Divas and Dances...

What a weekend we have had.... what a week! Whew! I am glad I made it through.  Gladder still, I seem to have come out unharmed.  I had a great time with it all.... but I am glad it is over!  Not.  Gonna.  Lie.

Huge sigh of relief!!!!!

After a week of being sick, coaching DI, celebrating Ally's birthday with a night out at Red Lobster with Family, running my Brownie meeting, attending a wine tasting, and taking the kids to Kids' Night out at the Club...... came Saturday!  A big day. We had been planning for it for quite some time.  It was not just ANY Saturday.  It was the Saturday of Ally's big Diva Party AND the Daddy Daughter Dance!

Quite some time ago, I discovered, Victoria Beaman of Kiss and Makeup! She has a boutique at Art 634 and she does all sorts of parties for big and little girls!!!!!  We decided on a Diva Party (what could be MORE appropriate for my little Diva?) for Ally's 9th birthday!  I didn't just want to do another slumber party (read - I didn't want to have to run the show again!!!!) and it is hard having a January birthday with limited options - - all inside and sometimes BORING.......  So, we were happy to have a new option!

In talking to Tori about what she does at the party, I discovered she does hair, nails, facials, makeup in addition to all the other crafts, snacks, games and fun.  I then decided that we should take advantage of the girls being all "done up" and have the party the same day as the dance, since her birthday is always so close each year. It really worked out pretty much perfectly.

I say pretty much, because it made for a pretty hectic day!!!!  But, that's okay. It was only hectic for me I think...... the girls all loved every moment!  And the moms were sure happy I took care of some of the work for them!  :-)

When we arrived at the party destination.... Ally and I instantly oohed and ahhhhed over how the space was decorated!!!!  It was every little 9 year old girls dream space!!!

We settled in and waited for the girls to arrive...... one by one they came, and one by one, they announced that they wanted to live there.  :-)  They kicked off the party with a little game.  They had so see what they knew about Ally!!!  Her friend Kennedy was the big winner.... knowing her favorite animal (panda!)... middle name (Jane).... actual birthday (Jan. 25).... what she was for Halloween last year (50s girl).... her favorite singer (Selena Gomez)..... and the list goes on and on.  Many of the girls knew many answers and they had a lot of laughs about those they didn't know.

After the little game, they quickly moved onto the craft!!! These are some CRAFTY girls.... and they were very excited to make their very own little jewelry box to take home!

Then, we got into the good stuff..... the hair, nails, and makeup portion of the party!!! The girls each chose a station to start, while some of them finished up their jewelry boxes.  Caitee kicked off hair, Ally nails and Morgan facials...

They were so silly and so into everything they did the entire time. Tori just loved their energy! She loved how they sang and danced and were generally silly the entire time. They were so kind as well.  I heard pleases and thank you's day. Constant words of praise for one another "oh Ally I love your nails... Cara, your hair looks AWESOME!"  On and on.... the girls are a positive, fun energy to be around. Every one of them. I am so glad they are my daughter's friends!

Toward the end, Ally opened her gifts from her more than generous friends.  I marveled at what she got from them, knowing full well that they and their mothers worked hard to ensure Ally received some really special and personal things.  She got a huge panda pillow pet and adorable panda necklace from Caitee.  A makeup case, lotions and mini pillow pet from Morgan.  Bracelet craft, girls truth or dare game and body spray and lip gloss from Quinn. And more lotion, shirts, bags, headbands, and girlie items from Cara and Kennedy!  The girl was spoiled rotten!

After gifts, there was more silliness and a photo session in front of a green screen! Super cool! Pics from that session to come when I get them from the photographer.......

A super fun day for a very special diva and her five besides!!!!!!  I had so much fun watching them.... and I hope they let me be a part of their fun for as long as I can!  :-)

We ran home (literally sped!!!) to get dressed and see Ally and Daddy off to the dance!!!!!!!!!

They had a wonderful night together.... and I had a wonderful dinner/night out with some of the Moms.... and then, Daddies, Mommies and kids all joined at the Whites for some late into the night partying.... it was an all around, full, busy, crazy and amazing day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  One I will remember for a very long time......

Nine!!!!

My baby girl is NINE years old!!!!! NINE!!!!!  It's crazy and awesome and unbelievable and scary all at the same time.  She's nine.

She was just born yesterday, yet she has been here all my life...... or so it seems.  How is that possible???  She is just a baby. She is wise beyond her years.  She has the soul of an old lady. She seems like she has seen it all. Knows it all. Feels it all deeply.

She is such a cool kid.

I am so lucky she is in my life.

This past year has been some of the best of times.  We have been through some rough stuff with you my little girl...... but we have worked and we have learned and we have grown.... together.  I love how hard she works. I can see how she tries.  How she processes everything.  She is the most amazing little girl I know.  She is free spirited and crazy to some.... she is deeply sensitive, and brooding to others. 

As Scott would say.... "she is confounding..... and that's why we love her......"

There is never a dull moment when Ally is in your life.  Never.

This year, her birthday fell on report card day.... and my girl brought home all A's on that report card. She brought her Social Studies Grade up from a B+ to an A..... she scored an A+ in  Science! That's 100% baby! Not one thing wrong on an assignment, a quiz or a test all quarter! I am DAMN proud of how hard she works in school.  Prouder still of her marks in social growth and development. She is talking out of turn less.... listening more.... and the BEST yet.... she is one of the most helpful, kind and considerate girls in class.

She came home Tuesday and told me the "new girl" in her class told her she was her best friend...... she told Ally that she made Queens less scary and she made her feel welcome. I am more proud of that story than I am of her report card.

I want her to work hard... earn good grades... yes. But, I want her to be a GOOD PERSON.  A caring person. An empathetic person, more.  And she is that.... I see it everyday.

Now if we could only get her to treat her brother that way...........  :-))))))))))

Happy happy birthday my gorgeous girl..... I enjoy every year with you more and more.........

Toot.... Toot....

Gonna toot my own horn for a minute. We don't toot our own horns enough as mom's. As women.

Sick as hell. Pulled my ass out of bed. Made it through the day at work. Meetings. Accomplishments. Socialization. Did it all. Yoga was my calm in the storm. Lunchtime yoga. Heaven.

Went to DI with the six girls. By myself. Didn't exact rock it, but survived it. Took Ally and a friend to gymnastics. Took another girl home for another mom who is working out of town. Mom help. That's what makes the world go 'round. Got Luke.

Still made it to the store. Got food for meals this week. Luckily, we are going out a lot this week so it was a short trip.

