Ready for Christmas?

So... are you "ready for Christmas?" Do you have all your gifts purchased? Wrapped? Cookies made? Food and drink purchased and/or made for the gatherings???

About this time each year, I find myself about 95% ready/done.  There are ALWAYS last minute additions to the kids' piles next to the tree. That's just how we roll. Scott already informed me he went out today and got them both a few more things. Our children will not suffer a lack of gifts this year. They never do. That's one thing we like to do... we really get a lot of joy out of making their Christmas extra special and that comes in many ways.... but a big way for us is so to shower them with gifts. Right or wrong... it's what we do.

I'm a gift person. I love gifts.  I love giving and receiving them.  When I read the seven love languages it's easy to see where I fit in with regard to how I like to give and receive love.  I love gifts.

I got to buy gifts for 10 nieces and nephews this year.... or adopted nieces and nephews. :-)  I love this. In addition to my kids' toys... I get to pick out just one thing perfect for each of them. Something always strikes me that way. More often than not I feel "this is just perfect for......" and I am so happy that I found just that for someone.

I adore buying gifts.

I love overhearing someone wants something and running out and getting it.  I pay attention to details all year long just to buy something extra special.  I'm a good gift giver if I do say so myself.

Last year Ally said it was her very best Christmas yet.... that Santa brought her everything she asked for.... albeit an item or two that she instantly determined she did not need.  I hope she feels the same this year. I have a feeling she will. :-)

I also recognize I am abundantly blessed with an ability by give and buy gifts. I am fortunate... we are fortunate. I am thankful for these blessings... and I hope I pay it forward enough to show that gratitude.

I love paying my cleaning lady double this week... over-tipping my hair dresser.... finding the perfect makeup bag for my makeup artist.... giving a gift card to Luke's teachers.... bracelets (Stella and Dot of course) for all of Ally's...... taking the good bottle of wine to the mom's Christmas party tonite.... giving our good, good friends a case of wine because we drink theirs plenty we get together so much.

We are blessed and this time of the year reminds me of all of that. Family. Friends. My kids.

Yesterday was Luke's birthday. We had an amazing day that I promise to write about. Ally had her Christmas concert.  I cannot express what this is like to a parent/person who doesn't have a child at our school.  It's the most magical thing we do at our school.  I cry every year. It alone, is worth the price of tuition.  ;-)

I love our Christmas concert.  It was the perfect end to a little boy's birthday.

We have been having a glorious holiday season thus far.......... so much more to come!  This weekend we will travel to Scott's Uncle's in Howell to visit with his extended family that we don't see often enough.  Christmas Eve, we will go to mass and see my family at my Grandma's house for dinner after.  Christmas Day will be spent at home and with Scott's side at his parents' house.  My brother, sister-in-law and niece will arrive to stay through new year's not long after Christmas Day. We will see my extended family on my step-dad's (and late step-dad's) side the weekend after Christmas.  My mom will have ALL of her kids... real, step and otherwise.... gathered together at the same time.  It's going to be a lovely gathering for all.  We will see my dad, step mom and siblings on that side sometime when Dave and Mary are up here as well!

Of course, we have CUZIN'S NIGHT!  As always..... a bit of crazy fun in there... some shotski's and a bar crawl. Our youngest cousin is 21.  We are all in for this event.  :-)

I hope to see some special friends over the holidays. I hope to have some crazy nights out with my favorite crazy peeps.  I love the gatherings. I love getting together. It always turns out that we have the perfect amount of down time and crazy family time it seems.  I love that balance.

Christmas morning is always spent at home.... gifts with the kids... breakfast that others are more than welcome to join for ... but we want to be home, in our own house with our immediate family.

I love this time of year.......... I cannot wait for the fun to really begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I don't even mind that I have a bunch of last minute things to do. Nothing seems to be stressing me out really.  I have a new job, a wonderful hubby, a mom who is back in town and great friends to thank for that. I love my support system..... and I love the life we have all built thus far.

A new year to come soon my friends!  How exciting is that??? :-)

The Madness...

We suffered a great tragedy this week. The school shootings in Connecticut.  Wow.  I spent most of my day yesterday not knowing.  I was working all morning.  My mom came in to see me (how awesome is that, that she can!) and she asked me to meet her for a late lunch.  (adore this new schedule which allows me to do that!)

We had lunch and even had a few minutes to do some shopping together. Then, I drove to school to get my kids.  As I always have to get there so early to get a good spot to pick them up.... I always do some phone scrolling while I sit and wait.  I got on Facebook and started reading the statuses and was stunned by what I saw. Then, I went online and googled it... and started reading the articles coming across on CNN.

As I sat there and read... while sitting outside our very own school... I just cried and cried.  My god. I cannot begin to fathom the WHY???  Mind blowing.  There are a lot of messed up people in this world.  That's an understatement for certain.

