Brownie Meeting #1...

I think I am about as prepared as I am going to be!  I have made interview sheets for the girls. They are going to interview one another and report out on their new friend. I thought this would be easier for them... to talk about someone else other than themselves. Not everyone likes to talk about themselves, in fact... most people don't! Kids and adults alike.

We have to do a lot of "housekeeping"... learn the Girl Scout Promise - okay, they probably know this. I need to work on it. :-)  We have to talk about the type of things we want to do this year.  Vote on the area council trips. And of course, have a snack!

I am worried about the girls coming right from school to a meeting... I feel like they need to do something active after a day of being in their desk most of the day!  I am trying to come up with a quick activity that gets them moving.... but that's gonna have to be a last minute add cuz I'm blank right now.  :-)

Looking forward to reporting out later that the meeting was a smashing success!  Send me prayers and good thoughts at 3:10 pm!!!!!!!!!

20 Little Girls....

This Thursday is my first Girl Scout (Brownie) meeting.  HOLY CRAP!!!!  :-)  Myself and another super cool mom, are the co-leaders this year for our third grade brownie troop!  It's going to be a huge learning experience... and I hope we don't let the girls down.

We have around 20 little girls signed up.  20 eight year olds. TWENTY!  At any given time, we need at least three moms there for moral support.  Kami and I don't know what we are doing quite yet.  We had an area leaders meeting last night... and I will admit, I was ever-so-slightly overwhelmed!  I am in the middle of taking a bunch on training courses... and still will have more to do. I didn't know some of them had to be done before tomorrow's meeting.

Then - there is the little issue of the council CHANGING everything! The way badges are earned... what they even do... and what they are called!  So... while Kami and I had built this first meeting... and I was feeling so proud of us.... we can't even do it anymore cuz everything has changed.

Just when you feel on top of it... life bites you in the butt!  :-)))))

No worries... new plan of action.... we will wing it!  ;-)

I will be honest... I am worried about doing a good job.  Especially in Ally's eyes. I want her to be proud of her mom, the troop co-leader... not mortified by me.  ;-)  So far, I have done good things in her eyes and she likes my involvement. I want this to further that feeling... not harm it.  So, I am going in hopeful to only strengthen her and my relationship!  Fingers crossed! I know I will certainly work hard at it.

Yesterday, as I mentioned, we had an area leaders meeting. It ran almost two hours long... and then, one of the other leaders (my friend Brook) and I, went to Daryl's for some wine an munchies.  Much needed debrief on the whole meeting... since I couldn't follow everything and I was feeling clueless!  She straightened me out on my issues... and we enjoyed a nice chat.... and some laughs. A brief and much needed girls' night.

When I got home (around 9:30) I went in and said goodnight to Ally. In a state of sleepiness, she said "Oh good... you're home.... I can sleep now...."  Sweetest thing.  :-)  She was totally asleep... but in her mind, all was well with the world now that I was home. I love that she and I have only grown closer and closer over the past couple years since I have stepped down from the time I spend working...

Well, today is a little crazy. Of course, I get a big work assignment on my last day of the week, on a week I have something else major going on... so I am working frantically to accomplish that. And today... Scott has an after work committement.... I am totally gonna tell you... he's getting a facial... he regularly gets facials........ this is no joke!  :-)))))))  So, I have to take AND pick up Ally from gymnastics and I really wanted to make a decent dinner so I am toying with the idea of running home and making it in the hour I will have to do so.  Hour home, hour round trip travel... gymnastics being two hours. Stupid?  Maybe. Worth it for a good home cooked meal?  Most likely! 

I also have to get to the Girl Scout office to pick up a bunch of stuff........ and get a check to the school from the PTO for a fundraiser we are supporting.  A working mom/troop leader/PTO treasurer's work is never done!!!!!!!!!

So far, feeling good and positive about it all though. Not feeling bogged down or overwhelmed.  I bet it's my new App.  :-))))))))))))

In other, not so uplifting news... Luke has totally taken a turn at the drop off for preschool.  :-(  He has started crying again... and this time, he's worse than when we first took him!  Today, he was awful.... screamed.. grabbed on to my clothes and would hardly let go...they had to peel him off me.  I had to pee something awful, so I was able to go there and that gave me an opportunity to still be around and hear that he had stopped.... but still.  :(  A huge bummer after he was doing so, so well. 

We need to push on through though...... cuz he will be okay and not sending him is not an option. Not to mention, it simply validates his feelings of fear or whatever he is going through by sending a message of "OH!  Mommy isn't making me go anymore? I must have been right to be so scared!"  Sometimes, being the mom means making the hard decisions... and powering through.  Teachable moments.  All teachable moments.  :-)

Here's hoping it gets better though... cuz he is breaking my heart piece by piece each morning.....

Jackson Coffee Company & a Good Monday...

So, yesterday was a pretty good day for all my ranting and raving.  Maybe the "let it all out" post did me some good. Cheap therapy.

I also happened upon Becky's Blog post HERE and could not believe what I was reading. It was JUST what I needed to hear/read in that moment......... it could not have been better timing!!! Thank you Becky Higgins for sharing that.......  you reached one girl who needed that message!!! (I'm sure countless others too.....)

Now, if only I could actually practice what she preaches....... that would be an awesome thing.  :-)

After work/school, Ally and  I went to the Jackson Coffee Company downtown for our snack and homework....... we had a really nice time.  Ally had a chocolate frappe (coffee free!) and I had a pumpkin pie latte.  YUM!!!!!  She had science to study as she has a test tomorrow. I quizzed her on all her spelling words and she knew every one of them already except for excited.... have to work on that one.  She is on multiplication of threes this week... so we spent some time on that as well.  Math is not her strong suit.... but we worked on it.

We also added some incentive to the multiplication table memorizing (as she really needs to have them down pat by the end of this year)... we told her she could get a hamster (or a gerbil? I forget which she wants).  Dumb idea?  Most likely. But we are trying to get her interested in using the Kahn Academy videos (which are amazing and introduced to me by my little brother and validated by this month's issue of The Economist).  Great, step by step instructions told in an amazing, easy to "get" way.  She wasn't interested at first.... but she loves learning on the computer or iPad or even her iPod... so we were thinking she would like this. We shall see if she uses it........

So, anyway... trying to incentivize her a bit...... a little furry incentive.  Lord what have we done? ;-)

So... Ally loved the Jackson Coffee Company and I do too.  Love so many things about it. Love the location (super easy for us to get Luke after and get to gymnastics. Love that it's a local business.  Love the place itself...... cool architecture.... reuse of a downtown building.... and not to mention, great coffee.... plus, Ally got a balloon. What more can you ask for?  ;-)

 We headed over to get Luke, who appeared to have had a great day - even though he has reverted back to crying each morning.  :(  A huge bummer for me... not the best way to start my morning.  Yesterday he painted an apple and was proud to show us. Came home with a permission slip for ANOTHER fun field trip... this time, to the fire station next week!  We went to the gym and dropped Ally.... had her official fitting for her competition leo and her warm ups..... and Luke and I ran to the grocery store where I purchased three meals worth of food.  Yay me.  ;-)

Came home and made tacos... cuz I forgot a key ingredient for stir fry...... so we will have that today.... and did some picking up.... organizing and generally tried to stay on top of things.  Threw some laundry in.... poured a glass of wine..... ate dinner with Ally and Scott got home....... made Luke's lunch, signed Ally's assignment notebook, did the dishes, got the kids down..... and Scott and I talked for a while and then I read.  All in all.... a good, complete day and night.

