Friday, March 30, 2012
Google Doodles
Our school participated in a Google Doodle contest. Each student made their own version of the Google logo. They often do cute things with their logo on the main page. Ally's was awesome. (in my humble opinion!)
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Birthdays....
So, on a morning show I listen to in the morning while I am getting ready, the topic of the day was "when do you no longer enjoy celebrating your birthday?"
Many people were calling in, saying after 21, after 29, and someone even said after about 10. WTF is wrong with you people???? Birthdays are ALWAYS for celebrating!!!!!!
I have said it before and I will say it again...... your birthday should be a GREAT day! I love birthdays. I celebrate mine all week long!!!! I love to make a HUGE deal out of it. I want everyone to feel special on their day. Everyone deserves this, no matter if you are 4, 40 or 84..... your birthday should be special!
I credit my family for my feelings in this regard. We always celebrated birthdays together. Home made cake and singing around the kitchen table at my Grandma's house... not an aunt, uncle, cousin, or grandparent's special day went by without us all joining around the formica table in the orange kitchen! Oh how I remember those orange cabinets grandma!!!!
We gathered for a family picture. We smiled. We were HAPPY! We gave gifts. We had banners. We sometimes had ballons and streamers too. We were together and we CELEBRATED!!!!
I love celelbrating. I think there are so many moments in life that should be made into a big deal. Because they ARE big deals. Good report cards. Great gymnastics meets. New schools. New jobs. Promotions. New babies. Anniversaries. And hell to the yes... BIRTHDAYS!
Celebrate the crap out of life people!!!! You will never regret it!
Many people were calling in, saying after 21, after 29, and someone even said after about 10. WTF is wrong with you people???? Birthdays are ALWAYS for celebrating!!!!!!
I have said it before and I will say it again...... your birthday should be a GREAT day! I love birthdays. I celebrate mine all week long!!!! I love to make a HUGE deal out of it. I want everyone to feel special on their day. Everyone deserves this, no matter if you are 4, 40 or 84..... your birthday should be special!
I credit my family for my feelings in this regard. We always celebrated birthdays together. Home made cake and singing around the kitchen table at my Grandma's house... not an aunt, uncle, cousin, or grandparent's special day went by without us all joining around the formica table in the orange kitchen! Oh how I remember those orange cabinets grandma!!!!
We gathered for a family picture. We smiled. We were HAPPY! We gave gifts. We had banners. We sometimes had ballons and streamers too. We were together and we CELEBRATED!!!!
I love celelbrating. I think there are so many moments in life that should be made into a big deal. Because they ARE big deals. Good report cards. Great gymnastics meets. New schools. New jobs. Promotions. New babies. Anniversaries. And hell to the yes... BIRTHDAYS!
Celebrate the crap out of life people!!!! You will never regret it!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Meet Penny!
It was a BIG weekend at the McIntosh house! Ally had a big gymnastics meet AND she got a Guinea Pig! With that... Luke got her old fish (and we got him a few new ones to go with it since we are convinced the fish will die now that we have cleaned the tank!)
We had made a deal with Ally that when she memorized all her multiplication tables, she could get a Hamster. I agreed to this not really knowing what a Hamster even looked like. Come to find out.. they look like mice. No thank you!!!!!
So, Ally was even MORE thrilled we allowed a Guinea Pig..... :-) She memorized her multiplication tables ages ago... but we postponed the ordeal until it was "warmer out."
Meet Penny (Full name - Penelope Rose McIntosh):
We had made a deal with Ally that when she memorized all her multiplication tables, she could get a Hamster. I agreed to this not really knowing what a Hamster even looked like. Come to find out.. they look like mice. No thank you!!!!!
So, Ally was even MORE thrilled we allowed a Guinea Pig..... :-) She memorized her multiplication tables ages ago... but we postponed the ordeal until it was "warmer out."
Meet Penny (Full name - Penelope Rose McIntosh):
She is pretty cute.. I must agree. She is just a baby and going to get bigger, fatter and fluffier. Supposedly, she's not going to smell too bad either. This is a plus. Ally is in charge of her. Cleaning her cage... feeding and watering... and grooming her. We shall see how this all goes!!!
Luke is THRILLED to have the fish tank in his room. It is adorable. He got a fish that Ally still had in the tank. In the tank that hadn't been cleaned in a bout a year. It was disgusting!!!!! This fish lived and lived. We never fed it. It lived in filth. We have referred to is as Superfish!!!! But, now that we have cleaned and turned the tank back on... it doesn't look like he's gonna make it. ;-) Isn't THAT ironic?????? Don't ya think????
Luke named his fish Goofball, Sucker Bob, Goldfish Cracker and Chocolate Fudge. I love these names. LOVE THEM!!!!! Sucker Bob is a sucker fish........... my fave name of the three.
So... our family just grows all the time. We are a mixed group. Humans. Dogs. Fish. Guinea Pigs. Most days we all live in peace. Most days. ;-)
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Midland Meet....
Ally had her very first EVER gymnastics meet this past Friday. All I can say, is it went AMAZING!!! Amazing!!! She rocked it. Rocked it hard!!!! She looked so, so nervous before. She really was. I could just take one look at her face and read what she was thinking. She hardly smiled during warm ups. She looked like she was almost in a daze. I wouldn't call it "in the zone".... she's not quite like that yet. Not able to focus like that.... she was truly taking it all in and trying to remain calm.... and not barf. ;-)
First up: Floor. Her nemesis - back handspring. I am thrilled to say... she did it. Not only did she do it... but she rocked it. I was so proud. :-)
She was so happy after... first smiles of the night... and the smiles kept on coming....
