she and I set it all up. Who cares if she is sleeping on unwashed sheets. She is so giddy. It looks awesome. And much more grown up than her ballerina quilt. It totally changed her room!
Then I remembered luke's bedroom set came with two sets of knobs for his dressers. The wood and brushed nickel. I put all the brushed nickel on Ally's dresser and armoire. Instant update. Instant improvement.
It was so much fun but the best part was the memories it evoked. I swear it wad dejavu. I so remember doing the same thing with my mom. Redoing my room.... Putting it all together and being so excited. Feeling so mature.
It was just a great evening and a wonderful time... And I will cherish it always. And remember it always when I look at her new digs. :)
-- Post From My iPhone
The Smurfs. Luke came along too... And it was an adorable movie! A million times better than I thought it would be. But I went in with some super low expectations. ;)
Luke started to lose it halfway thru. I already felt bad for dragging him along to Ally's event... So I pulled out some "great" parenting and promised him we could go get a stuffed Smurf after if he sat still.
And still that kid sat. He can be bought. ;)
So we ran over to Target after the movie. And of course, I felt like I had to let Ally get something too. We found the Smurf and Luke was giddy. He danced with his Smurf. Sang the Smurf song. It was adorable.
Ally was drooling over a mini pillow pet when we started looking at bedding. We have been wanting to update her room all summer but had yet to get around to it. She found a comforter that she loved. I loved it too. It was not only super cute but on sale. The matching sheets were on clearance! The matching everything was an additional percentage off. We grabbed it all. :)
Then we went and found curtains. And some wall hangings. And a new lamp. And there are more things we left behind that I know I will go back for.
We got home and put Luke to bed and she and I set it all up. Who cares if she is sleeping on unwashed sheets. She is so giddy. It looks awesome. And much more grown up than her ballerina quilt. It totally changed her room!
Then I remembered luke's bedroom set came with two sets of knobs for his dressers. The wood and brushed nickel. I put all the brushed nickel on Ally's dresser and armoire. Instant update. Instant improvement.
It was so much fun but the best part was the memories it evoked. I swear it wad dejavu. I so remember doing the same thing with my mom. Redoing my room.... Putting it all together and being so excited. Feeling so mature.
It was just a great evening and a wonderful time... And I will cherish it always. And remember it always when I look at her new digs. :)
-- Post From My iPhone
Monday, August 1, 2011
School Daze....
So this morning, I got my first official email from St. Mary's - the preschool Luke will be attending in the fall. This past weekend I also had my first PTO meeting to kick start the school year and my committment as Treasurer this year at Queens.
I opened the email from St. Mary's - so excited to see what the year has in store for Luke... and I start putting things on my calendar. His Halloween party, Christmas party, field trips... and then, I decide I should do the same for Ally's school calendar too....
And then, it hits me: HOLY SHIT I HAVE TWO KIDS IN TWO DIFFERENT SCHOOLS... with a ton of commitments.... :-)
Thank god, that all the days off and breaks and special events pretty much align because they are both part of the Catholic School system. It will be unlikely that I even have classroom party conflicts because all Luke's parties appear to be in the morning, and Ally's are historically at the end of the day. But... man... my committment and desire to be there and involved just kinda doubled!!!!
I am REALLY excited to see all the things they do at St. Mary's! Luke has at least two field trips a month! And super cool field trips, like trips to the Dahlem Center, trips to Kids-in-Stuff, the fire station, the Smilowski farm, a Buffalo Farm, gymnastics at the Y and All Around, caroling at Christmas time, trips to Story Time at the Library and a trip the Chelsea Tree House! I love it! How much fun for one little boy! :-)
Of course, I am nervous for Luke... I know he is going to cry his little eyes out when I leave him for the first time.... maybe every time... but I also know it is something he so desperately needs to do and I'm excited for him! He will go to St. Mary's the three days that I work, Monday through Wednesday. His preschool time is obviously just in the morning, but then he will stay for "day care" until I get him around 3:00. I will pick both he and Ally up around the same time... depending on what time I can get out of my office, I will either pick him or her up first... he has a more flexible pick up than she does... Ally is out the door at 3:10... Luke can technically stay there until 6 pm... and he might now and then!