This morning... alarm goes off at 5:15....I am out of bed by 5:30 ( must get better!!! )... and the morning didn't feel too terribly frantic. I had to wake Luke a bit earlier and he still had a hard time at the drop off... but I am feeling good... I know he's just fine.  It's all a part of the transition and growing up.....

Yesterday, in my quest to take charge of my life.... I found a super cool App (for my iPhone) that I really, really like.  It's called 2Do and it is a fancy to do list for my phone.  I am a huge list person. Love lists. Love the feeling of checking things off a list. And this, does EXACTLY that... I can even check something off and it actually "crosses" it off for me... and I can see that and it makes me feel accomplished. Silly?  Probably. But, it does something for me... and I like it.  ;-)

It also sends me reminder texts......... so in the middle of my day I can get a text that reads 'Hey dummy - remember to pay for gymnastics today!'  Something I really suck at remembering to do! (we pay all our bills online so when a check is required... things tend to fall off the radar screen!)

I am loving it.  Okay, I've only had it for 24 hours... but those have been a great 24 hours.....  :-))))))))))

Dork. Yes.  I know.

Happy Tuesday blog world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tales of a Failing Home Manager...

WARNING - BITCH POST........... (don't say I didn't warn you!!!!)

So..... it has come to my attention that I suck at managing our home.  I am the mom. The wife.  The woman. This is supposed to be my job right? And I'm supposed to have been born with that gene that makes me good at this shit... right???

When I went part-time, I thought for SURE I would have more time to whip up gourmet meals... my house would always be clean... my kids would always complete their homework in a timely fashion... and we would have plenty of time for FUN!  Not to mention, I would have plenty of "me time" too right!?!?!

WRONG!

If I wasn't working part-time... we would be drowning.... because right now, we are barely treading water!  Or so it feels right now..... (but it's a Monday so take me with a grain of salt people)

So, I leave each day in time to pick Ally (and now Luke) up for school.... 3:10 is Ally's pick up time... we drop Donnie off  and scoop Luke by 3:30 most days.... or so it should work....

Not today. Today he will stay later, cuz Ally  has gymnastics at 4:45, so she and I will do the coffee shop/homework routine without him. I will get him at 4:30.  Then, he and I need to make a quick stop at the store... cuz I NEVER get to the grocery store (my choice, I know.... I hate it)... to get something to make for dinner....... and we will be home by 6 or so... and start dinner.... which is what time I used to get home when I worked full time so WTF?

But that is just today.  Ally and Scott arrive home at 7:15 or so.... so we have a later dinner and it's plenty of time to cook.  No time to get a damn other thing done... but time to cook, feed kids, bathe kids, put kids to bed... clean up from dinner... and then I am supposed to stay up and do all those other things, right?

WRONG!  Neither Scott nor I are late night people during the week.  Once the kids go down.. we pretty much pack it in for the night.  There are very few things I can start doing that won't get me all wound up and prevent me from sleeping. I will be the first to admit... I get a solid 8 hours a night... at least. I need it.

Okay... then, there's Tuesday... no after school activities....... so we can be home early.. homework done.... dinner made... maybe some laundry... or a some picking up.......... oh no..... not tomorrow... tomorrow I have a girl scout leader meeting from 6-8............. so there goes the routine of that night. Scott will have to do bedtime alone... and we will have to hand the kids off or he will have to leave work early. Both shitty options......

But, some Tuesdays can be good................ this is just a venting post, remember!?!?  ;-)

Wednesday.......... gymnastics at 4:00... so I pretty much, get Ally and Donnie, drop Donnie, Ally eats and changes in the car... scoop Luke and drop Ally before 4. Luke and I head home... Scott brings Ally home at 6.  Not so bad...... I can make dinner.... Ally has to do homework later these days, so that can be challenging.......

Thursday... no work for me...... so technically I should spend the entire day doing things around the house and being a good person.  Have I mentioned I'm not a good person?  ;-) I really, really need to get better at this.  I end up putzing my day away with Luke.  Argue all you want that I should be doing that, he's only young once... yadda... yadda... but still......

AND WAIT!!!! This Thursday I have girl scouts anyway... so it's preparing for the meeting and running the meeting and trying not to get completely stressed over having 20 8 year olds depending on me for fun and happiness...................  :-))))))))))))))))))

(I really do want to do this..... I am just nervous I'm gonna suck at it!)

So, then we have Friday......... another day at home... another day of accomplishment???? 

OH.... not this week..... (sensing a theme here?)...... Ally doesn't have school..... so I feel like we should do something special with the day..... and go somewhere...... cuz lord knows I don't want to be stuck inside with my children all day. Someoone might get hurt......

Which is part of the over-arching trouble...... when I do have down time.... I have my kids with me..... and kids aren't the most patient when it comes to hanging out so mommy can clean and do boring stuff....... (that frankly she doesn't even want to do so she really sucks at teaching you!)

I feel like I'm failing my kids in a way. That I'm not setting a good example. Teaching them to be really attentive to things.......

We run around like chickens with our heads cut off each morning trying to get everyone dressed, fed, teeth burshed and making sure we all have what we need to get out the door. Something is forgotten each and every day... and it's usually my stuff.  Today it was my yoga clothes for my lunchtime yoga class..... I NEED my lunchtime yoga class!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, since I am already ridiculously late to work cuz I had to take Luke this morning because Scott is incapable because he cried last week...... I stop and buy some clothes before coming to work.  Early opening Target to the rescue!  :-))

And it was worth it....... yoga rocks..... it saved my day.

But, I still feel like I need to do something at home to get on top of my life...... before I lose my mind........

WANTED: One Allice from the Brady bunch to take care of my house so I can just do what I want each day like Mrs. Brady.

:-)

Family Fall Festival...

We had a GREAT weekend!  I am starting to free myself from the evil clutches of this freakin' cold... and we attended the Fall Family Festival Saturday and Sunday.......

I wasn't sure how it was going to go at the Festival Saturday.  I knew Ally wanted to go and hang with her friends, but I had no idea if there would be enough to keep Luke entertained... boy were we in for a surprise!  Luke absolutely loved it........ I am so glad we made a last minute decision to buy him a "ride all you can for one price" bracelet because he LOVED the kiddie rides!!!  He just had the best time.  We ate crappy food, had ice cream and super expensive lemonade.. it was everything a festival is supposed to be!  ;-)  Jane, Adam and the kids joined us for a bit, but Grace started to feel crappy and came down with a fever... so they had to leave sooner than they wanted.  We stayed late into the evening... long enough to have some beers in the beer tent with friends while the kids came and checked in now and then.  Of course, Luke had to hang with us. Scott and I took turns going out with him... and drinking.  ;-)

Luke and Daddy played this Duckie game and Luke got a prize. Everyone gets a prize.... but Luke didn't know that... and pretty much thought it was the coolest thing ever.  :-)  His face was just so much fun to watch.  He was just in awe of everything going on around him.

Ally was in her element. She had six of her friends there... and they just ran from ride to ride... riding everything non stop. She didn't even want to eat... she just wanted to have fun.  It was so much fun watching she and her friends get hysterical on the Himilaya... that was one of their faves. That and the Paratrooper... here's a pic of Ally and Morgan on one of their faves......

Luke had a slow start... he had to watch Grace ride this one first... but then, he bravely gave it a go...