Her vault was perfect.... her bars were a bit iffy.... but the entire team had a hard time on bars. Have no idea what was going on. She got through them but flubbed up her back hip circle... still, she was happy after... smiling... and that's all that matters. I want her to have fun!!! Love every minute of it... and it sure seemed she was....
Beam was last up.... and I think that was good for her.... because she built some confidence!!!!!
In the end, Ally took red (second) on floor, white (third) on bars, and blue (first on vault and beam). She was ecstatic. Her exact words after all was said and done "I never thought I would get two blues!" She said the entire experience was "easier than she expected" and she had a BLAST!!!! All smiles. I am so happy for her.
The entire experience was amazing for me too. I was just SO happy to see her so happy. She looked like she was having fun out there with friends... doing something she loved for the fun of it all. I am so happy she has found something so awesome and team building that makes her so happy. What a GREAT night for all of us!!!
Link to all photos:
Midland Meet
Link to video of routines:
Midland Routines
First up: Floor. Her nemesis - back handspring. I am thrilled to say... she did it. Not only did she do it... but she rocked it. I was so proud. :-)
She was so happy after... first smiles of the night... and the smiles kept on coming....
Her vault was perfect.... her bars were a bit iffy.... but the entire team had a hard time on bars. Have no idea what was going on. She got through them but flubbed up her back hip circle... still, she was happy after... smiling... and that's all that matters. I want her to have fun!!! Love every minute of it... and it sure seemed she was....
Beam was last up.... and I think that was good for her.... because she built some confidence!!!!!
In the end, Ally took red (second) on floor, white (third) on bars, and blue (first on vault and beam). She was ecstatic. Her exact words after all was said and done "I never thought I would get two blues!" She said the entire experience was "easier than she expected" and she had a BLAST!!!! All smiles. I am so happy for her.
The entire experience was amazing for me too. I was just SO happy to see her so happy. She looked like she was having fun out there with friends... doing something she loved for the fun of it all. I am so happy she has found something so awesome and team building that makes her so happy. What a GREAT night for all of us!!!
Link to all photos:
Midland Meet
Link to video of routines:
Midland Routines
Friday, March 23, 2012
Brownies as Yogi's...
Yesterday was our monthly Brownie meeting!!! I planned a children's yoga class for the girls.... and they loved it!!!!! It was not your traditional yoga. They played yoga games, learned some poses, how to breathe and how to be calm. It was fun to watch them!!!!
Ally and her friend Morgan took it so seriously. It absolutely cracked me up. I would LOVE to get Ally into a children's class or a Mommy and Me class! The children's class is at the same time as gymnastics right now... but Ally may not continue the Saturday gymnastics after the meets are done. We shall see.
Here are some images from the class....
Ally and her friend Morgan took it so seriously. It absolutely cracked me up. I would LOVE to get Ally into a children's class or a Mommy and Me class! The children's class is at the same time as gymnastics right now... but Ally may not continue the Saturday gymnastics after the meets are done. We shall see.
Here are some images from the class....
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Nobody EVER Said it was Going to be Fair....
Life is a big giant pile of not fair. Just ask my 9 and 4 year olds. One of their favorites statements is "that's not fair."
My response: "Nobody ever said it was going to be fair."
I learned it from my Dad. As a kid, that statement annoyed the living crap out of me. I am pretty certain he had a plaque that said that up in his office at school. He is a school principal. I am CERTAIN he says this to his students daily. I give him all the credit for this statement, although I am certain he got it from somewhere. But, damn Dad... you were right! ;-)
I tell my kids this story. About how my Dad annoyed me with this statement. I use this as an example that I was once in their shoes... that I didn't ALWAYS believe this to be true. I try to empathize with their unfair plight... and show them I am not exactly an uncaring monster....... but hell if it's always going to be fair!
Ally thinks everything should be completely equitable. This is her world as the first born. She was always given everything. It wasn't until later in her life that she realized she had to share everything and everyone... maybe that age gap did her no favors... but it it what it is... and you might as well accept your lot in life girl. Your little brother isn't going anywhere. And sometimes he gets things and you don't. Sometimes he has a tad bit more ice cream in his bowl than you do. I will not take to measuring everything out perfect. It doesn't have to be exactly fair.
Luke will say things aren't fair just because he hears Ally saying it. I don't think he actually believes it to be true. His life has always been a compromise. A compromise of Mommy's time, attention, and things. He is the second born so he gets this. There were other kids in his life instantly when he came into the world. He knows nothing else.
Ally remembers her glory days of being any only child. ;-)
A lot of what I do lately is centered around teaching Ally, and in turn, Luke about disappointment. I am quicker to say no and deny things. It gets easier and easier the more you do it. And Ally gets better and better at taking it.
This concept of "fair" really gets me going though. The idea of all being equal. I have been called out on the fact that I'm not taking Luke to Florida. I am gonna be honest. I never considered it. Not for a minute. Is it not fair to him that he's not going and Ally is?
Nobody ever said it was going to be fair.
Someone actually asked me if I planned to take him on a trip just me and him. Ummmm.... WHAT? To make everything all even between my kids???? That is completely messed up.