Babies. Five year olds.  Elementary school children.  Teachers.  Principals.  My entire family is made up of educators and administrators.  I have my own children in school. They were both there yesterday. I cannot comprehend this tragedy.

WTF?  

Everyone deals with this in their own way. Some of us want to read a lot of the details... in an attempt to try to understand the WHY behind it.  Some of us want to shut it out and hear no more of it.  I think I lie somewhere in the middle.  I want to know... but I don't need to know it all.  

Then, there are my kids....

Neither of them knew anything of it... but Scott did talk to Ally about it later.  She will (and did) hear from other kids... and she deserves to be told the truth in a way she can comprehend it. The TV is pretty much banned for now though. Neither of our kids needs to see anything more than what is necessary.  That sounds ridiculous. None of this is necessary.........

Luke is thankfully oblivious and I'd like to keep it that way.

I saw this on FB earlier and it gave me a great deal of peace..... crazy peace because it really hit me......

... the children and teachers who didn't survive are safe in His loving arms... it's the survivors that need our prayers... that need to find peace.  A peace that won't come for a very long time, if ever... let's be honest.

I cannot fathom losing a child.. especially in this manner.  Prayers for the living. Prayers for the community.  Prayers for all.

It's the Most Wonderful Time....

It really is. As crazy busy as it all is.... it's only as busy as we make it....  ya know?  I love Christmas. I am starting a new job in a brand new business too. That makes for a little bit crazier time. Not gonna lie.  But, it's all so worth it and so amazing.

I haven't posted a lot lately. That's just my way of prioritizing I guess.  Can't do it all.  Been working a lot on learning new things related to the new job.  New software systems.  Patients.  New routine.  Trying to get Christmas gifts in order.  Cards written out. A birthday party planned for a very special five year old.  Constant balancing act and I do pretty well if I do say so myself.  Work hard and we play hard.

I had a great birthday. Played hard with some good friends.  Had a lovely dinner with family. This past weekend we did some playing too. Scott had his annual work Christmas dinner at Daryl's.  We had some friends' parties to hop around to on Saturday.  Good, good times.

We did the tree and decorating with the kids on Sunday. It was a great day.  We got a great tree.... our cheapest ever!!!  Ally chose it. It's not perfect.  It's nothing like what we usually get... but it is a wonderful tree.

I didn't take any pictures of us actually decorating the tree... at all.  I guess I was just too busy enjoying the time.  The house looks lovely and festive now.  Just enough clutter that I can stand it.  I love putting it all up as much as I love taking it all down and starting new again in the new year.  This is a great time of year.

I have many gifts purchased and ready for anyone not my kid. Still working on the kids. God bless the internet. As much as I try to shop local... and I really do... you still have to rely on Amazon sometimes.  Scott and I still need to do our annual pilgrimage to the Toy House together to pick some things out though.... he's off all next week and I hope we can finalize it all then. I am a bit of a procrastinator if you didn't know.  ;-)

Okay... just wanted to write for a minute.  Have to finish up a few things and then get to work on mailing out the cards I have finally finished this morning... and run a few errands. There's a bit of snow on the ground today. It's lovely.

Happy happy day everyone.

Stella & Dot Launch!

Now that I've come out from under my rock of illness.... I can start to focus on all the trunk shows for Stella and Dot that I have next week!  I have a co-worker/friend having a trunk show... another friend.... and then, last but not least... I am having my official "Launch Show" along with my good friend Victoria of Kiss and Makeup!!!!

I am really excited about this party. She and I are making it a holiday-themed, girls' night out extravaganza!  She has a chocolate fountain... we are brining in lots of wine.... and some other tasty treats to go with all of that.  It will be held at Scruples Salon, so there is sure to be some amazing salon services.  I know Victoria and her sister will be doing makeup... she is offering 20% off all her products and putting together a big basket of makeup that she's marked down to $5 to clear inventory!

What could be more girlie fun?  Jewelry... makeup... hair care... wine... chocolate!?!  It's going to be a ton of fun!  And it's a huge benefit to me, personally, as I attempt to launch this side business of mine!  I sure would love and appreciate your support!!!!!

If you can't make the event, please consider taking a look at my trunk show link!

Link here:  http://www.stelladot.com/ts/gjzk5

The jewelry is amazing... it's really fun stuff and affordable prices! There are some great promotions right now too.  My favorite is the "Buy One, Gift One" promotion. When you purchase a fixed charm pendant through December 17th, Stella & Dot will donate gifts to active duty members, female veterans, military wives and their teenage daughters through the one of the below organizations.  How awesome is THAT???  I love it!!!!!

I have some of the fixed charm pendants and want to get some more to add to my sample set!  I have the "Watch Over You" necklace.  It's gorgeous in person and I so love the sentiment. I feel it is like wearing my guardian angel's wing around my neck. It makes a gorgeous little gift for someone you wish to protect as well.  :-)

I can also vouch for the "Tree of Life" necklace. It comes in silver and gold.... and it comes with a card that reads something like "reach for the sky as you keep your roots firmly planted..." ADORE.