Came home and made a wonderful dinner. Mostacolli, salad and crusty bread with oil. Yum. Luke ate like a champ. Ally ate like a champ. Luke asked me to make it again sometime. We sat at the table as a family as we so often do and in my cold haze, it was a wonderful dinner. The kids were in great spirits. Luke was especially silly. It was a kairos moment for sure. For sure.

I even did most of the dishes as I cooked so there were very few to do after. Scott is getting the kids around. I will slip in and read to Luke. Then tuck myself in. Sweet dreams out there. This supermom/woman is looking forward to her pillow.

Oh So Sick....

Last week, I felt as if I was fighting something. There was a tickle at the back of my throat. I felt a bit more tired than usual. I had a dry cough that wouldn't subside......

But, last night, after working out (which I felt GREAT doing!), I came home and this cold that I thought for sure I could beat off with a stick... took a strong hold of me.

Today I am sick as hell.  And it really, really sucks.

It sucks because I have so much to do. So much. This is a bad week. Argue away that any week is a bad week to be sick.  I will argue back. THIS is a bad week. This week is my baby girl's birthday week.  Wednesday is her day. We have dinner plans that evening.  I have Girl Scouts this Thursday. I have a wine event with girl friends Thursday night after my time with 20 Brownies.  It's Kids' Night Out at the Club Friday night and the kids are having caricatures made and they get to decorate themselves.They are so excited for this. I have Ally's birthday party with her friends Saturday. A big Diva event. I must be on for this.  I have her Daddy/Daughter Dance Saturday. I have Ladies Night at Daryl's while the Daddies are with their daugthers Saturday.

I have DI today after school...... ugh.... ugh.... ugh....

I have, I have, I have............. NO TIME to be sick... and no time to take to recover. I have work. I have children to feed and clothe and drive from event to event. I am Mom. I don't get a sick day.  For some reason, this makes me sad. It makes me feel like a failure. Above all things... I despise being sick. It actually makes me angry.  No lie. Angry.

So, I am keeping my goal simple this week because I must go easy on myself.  My goal is to get healthy..... come hell or high water..... I need to find some down time... take what I can get.... and get better for all the people in my life who need me.... and for me.

Say a little prayer for me............... and Luke as he is up all night with the cough now too (read: Mommy up with him!!!)

Lunchtime Fail....

Ugh.  Luke was a beast at lunch. A. Beast.  He's not feeling well. I can tell.  It does NOT excuse his behavior.... but I know he's not feeling 100% cuz I too am fighting off this cold or whatever it is.  It's not awful... just something in the background.  He started coughing a bit today.  Lovely.

So.... we get to Slice of Spice to meet Jeanne.... and Luke instantly turns into little agressive boy.  Luke is SO NOT an agressive boy.  He doesn't want me to look at him or talk to him and he is all worked up about something.

We take a little trip to the bathroom where I tell him to straighten the ef up.  Not in those words.  Promise. But, I will not tolerate his crap. He can tell. He calms down.

It's still a struggle. I despise the balancing act when he acts this way.  I know it's not his favorite thing to do.... sit while Mommy and a friend talk... but I cannot and will not live my life completely dictated by my children's wants and needs. They need to learn that life does not revolve around them... sometimes we do something we don't want to do... and sometimes we have to sit and be the kid for a moment while Mommy has lunch.

Luke started to wind up toward the end. So much so, that he pushed his chair right back and BONK.... down he went. Second time he has done this at this restaurant.

I am not swayed.  I will not give up.  We will keep going out and Luke will learn to act like a decent human being.  Grumpy little poop head.

Came home.  He went straight to bed.  Arguing all the while. Tough little man. It's nap time once again for you.........

Mommy is going to make a pot of tea and chill.

I will save the wine for later......

A Little Braggin'....

It's my right.... right???  To brag a LITTLE bit about my kids.  I know it's annoying. I know they hate it. But, they don't sit around reading my blog and if YOU are reading my blog, you are probably not too offended either.... so here I go!!!!

Luke is growing and learning in leaps and bounds this year!!  (and when I say this year, I mean this "school year.")  He knows his letters.... can write some of them... can spell his name... and he is starting to sound out letters and words and is showing all the signs of reading readiness!  I remember when Ally did all these things... how I was in awe at the way they just all of the sudden, start to learn and read and write.... it just seems to explode!

He's really into painting these days.  As I write this, he is sitting across from me on the table, painting away.  Yesterday he made a few things.... something for Daddy and something for Grandma Kathy:

The second picture is a self portrait.  Luke wanted to send Grandma a picture of himself.  I love that he just has this GIANT grin on his face. Adorable.

I know I suck about posting pics lately.  I didn't keep up very well over the Christmas holidays, but I did update the Mobile Me Gallery (to the right) with albums of Christmas pictures.  So, hopefully you can take a look over there and enjoy.

Luke and I didn't do a thing yesterday.  It was a lazy day at home.  He even took a nap because he woke up so early (read - Ally and her LOUD self woke him up so early).  Then, when we went to get Ally from school, she was invited to a friend's house to do homework and play for the evening.... so Luke and I were, once again.... lazy.  It was lovely. We needed the down day.

I was supposed to meet Kristen to work out after her kids went down... but Scott ended up having to work late... so that did NOT happen. Which means I have to get my cardio in (bike!) today or I fail at my goal.... and failure is NOT an option. So.... spin I will!!!

We have plans to meet up with a friend for lunch this afternoon.... then, no real plans for the rest of the day!  I plan to make the scampi for dinner tonite, so I need to get to Prime Cuts and get some fresh shrimp.  Cannot wait for dinner.  YUM!!!

Thinking family game night this evening...... that sounds like a great plan!!!!!

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time!!!

Woo hoo!  It's that time of the year again.... where we eat cookies until we burst!!!!  Yay for Girl Scout cookies!  Luke eats them for meals! They contain his complete nutrition needs for a day... maybe a week!  Ally shakes her head in disgust.  My girl was not born with a sweet tooth.  Scott hides in the closet, hoarding Thin Mints... trying to prevent Luke from making them his dinner for yet another night.

We love our Girl Scout cookies!!!!!

In my effort to be a supportive Mom, I am posting info here on my blog for those of you who might like to leave a comment, email or call me to place an order! I will figure out a way to get you the cookies you so desire!

You can also choose to purchase boxes to be donated through our Gift of Caring program. We chose the Jackson Aware Shelter this year to be the beneficiary of our Gift of Caring cookies!  Please give generously!