No. I do not plan on taking him on a trip just me and him to make up for Spring Break. I bet somewhere in the course of his life he will go on a trip that Ally won't go on... and there... it will all be fair in the end. That make you happy?
If you spend your life trying to make everything even and fair and equitable with your kids, you are gonna lead a hard ass life...... that's a full time job right there!!!!!! Nothing can ever be equitable!!!
Luke will be bummed he's not going. And he will get over it. He has an amazing ability to cope. Ally has less ability to do so. Nature or nurture... I do not know. Likely a bit of both.
Give up on trying to make things fair people. Give one of your kids a bigger piece of cake just for shits and giggles....... it will teach them amazing coping skills for life........ :-)
My response: "Nobody ever said it was going to be fair."
I learned it from my Dad. As a kid, that statement annoyed the living crap out of me. I am pretty certain he had a plaque that said that up in his office at school. He is a school principal. I am CERTAIN he says this to his students daily. I give him all the credit for this statement, although I am certain he got it from somewhere. But, damn Dad... you were right! ;-)
I tell my kids this story. About how my Dad annoyed me with this statement. I use this as an example that I was once in their shoes... that I didn't ALWAYS believe this to be true. I try to empathize with their unfair plight... and show them I am not exactly an uncaring monster....... but hell if it's always going to be fair!
Ally thinks everything should be completely equitable. This is her world as the first born. She was always given everything. It wasn't until later in her life that she realized she had to share everything and everyone... maybe that age gap did her no favors... but it it what it is... and you might as well accept your lot in life girl. Your little brother isn't going anywhere. And sometimes he gets things and you don't. Sometimes he has a tad bit more ice cream in his bowl than you do. I will not take to measuring everything out perfect. It doesn't have to be exactly fair.
Luke will say things aren't fair just because he hears Ally saying it. I don't think he actually believes it to be true. His life has always been a compromise. A compromise of Mommy's time, attention, and things. He is the second born so he gets this. There were other kids in his life instantly when he came into the world. He knows nothing else.
Ally remembers her glory days of being any only child. ;-)
A lot of what I do lately is centered around teaching Ally, and in turn, Luke about disappointment. I am quicker to say no and deny things. It gets easier and easier the more you do it. And Ally gets better and better at taking it.
This concept of "fair" really gets me going though. The idea of all being equal. I have been called out on the fact that I'm not taking Luke to Florida. I am gonna be honest. I never considered it. Not for a minute. Is it not fair to him that he's not going and Ally is?
Nobody ever said it was going to be fair.
Someone actually asked me if I planned to take him on a trip just me and him. Ummmm.... WHAT? To make everything all even between my kids???? That is completely messed up.
No. I do not plan on taking him on a trip just me and him to make up for Spring Break. I bet somewhere in the course of his life he will go on a trip that Ally won't go on... and there... it will all be fair in the end. That make you happy?
If you spend your life trying to make everything even and fair and equitable with your kids, you are gonna lead a hard ass life...... that's a full time job right there!!!!!! Nothing can ever be equitable!!!
Luke will be bummed he's not going. And he will get over it. He has an amazing ability to cope. Ally has less ability to do so. Nature or nurture... I do not know. Likely a bit of both.
Give up on trying to make things fair people. Give one of your kids a bigger piece of cake just for shits and giggles....... it will teach them amazing coping skills for life........ :-)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
If I Were....
On Facebook, I would say we had the most amazing steak dinner tonite!!! Grilled out. Asparagus. Wild rice. Red wine. Heaven!!!! The kids have played the late afternoon and evening away and it has been wonderful. Now for ice cream and bedtime!!!!!
Perfect...
I just read the most perfect post from Momastery. It IS PERFECT! Glennon and I are the same age... (well, I am a few months older) and she said something that made me want to stand and shout "AMEN GIRL!!!!"
Needs and Gifts
She said that she loves getting older...... she is more at peace now than ever. A-FREAKIN'-MEN!
I feel the exact same way. I love 36... and I anticipate I will love 37, 38 and even look FORWARD to 40... in stark contrast to how I felt when I was 29 and had a complete FREAK out about turning 30!
She also talked about parenting different ages and how we are all good at different parts........ wow...... what a huge sigh of relief! Cuz I feel that way too!!!!!!! And I mostly thought that just made me messed up........
So many mommies love the baby age..... love babies...... and I often feel broken because I don't. I just don't. I said it out loud and I am not ashamed. I loved my babies when they were babies... don't get me wrong...... but I LIKE them better now. I just do! And that doesn't make me a TERRIBLE person.
Because Glennon said so. ;-)
I love the blog world. I wish everyone would blog more and MORE HONESTLY.......... without fear of judgement.
I feel better every time I read someone's truth. I love reading about your kids.... your every day wonderful moments..... but I ADORE reading about the REAL you...........
I challenge you to share something REAL (that possibly makes you feel broken) on my comments today.....I bet more people will jump up and shout AMEN GIRL than you ever thought possible.
Needs and Gifts
She said that she loves getting older...... she is more at peace now than ever. A-FREAKIN'-MEN!
I feel the exact same way. I love 36... and I anticipate I will love 37, 38 and even look FORWARD to 40... in stark contrast to how I felt when I was 29 and had a complete FREAK out about turning 30!
She also talked about parenting different ages and how we are all good at different parts........ wow...... what a huge sigh of relief! Cuz I feel that way too!!!!!!! And I mostly thought that just made me messed up........