So, take a look!  Maybe you will find something you just love.... and feel free to contact me too with questions!  I would love to help you out!  Better yet... consider hosting a trunk show yourself!  You earn hundreds in free jewelry! And you can host your own girls' night in!  It's so much fun... it's one of the reasons I love doing this... I get to attend everyone's girls' nights!!!!!  :-)

Happy shopping!!!!

I'm Still Alive....

I know you were all wondering.... but I am indeed, still alive.  :-)  It's been a busy month.... and on top of it all, the entire McIntosh household minus Ally, got a nasty, nasty bug. Maybe the flu. Maybe just a terrible cold. Who knows.  One by one, we all fell exactly two days apart.  Scott started with it the day we traveled home from Naples. Day one gives you a dry, hacking cough. Day two and three, you have a fever and your entire body hurts so bad you want to die. Days four through ten you are still sick, though getting better every day, with cold symptoms. Today, day eleven, is the first day I can say I am really, really getting better!  And I am OH SO THANKFUL!

I know I dropped the ball on posting about my daily thanks. I kept it up on Facebook for the most part I believe. Only missing a day when I was delirious with fever.  It has been a month to be thankful for really. Scott and I so enjoyed our trip to Florida. It was one of the best times we have had together on a trip. There was just something about it that was slightly wonderful and magical. I am so glad we take the time to do that... to get away. We come home feeling like a whole new couple and ready to take on what life throws at us. In this case, the illness from hell....  ;-)

I feel like I lost an entire week with all of us being sick.  On top of it all..... I am leaving my job!  Yes, you heard me right.... I am leaving Consumers after more than 13 years!  It's been wonderful, but it's time for a change and the right opportunity came at the right time, so I have to sieze the moment!

I am going to work for our Chiropractor and good friend, Dr. Scott Manchester. He is opening an office here in Jackson (previously in Brooklyn) and he asked if I would come help him with the office side of things... so he could do what he does best... be a chiropractor!  I cannot wait to help him make this new venture as successful as possible and interact with people once again. No one believes in the power of chiropractic care more than me as he kinda saved my life about a year ago when I was super sick. He keeps my kids healthy... and it's such a happy, positive environment I can't wait to be a part of it!

This is my last week at Consumers. Friday, being my last day. My co-workers are sending me off in style.... we are having a bash Friday after work, downtown.... starting at the Crazy Cowboy. Should you find yourself in need of a great group of people to do a shot-ski or two with... come on out!  ;-)

It's exciting, scary, sad and amazing all rolled into one. I am beyond blessed to have had the time I had at Consumers and just as blessed to have this new opportunity! I can't wait to get started!!!

This is also birthday week!  It started out on a low note, as I was feeling sick and blue, but as I feel my strength returning, I am getting excited about celebrating another birthday with family and friends all week long!

Just wanted to post quick to let anyone out there know I live.... if anyone is out there.  I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgivings and are getting excited as we gear up for a wonderful Christmas season! It's the most wonderful time of the year!

A Very Thankful Month....

It's November and once again I am stating something I am thankful for each and every day. I have been good about keeping it up on Facebook, but remiss about blogging each day! So, here I am..... playing catch up! Bear with me as I quickly summarize the first 6 days of the month!

Day One:  "Today I am thankful for answered prayers and good news for good friends"

Our good friends received news that their godson was going home. The charges against the Giroux family were completely dropped as there were no grounds for such bull.... all's well that ends well as my dear boy Luke would say (his favorite phrase for some reason lately!) but it was still a terrifying time.  Brody is home safe and sound and the family can finally begin to heal after the loss of their daughter and sister.

Day Two: "Today I am thankful for friends... especially those with birthdays and those with exciting life changes"

Life is truly wonderful when shared with friends.  I am blessed with wonderful friends all around. Friends I have made through my children's school.  Friends that have children who are friends of of my children and make for perfect times when we all get together.  Some of my favorite friend gatherings include the whole fam damily.  What is better?  I have wonderful friends that I have had since childhood... since high school... since college. I have family that are best friends. I am blessed with an abundance of friends and I love sharing life with them!

Day Three: "Today I am thankful I live right here in Jackson, MI"

I am. Sometimes it sucks. There's no great mall or shopping. Sometimes the people get on my nerves... as I long for the diversity a larger community offers.... but the truth is this: I wouldn't have it any other way.  My family is here. My husband's family is here. We are rooted here and we aim to grow right here where we are planted.  We have made the best of Jackson... we have embedded ourselves in the community and made the best of friends here. We love our school. We love and try hard to support our local businesses.  We are investing both financially and emotionally in our little city and getting the most out of life right here!