Boxes are $3.50 each! The cookie flavors are as follows:

Trefoils - Delicate tasting shortbread that is delightfully simple and satisfying!
Do-Si-Dos - Crisp and crunchy oatmeal cookies with creamy peanut butter filling!
Samoas - Tender vanilla cookies, covered with caramel, rolled in toasted coconut and striped with rich chocolate coating.
Dulce De Leche - Sweet cookies rich with milk caramel chips.
Thank U Berry Munch - Real cranberries provide a tartness in these hearty cookies sweetened with creamy, white fudge chips.
Tagalongs - Tasty cookies topped with creamy peanut butter and covered with a luscious chocolaty coating.
Thin Mints - A thin wafer covered with a smooth chocolaty coating. Made with natural peppermint.

Let me know if you are interested in a zillion boxes of cookies!!!!!  :-)

This is the Gym Calling....

So... yesterday went a bit like this.

Scott forgot the lunch. You read the story.

I went to work and it was a good day.  Had yoga.  That was great.  Picked up Luke, and he and I came right home because we didn't need to hang in town to get Ally.  Scott was picking up Ally and Cara (carpool) and life was good.

Luke and I came home and enjoyed cookies and milk. Maybe a brownie too.  Have I told you about Luke's sweet tooth?  ;-)

We relaxed and then, it was time for me to get ready for my sushi dinner with the girls. I got dressed and ready to go. I started to warm up leftovers for dinner for the kids and Scott cuz I'm a good Mom like that.

Then.... the phone rings. I look down. It's the gym calling.  It's also 6:23 pm.  Hmmmm.....

"Hello?"

"Hello, Nicole?  It's Sydney calling from the gym.  No one as picked up Ally and Cara yet and we have tried to call Mr. McIntosh three times."

"Oh my. I am so sorry! Let me call him right away and find out what is going on!"

I get off with Syd and call Scott at work...... in his office........ at almost 6:30. He answers.  WTF?

"Um.... Babe.... why are you still at work?"

"Why? What's going on?"

"Did you forget to pick up Ally? Do you think it's Monday? (class ends at 6:45 Mondays)"

I can hear the horror set in as he realizes this. It's not only our child sitting there... it's someone else's as well.

He pretty much hangs up on me and runs out the door.

I grab Luke.... we have to go pick up Leslie now.... and meet Scott somewhere to exchange the little man.... since Scott was supposed to have picked up the girls by 6 and been home about 6:40 or so.  That didn't happen.

Luckily, Cara's mom is pretty darn cool. And Cara is #4 out of four girls.... Paula probably didn't even realize she was missing.  :-)))))))))

Not the best way to kick off what was supposed to be a relaxing night out with the girls.

But.... it's the way it always goes isn't it? I have learned to just laugh.  Laugh and laugh and laugh at it all. Sometimes it's wonder anyone is anywhere they are supposed to be at anytime at all.

The night was lovely. The girls and I ate amazing sushi and talked for hours.  Did I mention there was wine too? There was lots of wine.  And laughs about going to Brazil.... and crazy people having more children.... and special education.... and how to choose a school for your kids without making yourself crazy..... and, you get the idea.  Mom talk. Girl talk.  Much needed breaks in the madness.

I love girlfriends and sisters in law.  I am so lucky to have them. And more lucky they like sushi!  ;-)

Luke and I are home today.  I was going to be brave and go to Somerset... but have you seen the weather out there?  Yuck.  It seemed like the perfect day to be lazy and stay home.  And maybe I will accomplish something.  Just maybe.

But maybe not...............  ;-)

Hi Honey...

This morning, Scott takes both Ally and Luke to school. This is how things are SUPPOSED to go each morning.  He drives RIGHT by both schools on his way to work.  It is ten times easier for him to do the drop off than it is for me.  For me to take Luke, I have to go into downtown (a 30 min commute) and then, drive out to where I work on Parnall Road (a 10-15 min commute, depending).

So.... of COURSE things didn't go as planned.... even though it really seemed like I was actually going to arrive to work, on time..... something I NEVER do since Luke starte preschool.

I leave the house. I am so freakin' happy cuz it's a brand new day, the kids are on their merry way... and the icing on the cake.... MY GARAGE DOOR FINALLY works!!!!!!!!!  I am giddy with happiness.

I am driving along. David Gray comes on Coffehouse.  The day just keeps getting brighter.  I am singing. I am driving.  I am ON TIME!

My phone rings. I look down. It's Scott.

I know what words are going to come out of his mouth before I even pick up the phone.

He has forgotten Luke's lunch.  But.... I checked the kitchen!  I looked!!!!  Cuz last time he drove Luke in he forgot his lunch and I had to drive into town on a day that I didn't need to drive into town and I cried!!!!!!!!

So... I brace myself and say hello.......

I was right. He forgot his lunch. AND HIS HAT!  Luke has nothing to eat and nothing to keep his baby head warm when he goes outside. 

Sigh. 

I react internally. I want to be pissed off. I am already passed Spring Arbor. Now I have to drive back to Concord... then, drive into downtown... then drive out to Parnall.  UGH!!!

But, I sigh and say it's okay... it happens.  Because, it does. It happens to all of us.  I could have done it too.  (just for the record - I have never forgotten Luke's lunch.... *pat on the back*)  So, I don't get upset, angry or even frustrated.  It's how things go.

"It's not always rainbows and butterflies. It's compromise that moves us along...."

It's forgiving your hubby when he makes a mistake you very well could make. It's forgiving yourself when you make the same mistake the next week. Not beating yourself up.  None of us is perfect.  As my sis in law said recently.... 'those who live in glass houses, shouldn't throw stones." And like I said. We all live in glass houses.  None of us is perfect.

Who would want to be?

So... I got the lunch... and the bonus of that, was I got to smile again when I watched my garage door go down on it's own for the second time today!  It's the little things.....

I drove into St. Mary's and dropped off the lunch without Luke seeing me. But, I got to see him... and I saw him smiling and happily playing... and it was all worth it for that one little glimpse into his happy day.  I love to see my kids so independent, strong and happy without me around.  I love to know they are content in their world.

And... I got to work late.... and I will get to work late every day from here on out most likely....... and that's just the way it is.  Cuz I am a working mom... and I do a damn good job of keeping all my plates balanced....

Tonight's balance...... girls' night!!! Sushi!!!  Wine!  Laughter........  :-)

Goal Update!

Plans to work out with Kristen tomorrow night! Cardio time!!!!!!!  A plan means I will most likely, actually DO IT.... cuz I hate to let people down and it's also a social engagement that way too!  Woo hoo!

Some People Get Me....

I think I would like to meet the woman who wrote this:

Don't Carpe Diem

I really do.  My sister in law, Jane posted this to Facebook today and I have read it no less than ten times.  Hysterically laughing each time. Tears are streaming down my face.  And I am in my office.  People probably think I am really passionate about my work right now.