In addition to my Treasurer committment, I have agreed to co-run the 3rd grade Brownie troop. So, once a month I will need that late pickup as I have committed to being there for that after school! :-) Good lord I hope that goes well........... :-))))))))))))
So, here we go... time to start thinking about back to school! Ally ordered her backpack last week. It was quite the dilemna choosing one. Luke was eaiser... he chose a simple red backpack with a truck on it from Pottery Barn kids. I had his name embroidered on it. It's going to be so cute and he's too young to get beat up for having his name on it. :-)
He is talking a big game and super excited to start school. He talks about what he wants me to pack for his lunch and how he gets to take his blankie to school. He wants to drive by and see the playground again, cuz he remembers I have driven him by it before. I look forward to his Open House. I know Ally will play the big sister role proudly and ooh and ahh over his classroom and cubby. I know she will make him feel proud and excited.
And then there's Ally... who is excited to get back too. She's excited to learn who her teacher is. Excited to carry her new backpack! Excited that she is upstairs this year! And even more excited that she knows the school this year. She told me that it doesn't matter which class she is in, because she knows she will have some of her friends in her class because "Mom, I have a lot of friends!" :-)
What a difference a year makes... and what a different experience this first day of school will be! Only tears for the mama most likely..... oh, and the little man...... at the other school. :-)
I opened the email from St. Mary's - so excited to see what the year has in store for Luke... and I start putting things on my calendar. His Halloween party, Christmas party, field trips... and then, I decide I should do the same for Ally's school calendar too....
And then, it hits me: HOLY SHIT I HAVE TWO KIDS IN TWO DIFFERENT SCHOOLS... with a ton of commitments.... :-)
Thank god, that all the days off and breaks and special events pretty much align because they are both part of the Catholic School system. It will be unlikely that I even have classroom party conflicts because all Luke's parties appear to be in the morning, and Ally's are historically at the end of the day. But... man... my committment and desire to be there and involved just kinda doubled!!!!
I am REALLY excited to see all the things they do at St. Mary's! Luke has at least two field trips a month! And super cool field trips, like trips to the Dahlem Center, trips to Kids-in-Stuff, the fire station, the Smilowski farm, a Buffalo Farm, gymnastics at the Y and All Around, caroling at Christmas time, trips to Story Time at the Library and a trip the Chelsea Tree House! I love it! How much fun for one little boy! :-)
Of course, I am nervous for Luke... I know he is going to cry his little eyes out when I leave him for the first time.... maybe every time... but I also know it is something he so desperately needs to do and I'm excited for him! He will go to St. Mary's the three days that I work, Monday through Wednesday. His preschool time is obviously just in the morning, but then he will stay for "day care" until I get him around 3:00. I will pick both he and Ally up around the same time... depending on what time I can get out of my office, I will either pick him or her up first... he has a more flexible pick up than she does... Ally is out the door at 3:10... Luke can technically stay there until 6 pm... and he might now and then!
In addition to my Treasurer committment, I have agreed to co-run the 3rd grade Brownie troop. So, once a month I will need that late pickup as I have committed to being there for that after school! :-) Good lord I hope that goes well........... :-))))))))))))
So, here we go... time to start thinking about back to school! Ally ordered her backpack last week. It was quite the dilemna choosing one. Luke was eaiser... he chose a simple red backpack with a truck on it from Pottery Barn kids. I had his name embroidered on it. It's going to be so cute and he's too young to get beat up for having his name on it. :-)
He is talking a big game and super excited to start school. He talks about what he wants me to pack for his lunch and how he gets to take his blankie to school. He wants to drive by and see the playground again, cuz he remembers I have driven him by it before. I look forward to his Open House. I know Ally will play the big sister role proudly and ooh and ahh over his classroom and cubby. I know she will make him feel proud and excited.
And then there's Ally... who is excited to get back too. She's excited to learn who her teacher is. Excited to carry her new backpack! Excited that she is upstairs this year! And even more excited that she knows the school this year. She told me that it doesn't matter which class she is in, because she knows she will have some of her friends in her class because "Mom, I have a lot of friends!" :-)
What a difference a year makes... and what a different experience this first day of school will be! Only tears for the mama most likely..... oh, and the little man...... at the other school. :-)
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