Day Four: "I am thankful the political ads are almost over"

Self explanatory.

Day Five: "I am thankful I have the right to vote"

It doesn't matter who you vote for. I don't care to know. I don't care to argue. I have my feelings, you have yours. Believe it or not... I actually respect your opinion. I hope you respect mine.  But, sometimes silence is the best choice....

No matter what... we are blessed with the opportunity, privilege and right to vote.  We are blessed to live in this country.  I am truly thankful....

So, here we are!  I'm all caught up!  Hopefully I will do a better job of sharing my thanks. I  love this month. I love writing each day about something so positive and uplifting. Three years ago, when I started this tradition, it changed my life. I don't say that lightly either. It did. I constantly look for the good in situations now. Reasons to be thankful are all around us. I now know how to focus on that.....

There are so, so many reasons for me to give thanks.  There are just as many for you too!

Happy Halloweenie....

We had, hands down, our best Halloween yet.  I took the day off work so I could be at both the kids' parties at school.  Luke's was at 9:00 am and Allys' was at 1:45 pm.  I have some great pics from the school parties on my "real camera"... I will get those off someday.  Not making any promises.  ;-)

Luke's party was adorable. Who can resist 26 four year olds dressed up??  They made treat bags, ate some yummy food, played "Hallowingo" (Halloween Bingo), and paraded all over the school through each and every classroom. I love this parade tradition.  Only the Kindergarteners have historically been allowed to dress up at school and they parade. Now that we have a preschool, they join in the fun!  Luke is so lucky to have a big sister and gets lots of love along the way.  :-)

In between the parties, I headed over to my Mom's -- where I was served a super yummy lunch of homemade chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese!  It was a lovely break in my day. The calm in the crazy fun storm!!!!

Got back to school and helped out with Ally's party. They played games, did a craft and, of course, ate food.  I took fruit and was impressed at how much they ate. Healthy choices before a sugar filled evening!!!! They all got gift bags.... and everyone had a great time. Nothing like a school party. I don't care how many teachers hate them. I get it... it's disruptive.... but they will also be some of the best memories for those kids!

After school, we busted over to my office.... where a Halloween Party was underway and trick or treating in all the offices was occurring. Love this. Indoor trick or treating!  The kids got more candy than they needed as we were some of the last to go through. Everyone emptied their bowls into my kids bags!  They didn't even NEED to go out later that night!  At all! But.... of course, we did....

We busted over to our friends' house... were a gaggle of Ally's girlfriends and parents were gathering for dinner.  Homemade mac and cheese, hot dogs and lots of yummy treats.  Hot apple cider with something special added for the adults.  ;-)

We all ate quickly and then, bundled up to go door to door.  It was cold, but we made the most of it! We had a really great time.....

The girls (and Luke!) came back and exchanged their candy. That part cracked me right up. I sat bundled in a blanket with a glass of wine and enjoyed their negotiations.

Yay for Halloween... and like I said before.... long live childhood!!!

Shop for a Cause...

It's the final two days of Stella and Dot's "Shop for a Cause" event....where 100% of proceeds of all "pink" items go to the Noreen Fraser Foundation - for Breast Cancer research and awareness!!!!!!

Check out the items..... they make GREAT gifts!

http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/featured-shops/breast-cancer-awareness-noreen-fraser-foundation.html

Pumpkin Time.....

We went to Sweet Seasons Orchard today after school to get our pumpkins! We also got donuts, caramel apples, cider and homemade peanut butter. I love that place and I always forget its 2.5 miles down the road from us!!!!!!

Ally's goal was a giant "bumpy" pumpkin. The face that the one she found had some green on it too was a bonus. I could barely lift her pumpkin into the car! Luke's is pretty fun too. They are definitely the biggest pumpkins we've ever gotten!!!

Stella and Dot!!!

I did something I NEVER EVER thought I would do. I signed on to be a saleswoman! This is crazy town......

A few months ago, I went to a Stella and Dot trunk show, hosted by my good friend Megan.  I had NO idea what I was attending. I simply read the words "girls' night out, jewelry and wine" and decided like this was something I would enjoy.  ;-)

So, off I went.... no expectations.... just looking forward to having some fun!  And what fun I had!  Sure, I loved my night away from putting my kids to bed and doing homework.  I loved the wine. The chat with some great ladies. But, I totally and completely fell in love with the jewelry and with the lovely woman selling it!

It was all very laid back.  The jewelry was just out for all to see and try on as they wished. There was no formal sales pitch.  No canned routine. The jewelry didn't need one. It sold itself!  I spent near $300 at that first show.... and I had a list a mile long of what else I would love!

Then, I was invited to another show.... at that show, I made the comment that I could totally sell this stuff I loved it so much.... Kelly (the stylist) and I chatted back and forth over time and I constantly thought about it.