OMG it is the best. Seriously.

I have felt what she is saying for so, so long!  All the people out there who tell me that time goes too fast and to enjoy every single moment.  Whatever.  There are days I long for the day my children are at college and I have more time than I know what to do with. Because I guarantee you.... I will have things to do with my time.  :-)

I too count the hours until bedtime some days.......

Sometimes I lie and put them to bed an hour early.  "NO, I swear it's 8:00! Does that clock say 7??  The battery must have died."

I have moments of pure joy. These moments are surrounded by pure shit.  I take the shit with the joy. That does not mean I enjoy the shit.  I do not. In these moments I wonder why I ever had children. My children are hard. They can make my days hell. Sometimes I go for days without a good feeling toward them. Wait.  That's not true.  I like them when they are sleeping. 

Parenting is HARD people. If it is easy for you... you are lucky. I also think you are either clinically insane ore a pathological liar. If you enjoy every moment... you must just be smoking crack.

Nothing worthwhile is ever easy.  Not parenting.  Not marriage.  Not jobs.  Not life.  If it were easy, what would the fun in THAT be?  So if it's not always rainbows and butterflies how are you supposed to love every moment. Why can't hating a moment here and there be acceptable???

So... it's true. You cannot seize the day. Sometimes, you gotta drink yourself a bottle of wine and forget the day ever happened..............

Amen sister.

Carry on warriors...........

Update:  I found Glennon (the author's) blog and now I love and want to meet her even more.  I look forward to following her there......... Momastery

Birthdays and Wine...

We had such a nice little birthday dinner for our birthday boy yesterday.  Just our family of four... leftovers... and the "good wine."  You know... the bottles you save because they are the more expensive wine.  Or they were a gift.  The good wine.  If you don't bust out and drink it for your hubby's birthday, even if it IS on a Monday, when ARE you going to drink it?

So, we helped ourselves to a 2006 Wild  Horse Pinot Noir and it was DELIGHTFUL!  YUM!

We had so many laughs at the dinner table. The kids were feeling particularly silly and in particularly good spirits.  It was just a nice time.

It was nice to be back in the routine of Scott picking Ally up so Luke and I could come home.  He and I still went to the grocery store and we still got all our groceries for this week's dinners... but we were still home before 6 and I still got three loads of laundry done and folded!  And premade some breakfast items to make the mornings easier.  I love that time after school and work that I can get things done...... and then, the kids go down... and it's mine and Scott's time.  So nice.

Ally came home elated yesterday... she landed lots of back hand springs.... on the floor (not the mat).... and she was feeling really good.  It has been keeping her down..... the fact that she can't land a roundoff/back hand spring combo... and the rest of the girls in level four can. So.... she is focused and working on it... but she's also feeling discouraged in there too.  I remind her that there are things she can do that the other girls cannot. She can land a cartwheel on the beam. She can do her front handspring.  It doens't matter.  We always focus on the thing we CANNOT do.  It's just human nature.

So, she works and she works...... it will come in time. I know this.  She isn't so sure quite yet.

She really is doing so well....... she is prepared for her level four fun meets....... routines down..... it will just be a matter of how she can do in an actual "meet situation." Scott and I are totally on the fence on this one.  A part of us thinks she will get out there and love it... totally rock it. Another part of us worries, she will work herself up into a frenzy... cry and run off the floor.  Either way... we will be there with smiles plastered on our faces come March 24.  :-)

She is working on level five "tricks" now already.... since she is bored of some level four stuff.  She has both level four and five routines memorized since she watches her level five friends all the time.  I think she really wants to "catch up" to one of her best friends, Cara..... who is a level ahead. So far, I see her putting the right amount of pressure on herself and not getting too caught up in it.

She still talks about wanting to do other sports. She wants to get back at golft this summer... and is looking forward to seeing her friends this summer at the club. She wants to try volleyball when it is available to her as well.  She has no interest in basketball, soccer or tennis at this time... although those are all sports that she has access to and could learn. We shall see! She despises running.  ;-)  She even hates to run down the "runway" to vault.................... and it is almost comical to watch her little face when she does this.  I am not sure how I am not going to laugh my butt off at her come meet time. 

For now... gymnastics is her biggest passion.... and she loves every minute of it.  She is reaching that point where she chooses to spend time in the gym.  On a given weekend day, she often says she would rather be at the gym.  She would just rather be active than sitting around bored, any day!

Then, there is Luke................

Yesterday, my friend Debbie (who has a son in Luke's preschool class) asked if we wanted to join her and Joey in a Thursday morning art class at Ella Sharp.  When we got in the car, I asked Luke about it....... to which he responded, "Why would I take another class Mommy? We do art in school. That's just silly."

HAHAHAHA!  When I told Scott this story... he said Luke is just damn smart. Duh!  He doesn't need more art.  "He needs to learn to run and kick and punch people."

Lovely Scott.  Just lovely.

So, I guess no art for the little man.  It's a 9:00 am class in Jackson anyway....... eeeek.... not a fan of that on my first day of the week off with him.  We like to ease into our "weekend....."  :-)

We learned some pretty excellent news last week........... Queens is going to start a preschool!  I am going to have both my kids in the same building an entire year sooner than I thought. This is going to be SO FREAKIN' amazing........... not to mention, it will just be so great for Luke to really get used to the school a year before he starts officially going there.  It will be another period of adjustment, but it is all around, the best thing to do and Scott and I are both just so happy they are doing it!

Queens will also be offering Latch Key now... a huge bonus for some....... even for me!  You never know when you could use an extra hour or something! It's a great move all around for my Queens family!  I'm pretty excited about it.  If you couldn't tell!?!?

The only little glitch is that the four year old preschool will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday.... and I work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday... and have NO DESIRE to work different days..... so we will need to find someone to watch Luke on Tuesdays. And then..... I get Fridays free!  Oh the joy!  :-)

It's already a good week blog friends......... hope it is for you too!

Reflections on a Weekend...

So, we had a GREAT weekend!  Friday... I had to run back and forth to Jackson, so after having to take Ally's snow boots to school (because she forgot them!) I decided to run errands instead of driving into Jackson to drop the boots at noon... home and back to pick Ally and Donnie up at 3:10. We also got Luke's hair cut!

He was SOOOO good. For the first time ever, he sat by himself.  I was so proud.

After school, we drove home and returned a bit later and Ally, Luke and I went to the Hunt Club and met up with friends before rollerskating. Kennedy and Ally are the closest of friends and they played the evening away and ate very little before we dropped them off at rollerskating at the school.  Amy (Kennedy's mom) and I were able to enjoy an adult beverage and adult conversation for a bit while the kids ran around... even Luke joined them in playing... and everyone was so kind to take care of him and include him!