So many mommies love the baby age..... love babies...... and I often feel broken because I don't. I just don't. I said it out loud and I am not ashamed. I loved my babies when they were babies... don't get me wrong...... but I LIKE them better now. I just do! And that doesn't make me a TERRIBLE person.
Because Glennon said so. ;-)
I love the blog world. I wish everyone would blog more and MORE HONESTLY.......... without fear of judgement.
I feel better every time I read someone's truth. I love reading about your kids.... your every day wonderful moments..... but I ADORE reading about the REAL you...........
I challenge you to share something REAL (that possibly makes you feel broken) on my comments today.....I bet more people will jump up and shout AMEN GIRL than you ever thought possible.
Fingers Crossed....
I am hoping, praying and crossing my fingers that Luke makes it through the day (at least the morning field trip!) today at school. Yesterday, we got a call right before lunch that he wasn't feeling well and that he had an accident and couldn't get out of the bathroom. They called my office first... and I was in a meeting, where I remained for three consecutive hours - three consecutive meetings. A reminder to call my CELL PHONE is in order. I have that on me ALWAYS!
They got a hold of Scott though... and it worked as it should because I would have felt awful with the conflict of leave my meetings or ask Scott to get him. Luckily, that decision was made for me. Everything happens for a reason! They called Scott and with Scott's proximity to school, he can be there in a matter of minutes. Luke ended up spending the afternoon with Nana and Papa....... and was, of course... perfectly fine once he got it all out again.
I increased his acidopholus intake and reduced his milk. I would cut it out completely if he would drink water... but instead I am putting a few drops of milk in a cup of water... just to color it white. ;-) He apparently cannot taste the difference... and it allows me to get the acidopholus powder in him. I'm really hoping this helps........ I know it just takes time to get your intestines back in working order after you've had a bug and all the good bacteria is wiped out.
Ally and I always go somewhere for snack and homework on Monday's, as you may or may not know. Yesterday... we went to Cascades as it was GORGEOUS OUT!!!
81 degrees... and I am pretty sure it got warmer than even that!!!! It's March people! I love it! I know it's horrid for our ecosystem, blah, blah, blah...... ;-) But... I still love it. I will feel bad about the ecosystem another day. For now, I am going to enjoy the crap out of each day like this that comes!!!!
Ally was off to gymnastics... and I was off to grab Luke. He and I went home and his Monday routine seems to be a trip into Ally's room because she's not there. He plays with her coveted things and probably does things she would never allow. I allow this to happen. Her room is so cool to him, and there's really not even anything THAT special about it. It's just that he worships his big sister.
They got a hold of Scott though... and it worked as it should because I would have felt awful with the conflict of leave my meetings or ask Scott to get him. Luckily, that decision was made for me. Everything happens for a reason! They called Scott and with Scott's proximity to school, he can be there in a matter of minutes. Luke ended up spending the afternoon with Nana and Papa....... and was, of course... perfectly fine once he got it all out again.
I increased his acidopholus intake and reduced his milk. I would cut it out completely if he would drink water... but instead I am putting a few drops of milk in a cup of water... just to color it white. ;-) He apparently cannot taste the difference... and it allows me to get the acidopholus powder in him. I'm really hoping this helps........ I know it just takes time to get your intestines back in working order after you've had a bug and all the good bacteria is wiped out.
Ally and I always go somewhere for snack and homework on Monday's, as you may or may not know. Yesterday... we went to Cascades as it was GORGEOUS OUT!!!
81 degrees... and I am pretty sure it got warmer than even that!!!! It's March people! I love it! I know it's horrid for our ecosystem, blah, blah, blah...... ;-) But... I still love it. I will feel bad about the ecosystem another day. For now, I am going to enjoy the crap out of each day like this that comes!!!!
Ally was off to gymnastics... and I was off to grab Luke. He and I went home and his Monday routine seems to be a trip into Ally's room because she's not there. He plays with her coveted things and probably does things she would never allow. I allow this to happen. Her room is so cool to him, and there's really not even anything THAT special about it. It's just that he worships his big sister.
Nothing better than hanging out on your big sister's bed when she's not there to yell at you to get off of it!!!!!!
Luke seemed no worse for the wear after his accident at school. A constant reminder that I am more upset by things he goes through than he is. He shrugged it off... but did go on to tell me he is embarrased to tell Ms. Joann that he has to go number 2. We had a LONG talk about it........ as did he and Scott his morning at the drop off...... so hopefull, we won't have any more issues. Like I said. Fingers crossed!!!!!
Monday, March 19, 2012
It's a New Week......
It's a new week my friends, and I am hoping and praying for a healthy one!!! I don't need puke in my future. I don't need achy, feverish, cranky, sad kids. I want to have a nice, normal, healthy week! There is much fun to be had this week.... and some beautiful weather to have it all in!
It's going to be in the 80s this week. The 80s!!!!!!!!! All of the sudden, it's shorts weather for my kids! Ally has exactly one pair of jean shorts that fit.... and two pair of uniform shorts. She is squeezing her feet onto her flip flops from last year. Looks like we have some shopping in our future. That's good and bad. Good, cuz I love to shop.... bad cuz we don't have a lot of extra funds this month with Spring Break right around the corner!
Luke has shorts galore... since he can wear all that he had last year. Today, he is wearing a pair of size 2 shorts. They fit perfect. He is my skinny boy...... and since shorts are made so ridiculously long... he can wear the same shorts for years. Lovely!