Then, they had a promotion. Doesn't it always start with a promotion?  ;)  So, I called Kelly up to get together and chat. And, I backed out of it.... deciding it was just too much right now.

Then, they extended the promotion.... and I, being a big believer in signs, decided this was my sign.... I went to my third trunk show in the meantime, and it was then and there, with encouragement from MANY friends, that I decided to take the plunge!!!

So..... here I am!  I am going to do this!  I am excited about it. It sounds SO MUCH fun... every time I go to a show I have a blast... and totally end up standing next to the stylist talking the entire time and helping her sell it anyway!!  HAHA!

I'm excited about doing things that really get me pumped up!  Going a bit outside my comfort zone here as I don't see myself really into sales... but I am really into jewelry, and clothes and I love nothing more than a great girls' night. I am so excited to help others with their very own fun girls' nights... and to get themselves some pretty spectacular jewelry....

YAY me!!!

So friends.... want to have a trunk show?  YOU SHOULD!  YOU earn tons of free stuff... free credits toward jewelry and half off more items above and beyond that!  It's easier than you think... and you don't need a lot of space or even time.  A couple hours of time.... invite a bunch of friends and family... and off you go!

Check out the website... the jewelry/scarves/purses all rock.  :-)

And join me in the fun!

http://www.stelladot.com/sites/nicolecmcintosh

Rainy Days...

We had QUITE the weekend..... it all began (for me!) on Thursday night... with an amazing night out with some wonderful ladies!  Wine dinner at the CC... love, love LOVE it!  We got to play this amazing game called the aroma wheel. We had to guess what scent (aromas found in wines) were in all these vials... it was wild, cuz the scent was more an undertone than anything... so it wasn't always easy.... but our table full of super competitive women, kicked some BIG butt!  We won.... what else???? WINE!  It was lovely.

Friday, Scott and I met our friends Chelsea and Anthony at the Dark Horse Brewery in Marshall.  Chels and Anthony were coming in for the weekend to stay with us and go to the MSU game, but the Dark Horse is a place they cannot pass by when they are in the neighborhood, so we joined them for some drinks and dinner there.

Saturday, we all got up bright and too damn early to head to East Lansing in the CRAP weather to cheer on our Spartans!  We made bloody mary's, got food at Panera and tried to make the best of it.  When we got up there.... everyone got out to tailgate in the rain, except me and Luke. We were silly in the car and stayed dry until the last possible moment we HAD to get out. Everyone else was already soaked.... Ally was having a tough time of it... so to cheer her up, I totally bought her this outrageous Spartan hand that she wanted. Whatever... it got us all through half the game.  ;-)

The kids and I had enough by half... and headed home. Chels, Anthony and Scott hung tight until about the fourth quarter.  I got home and made everyone chicken chili... and our friend Kristen (the famous one!) came over for the evening.  The boys watched the Tigers... the kids went to bed... and the girls got silly with mustaches.  I love my silly girl time and talk.  :-)

Sunday, the rains kept coming, but we caught a glimpse of the most amazing rainbow I have ever seen.  The kids made it out in time to see it too.  It was a good weekend.... here's to a great week!

Power of One...

My super-duper, amazing, big-hearted, generous friend Kristen, wrote a letter to Glennon at Momastery.  If you read my blog, you read Momastery. I know you do. The letter went a little something like this:

Dear Glennon,

My son is 3 1/2 and goes to preschool at a church. Recently, I found out that a fellow preschool mom has cancer. Bad cancer. Liver cancer. She is a single-mom with two beautiful boys, 3 and 13. We live in a working-class town where people work very hard for little pay. I also learned that she is taking a trial medication that costs $7k a month! This is not covered by any insurance a

s it is a "trial" med. This med is working...she is living. Praise God!

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! $7k! I about fell out of my seat when I read this. Who can afford this? But who can't afford it, when they are fighting to watch their children grow up, to live LIFE...to LIVE!!

So immediately, without hesitation, I wrote a message to the teacher and said that my family would love to contribute to her son's tuition bill. See, we are not rich. We live moderately on one-income so I can raise my babies at home.

But then I thought bigger...MONKEE bigger...and wrote a letter to all the parents asking for help to pay ALL of the tuition EVERY month. I was nervous...then I started to second-guess myself....but I swallowed my fear and I sent the letter home today in the kid's "take-home" folder as I could sneak it in anonymously today as I worked. After I had been home ONE HOUR the teacher wrote me and shared this his November tuition was already paid in FULL. DONE. PAID. TODAY!!!

The tuition is not a lot. But it is something. If we can keep this up and pay it all through next May...it is one less thing this Momma has to worry about. I wish I could be there every month when the teacher says "No thank you, Z's tuition is covered already".

God bless this beautiful Momma and her boys. Thank you Monkees for inspiring me to be more. To do more. Tears are streaming down my face as I type - tears of gratitude and happiness that I made a difference today.