After I dropped Ally and Kennedy... Luke and I headed to Slice to Spice to meet Scott, the Dawsons and the Huffs for pizza/drinks and Friday night fun. Jane scheduled it last minute, and it saved me from dropping Ally at 6:00 and having to drive back at 8:30 to get her!  I went from having to drive back and forth four times, to just two!  We had a great time at restaurant with friends and family.  It was crazy and loud and just the best way to end the week!  All the kids sat at one end of the table and all the adults sat at the other.  I enjoyed the best caprese salad .... and a couple glasses of wine!!!!!

Saturday morning, Ally and I began our brand new routine and so far, I LOVE IT!  We got up around 7:30 and had some breakfast.... and headed out by 8:20 to get to the gym before 9. She will have gymnastics from 9-12 each Satruday now.  That allowed me to run to Target quickly to run some errands... then, get to Essential Energies to a 10:00 am yoga class..... that class lasts until 11:30 and I have enough time to visit with the yoga girls a bit and get back to the gym to pick Ally up on time.

It is awesome!  A great way to start out the day.  Scott is going to enjoy the one on one time with Luke that I get so often.  He and Luke had breakfast in bed and played until Ally and I got home and we all had lunch together.  It should be a nice little routine for us... and gives me another opportunity for a yoga class AND some me time!

My new yoga teacher is very different from the one I am used to... but I love her in all the ways that she is different!  It's fun to mix it up!  She talks a lot during class... but not nonsense.... she focuses us on not only our yoga goals, but our life goals... as yoga extends so much from what goes on there on the mat.  The one thing she said that I took away last week was that we (women) need to take care of ourselves in order to be able to take care of everyone else.  If we constantly put everyone else's needs ahead of our own, we will only fail.  Make time for you. Take time for you. There is always enough time to fit it all in.  When you truly VALUE something... you will make the time for it.  We always make the time to eat. To bathe our children. To do homework with them.  To clean up.  Value yourself. Take care of yourself. Do something for YOU.

Love :-)

Saturday evening... we dropped our kids off at Uncle Adam and Aunt Jane's for the night... so Scott and I could have a night to ourself!  We decided to stay in town and just do dinner at Daryl's.  As much as we like to go to Ann Arbor... the weather and roads are not the best lately... and sometimes, you just want to be closer to home.... we had a wonderful meal, great drinks, great conversation... and being the wonderful wife that I am........ we went to the Wings Place and watched football after because he really wanted to.  Me, all dressed up in my gorgeous Bailey 44 dress and platform heels.... at the sports bar.  :-)

In the morning, we enjoyed coffee in bed for hours and conversation....... our most loved part of the weekend.....

I went and got the kids.... Scott watched some more football..... and I made dinner for a family gathering in his honor.  We enjoyed yummy beef tips and lots of wine.... and good company.  It was the perfect little weekend.......

My Word and Weekly Goal...

My friend and fellow blogger introduced me to the concept of a "Word for Your Year."  Something to focus on... a goal of sorts... and I love this idea!  I have seen many others embrace the concept.  Simple Mom does it.  Others.  I am going to choose a word for my year.... that sums up what I would like to work on and accomplish in the coming months, weeks and days.... and that word is:

PATIENCE

Such a simple concept. A simple word. A HUGE reach for me. Although I didn't specifically state it or write it down anywhere, my word for last year would have been EMPATHY.  My biggest challenge last year was dealing with Ally. Learning how to parent her as she needs to be parented.  Learning to compromise my ideals of what I wish her to be with what she is.  And truly learning to empathize with her reactions and feelings... accepting them.... and allowing her to feel them through and deal on her own. 

My biggest challenge for last year was learning to empathize and leave it.  Not squash her disappointment. And it's working....... it's effective.  It is what she needs to feel that her feelings are accepted, no matter how wrong they may seem to most.

So...... along that same line...... I choose patience as my word for this year.  I would like to continue to work on my offering of empathy to both my kids.... and I would like to be a more patient person as I do all of this.  I struggle with patience, not only with my children, but in so, so many aspects of my life.

"I want it all.... and I want it now."  :-)  Words from a song that is one of my hubby's many, many theme songs for me.

Patience shall be my mantra for 2012.  I will chant it. Repeat it until I believe it. Until I live it.

We shall see how it goes..............  ;-)

My weekly goal:

This week my goal is to get back on the spinning bike!!!! I have been lucky enough to incorporate three yoga classes into my week. I am taking yoga on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays now... and loving every minute of it.  Yoga sings to me like S Factor sang to me.  I relate to it in the exact same way. It's about YOUR journey... your practice.... all about YOU...... and it's done at a pace that suits you.  I cannot tell you how much yoga has changed my life.  And as I continue to grow in my practice and increase my classes, I fall deeper in love with all of it........

That said... I feel workout wise, I need to increase my cardio.  Christmas was not kind to me.  I feel like I put on a fine layer of fat everywhere. I know this did not likely happen just at Christmas... but rather, slowly over a period of time. But... I have finally reached that point where I can feel and see a difference in my body and feel that clothes fit different... so I must, must, must do something about it.

So, this week, I would like to spin AT LEAST once, if not twice...... on a day that I don't have yoga. So, that gives me Tuesday, Thursday or Friday......

We shall see how it goes!

Last week's goal was accomplished and it felt great!  Today, I will hit the store once again and do all the shopping for this week's meals, which are as follows:

Monday - Leftover beef tips (Scott's choice as today is his birthday!), noodles, green beans
Tuesday - Salmon, Wild Rice, Asparagus
Wednesday - Mushroom Chicken, Yellow Potatoes, Broccoli
Thursday - Shrimp Scampi with Angel  Hair Pasta, Spinach
Friday - Leftovers or go out

Let It Snow...

So, it snowed, but not enough for a snow day much to my chagrin. Ally, on the other hand actually wanted school.  ONLY because there is roller skating tonight and if school is cancelled, that is cancelled and little miss social would be bummin'.  So..... we had school.

I don't know why I felt like I wanted a day off.  I know ten minutes into the day, after I have already heard "I'm bored, what are we doing to DO" and them arguing non-stop, I would be back to wishing school were in session. So... it's a blessing that the day just went on as planned.

I am taking Ally and a friend of hers to dinner before roller skating.  She had a gymnastics gathering last weekend and Kennedy used to do gymnastics... so Ally missed her presence at that event and sleepover. She was just saying she missed Kennedy and wanted to do something.... so of course, being the enabler that I am... I offered to do something for the two of them.  I cannot turn down a desire to be with your friend. Have I mentioned how I feel about girlfriends?  ;-)  Plus Kennedy's Mom and I can enjoy a drink and a chat while the kids do their thing.  Lovely!