T-shirts are another story. I have to get him some more of those... in size 5s this summer. Some of his 4s are okay, but I have a problem with the "too short shirt" look. It just reminds me of 1980s half shirts. :-)))))))
So, we need to get Luke fitted for his summer Keen's (love those sandals for him!) and Ally needs lots of stuff ASAP.
Finding the time to get to Briarwood to do all that is a different story. This week is Girl Scouts on Thurdsay and Ally's meet is now Friday evening... so we will be headed to Bay City right after school Friday. It's nice because now it totally frees up my Saturday and Sunday... but makes for a hectic Friday and a late night for little ones.
I was home Thursday with a sick little girl... and I kept her home Friday as well. She was feeling better, but I knew she was still contagious and another day of "rest" is always nice. She and Luke played the day away together, and quite nicely I might add. It was twilight zone eery how well they played together Friday. The kicked off the day making an airport. One of their favorite activities is to pull items out of the recylcing bins and make things out of the items in there. I adore this activity. It makes a GIANT mess, but I am always amazed by their creativity!!!!
They played forever with this....... and then, as soon as Ally realized how gorgeous it was out... they went right outside. And there they stayed for hours and hours. Scott came home after South Haven and laid low... still not feeling 100%. We stayed in, got cheese pizza... and after the kids spent the day outside, they found a St. Patrick's Day movie they wanted to watch... so they did that together down in the basement.
I almost didn't know what to think....... they really spent the entire day, independently playing so well together with limited interaction from Scott and I. How much I am loving this age! :-)
Ally is coming into the age of really being able to take care of Luke and of being proud that she can. Although they fight as all siblings do... she can be SUCH a good, good big sister when she chooses to. And Friday... she chose to all day long.
Even Satruday... Ally went to gymnastics and I went to yoga, but when we returned... Scott went to golf and the kids... once again... just played. We went over to Jane and Adam's for dinner and to celebrate my Father-in-Law's birthday.... and all the cousins just ran around in the backyard and played. While the adults sat and ate and drank. It was a much more subdued birthday than my Father-in-Law is used to... as EVERYONE was coming off the stomach bug, but me.... I think he gets a do-over. What's St. Patrick's Day/Your Birthday without a drinking bash?????? I felt so bad for him.
Sunday... we went up to Lansing because he wanted to go to House of Ing... and it was Luke's turn to not feel well, again. He quickly rebounded though. It seemed as if he was getting sick all over again... but a trip to the bathroom soon had him feeling 100% again. He and Ally are back to school today, seemingly feeling great!
Ally has a field trip to Impression 5 today.... Luke has one to the Dhalem Center tomorrow! What a wonderful day to go out to the Dhalem Center! His favorite part is going on the bus though. He is SOOOO excited to go on the bus.
Two more practices for Ally before her meet on Friday! She is excited, but nervous. So nervous. This will get worse as the week wears on. I just need to get her there and hand her off ASAP to her coach. I make it worse. I am always in awe of how I can sometimes bring out the worst in her. Okay... this is a strong statement and mostly untrue.... but it is sometimes how I truly feel. I know in my heart that she can fall apart/rage/do what she needs to do with me because she is at home in my presence and I give her a level of comfort to truly be who she needs to be and express any emotion she needs to express. But... damn... that sucks sometimes! ;-)
She just needs to get this meet behind her and prove to herself she can do it... no matter "how" she does! She will do great in our eyes....... she has come so far and learned so much. Most of all, she has so much fun..... which is truly the most important part. This is all supposed to be fun!!!!
So, I am looking forward to a week of fun!
In other wonderful news........... being home for a few days allowed me to get completely caught up on Project Life!!! I completed 2011's album....... and am up to day on 2012's album! I got the Cobal Edition.... and I love, love, love the new binders! So much so, that I am replacing the Turquoise one from last year....... the quality is so much better and I like the look of them more. ;-)
Feeling good... feel spring coming.... filled with hope and happiness! Love me some warm weather!
It's going to be in the 80s this week. The 80s!!!!!!!!! All of the sudden, it's shorts weather for my kids! Ally has exactly one pair of jean shorts that fit.... and two pair of uniform shorts. She is squeezing her feet onto her flip flops from last year. Looks like we have some shopping in our future. That's good and bad. Good, cuz I love to shop.... bad cuz we don't have a lot of extra funds this month with Spring Break right around the corner!
Luke has shorts galore... since he can wear all that he had last year. Today, he is wearing a pair of size 2 shorts. They fit perfect. He is my skinny boy...... and since shorts are made so ridiculously long... he can wear the same shorts for years. Lovely!
T-shirts are another story. I have to get him some more of those... in size 5s this summer. Some of his 4s are okay, but I have a problem with the "too short shirt" look. It just reminds me of 1980s half shirts. :-)))))))
So, we need to get Luke fitted for his summer Keen's (love those sandals for him!) and Ally needs lots of stuff ASAP.
Finding the time to get to Briarwood to do all that is a different story. This week is Girl Scouts on Thurdsay and Ally's meet is now Friday evening... so we will be headed to Bay City right after school Friday. It's nice because now it totally frees up my Saturday and Sunday... but makes for a hectic Friday and a late night for little ones.