Did I mention I have never met her?

Glennon contacted Kristen and asked if she could post this to her Facebook wall. Kristen was texting me all day.... she was hysterical, giddy and thrilled just to be "chatting" with Glennon. Little did she know the impact her letter was about about to make on some lives. We shouldn't be surprised anymore though. This is Glennon we are talking about. Girl can do some amazing shit.

I sat and read the post... read the comments come in... the likes increase exponentially. Tears of joy, pride, and happiness rolled down my face as I followed FB craziness that ensued.

Now, Glennon is raising money to help. Of course she is. She is Glennon.  :-)

If you go to her main page, and click on the little Monkey button in the upper right corner, you can make a difference in this mama's life. Right here. In Jackson, Michigan.  WOW!

Glennon's presence is felt right here in our back yard.  How blessed are we???

http://momastery.com/blog/

Getting it off my chest....

So, the other day, someone gave me ten kinds of shit for blogging. For the fact that I have a blog.  The fact that my blog post (about Penny in particular) was so long.

It was because the link was posted to Facebook via Networked blogs.  It was a mistake that it happened. I really don't want my blog posts going to Facebook.  Case in point... some random person, found their way to my blog and I don't need them here, reading. Obviously they can't be nice.

(I have since then, appropriately removed this auto-post feature)

Just because something is posted to my wall doesn't mean you HAVE to click on it and read it. When you do begin to read it, and find yourself thinking "wow this is too long" how about you click your way right out of it and move the ef on?

Annoyed.  Totally annoyed.

Doubly annoyed cuz that was a kind of emotional day around here and I think it's pure BS that you can't see or understand that.  Really?

If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all..... I like to follow this rule, but.... I will go on anyway....

So, I get shit for blogging.  Exact words said to me "If you have that kind of time on your hands...."

BEST PART... wait for it.... in a later conversation, this person talked to a bunch of people about SEVERAL reality TV shows.

So let me get this straight.  You have time for hours of reality TV.  I blog now and then (and let me mention, I write and type FAST so it takes me MINUTES not hours to write a post)... and I am getting made fun of for using my time in THIS way?

Now, I will never make fun of or judge someone for decompressing the best way they can or know how. If you want to watch some smut TV... more power to you!  I know it can be great to zone out and do just that.

Just watch what you say to others about what they choose to do with their time.  I can throw it back just as well as I can take your shit, but I usually choose not to because I don't think it's always in anyone's best interest.

This blog allows me to vent sometimes... so I don't blow up in your face over this.

I appreciate this little space for doing just that... oh, and the wonderful little opportunity it gives me to document my life and my kids.

Don't like it?  Get off my page.

Thanks.

Have a great day!

Cleaning OUT....

I may not be the best at always keeping my house picked up... but something I really DO excel at... is cleaning things OUT.  I love to get rid of things.  Love, love, love it.  I know others are strongly against this and think I am crazy, but to me, it is cleansing. Feels like I am losing weight!  I even get giddy on garbage or recycling day. The feeling of a bag or bins of things LEAVING my house... it's like lightening my load.  Easing my burden. I know to some this sounds crazy.... but it's how I feel!

I have passed this trait on to Ally for certain.  She too isn't the best at everyday picking up, but loves to do a deep clean out.  Over the weekend, she decided she wanted to clean out the play room. She said she wanted to make things more user friendly for them to play school since this is what she and Luke do together more than anything else.  So, she grabbed some garbage bags and set to work.

She was down there for a very short amount of time before she started to feel overwhelmed.   She and I had to have a talk (and she had to have a small fit) about how we need to take things in stages... and tackle this project a little at a time.  There was no way we were going to accomplish it all in one day. So, we needed to make small goals for each day this week, until it is all done by Friday!  (Friday, we have weekend guests coming and a babysitter for the kids for one of the nights and Ally wants the basement to look nice for this new babysitter who also happens to be one of her gymnastics coaches...)

So, because Ally is Ally... she fought the system for a while.... and then, eventually accepted this plan of action.  We didn't get much done at all Sunday...  because we were learning life lessons and then, playing Monopoly because Ally needed some time... but we did get to work yesterday after we came home from work and school and after all our homework was done and dinner was in the oven.

We took the bags down and the first thing Ally wanted to tackle were the books.  Now, I have no problem keeping lots and lots of books, but in the interest of this being HER project... I allowed her to fill no less than two bags with books to donate.

Side note - super duper proud that Ally always thinks about what and how to donate things that she no longer wants.  I donate most of what I get rid of.  I am proud that I am passing this on to my girl.  She will look at a book or toy and think of who would actually like to receive it. Not a person specifically, but the type of child who would get joy from it. And that makes her feel good. I can tell.  :-)

Then, we started in on toys and stuffed animals.  Stuffed animals are the hardest for my kids. They look at one and cannot seem to really let it go.  But, they did choose a handful and into the donation bag they went!