Ah.. the pure joys of carnie rides.....  :-)))))  I was proud of myself... I didn't even partake of an elephant ear as much as I wanted to. Saved my calories for beer. Now that's just smart thinkin'.  :-)

Ally ended up sleeping over at Morgans' Saturday night.  They ambushed us after a few in the beer tent... we were weak!  So... Ally went the festival Sunday with the Manchesters... and I met them there in the afternoon. The girls rode a few rides... watched the Critter Man and Ally made some sand art.  All in all... a great weekend of fun!  I look forward to the festival again next year... now that I know how much the kids enjoy it!

Frigid Friday...

Well, I guess it's not THAT cold today, but is sure does feel like it!!!  Today Ally only had a half day at school... and then she was off to play at two different friends' houses... and go to the Lumen Christi game with them.  Our friends who live out here in Concord will bring her home (late as she will go to Hugo's after the game with the team) and that just makes life about as easy as pie on me this evening!

It's unbelievable how full Ally's social calendar can be.  ;-)

Luke and I went to a work luncheon we had for United Way. We do it every year..... and every year it's like the first COLD day of fall. We grill and do a tailgate theme. So the little man was all decked out in his green and white.  He was quite the hit at work.  He got more "gifts" from people..... everyone game him candy. Cookies.  Balloons. Pens.  Little sticky pads.  And a light up keychain.  It was like Christmas.  He didn't want to leave my office.... but then, as we left he looked up at me as we rode down the elevator and said "Daddy has more fun stuff in his office."  :-)))))

NICE!!!!!!!!

I had a major salmon craving... so Luke and I made our way to Prime Cuts for some shopping... and headed home.  I am feeling like complete shit (thank you cold virus!)... pardon my french... so we have done very little this afternoon and evening.  Just achy and out of it. I talked to my Mom very briefly - who is home recovering from surgery and she is in a lot of pain today and feels like she's taking too many drugs... maybe I'm having sympathy pains for her.  ;-)

I made an amazing dinner for myself and Luke and he actually LIKES salmon!!! We had salmon, angel hair pasta and green beans..... he ate more than he ever does.... so I was quite pleased.... now I am sitting her looking at the mess of a kitchen and have no desire to clean it. I greatly desire my pillow.  Sigh.

I have had the Facebook app off my phone for exactly two days now... and while I miss it... the things I miss about it are silly.  Yesterday when I was pulling out of the driveway to go get Ally, Luke says to me - "Mommy, when I grow up and get bigger than you will you still hold me and pick me up?"  Cutest thing ever. I so wanted to post that. To status that.  Instead I texted it to Jane... :-) She's going to be my Facebook status for a while.

Today I so wanted to status that I was asking for good vibes and prayers for Scott today as he takes the GMAT (is right now actually!!!!). Instead, I texted my sis-in-law, bro-in-law, mother-in-law, step-mom and friends... and ended up in conversations with some of them that I haven't talked to in a while.  :-) I consider that a small victory.

I did not give up Facebook. At all. I still have an account... and I did get on it today to take a peek for two minutes.  Since I never get on it on a real computer... I dont' have a clue what's going on with the whole new newsfeed... so I logged off.  I will put the app back on my phone when I have detoxed a bit from it all... and when I can break myself of a habit of constantly checking it like it's the most important news of the day!  And when I get in a better habit of calling and texting those most important to me directly with important news and not relying on Facebook for it......

Luke has said and done so many cute little things in the last 48 hours that I have wanted to share... and I need to remember to BLOG IT!!! (Thanks Jane!)  I need to remember the Blog Press app on my phone and post the little things he says that just melt my heart or crack me up... cuz that kid is coming up with some doozies lately!!

This weekend (tomorrow) we are going to head over to the Fall Family Festival at St. Johns... it will be quite the social event for Ally as the girls have been working on coordinating when we all go all week. Nevermind what their parents might have in mind.... ;-)  I haven't been yet... in all the years they have had it. I know my Mom has taken Ally in the past... and last year we were out of town for a wedding and Luke went with my in-laws ... but this will be my first year attending.  Looking forward to seeing what it's all about and maybe watching my kids ride a ride or two.  I guess last year Luke was pretty freaked out by the rides.  :-))))))  I think he will do better this year.....

Well, it's getting close to bedtime for the little man... and lazy reading time for Me.....  Scott is wrapping up the GMAT.... and I can't stop thinking about him and worrying for him. Quite a stressful way to end a super busy few work weeks for him.  He has had a LOT going on at work lately.... the craziness of his job comes and goes... and I am looking forward to a little less craziness soon.... he needs a breather.

Happy Friday friends.... enjoy what the weekend has to offer!

Kiddio Diddio...

So, Luke is obsessed with rhyming. Everything is said in rhyme lately.... and the second word usually makes no sense and is not real. Much like the title of this blog post.  Diddio is not a word. It is possible that kiddio isn't either... but at least it is a word that is used... you get my point.

This morning... he asked for his "milk ba-dilk"... he just likes to rhyme. It is hilarious.  Maybe he will become a rapper. :-)  Maybe he is just silly.

He cried yesterday at the drop off at school. First time since the first week... so Scott was sent into shock when it happened!  He just wasn't expecting it... and I wasn't expecting the text that informed me he cried... so of course, I just into "what could be wrong" mode... when the reality is, nothing was wrong at all.... as my sis in law reminded me... they are just little and they cry from time to time. They will get over it and it builds character.

Character.  Something my kids seem to have plenty of.  I must rock at character building.  :-))))))

Otherwise, Luke is loving school.  Yesterday he had a field trip to Kids-n-Stuff in Albion and had a blast. He told me all about it in great detail.  I am still shocked at how well he can recount the details of his day and at how animated he is about these details and his school day in general.  I pick him up and he is just all wound up and excited to recount the events of his day with Ally and I.  It's pretty darn cute.

Ally is a more "keep it in" kind of girl.. which shocks me because that's just now how she operates on so many other levels. But, she is the kid who responds "I don't know" or "nothing" when asked what she did at school today.  I remember when I used to pick her up from preschool and after care - she usually passed out from exhaustion on the ride home.  I assumed Luke would too.

Not so much.

This week, I arrived to school to get him at some different times than I normally do. Usually when I get there, they are in a state of "free play" and I will just see him playing with some kids... at the sand table, kitchen or playing with trucks.  Tuesday, I picked him up early so I got to observe how he is at snack time for a moment.  They get their little dixie cups of milk and their snack on a paper towel and sit at little tables with little chairs.  When I got there, he was eating and listening attentively to a little boy next to him who was talking ON and ON!!!  You could also understand very little of what this boy said.  Luke was just starting at him as if to say...."I'm only pretending to listen to you... honestly I have no freakin' idea what you are saying to me...."  :-))))))  He seemed to want this kid to shut up so he could give his full attention to the little girl next to him who I have seen him playing with a lot.  Luke is my ladies' man.  :-)

Yesterday, I got there later... because Ally and I ran a quick errand... and we arrived at Story Time.  Luke was sitting there so attentively he didn't see me come in... nor did he hear is friend Joey say "Lukie! Your mommy is here!" (I love that Joey called him Lukie - too cute)  He was pretty entranced in the story... and just sitting there as good as can be.