I was home Thursday with a sick little girl... and I kept her home Friday as well. She was feeling better, but I knew she was still contagious and another day of "rest" is always nice. She and Luke played the day away together, and quite nicely I might add. It was twilight zone eery how well they played together Friday. The kicked off the day making an airport. One of their favorite activities is to pull items out of the recylcing bins and make things out of the items in there. I adore this activity. It makes a GIANT mess, but I am always amazed by their creativity!!!!
They played forever with this....... and then, as soon as Ally realized how gorgeous it was out... they went right outside. And there they stayed for hours and hours. Scott came home after South Haven and laid low... still not feeling 100%. We stayed in, got cheese pizza... and after the kids spent the day outside, they found a St. Patrick's Day movie they wanted to watch... so they did that together down in the basement.
I almost didn't know what to think....... they really spent the entire day, independently playing so well together with limited interaction from Scott and I. How much I am loving this age! :-)
Ally is coming into the age of really being able to take care of Luke and of being proud that she can. Although they fight as all siblings do... she can be SUCH a good, good big sister when she chooses to. And Friday... she chose to all day long.
Even Satruday... Ally went to gymnastics and I went to yoga, but when we returned... Scott went to golf and the kids... once again... just played. We went over to Jane and Adam's for dinner and to celebrate my Father-in-Law's birthday.... and all the cousins just ran around in the backyard and played. While the adults sat and ate and drank. It was a much more subdued birthday than my Father-in-Law is used to... as EVERYONE was coming off the stomach bug, but me.... I think he gets a do-over. What's St. Patrick's Day/Your Birthday without a drinking bash?????? I felt so bad for him.
Sunday... we went up to Lansing because he wanted to go to House of Ing... and it was Luke's turn to not feel well, again. He quickly rebounded though. It seemed as if he was getting sick all over again... but a trip to the bathroom soon had him feeling 100% again. He and Ally are back to school today, seemingly feeling great!
Ally has a field trip to Impression 5 today.... Luke has one to the Dhalem Center tomorrow! What a wonderful day to go out to the Dhalem Center! His favorite part is going on the bus though. He is SOOOO excited to go on the bus.
Two more practices for Ally before her meet on Friday! She is excited, but nervous. So nervous. This will get worse as the week wears on. I just need to get her there and hand her off ASAP to her coach. I make it worse. I am always in awe of how I can sometimes bring out the worst in her. Okay... this is a strong statement and mostly untrue.... but it is sometimes how I truly feel. I know in my heart that she can fall apart/rage/do what she needs to do with me because she is at home in my presence and I give her a level of comfort to truly be who she needs to be and express any emotion she needs to express. But... damn... that sucks sometimes! ;-)
She just needs to get this meet behind her and prove to herself she can do it... no matter "how" she does! She will do great in our eyes....... she has come so far and learned so much. Most of all, she has so much fun..... which is truly the most important part. This is all supposed to be fun!!!!
So, I am looking forward to a week of fun!
In other wonderful news........... being home for a few days allowed me to get completely caught up on Project Life!!! I completed 2011's album....... and am up to day on 2012's album! I got the Cobal Edition.... and I love, love, love the new binders! So much so, that I am replacing the Turquoise one from last year....... the quality is so much better and I like the look of them more. ;-)
Feeling good... feel spring coming.... filled with hope and happiness! Love me some warm weather!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Last (Wo)Man Standing...
That would be me. It appears that whatever Ally had in the wee hours of Sunday was NOT the stomach bug...... maybe food poisoning? Who knows? Because she and Scott starting throwing up within hours of one another... indicating they were both exposed at the same time to Luke.
Luke threw up once Sunday afternoon and once early Monday morning (after drinking a cup of milk). Each time, it was just milk. Ally, on the other hand, was violently ill and threw up for about 18 hours. Ally had horrid body aches and a headache. Scott said his back hurt something awful as well as his head.
I am still standing.
As soon as Ally started getting sick... I started taking silver as well as some other natural anti-viral/anti-biotic things I have in my arsenal. Time will tell if that helps me. I called my chiro immediately and he said, while my immune system is in recover, it's not in great shape yet... so to continue the silver and see what happens.
I am also keeping a bowl of diluted bleach on the counter. I wash my hands in it constantly. I especially scrub after I've touched anything Ally has been near. My bathroom has been washed no less than four times now. As has the kitchen. Right now, I am in the process of picking up everything else that I have let go. I'm getting there.
Scott will be home any minute... and the kids are happily playing outside in this crazy, gorgeous weather. I have every window open in the house. Be gone germs. Don't come 'round here no more!!!!
I hope and pray this will pass me by. I've been through enough this winter. It just wouldn't be right. ;-)
Luke threw up once Sunday afternoon and once early Monday morning (after drinking a cup of milk). Each time, it was just milk. Ally, on the other hand, was violently ill and threw up for about 18 hours. Ally had horrid body aches and a headache. Scott said his back hurt something awful as well as his head.
I am still standing.
As soon as Ally started getting sick... I started taking silver as well as some other natural anti-viral/anti-biotic things I have in my arsenal. Time will tell if that helps me. I called my chiro immediately and he said, while my immune system is in recover, it's not in great shape yet... so to continue the silver and see what happens.
I am also keeping a bowl of diluted bleach on the counter. I wash my hands in it constantly. I especially scrub after I've touched anything Ally has been near. My bathroom has been washed no less than four times now. As has the kitchen. Right now, I am in the process of picking up everything else that I have let go. I'm getting there.