Not quite sure how the logistics of this are going to work quite yet.  I get Ally from school at 3:10.  We are having dinner at around 5 and rollerskating is at 6. Ending at 8:30 or 9.  Do I grab her and come home then go back to town and then, do I hang in town or come home in between. Decisions, decisions. I think I am going to come home.... as much as it can suck to do that, it sucks just as much to kill time.  Always killin' time in town.  Jackson, you should thank me. I truly add to your economic stimulus.... snacks here, meals there and coffees everywhere!!!!

Luke and I have been home the last two days. Home with no plans, which has been good timing!  Luke can so easily be entertained and entertain himself.  Ally used to be able to as well. I think the desire to be on the go and stimulated comes with age and with the more they do things... once they are in school, and their day is so packed and fast paced... they crave that all the time.  Even Luke wants more interaction with me and more projects to do than he did before starting preschool.  They want what they know. And, they are kids with a ton of energy!  It is to be expected.

Now that we are through the holidays.... and I have Ally's birthday planned and ready to go... I focus on getting through the winter!  Last year, I swore Ally and I would go somewhere for Spring Break! Somewhere warm!!!!!!  And that we are!  It will be rare that Scott can travel with us that week.... and we made the decision Luke will stay behind as well... making this a "big girls" only trip!  Jane, Grace and my mother in law are joining us!  It was tough...... and I mean TOUGH!!!.... but we settled on a destination and we are all BOOKED! The McIntosh/Dawson girls are headed to sunny Florida on March 31st!  We are staying just south of Palm Beach... at Delray Beach.... north of Fort Lauderdale.  So good and SOUTH!!!!  It should be plenty warm to enjoy our resort pool and the beach our hotel is right on!  So excited to go!!! It is a super bright spot in my winter!!!

Ally and I are planning to go to Chicago for the long President's Day weekend as well.  I have a friend in a show at Davenports and I want to do some shopping with my girl for Spring Break!  Hopefully, the weather won't be awful... but it is February and it IS Chicago... so you never know.  Either way, I get to spend some time with friends-like-family at my home away from home.  And Ally gets to go to her favorite city. I love that she and I have been going regularly since she was five months old.  She loves Chicago.  :-)

Wow... I feel like that just sounds awful. The things I am doing with Ally and leaving Luke behind. :(  Cue Mommy guilt!  I feel like I have SO much one on one time with Luke.  He gets me to himself so very much and I feel like Ally really needs me to make that time happen. Also, let's be honest.... he's still so little and is not the most easy going/adaptable kid in the world.  So, leaving him behind is the smart choice.  That said... I do need to get some fun on the calendar that involves the litte man! Even if it's some day trips!!!!!

Scott and I are going out tomorrow for his birthday..... we aren't exactly sure where.  He can't decide what he wants to do. But, my amazing sibs-in-law are keeping my kids overnight so we have the night to ourselves! At a minimum we will do dinner in Ann Arbor.  Maybe go to Detroit for the auto show. But who knows???  Our favorite thing in the world is a long, leisurely dinner, conversation that last hours and good food and drink to go along with it!  Love the time with my hubby. We are so blessed to have the time! So blessed to have amazing siblings!

We are going to have the Dawson girls with us next weekend... as it is important to have a kid exchange! Jane and Adam need a night out too!  Ally is already looking forward to that.  :-)  It's a double duty event.... Jane and Adam get away together and we get to have fun here with all the kids.  Perfection!

So, a fun weekend to look forward to.... and lots of little bright spots planned already.  Happiness is bright spots on the calendar!!!

Update on Goal:

Monday and Tuesday we had our meals as planned!  YUM!!!  Wednesday, since I forgot about PTO, Scott took the kids to dinner (a treat for them since he's been working so much!) and I grabbed something when I got home. Yesterday, I made the Orange Chicken and we weren't that wowed by it. It was just okay.  Probably won't make it again. But... Ally said the GREATEST thing....  she said, "If you don't do new things Mommy, life would be pretty boring!...."  AMEN sister!  Who's a genius!!??  Feels good to know we are teaching Ally to try new things, to step outside her box and to grow!  Makes me so happy!

More importantly, we had food all week, there was never a need to stop at the store and I felt GOOD about that!  Let's keep it going!!!!!

What will next week's goal be???????

Everyday I'm Shufflin.....

Whew... what a WEEK!!!!  Busy, busy, busy with all my "jobs!"  Trying to balance them all.  Shuffle in between roles.  This week might do me in though.........

At all one time the following have occurred:

1. Destination Imagination is stepping UP! The girls are working hard on the Central Challenge... they want to meet longer when we do meet and more often if possible.  When shall I squeeze THAT in???  Competition is on Feb. 25th....... !!!!
2. It's Girl Scout Cookie time! HOLY CRAP!  I have a meeting tonite on cookie sales... and our regular monthly meeting in a couple weeks.  Girl Scout fun!!!!!
3. It's PTO meeting week.... and Scott is working 24/7! So, I have to find someone to watch my kids tomorrow. Problem is... Ally has gymnastics in Jackson until 6:00 pm and my meeting is at 6:30 pm and I can't get them home and me back in time... so it's dropping them off somewhere until after their bedtime and that all around sucks...... but we shall figure it out! In the meantime, I have a lot of catching up to do on my treasurer duties and updating our budget/spreadsheet and might not have the help of my number one assitsant!  ;-)
4. Ally is stepping up at gymnastics and has been asked to add a day to her weekly schedule. Of course, she is giddy and wants to do this.  Three hours each Saturday morning.  Getting into Jackson each morning by 9:00 am.  Lovely.
5. Did I mention I have a paid job as well? They like me to be around and work....... I try to squeeze that in.  ;-)
6. Scott's birthday is Monday and we are trying to go out Saturday...... need to secure a sitter and make dinner reservations in Ann Arbor!

Balance, balance, balance!!!!!

As a woman, a mom and a wife... we do it all!  We try to be the best mom we can be... I know I do the best I can.  I try to be there for my kids. Be a presence in their lives. This means different things for them right now as they are vastly different in age.  Luke just likes me around. So, my working part time allows he and I two days together, just he and I most weeks.  We have a ton of one on one time together and it's wonderful.  

Ally likes to be active in a lot of things, so this means, I volunteer!  I coach her DI team. Lead her brownie troop.  Chaperone lots of events and plan events for her and her group of friends.  I take them to gymnastics meets and host sleepovers.

I volunteer my time with the PTO at school and am a constant presence there. 