The teachers still rave about how well behaved he is and "how very sweet" he is.  I am proud that he is a good little boy and that he does what he's supposed to.  I'm proud that they seem to have fallen in love with him (almost) as much as we have.  He is the kind of boy who captures your heart.  Or maybe that's just his mom talking.  :-)))) I am a bit smitten by him.  ;-)

Ally is doing so well too. I know I've mentioned before that I love her teacher... and I really do love, love, love her teacher!  She rocks at communication. I love the assignment notebook they use every day. I feel like I am always on top of what needs to be done each and every night.  I feel more organized as a result of her influence!  She sends an amazing weekly newsletter home each Friday that details the events of the following week, so we know what to expect. Each night, reminders are in the notebook as to what might be happening at school that is out of the norm, a friendly reminder to those of us who would leave our head at home if it wasn't attached to our bodies via our necks!  Wednesday evening's reminder is to bring gym clothes.  Reminders for magazine sales. Reminders for field trip money.  I love the reminders.  :-)

I get emailed a summary of Allys' grades each week.  Any day I can get on PowerSchool and see how she's doing in each subject.  I can see if her lunch balance is low and send a check.  I just feel very informed and able to keep up this year more than ever. That is quite likely due to the fact that it's our second year and Queens and I have the routine down, but her communication is also a big part and a huge help for a busy mom like me.

Ally definitely has more homework this year.  Last year she had "weekly" homework that she could just do anytime during the school week. This year, it's nightly... AND she has weekend homework.  Last year, assignments were not given on Fridays unless it was a bigger project like a book report that she was working on or something of that sort. This year, she still brings home a handwriting worksheet on Fridays, has to read for AT LEAST 15 minutes each day AND has to practice math facts for a minimum amount of time.

This is a bit more difficult to manage those evenings we have gymnastics or other commitments.  Difficult if I have a meeting or something as well.  Ally's routine is to come home and do homework immediately. It's simply what works best for her... the closer she gets to bedtime, the less energy she has... and the crankier she gets!  She doesn't take instruction well after about 7... and she has no freakin' patience.  I guess maybe neither do her parents.  :-)))))

So - hence the decision to go somewhere before gymnastics on Mondays. Wednesdays are a different story because we don't really have enough time in between. So, last night things got a little testy.  Plus, she had to study for a social studies test on top of daily assignments.  So, she was a little on edge.

Socially, Ally is rocking. She is a much more confident little girl this year. She started the school year feeling good... knowing everyone... and she is just gaining confidence in huge strides.  I'm proud of the friend she is too... the other day on the way home from school she told me how much fun she had playing with a little girl who isn't in her "core group" of besties (yes, she used the word besties). She said she likes to play with different people and "be a friend" to everyone even though she still had "best friends." She asked me if we could invite more than just her "best friends" to her birthday party this year.  I am really proud that she chooses to be that girl... who wants to include others and wants to be a friend to all.  Makes a mom proud.  :-)

She also wants to try new things! She loves gymnastics and I am still proud of how she chose to stick with it when two of her besties stopped going, but she wants to try volleyball this year she has told me.  And this summer, she asked if she could also give tennis a go... in addition to wanting to continue with golf.

I am ridiculously proud of that... cuz that's something I would have never done as a kid. I was not that confident girl who wanted to step outside my comfort zone.  Not to mention, I'm not sporty.  ;-)  You are shocked, aren't you?  :-)))))) But... I am happy to raise a sporty girl!  I am thrilled to let her try a zillion different things and see what she likes and doesn't like.  Go outside of her comfort zone... we know she has some true gymnastics talent (it's in her genes) but maybe she has game in other things too... and good for her for wanting to try!

And yay for me... another activity to squeeze in some way, some how....  :-))))

Ah... as I always say... "it's all good in the hood....." The kids seem to be having a great week.... and other than this stupid cold - yes - I am sick once again... I am doing great too.

Happy Thursday blog friends, family... and as always, a special shout out of love to my Mom and Grandma.....  XXOOXXOO  But... especially my Mom as she recovers from  her second reconstructive surgery.... Yay for new boobs!  :-)

Facebook Follies....

Lately, I have a beef with Facebook..... and it's entirely personal.  I am wondering if Facebook is good for someone like me.... or if it causes more harm than good?

I will read things on Facebook and I have this overwhelming urge to right a wrong that is stated... to correct a mistruth.... or I just take things entirely too personally.

I think Facebook is a great thing. It's fun... it's a great way to stay in touch with people and see what they're up to. See pictures of people's kids.  But... it can do a lot of harm too.  We see too much of peoples' lives. We know too much.  We take things personally.

People make grand statements... use Facebook as a platform to air their grievances either correctly or incorrectly.

I actually had to "dislike" the Cit Pat... cuz there were so many negative comments about the place I happen to work all the time.  Ignorant comments..... people complaining about things that MAKE NO SENSE because they are clueless and don't have the knowledge that I do.

I recognize this is an odd reaction... but my first reaction is to right this wrong.  Stand up for the place that provides my family a living and a very important component of our economy. There was nothing I could say to educate these people as to why their statements were so very false... but my blood pressure would rise so much just reading all the things that were written.... that I had to stop.  Like a bad car accident that you don't want to look at, but you can't help it... that's how I was... so I had to remove it from my newsfeed.

I think people need to think before they post to Facebook. What do you really want to COME out of something you say?  What is your intention?  When you say something that is hurtful.... what do you want the end result to be?  Are you really trying to alienate part of your friend population?

I recently had a friend, in person.... tell me something that he had been upset about for a long, long time.... something happened a long, long time ago... and I can't go back and change it. There is no way for me to rectify what happened.... and it hurt me that he brought it up.... when at this point, there's no changing it.  All it did was hurt our friendship.  What good did it do him to bring it up?  Yes.. it got it off his chest I suppose.... but now our friendship is totally broken.... and while I will remain friends with him, I won't soon forget the attack.  He is upset now that he told me... and well, you can't put the genie back in the bottle buddy.... just think before you speak. How important was it really to make such a statement? Worth our friendship?  Apparently....

I see a lot of attacking on Facebook and it's my personal problem that I take it so personally. That's my own issue. Apparently I need a lesson in letting things slide off my back.  In letting go. But, maybe that's not how I'm built.... so maybe Facebook isn't for me.  In the very least... I am thinking of taking the app off my phone... so it's not so there and in my face. Yes, that's what I'm going to do.... get it off my phone.

I like having a lot of high school friends that I can connect to. I think about how we will have a 20 year reunion soon... and how quickly I can instantly get in touch with so many of my classmates to invite them and help plan that event.  I like seeing what my cousins, aunts, and even my mom is up to.  But... then, I wonder... is Facebook replacing a phone call?  More personal communication? Do we not call or visit people cuz we heard all about it on Facebook???  Between Facebook and email our actual personal communication and the actual process of getting together has gone to hell.  It really has and I miss the shit out of it.

I don't call my mom as often.  I will freely admit that.  I know she read this blog... I know she follows me on Facebook. That is crap. Total crap.  I vow to do better.  If I took the time I spent on Facebook and actually called the people I loved... or even emailed them a personal note (second best for certain)... I would spend no more time in that act and I would get so much more out of it....

I like blogging... I know it means a lot to the people I love the most. I like sharing my kids and my life. I like having this somewhat safe venue to voice my concerns with live, love and the pursuit of happiness.  But, is Facebook getting a little too out of hand????

Deep thoughts... by Me.  :-)

Manic Mondays....

Ally and I started a new routine for our Manic Mondays yesterday.  Each Monday Ally has gymnastics at 4:45 pm. She gets out of school at 3:10.... so we have some time in between.  I decided that the best use of this time would be for her and I (and mabye Luke - toying with leaving him at St. Mary's longer on Mondays) to go someplace, enjoy a snack and sit and do her homework.  We decided that we are going to go to someplace new each week for as long we can until we run out of places.  :-))))

Yesterday, she chose Starbucks... she enjoyed a chocolate drink that was coffee free... and some almonds for her snack. I enjoyed a Spiced Pumpkin Latte (YUM!!!)... and we sat and did her homework together.