Scott will be home any minute... and the kids are happily playing outside in this crazy, gorgeous weather. I have every window open in the house. Be gone germs. Don't come 'round here no more!!!!
I hope and pray this will pass me by. I've been through enough this winter. It just wouldn't be right. ;-)
Thursday, March 15, 2012
All I Can Say....
.... Is WTF?? Ally woke up puking AGAIN this morning. Again! She just had "this" Sunday in the wee hours of the morning. Not cool stomach bugs. So not cool.
Needless to say, we are home today. She will not go to school. And she cannot get far away from the toilet. Ugh.
My poor kids. And if I might add, poor me. Scott is out of town. Prayers I remain healthy!!!!!!!! I can handle caring for them on my own. I cannot handle caring for them if I too am puking.
Needless to say, we are home today. She will not go to school. And she cannot get far away from the toilet. Ugh.
My poor kids. And if I might add, poor me. Scott is out of town. Prayers I remain healthy!!!!!!!! I can handle caring for them on my own. I cannot handle caring for them if I too am puking.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Mommy Guilt Turned General Guilt....
So.... my Mommy Guilt from Monday has quickly turned into guilt in general as Jane's kids have come down, one by one, with the stomach flu. Apparently this bug can live on and on and it doesn't matter if you were exposed to actual puke particles or not. The virus lived on in Luke... or maybe on his blankie.... or his clothes or something.... and made its way to the Dawson girls.
Ugh. I feel so bad..... but I had no choice in the matter... and as my wonderful mother in law reminded me... that's what she's there for.
I just hope and pray my mother and father-in-law don't get it now... especially because my father-in-law's birthday is Saturday. That would be awful.
I know you never know where it comes from.... obviously something is going around Jackson.... one of Allys' friends left school today after starting with it.... the sickness is everywhere. I don't hate the pukes. I mean, I hate having them..... but at least they don't linger like a cold can..... or turn into an infection... and take weeks to recover. After 24 hours... its usually done.
Luke is 100% back to normal. Except he still doesn't think he can drink warm milk (cuz that's what he threw up both times). He had it for about 24 hours to the minute. But... even after the worst is over, you still feel "off" for a while. He's still not eating a ton. Not that he ever does though.
Yesterday, despite his sister's fit..... he enjoyed his bike ride and trip to the park.
As you can see, he is sportin' his new sunglasses.... courtesy of Ally and Daddy... when they went on their Nano buying trip Sunday. He told Scott the other day on their drive into town that he needed his very own sunglasses for the car because he doesn't like the sun in his eyes.
I love that kid. :-)
Scott is in South Haven this evening.... so I am on pick up duty for Ally... then, I have to take the kids to my amazing cousin who is going to watch them for me while I go to PTO this evening. Then, I have to hit up my chiropractor. Then, I need to get my kiddios... and get them home later than I would like, but what are ya gonna do? Single parenting it is never easy or perfect. It's about making do. I would skip PTO, but I missed it last month because I was so damn sick...... so I can't miss out again.
Or, I won't rather. I like to keep the committments I make.
Good times...... good times.......
Ugh. I feel so bad..... but I had no choice in the matter... and as my wonderful mother in law reminded me... that's what she's there for.
I just hope and pray my mother and father-in-law don't get it now... especially because my father-in-law's birthday is Saturday. That would be awful.
I know you never know where it comes from.... obviously something is going around Jackson.... one of Allys' friends left school today after starting with it.... the sickness is everywhere. I don't hate the pukes. I mean, I hate having them..... but at least they don't linger like a cold can..... or turn into an infection... and take weeks to recover. After 24 hours... its usually done.
Luke is 100% back to normal. Except he still doesn't think he can drink warm milk (cuz that's what he threw up both times). He had it for about 24 hours to the minute. But... even after the worst is over, you still feel "off" for a while. He's still not eating a ton. Not that he ever does though.
Yesterday, despite his sister's fit..... he enjoyed his bike ride and trip to the park.
As you can see, he is sportin' his new sunglasses.... courtesy of Ally and Daddy... when they went on their Nano buying trip Sunday. He told Scott the other day on their drive into town that he needed his very own sunglasses for the car because he doesn't like the sun in his eyes.
I love that kid. :-)
Scott is in South Haven this evening.... so I am on pick up duty for Ally... then, I have to take the kids to my amazing cousin who is going to watch them for me while I go to PTO this evening. Then, I have to hit up my chiropractor. Then, I need to get my kiddios... and get them home later than I would like, but what are ya gonna do? Single parenting it is never easy or perfect. It's about making do. I would skip PTO, but I missed it last month because I was so damn sick...... so I can't miss out again.
Or, I won't rather. I like to keep the committments I make.
Good times...... good times.......
Happy Couples....
I love this article on the secrets of happy couples....
Yahoo: Nine Secrets of Happy Couples
I think each one is so, SO true and the are the rules Scott and I work HARD to live by all the time. I hope this means that we will have a long, if not ALWAYS happy relationship..... and always feel the way we do today.
We have been through so much "life" together..... lots of good... lots of bad..... we've grown up together and that has it's good and bad points..... but in the end, we are pretty damn awesome.... if I do say so myself. And I do. ;-)
I love constantly reflecting on things such as this. This is a great reminder of how we should strive to be... to exist together... and a great reminder to act as a team and HAVE FUN in this life.