I work!  Sometimes we forget that small detail!  My job requires my time and my mind... and while I would not want it any other way (I choose and love to work!) it adds stresss. The days I have to get myself around and the kids in the morning, are defintely more stressful than the days Luke and I are home and I am just helping get Ally out the door.  I am definitely more exhausted and unavailable at the end of a work day than I am any other day.  I have given too much of myself maybe... I want to take some time for me??

I work hard to maintain a close relationship with my hubby! This includes our date nights!  Our coffee mornings!  Our times away!  You have to schedule that time together. Make it a priority!!!!!!!!  Not always easy to do.

To say nothing of making time for myself! I do that in the form of yoga!  Sushi dinners or lunches with girlfriends. Drinks with my sister in law. Wild girls nights out. Pub crawls. A girl trip or two a year!

It's all worth all the work and the balancing act................ my life is full and fun....... and I take lots of deep breaths!!!!!!!!!!!  :-)

Update on Weekly Goal:

I went to the grocery store yesterday!!! With an actual grocery list and a bought a week's worth of groceries and planned all the meals out!  I am so proud of me. And.... we had turkey panini's just like the schedule called for!!!!!!  I have to switch Wednesday and Thursdays meals though to accomodate PTO.  Other than that, I am rockin so far.  ;)

Goal of the Week....

I have decided to create weekly goals and track them over the course of the year. Some will be big, some will be little... some I will maintain for a few weeks and sometimes, I may have more than one. The key is I am going to write it down... share it... and make myself accountable.

This week's goal:  MEAL PLANNING!!!!

I need to do a weekly meal plan and STICK TO IT!  I need to actually go to the grocery store and have food in our house.  I need to stop doing the daily stop on the way home. I need to have a plan because I feel lost without it... and we are eating worse than ever!

Meal planning................ GO!!!!!!!!!

Monday -  Turkey Paninis (Home late - gymnastics!), Pasta Salad (leftover from yesterday)
Tuesday -  Black Bean Quesadillas, Guacamole, Homemade Pico
Wednesday -  Spicy Orange Chicken, Brocolli, Rice
Thursday -  Crock Pot Beef tips and noodles
Friday - Pizza with friends

First "Normal" Week...

Whatever "normal" means????  ;-) For purposes of this post, "normal" means it is a full week of both school and work for my family... a typical week. A regular routine and schedule!

It is only a bit abnormal because Scott is working so, so much.  Year end. Closing the books.  Busiest time of the year!  As soon as he goes back after we all take a holiday break, he works endless days and all weekend long.  He takes it like a champ.  Handles it better than I ever could... but we all have our breaking points.  He came home last night after being at work for 12 hours on a Sunday, a bit exhausted and stressed.  He usually handles it all so well.... never takes the stresses of work out on anyone else, especially not us at home... but I could tell he was fried last night. Even this morning, he was a bit grumpy......... He said to me "Aren't you glad you don't work for me and have the spend the day with me?"  :-))))  Um.... yeah!  ;-)

I hope things go well for him today and this week.  It is sure to be another week of late nights for him, which means no breaks for me for the second week in a row.... but we do what we have to do to get through it!  Yesterday, I could really "feel" that I have had my fill of one on one time with my children.  I will be the first to freely admit it. Whew. My patience is a bit gone!  Luke is sick. Ally had a sleepover and was working on two days of sleep deprivation... and I woke up feeling absolutely awful, assuming I was coming down with the nasty cold Luke has. (but I feel absolutely fine this morning, so it was a fluke!)

I wish I was that mom who could handle it all so well.  Who's every response to her children's constant demands was delivered with patience and in a kind voice. I am so not that mom though.  It is my biggest challenge.

I envy those moms who, when their kids get worked up, stay completely calm! Can I get whatever drugs they are on?  :-))))) Seriously.  I have to fight the urge to fight back.  When it comes to fight or flight... I'm a fighter!  Yell at me... my first instict is to yell back. Not the best parenting move.  So, I work and work and work on it.

And since the absolutely NOT laid back Scott and I had absolutely NOT laid back children (shocker I know!), I am often challenged. And always working.

But..... we made it through our day...... and we will make it through our week! 

Yoga starts up again today and that will be a HUGE help! How I have missed yoga! As soon as Scott is back to a normal schedule, I am going to start going to yoga on Saturday mornings at 10 am.  In addition to my two lunch time classes a week. Three times a week sounds like absolute heaven! Cannot wait.

Ally woke up in pretty good spirits today.... dressed herself, came into my bathroom to ask if her silver belt looked good with her gold Uggs.  It was adorable. I did a little double take look at her, because in the moment, she looked so damn old!!!!!!!!!!!!!  She was wearing this cute little ruffled white polo.... her navy pants with a wide silver belt, slung low on her hips.... and her fab gold Uggs...... along with her sparkly headband. She just looked so middle school or something. I cannot describe it. But... she usually just wears her polo and pants with no belt... for some reason, that one little accessory made her look like a teenager!She's so adorable when she's not pushing my buttons.......  :-)

We will always bond over questions of fashion!

Then, there's Luke.  Cough, cough.... snot everywhere.... but still acting okay and wanted to go to school.  He just walks right into school and even though, he is still ever so slightly hesisitant.... he never cries or clings anymore. I am so proud of him.  Today, he walked right over to his friend Joey for the first time when we got there.  It is so hard for him to be outgoing... he doesn't choose to really play with others... and it's not easy for him.  So many boys are very boisterous... just push there way into anything.... Luke is a "sit back and watch" kind of kid.  He's so sensitive and pensive.  It's why I have worked so hard to make sure he is used to the school environment prior to starting Kindergarten! And, it is SO helpful that he is with a bunch of kids that he will go to Queens with.  So nice for him to have friendly faces along the way.

He will be the kid who has a couple close friends his whole life... and that will be it.  He will not have a big social circle... and he will not be the life of the party. But, he will be the guy you can count on to be a loyal friend and someone you can really count on. That's going to be Luke.  Much like his Daddy.  Practically perfect in many ways....... :-)

Ally has gymnastics after school today, as she does every Monday. Only today, we have to "kill" time from 3:15 - 4:45 and then, Luke and I have to kill time from 4:45 - 6:45 cuz Scott can't get her.  Ugh.  I hate it.  The other day, I had to drive in for something that I didn't excpect to... and I cried.  :-)))) Baby.  ;-)  I was just not expecting to have to do the round trip an additional time that day. 