It was ridiculously peaceful...... and perfect!!!!!  She did her handwriting sheet.... I quizzed her on her spelling words and then on her math facts. We spent a solid hour, just her and I totally focused on homework, our days, and our tasty beverages!  I think I am going to love our Monday tradition!

It would go much better if I didn't pick Luke up until afterwards.  It was so nice to have that one on one time and that focus for her.  Luke gets a lot more of that kind of time with me that she does..... we have two entire days a week together, without her. So, she deserves that kind of time too. And NEEDS it!

I just really enjoyed that time of peace in the midst of a day of work.... and then, running to get her to the gym... and get Luke and then, home to make dinner and go about our evening.  It is going to be a great little routine.

We want to try Bigby... Panera... The Jackson Coffee Company... Cafe Lila... Anna's (if they are open at that time)... and any other snack/coffee shop type places.  Any others come to mind????

After dropping the girl at the gym... I headed home to get the boy.  He was still sleeping when I got there at 5..... and had been since around 1..... he slept his day away... and woke up still burnng up.  I took him home and I just put him in my bed and he literally laid there and watched DVDs for the rest of the evening.... and at some point... his fever broke... and his energy came back and he was the same old Luke just like that!!!  It was a 24 hour bug to the hour..... and as quickly as it came, it was gone!

This morning, you would never know anything hit him...... he was as happy as can be... and fine with going to school!  His teacher told me that he might get some different bugs here in the beginning as it's his first time in a preschool/daycare situation.... but if they come and go as quickly as that one did... we can cope.  :-)

This evening I am headed to Lansing for a glimpse into my previous work life.  :-)))))  I am attending a dinner with lots of wonderful people I used to and still work with.... and am looking forward to using that part of my brain and public affairs awesomeness.  :-)   Should be a good, good night.......

Later gator.......

Can't Deny the Kiss Goodbye....

Luke woke up with a fever of about 100 degrees.... Scott knew he was warm as soon as he picked him up... and brought him to me for confirmation. Funny how after being a mom for about nine years, I can tell a fever by touch now.  Give me my medical degree please!  ;-)

We quickly determined he couldn't go to school and made the call to Nana and Papa asking if he could come over.  Such a tough decision... I could have probably stayed home, but have four meetings at work.... one after and Ally's gymnastics to get to today.... not the best day to stay home and far too much to drag him around to.  We are lucky to have grandparents as an option for those sick days... so he is there, taking it "easy" on their couch today... :-)

As I left him, he needed his goodbye kisses... and I cannot say no to such things... so the sickness may very well live on...... :-))))  Oh well..... it's what we do.

We have been trying to teach both the kids about not sharing cups, hand washing and avoiding germs in general as the cold and flu season approaches.  Sometimes I feel like my kids (and me!) get sick more often than the average... but I know it's probably not true.  Kids are petri dishes I tell you. Carrier monkeys.  ;-)

So, I hope this little illness is short lived and Luke can get back to school tomorrow.  Tomorrow night I have a Chamber dinner up in Lansing. I go to very few of these events lately, and really want to be able to go.. so I hope Luke is well enough to make me feel a little less than guilty about going.....

Ally had a birthday party this past weekend... a Survivor Theme!  She had the best time... and yesterday, Amy (the mom of her friend who's birthday party it was!)  called me just to share with me how amazing she thinks Ally is. She chuckled and said "can you believe this is the same girl who made you cry for days just a year ago??"  She wanted to call and let me know that Ally is just as sweet and kind as can be... and that she is so thrilled that she is one of Kennedy's best friends.  Wow.  Way to warm a Mom's heart!!!!  How awesome to hear from another Mom that I value how great she thinks my kid is.  :-)  I am super proud of my baby girl.........

Amy shared some pictures from the big party....

Maria & June's Wedding...

We have had quite the weekend.... Friday night we had my nieces and a friend of Ally's spend the night.... six kids. Party in the USA.  It all went really, really well. Everyone had a great time all evening... everyone went to bed really, really well... but Lyla is teething and had a hard time staying asleep all night... so I was up with her quite a few times.

Other than that... it was ridiculously easy and so much fun. Even when the babies, or Luke or Grace did wake up... they instantly went back to sleep and it was pretty stress free.  I was just worried for Lyla and certainly felt bad that she was hurting.

Saturday morning... Luke went home with Grace and the girls (oh and Jane and Adam too)... and spent the day and then, the night there.... because Scott and I had a wedding.  Ally was with a girlfriend and had a birthday party to attend as well. Thank god for amazing moms who step up to help all the time.  Love all my mom friends!!!!

Scott and went to the ceremony at 2.... and by 3 were at Nightlight... killing the hours in between the ceremony and the reception.... enjoying some drinks, some nachos and some football with some family.  So much fun......

We went to the reception, which was at the Commonwealth Center.... and had a really great night hanging with my Dad and Geri... catching up with cousins I rarely see.... and watching all those wedding festivities that make you feel all warm and fuzzy.  We enjoyed some drinks and had a lot of laughs...

What I forgot to do (cuz I suck!!!) was take a lot of pictures.... but I snapped a few that make me smile.....  ;-)

That's my Dad.... and he's stone sober.  :-))))))

Need to party with my Macklin peeps more often.....

Sneak Peak...

Nicole took our pictures this past Tuesday.... and posted a little sneak peak on Facebook of what she captured!  LOVE and can't wait to see the rest!!!

I am in complete awe of how much older the kids look... especially Ally! She just looks like a little lady these days.  I know some of it is her hair... she's growing out her bangs... and without bangs I think anyone looks older... but her face is so much more angular.... and she just carries herself differently. Then, there's Luke, who in the past few days it seems... has just grown as well.  It's so much fun to watch them grow and change... and I love these annual fall sessions to give me a great year to year comparison!

The Power of your Personality....

I LOVE this article from Simple Mom on Understanding Your Personality.  I love how she discusses the difference between task oriented and people oriented personalities.  Within my department at work, we all recently went through two days of team building and identifying our work style.  My orientation (people oriented ALL THE WAY) and work style are linked hand in hand.  In my work, I want to work in groups, with others, and not be given a list of items to check off and accomplish. I thrive around people... being in social situations, and I will absolutely wither in solitude.  Yes, every once in a while, I need some alone time.... but that is short-lived... and after a short time, I will yearn to be with other people!

I have done Myers Briggs testing and I am an ENFP.... hands down...  :-)  One of my favorite quotes from this description of an ENFP is that I see "the details of everyday life as trivial drudgery..."  :-))))  HAHA!!! This could not be more true. This is why you will often find my house a mess... my laundry piling up.... my dishwasher full of clean dishes.... and a list of to-do's that has simply not been done.  I will happily (and frantically!) do these things if there is a good reason..... like if I'm having a party!  :-)))

There are many great things about my personality type, and many things that I find difficult to simply do because of who I am.

It's good (and bad!) that I married an ISTJ to balance me out.... but that can cause a great deal of conflict if we don't truly understand where the other one is coming from and work to appreciate what we bring into the relationship and into our life together!

In my job, the majority of people that I work with are much, much more task oriented than people oriented, so that often causes a disconnect.  But it is a good thing they have me around or they would be a bunch of no fun, worker bees.  :-))))))))  I love the people I work with and love even more that I really understand where they are coming from and why they work and act the way they do!