What I cannot stand are all the little pieces of things.... we have things in bins all over... but those things always end up all over and you lose a piece here and there.  The toys never stay confined the toy room and things end up under foot everywhere downstairs.  I know we are blessed to have that area downstairs!  I can spend days without looking at toys and I'm not gonna lie... for that I am thankful. I am not a big toy lover... I don't think kids need a zillion toys to be entertained and happy and I don't think they need to keep anything for that long.  Really, we should just rent toys. Seriously.

I am pretty happy we are starting to grow out of the toy phase entirely.  Ally is really done.  She likes some stuffed animals, her American Girl dolls, and play school supplies/craft supplies.  Luke goes along with whatever his sister wants to play with when it's just the two of them.... and when he has a friend or cousin here, they play with things such as Littlest Pet Shop, dolls, kitchen type toys, or cars/trains and things that go.

I don't get emotionally tied to toys really. I don't know why I'm like this...  is what it is.  I can easily get rid of things that they loved.  I know they will love something else. I know they are over it.  It's a toy. An object.  My kids are the only things I really need to look at around here.  They are the most important. Not any of the stuff.....

So.... Luke and I are heading back down today to clean out some more. Into the car these bags will go.  Books will go to school.... and toys to a donation drop off such as St. Vincent's or Goodwill.  Out of my house!  And, bonus... it's garbage day too!  ;-)

Good Times...

Yes, times have gotten better since Penny's passing.  Ally was sad to the point of inconsolable for a few days.  She had some amazing friends rally around and try to cheer her up.  One of her friends, who has three guinea pigs of her own, sincerely wanted to give Ally one of hers.  Ally's response was one of such maturity that I was moved to tears again.  She thanked her friend Chloe, but went on to say that it was maybe something they could talk about in a month or so.  She needed to think about it and essentially, she wanted time to mourn Penny.

I was proud of her mature response.  Her desire to see through the sorrow. To not replace the loss with something else so quickly.  How many adults can say they have the capacity to do that. I love that Ally amazes me at times with her emotional intelligence.

We have had some good, good times lately.... A couple weekends ago, I enjoyed a girls night away at Duck Lake with my sis in law and girlfriends.  We had some drinks, laughs, girl talk and I even got some Project Life-ing done!  I was very proud of my efforts!!!  I came home that Saturday and we went to the Lumen football game with friends.... and afterward, Ally and Luke had a little sleepover with our friends, the Manchesters. This was Luke's very first sleepover NOT with family. In fact, his first sleepover was with five girls.  :-)))))  His sister and one of her friends, a second grade girl and a middle school girl. The boy knows how to get all the ladies!!!!  He has a very special relationship with Anna, our friends oldest daughter... and she adores him to pieces.  The kids stayed the night, because us grown ups had a bright and early tee time for a JCMS golf fundraiser the next day.  Yes, I golfed 18 holes. It was a lot of fun!!!  Just for fun... good friends, good drinks, good times.  And Fireball too!



Last week was uneventful... in a good way.  Work, school, and events each night as always.  Monday night, when I was at dance with Ally, I get a text from Scott that he has scored Tiger Playoff tickets for game one... which turned out to be Saturday night.  Not only two tickets for us... but eight tickets.... so we gathered up our party peeps... made hotel reservations and headed to Motown for a good time, Tiger style!  We had a blast at the game and out after.  It was cold, but we bundled ourselves up.... and somehow it didn't seem so cold. Maybe because the Tigers won... and the atmosphere was so amazing!  Just an overall great night. I love, love, love when Scott plans a night out like that! The best kind!

We returned home on Sunday and when we got home, Luke found his Halloween costume from last year..... he had to put it on since we were watching the Tigers... he didn't take it off the rest of the night... and has decided he wants to be called "Sammy the Tiger."  He would even yell at you if you didn't refer to him as such, stating "I am not LUKIE!" Nice.  ;-)



He can be such a crazy kid sometimes.  He is fighting a minor cold right now. You would never know it by day, he's not congested or anything, but he is coughing a bit at night. I hope he bounces right out of it. I had my suspicions when he fell asleep last week watching TV... and then, again yesterday.  But, he did have a sleepover with Grandma Saturday night too.  Tired Tiger. 

Ally and I played a rousing game of Monopoly last night. I love when I can take the time to devote hours of time to the kids.... or to her specifically.  Goes a long way.  Hard to ignore the ever growing list of "need to do's" sometimes... but time with others is always a must do!  Luckily, I have an amazing hubby who accomplished some housecleaning while I did that.  I am a lucky girl!

Recovering today.... tired from a crazy, full weekend.  We had gone out with friends and the kids Friday night too (Hunt Club instead of the Lumen game cuz it was raining), and before leaving for the Tiger game Saturday, we squeezed in our family picture session. Which did not go so well as the kids were so freakin' uncooperative. They hate pictures!  Ugh. Always worth it in the end though... no matter how painful.  This Momma wants her pictures!!