Scott and I had the most relaxing Sunday morning breakfast together before he took off for work.  Grace had spent the night, so the kids were in the basement playing happily. He and I sat and talked for well over an hour.... sipping coffee... it was wonderful. Talked about the house situation. As we often do. How I have to accept giving up some vacations and things in order to make it happen. Never easy. I like to have it all and I usually find a way to do so. ;-)

But, how important is it, to us to move closer to Jackson? To be in a different house?  How much are we willing to pay? To lose in order to gain? No easy answer.... we shall see what the future holds. In the meantime, we will ready our house and list it in the Spring!  Bring on the offers!  I am certain they will come pouring in.  :-)))))

The to-do list is going to be lengthy this late winter/early spring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Exciting!!!!!!!!

In the meantime, I will do my best not to get too excited... keep my expectations low and not fall in love with any  houses.  Is anyone laughing right now????  :-))))))))))))))))))

Happy Monday Blog friends!

A Friday at Home...

For now anyway..... I will soon be heading out to pick up four very excited little girls to go out to dinner in Lansing and go to the MSU Gymnastics meet this evening!  Always lots of fun to watch them.  :)

But, today I feel so accomplished. So full of energy. So good!  Could it be the sunny/warm weather?  That's a possibility!  Could it be all the talk of this year being "the year of dreams" that I am giddy with anticipation of what I can MAKE happen?  I think it's that too!  Could it be that I am supposed to be having my period right now and I am not due to a very successful surgery.  Hells to the yeah!  It is so many things.  I always CHOOSE to feel blessed.  My life is full of goodness....

Yeah, I get bogged down... stressed out... overwhelmed.... pissed off... impatient and angry as hell.... but all in all.... life is good and I am smiling.

I am sitting here, taking a "me moment" ... sitting in the midst of a very clean house.  Laundry is in the process of being done. I can hear the dishwasher humming.  Luke is sleeping.  A babysitter will arrive within the hour.  I am showered and dressed in my green and white.  I am sipping on green tea.  I am feeling utterly peaceful and reflective about the past year... as I ponder the dreams I have for this year.

2011 was a damn good year.  Nothing extraordinary happened.  I didn't get married, have any babies, win the lotto or buy my dream house.  It was a lot of little things that made the year great.  A wonderful family vacation to Cape Hatteras.  A wonderful new school for Ally.  School for Luke.  A flurry of activities for both kids.  Making lots of new girl/mom friends.  Making lots of new couple/family friends.  Doing LOTS with those friends.  Joining the Country Club.  Watching Luke take on the water. Watching Ally learn to golf.  Watching Ally excel at gymnastics. Watching her make new friends. Watching them both grow and mature.  Deepening my relationship with my husband.  Taking trips, just he and I... two to be exact.. Mexico and San Francisco. We are so blessed to have that time. Having FUN..... so very much fun in all that we do. Letting go of the little things. Focusing on the big picture.  Living in our moments.

I find I am more at peace with life, MY life... than I have ever been before. I find the tough times more bearable.  I can even find them laughable. I find all the hell I have been through in my life makes me a damn tolerant, wonderful, understanding and tough as shit person. I like this person.  I like being in my 30s..... closer to 40 than 30 now.  I love this.  I love that my kids are at the age where they are older and easier to travel with. That they will sleep on the floor places. That they will take trips in a car.  I love the age they are right now.... right now. And I know that I will love the age they are next year, and the year after that. I love growing with them.

2011 was a good, good year.  I love that I work less than I am home. I  love that I never stay home even when I can. I love that my house is usually a big ole mess cuz we are always on the go!  I love that sometimes I go to bed at 8:30 when my kids do. I love that I don't care that 8:30 is a ridiculous time to go to bed.  I love sleep.  :-)

I love that I have a hairdresser in Jackson now! And that she rocks!  I love the new salon I go to.

I love that I find ways to make life simpler, easier and to do the things that are more important and fun to me, each and every day.

I am in a really good place in life.... and I am so blessed to be here. I deserve to be here.  I was always destined to be here.

I hope you have found that place too.....

Year of Dreams...

So, a wonderful friend of mine has dubbed this year, the year of dreams!  I love it.... love, love, love it!!!! I have captured it as my motto for the year and plan to think of it in all that I do. I have a lot of dreams and I am going to work HARD to make some a reality!!!!!

This year, I dream of....

• Going on Spring Break with Ally to a WARM destination.... with a beach and a pool!
• Completing my 2011 Project Life
• Getting more organized in all that I do (work, home, play)
• Complete the list of "to do's" within this house
• Selling my house (pipe dream?????)
• Moving into a new house closer to where we work, go to school and play
• Getting in shape
• Going to yoga Saturday mornings
• Going on a girls' weekend or overnight trip
• Getting away with my hubby for a few days, maybe more than once!
• Teaching Luke to swim
• A more patient personality
• A happy, healthy household
• Traveling more with my kids over the summer months - day trips! So many places to go in driving distance!
• A Chicago get away with Ally over Presidents' Day weekend
• Selling more on eBay
• Planning a special surprise vacation for my kids
• Staying close and connected to my hubby, kids, family and girlfriends - people and relationships are my life-blood!
• Going to some concerts
• Doing at least one thing totally out of my comfort zone
• Having more fun than anything else!

 I aim to make it all come true!  Year of dreams..... what are YOUR dreams!?!?

Holiday Pics... Part One...

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas season and almost three weeks off (for me) and two weeks off together as a family! We kicked off the season with a trip to see Ally's BFF Morgan (pictured in the middle) in a performance of the Nutcracker ballet!  I love watching my girl with her girls.  I love watching them support one another in events such as this. I love nurturing their friendship by constantly supporting they get together and do things like this!!  It is so much fun..... girlfriends are the best.

Next up was Ally's school Christmas Program! I will not lie. This is one of my favorite events at Queens... It gets to me every year.... brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.  I just love it!  This year was no exception. It is an amazing site to see those 300 plus kids singing their hearts out about the birth of Jesus....

Ally got her hair cut over break and I let Michelle straighten it!  Isn't it adorable?  But doesn't she look SO old????  Gorgeous girl that one..... I love her to pieces.... her spirit, her strength, her beauty and her kind heart.  She's got it all.  :-)

We had Christmas brunch with Santa this year and my kids sat with Santa for the first time.... ummmm.... 

.... EVER!!!!!!  It was awesome..... Loved it.  Such a fun experience for all of us......

Then, we decorated our tree... and yes, it stayed up this year!  This year's tree restored all hope and faith in me... and the McIntosh's will NOT be purchasing a fake tree anytime soon. We love our real tree, when our real tree cooperates!  :-)  It was the perfect tree this year and we enjoyed it for the time that it was with us!

It was a wonderful time together........ more pics to come when I take them off my camera!!!!! Christmas day and more!