If you have never done any personality profiling within your family, your marriage, your work place, or among your friends even... I say give it a go!  It is certainly interesting to learn about yourself and those closest to you!  I know I look at Scott and thing to myself.... "I understand (now) why he is reacting in this way....."  And he definitely has an appreciation for my craziness since it's simply how I'm built.  :-))))

There are ways in which you can really identify and work on your weaknesses when you understand who you are.... and how you are made.  I know I struggle with the mundane.  I have done some leadership profiling and worked through this process of discovering what I truly VALUE and work for in life.... this was like ten years ago.... and my core value, what is most important to me... is fun.  :-)  You may laugh and say "this is everyone... everyone wants to have fun!!!"  But that's just not true.  Yes, everyone wants to have fun... but it is at my core.... I will work my butt off to make just about anything and everything in my life, work, and family.... fun!

This is why I don't go to the grocery store as often as I should... I don't clean my own house.... and why I have changed jobs within my company, as often as I have.  I focus on the fun.... I will seek it out.  I will strive to make anything and everything fun.....

And of course, it needs to involve people....  and contain no trivial drudgery.....  :-)

I love delving into personality and working on weaknesses..... understand and accepting myself and others for what they have and what they cannot possibly have..... it's so very interesting to me.

Lately, I have been working on trying to understand Ally.  That's what our past year in therapy with her has taught us.... given us insight into her personality and how she fits into our family... how she fits in with Scott and I... and how we need to look at her and value what she can and cannot do because of how she is built.

Nothing disappoints me more than when I hear people putting someone down simply because of their choices and how they are made.  We live in a world of too much judgement and not enough appreciation for what is different... especially when it comes to personality and the things we each do because we simply see things that way.

I delight in the differences among you and me... but if you can't see me for who I am and appreciate the differences in me... I will feel that... I will sense that because I am about as highly intuitive as they come... and I will shrink away from you and feed judged.  That is just how I am built.  ;-)

So... I challenge you all to look around your circles... to look at yourself... to figure yourself out and accept you... but identify the personalities of others too and accept them.... and appreciate what everyone brings to the table..... because a world of just your personality!??!??  What a boring ass world that would be.  ;-)

You Win Some, You Lose Some, You Let it Go...

Ah.... so last night after a crazy... and I mean crazy day... I was supposed to have a nice relaxed night with some girls, some sushi and some wine. Remember?  Instead I get a phone call one minute into my PTO meeting at school (Scott's number so I am concerned that something is wrong, so I step out to take the call) that goes a little something like this....

"Mommy?" (It's Ally and I can BARELY hear her or understand her because she is crying so hard)

"Yes honey, what's wrong....????"

At this point, she is so upset... I can't understand a word. I think the worst. That something has happened to them, or Scott and she's gotten to his phone... otherwise why would she be calling me in such a state after what Scott knows is meeting time???

"Mommy my wrist HURTS!!!!!!! And I'm scared and I want you........"

Cue Mommy guilt. Doesn't matter if I'm at work... out with friends.... or at a meeting ultimately FOR HER... I still feel bad if I'm not there any moment that she needs or wants me.  But, the guilt doesn't last long.... and soon turns to frustration in fact, because she has a pretty perfectly capable FATHER right there.... so what is going on?????

"Ally, I am sorry.... I cannot understand you, please put Daddy on...."

Scott explains to me that her wrist hurts, but that it is fine. She is likely freaking out because she watched one of her best friends break her arm recently at gymnastics.. and Ally is doing back handsprings now.... The truth is, her wrist is simply sore from getting used to the motion of what she is doing....

And because I left so abruptly after gymnastics and she was SO upset.... which made Luke join in the fun and he is screaming and crying too.... cuz if his big sister is upset, there must be SOMETHING to be upset about, right????  ;-)

So, there I am... at a meeting I need and want to be at.... with my kids screaming for me.... and Scott seemingly unable to cope with it.  Which, I have to respect because he is ridiculously stressed right now...

I get Ally back on the line and tell her what she needs to do... get changed and comfy.... take some motrin.... soak her hand and wrist in some warm water.... anything to soothe her.  She calms down and it seems as if she can handle it.

But.... between the meeting running a half hour later and the fact that all hell has broken loose at home.... I go straight home after the meeting instead of going out.... and have a glass of wine by myself. So not the same.... :-(

All was well by the time I got home.... but it was for the best that I was there..... I suppose....  ;-)  Just a frustrating night all around for me... because I feel like I need to know that my hubby can handle it when I'm not around.... it's not like I never get out and get a break for me.... I don't know what was different yesterday..... why it didn't work.... maybe just too much during the work and school week.

Scott and I have already committed to not going out as a couple during the week because leaving the kids with sitters on school nights is hard.... breaks the routine of homework and dinner and adds stress.... but I need to be able to attend meetings that I have at school... for Girl Scouts... and sometimes, a dinner or drinks out... whether it be a work dinner (like I have next week) or a night out with some friends... that should be acceptable!!!!!

I told Ally when I got home that she needed to be better for Daddy when I was at meetings for her.... that I wasn't going to be able to continue my involvement in PTO if this was going to be a trend.  She truly loves that I do these things. I can tell she is proud and likes me around at events and just really likes knowing that I'm active in her school life.... so she needs to accept that I'm not going to be home every night as a result of that!

It didn't help that I was gone the night before too... at another parent meeting for HER mind you..... and I hope weeks like this are few and far between... and I'm not gone, throwing everything out of routine for everyone too many nights in a row.....

My kids thrive on routine... and SUCK at transitions.  All kids (and ADULTS) have a hard time with the transitions.... but my kids are particularly sensitive to them. Whether in be the transition from sleeping to waking up.... school to home... Nana's to home... the hand off from Mom to Dad.... it's always a struggle and requires a TON of extra patience on our part..... which, unfortunately Scott just didn't have yesterday....

Sigh........ you win some, you lose some, you let it go.....

Mid Week Update...

It has been a busy week!  I would like to say this isn't typical... we will get into a nice, steady routine soon and all will quiet down. But... I know that is a crock of crap!  :-)  Life is busy and full... and while overwhelming at times... it is how we roll at the McIntosh house.....

Monday, Ally had gymnastics... and we actually had a "typical" evening. I will usually drop her off after picking she and Luke off and going somewhere so she can do her homework for a bit. This is one of the stresses of living so far out of town... I can't really run home in between.... and it's still a lot of time to "kill" so I have decided that after getting Luke, we will go to Panera, Starbucks, Tim Horton's or someplace... where Ally can have a snack and can do her homework (or at least some of it).  She has gymnastics at 4:45 and is done at 6:45 so I can drop her off and head home then, because Scott will get her afterwards and bring her home.....

So, this Monday... I went home and made dinner... .and when Ally and Scott got home, we were able to eat right away and it was a super peaceful night. Coming home with just Luke is nice.... no bickering... he is in the best moods after school and happy to see me and help with dinner.

OH --- and Ally got her back handspring Monday!!!! A super exciting, awesome accomplishment for my girl!!!!!!!!!!!  :-)  At this point, she should be able to add it to her floor routine because her first meet isn't until March, so she has PLENTY of time to perfect it!

Tuesday was a bit hectic... and I was more than a bit frazzled..... I picked the kids up and we stopped at Nana and Papa's to release the butterfly that they had.  Nana didn't want them to miss it... and unfortunately, it had to be a super quick trip cuz I had to get home... get the kids cleaned up, fed, and dressed for pictures that evening!  All while trying to get myself ready too.

It was not the best afternoon/evening.  Tension was high and the kids really react to that.... acting out and generally making everything harder than it should be. I was not the best mommy and made some bad parenting choices and yelled. Ugh.  Then, I beat myself up about that after the fact...... hard to be on your game all the time as a mom.........