Can't wait to see how they turned out!

Goodbye Penny...

Yesterday, the McIntosh family suffered a great loss... but no one felt this loss greater than my baby girl.  Ally's first pet of her very own, her guinea pig Penny, died unexpectedly during the day while she was at school. I thank God that Scott happened to be home sick yesterday. It solidifies my belief that everything happens for a reason.  He found her, and was able to call me so I could mentally prepare myself and think of what to do and how to tell her as I drove home.

The first thing I did was call my in-laws.  I am thankful that no matter when or what... they are a phone call away.  I asked them to meet me at home and take Luke to their house for a bit.  No hesitation... my father-in-law was there in an instant and took Luke home with him.

Ally instantly knew something was up.  "Why is Luke going to Nana's mommy?"  She's a smart cookie, that one.

I am thankful Scott was home with me.  I hate doing this stuff alone.  Kudos to the single parents out there who do this alone day in and day out. You have a special place in heaven.

We sat her down in the living room and just got it out.  "Ally, Daddy was home sick today and he went to check on Penny and... she died baby girl...."

Oh my word. The tears. The true sorrow she felt after that.... the screams... just heartbreaking.  More than a mom can sit there and take.  Scott and I sat with her. Cried with her.  Just let her cry and yell and get it all out....

As an adult... I know this loss is small on the scale of loss one can suffer... but to a nine year old girl, this is as bad as it gets.  Penny was her friend. Her roommate. Her very OWN to care for and love. Penny loved her back.  If I put my hand in her cage, she ran away.  But, she came to Ally, let Ally pet her and pick her up. She squeaked like crazy when Ally was in her presence.  They had a special thing they did all the time... Ally would go up to her cage and they would go nose to nose... it was their sign of affection. And it was freakin' adorable.

Oh Ally... I am so sorry that your Penny is gone. I know you feel loss as few other do. I know you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.  This is a heartbreaking loss.  A terrible loss of innocence that I wish I could protect you from for as long as possible.  I know you loved Penny with all your heart.  I hope you know that she loved you right back.  You took such wonderful care of her.  You gave her treats and fed her and loved her every day.  She had a wonderful, albeit short, life with you.  Better than she could have had anywhere else.

I am so proud of you that you went in to look at her to say goodbye. I am in awe of the strength you had to do that. I am not sure I could have done the same at your age.  I will never forget the sound of your voice when you said "goodbye Penny"... how you waved at her. I will forever recall the image of you decorating the beautiful box we buried her in. The tears streaming down your face, but your determination in completing the task.  You wrote "Penny" and drew a heart.  You wrote "I love you.... you are the best guinea pig.... have fun with Duncan."  I love that you hold on to the image of Duncan chasing her in heaven.  I love that you believe she has gone on to a better place and that helps you find peace.

I am so sorry that you feel so sad. That you feel alone in your room now that she is gone. I know life isn't always easy on you and that she helped to calm you sometimes. She made you happy when you were sad. She distracted you from life sometimes.  I am sorry you don't have her to do that for you anymore.  I know you will miss that. I know you will feel an emptiness in your heart for a long, long time.

I am glad you have these two crazies to love on still though... they are a pain in the butt sometimes, but they love you... and yesterday, they knew you were hurting. The did what they could.

Life can be a bundle of poo sometimes.  This isn't the hardest thing you will face, but it feels like it right now.  In time, this will seem but a blip on the screen.... but that will take a while, and in the meantime, you go ahead and grieve and we will be right by your side.

Goodbye Penny.  Thanks for giving my baby girl some great memories... and for teaching her both wonderful and awful lessons.... you served a purpose in our lives. 

Run fast though, Duncan can be fierce...  ;-)

Family Fall Festival....

This past weekend, we braved the elements and went to the Family Fall Festival! It's a HUGE fundraiser for all the catholic schools in town and we are always happy to be supportive. We just wish the weather could have been a bit nicer!!!

We went both Saturday and Sunday.... The kids wanted to experience both the evening rides (it's fun to see all te rides lit up!) and the daytime fun. So we did Saturday night, hoping th fireworks were still on (which they weren't) and Sunday afternoon to be there for the big raffle announcement (and beer tent fun with friends) at 6:00.

There definitely weren't as many rides for Luke this year it seemed. But he didn't mind. He rode the same few over and over and was generally spoiled by all the older girls who think he's the cutest. That kid. ;). He also loved the Kids' Tent and all the fun games and crafts. The Pony Ride was a fave as well!

Ally had a blast on all the bigger rides. She would have ridden all day and night if she could have. The kids enjoyed elephant ears and lemonade. Typical fair food. Their friends were there all weekend and they laughed and played. It was a great weekend. We love the Fall Festival!!!