But pictures went better than I could have imagined... at first anyway!  Luke is completely able to be bribed with skittles.  The promise of skittles brought smiles and I imagine, some great shots from Nicole!  I know the kids shots turned out great... I am less than confident about the family shots..... but she works magic and makes us look good.....  :-))))

Then, I had to bust over to the gym for a parent meeting....... and then, busted home in time to put the kids down.... and have dinner around 9:00 pm.  Not the best.

Scott is super busy at work and stressed to say the least. He is also taking the GMAT next week as he has to officially enroll in a masters program and get his masters of science in taxation.  Yes. Taxation.  :-)  He has a huge project.... and the GMAT hanging over his head... so he got up super early and went into work and I got the kids ready to go on my own.

Oh.  My.  Sweet. Baby.  Jesus.

Not fun.... at all!  Scott is my morning guy!  Not having him there shows me how much he does in the morning!!!!  I get up at 5:30 and it's still not enough time to get myself, Ally and Luke dressed, ready and fed before leaving by 7:30.  UGH! Super stressful morning. Hate, hate, hate when days start out like that!

I have to shower, do hair, makeup and get ready. Say what you will... no choice about it for me. That's just who I am.  Do not leave the house without makeup and hair done.  Accept me or leave me.  ;-)  Ally has to get dressed... have her hair done.... brush teeth.... and have breakfast.  Luke, get dressed, brush teeth and have breakfast.  Then, I remember I didn't make their lunches last night...... so I scramble to do that.  Double check that Ally has her notebook signed... her gymnastics clothes... that Luke has blankie... and we are out the door.........

All the way into town... Ally is quizzing Luke on shapes.  All the way home yesterday, they did colors. They have their moments where they are pure joy.  I wish I had more of these.  ;-)

I drop Ally first... she gets out of the car.... and I watch 6 or 7 girls come running, so happy to see her... and all engulf her in a giant hug.  Mommy tears.  My little girl is so happy.  :-)  I love her girlfriends....

Luke and I head to school.... and for the second day in a row, he gives me three hugs and three kisses and walks away.... his choice... "bye Mommy!" And off he goes.  He is so happy at school and my heart just swells with happiness for him.

I get in the car and drive to work - the most relaxing part of my day so far - with such a sense of peace for how happy my kids are in their respective schools for the day.  :-)

Tonight I have a PTO meeting at Queens... and then.... THEN.... a much needed, deserved, earned and loved... night out with some girls... some sushi ... and some wine.  :-)  And tomorrow, while Luke is at his field trip... this Mommy is getting a massage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Work hard... play hard... relax!!!!!!!  :-)

Luke's Day at School...

I was chatting with a friend this morning who is going to stop by Luke's pre-school today to check it out for her son... and I was talking about their day... which made me think, I should blog Luke's schedule for others to see and for the memory book!!!

Ms. Joann's Room (3 Year old Preschool)

Luke usually arrives between 8-9:-00 am. Yes, we are that sporadic in what time we get him there!  We shoot for just after 8 am, but you never know.  :-)

8:00-8:45        Free Choice Play
8:45-9:00        Clean-Up/Bathroom Break
9:00-9:25        Circle Time/Story/Music (Thursday Sign Language)
9:25-9:40        Snack/Books on Carpet
9:40-10:00      Project/Centers (Small Motor Skills)
10:00-10:20    Clean Up/Bathroom/Dress to go Outside
10:20-10:45    Outdoors (Gym if Inclement Weather)
10:45-10:55    Bathroom Break
10:55-11:25    Free Choice Play
11:25-11:40    Clean Up/Bathroom Break/Story
11:40-12:15    Lunch
12:15-12:30    Get Ready for Nap
12:30-2:00      Nap/Quiet Time
2:00-2:10        Wake Up/Bathroom Break/Story
2:10-2:25        Afternoon Snack
2:25-2:40        Outdoors (Gym)
2:45-3:00        Bathroom Break
3:00-3:45        Free Choice/Art/Music

And I pick him up no later than 3:30... so right in that free choice time....... it works out just perfect!  He seems to love his day!

This morning, Scott took him to school for the first time. No problems at all! :-)

UPDATE: My friend, Kristen went and spent an hour or so with them today and had to call me when she left to tell me how cute Luke is at school. She says he's just so, so good and does EXACTLY what he's told... down to the last detail.  She said they are told to walk on a line (yellow line) when they go to the playground and he is super anal and walks exactly on the line super slow.....  :-))) I can totally see this. Love it.  My sweet little boy.  :-)

Luke the Football Player....

It appears Luke took the football game to heart.... he now runs around the house and wants to play "tackle" with Daddy.... they throw the ball around and tackle one another. It's pretty hilarious... especially when he is his own cheerleader and gets all giddy when he catches the ball.

Here's a little clip from today:

Mobile Me - Luke Plays Football

Victory for MSU...

We took the kids to the MSU football game yesterday... we tried to introduce them to the full Spartan experience without exposing them to the Tennis Courts and Beer Pong... although, I think Ally would rock at winning Mommy some beer.  :-)))))

We got up bright and early... and warmed up our chicken... packed up our veggies, fruit, chips and beverages (bloody mary's for Mommy and Daddy) and root beer (Ally) and Capri Suns for the kiddos. We made our way up to the Commuter Lot and set up our tailgate.

The kids loved eating and drinking out of the back of the car!  They thought that was pretty cool... as was the "pee cup."  We are a family that refuses to go in the porta-potties.  :-))) So I brought a cup for the kids (and truth be told Mommy) to pee into. Don't judge. It works.  :-))))

And then... we got to ride the bus to the stadium... which was exciting enough for Luke...  :-)  Can't think of a time he's ever been on a bus!  His first field trip is this Thursday and he will go on a real, yellow school bus (which he is ridiculously excited about!!).... but this was just a CATA bus and he got to sit on Daddy's lap.  Still.... a good, good time....

We arrived at the Stadium and the kids were pretty giddy to be in all the excitement that is a Spartan Football game.  So much energy in the air.... it's hard not to bet caught up in it.... we made our way to our seats.... and we were right in aisle, right outside of the Section 17 tunnel entrance.  Perfect for a family! Easy in and out to get food, drink and use the potty!  We loved it!

And you could not have asked for a better game... a glorious shut out! A big win!  Lots of touchdowns and excitement on the field!!!  Luke loved Sparty.... LOVED HIM!  And Zeke the dog, who he got to meet after halftime! So bummed we didn't get a picture of that!  And Ally enjoyed the cheerleaders and MSU motion.  Daddy, of course, loved the game... and I tried to take care of everyone..... and keep everyone happy!  We got snow cones... skittles... carmel corn... and of course, a melting moments ice cream cookie....  :-)

A great day for football!!!!!!

New Teacher....

I would be remiss if I didn't mention last night's Parents' Night at school and how we got to really sit down and talk to Ally's new teacher, Mrs. Phelan!!!!!!

It was one of those moments where my school decision was really affirmed.  I love my school and I am so glad we are there. We heard from on of the parish priests, Father Matthais and we heard from the school principal for about half an hour.  They had an awesome picture slideshow from the first week already, so we could see our kids in action.  We were thanked for our decision in entrusting our kids with them. And Mrs. Hartly even had a section on letting our children face disappointment now and then, cuz it builds character, in her presentation, that I personally appreciated and gave a the little smile too. 

When we went to Ally's classroom and heard from her teacher... I was just overwhelmed by her peaceful presence.  Scott and I talked afterwards about how that is so what Ally needs! The best kind of teacher for her to have.  She was so calm... and mild... and you could just sense that she commanded respect and taught in such a way that the kids don't even know what's hitting them.  I was just so comfortable with her, I can't explain it! 

She discussed that they will have 3-4 book reports a quarter.... discussed the spelling tests and challenge words and how they earn prizes for trying and getting those right (PRIZE? Did you say prize. Ally's in!).  The current events presentations that they will do once a quarter. The fact that we really, really need to work on math facts - DAILY!  (something WE really need to work on promoting at home!)  And the process for mark offs and discipline in the classroom.

What I also really love is the assignment notebook. A silly thing to love, yes I realize... but I love it!  I love that Ally has to write down each and every day what her homework is... and then, one of us has to sign that she did it each and every night.  We are pretty dilligent about homework and working with her... so this just keeps us all in check.  I really like the accountability!

I have a feeling that it's going to be a great year for all of us!

Wacky Wednesday....

So... this morning kicked off with Scott getting up at 5:00 am to spin. I stirred a bit and knew he got up... but easily fell back to sleep. So interesting the times I can and cannot fall back asleep. Wake me from the hours of 2 am - 4 am and I can't get back to the land of nod.  Wake me and five and I'm instantly out? 

Never fear... my sleep was not long enough... for at about 5:22 am... Luke decides to scream "I'm hungry!!!"  WTF?? Why are you UP!!??  I tell him to go back to sleep.  He fights me and says he wants milk. I refuse to give him milk because that is a slippery slope.... leads to him waking anytime to ask for milk. No way big guy.

I assume he goes back to sleep. I go back and lie down and wait for the coffee maker to go off.... I get my coffee and as I'm about to get in the shower, Luke yells for me again. Okay. Apparently he's up for the day.  Before 6 am. Lovely.

I put him in my bed and tell him I have to shower... he lies down and watches whatever is in the Disney channel... I shower.. Scott comes in after his shower and says "do you know there's a kid in our bed?" Yup. Well aware.  Give him some milk please....... every morning Luke has two cups of milk. I'm sure I've shared this.  :-)

Luke is grumpy. Nothing is quite right. He doesn't like the show on TV. He doesn't like his milk. He doesn't like us. He's mad at the world.  I would be too if I was three and I woke up two hours earlier than I normally do for a school day... almost four hours earlier than I do for a stay at home day! 

Ally gets up... must be something in the air. She's grumpy too.  It's picture day and, even though SHE CHOSE the dress she is wearing, she decides it doesn't fit and it's not what she wants to wear. Sigh.  I am gonna be really honest... I don't care much about school picture day. I care much more about our family pictures and the session we have with Nicole... who captures my children better than any LifeTouch photographer can. Sorry. It's the truth.  ;-)

So... I'm pretty calm. Tell her she can wear whatever! I don't care! We compromise and I tie the back of her dress together so it fits better.... she's just so petite on top... things fit funny. I understand this. I like things to fit nicely and look good too. She seems contented by this action... but then, she gets grumpy again and finally admits she wishes I was driving her to school. Any little thing can throw her off and make her act out... and if she would just tell me (which she has GREATLY improved at!) we can usually make one another feel better.  I smiled and told her I understood but that Daddy was taking her and I would see her after school. That was that.......

Our therapist would be so proud.  I didn't take away her disappointment... I made her deal. Even the littlest things... like preferring that I drive her to school over Daddy need to be handled correctly with her.  We have been told (encouraged) to make Ally flex that muscle of disappointment as often as we can. To say no more often. To not always give in and give her, her way because it's easier on us... cuz long term, we do her a disservice.

It takes practice on our end too. It's hard to look at someone you love more than anything in the world.... and knowingly let her down... espeically when you COULD simply give in. I could have taken her to school.... but that wasn't the plan and she knew it... and she doesn't dictate what happens..... so she needs to deal.

Baby steps.

On that front... Ally is doing so, so, so well. She is able to express herself and her feelings more clearly these days and our lines of communication are amazingly open and flowing.  She has more patience with her brother... and I'm not unrealistic... I know they are going to have issues... and siblings will be siblings... but she is much more tolerant of him on a regular basis now.

Yesterday after school.... they both chatted in the back seat about their days.  She asked who he played with.... that's Ally. School is about friends and socialization!  ;)  I get that! Luke said he played by himself.... and then proceeded to tell her what he and some others did... so she says "See! You did play with other kids Lukie!" This is obviously very important to her... maybe moreso than him.  ;-)

This week's them at school is "All About Me" and they made these life-sized outlines of themselves.  I said to Luke "WOW! That must have be a really big piece of paper!" To which he responded "Not that big Mommy cuz I just little!"  :-))))))  He was so proud to talk about his day though. Yesterday he was really pumped up about his day!  More animated than he was just last week.  It's really awesome to see him come out of his shell with others and to hear stories of how he interacts with other kids and the adults in his room.

One thing I was really concerned with was that he might not ask for help.  Like, if he had to go to the bathroom, or if something was hurting him or wrong.  Yesterday the straw for his milk didn't work right, and he told Ms. Joann... and I'm really impressed he did! He got a new straw and was thrilled to tell me it was better anyway cuz it was blue and bendy!  ;-)

These little developmental growths are so much fun to watch. I feel that I notice and appreciate them more than I did with Ally... and that makes me a little sad... but at the same time, I understand that she was our first... and as such, she taught us how to be a parent and we are learning more and more... and the with the second, you must get more right maybe.  Or maybe it's simply because our lives are not as frantic as they were when Ally was three and in preschool.  Who knows.  Or maybe I just have mom brain and I don't remember!  :-))))  Probably the most likely option. 

I think I am so proud of Luke's social development, because I was so scared for him for a while there...  and while I know he's okay, he is on the quieter side and life will be a litte more difficult for him because it will take more effort to interact in the world.  Ally, like her mom, thrives on interacting with the world and gains energy from it.  Luke will have to learn how to balance his world... and we need to balance his time in social situations and his alone time.

Well, this post has droned on longer than I thought......  ;-)  Tonight, Ally has gymnastics from 4-6 and I have a Girl Scout meeting with the other troop leader and the past troop leader after that. Scott and I will do the kid shuffle at 6 at the gym.  I cannot imagine how we will do it all when Luke has after school activities too....... Ally will so be getting a car at 16 to help out.  :-))))))))

A Tuesday that's a Monday....

Today feels like a Monday for sure!  Somewhere in the middle of the night, I actually felt my two day horrid headache start to recede. It's still there, but no where near as bad as it was. I can almost function!!!!  Luke woke up at 3:00 am.... he wakes every so often in the night complaining of "leg pain?"  I have no idea what this could be.....maybe growing pains?  It is consistent... and just every couple months or so.  Just odd......

So, I probably finally fell back asleep just before my alarm, cuz when my alarm went off, I turned it off and went back to sleep and woke up half an hour later. OOPS! 

This is not so good... It means, we are all behind... scrambling to get out the door... and of course, it's cleaning lady day so there's extra stuff to do.. and garbage day so we have to get the bin out to the curb... and both kids go to school now, so there's children to dress, feed, brush teeth and get places on time.

Thank god Luke doesn't officially start until 9, although I can drop him as early as 6 am (yeah right!).  Formal pre-school starts at 9... before that, it's free play.  So, Scott gets Ally off on time, and Luke and I are still scrambling... I get him to school by 8:30 and myself to work about 20 minutes after that which is about 50 minutes late.  Not the best.

I have to get up earlier... on time even!  I can't stand when the morning is crazy....... bad way to start your day, let alone your week!  Luckily, Luke once again, went to school a happy little man.  A little clingy... there were many hugs and kisses, but no tears... and that makes me feel so, so good!