We are enjoying every painful, wonderful, awful, great, terrible, fantastic moment together...... and above all, we carve time out for just us..... away from the madness. Pretty key component in you ask me.
Happy hump day blog friends! Make your marriage work for you today!!!!!!!!!
Yahoo: Nine Secrets of Happy Couples
I think each one is so, SO true and the are the rules Scott and I work HARD to live by all the time. I hope this means that we will have a long, if not ALWAYS happy relationship..... and always feel the way we do today.
We have been through so much "life" together..... lots of good... lots of bad..... we've grown up together and that has it's good and bad points..... but in the end, we are pretty damn awesome.... if I do say so myself. And I do. ;-)
I love constantly reflecting on things such as this. This is a great reminder of how we should strive to be... to exist together... and a great reminder to act as a team and HAVE FUN in this life.
We are enjoying every painful, wonderful, awful, great, terrible, fantastic moment together...... and above all, we carve time out for just us..... away from the madness. Pretty key component in you ask me.
Happy hump day blog friends! Make your marriage work for you today!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
I Love You....
Luke has been silent in his bed for some time. Out of the blue I hear him call out to Daddy....
Scott goes in there and I hear Luke say "Daddy, I love you more than Cocoa Puffs"
That's saying a whole lot. The kid loves him some Cocoa Puffs.
:-)
Had a rough night with Ally. After taking her to the salon, going out to the farm to get eggs and taking the kids to the park, she had a major fit. I hate moments like that when I feel all I did was for her and she just bites me in the butt. It's so hard.
She spent the entire night in her room. I did not back down as much as I wanted to once she calmed down. I will not and do not make empty threats.
If I learned anything at all.... It's that you do not make empty threats or give warnings. You do not tell a kid "if you do that again you are getting a time out.". Warnings are an invitation for bad behavior. You are asking for it. Plain and simple. You are backing them into a corner. It's a lose/lose.
All a "if you do that again I'm going to give you a time out" says to your kid is that you dare them to do it. And nine out of ten times, they do it again. And do you actually follow through? Nine times out of ten you probably don't. I know I didn't.
So I give no warnings. Make no threats. And quickly follow through on my punishments now. It sucks. It really does. But there is no other way.
Ally screamed and screamed at me from her room. She slammed her door and told me it was my head. She said she felt good when she was mean to me. All of it was a giant pile of suck.
Then.... She was sad. She went through the sad phase. And she mourned how she made me feel. And that she lost out on an entire night with the family. Especially since Scott will be gone the next few nights.
But we held fast. And in her room she stayed. And she was quiet and read. And at the end of the day we talked about what went wrong and how to not let it go wrong tomorrow. And I told her I love her always. No matter what. And she apologized. And it all seems ok now.... Even though for so long it sucked so bad.
That's the thing about everything in life. It always seems ok after it just seems like it will always suck.
Stick out your suck blog friends. Ok and, if you're lucky, even better is right around the corner.
Scott goes in there and I hear Luke say "Daddy, I love you more than Cocoa Puffs"
That's saying a whole lot. The kid loves him some Cocoa Puffs.
:-)
Had a rough night with Ally. After taking her to the salon, going out to the farm to get eggs and taking the kids to the park, she had a major fit. I hate moments like that when I feel all I did was for her and she just bites me in the butt. It's so hard.
She spent the entire night in her room. I did not back down as much as I wanted to once she calmed down. I will not and do not make empty threats.
If I learned anything at all.... It's that you do not make empty threats or give warnings. You do not tell a kid "if you do that again you are getting a time out.". Warnings are an invitation for bad behavior. You are asking for it. Plain and simple. You are backing them into a corner. It's a lose/lose.
All a "if you do that again I'm going to give you a time out" says to your kid is that you dare them to do it. And nine out of ten times, they do it again. And do you actually follow through? Nine times out of ten you probably don't. I know I didn't.
So I give no warnings. Make no threats. And quickly follow through on my punishments now. It sucks. It really does. But there is no other way.
Ally screamed and screamed at me from her room. She slammed her door and told me it was my head. She said she felt good when she was mean to me. All of it was a giant pile of suck.
Then.... She was sad. She went through the sad phase. And she mourned how she made me feel. And that she lost out on an entire night with the family. Especially since Scott will be gone the next few nights.
But we held fast. And in her room she stayed. And she was quiet and read. And at the end of the day we talked about what went wrong and how to not let it go wrong tomorrow. And I told her I love her always. No matter what. And she apologized. And it all seems ok now.... Even though for so long it sucked so bad.
That's the thing about everything in life. It always seems ok after it just seems like it will always suck.
Stick out your suck blog friends. Ok and, if you're lucky, even better is right around the corner.
Bouncing Back...
The little man is bouncing back! He was so much more himself yesterday at dinner. I made him eggs and toast... something easy on his tummy.... and while he didn't eat a ton, he DID eat and keep it down.... so that's good.
More than eating though, he's back to being his little crazy self. He actually played and acted silly. He got on the subject of school and going back today... and Ally asked him if his best friend was Joey. He replied "yes, but I love you more than Joey Ally"
Okay.... cue Mommy cry moment. Most adorable thing ever.
What did Ally say or do? Nothing of course. That is so sad to me. She just looks at him and grins. But, she does not tell him she loves him too. She does not even say thank you. She just sits uncomfortably. She doesn't know what to do in the moment.
Sigh.
Luke is so loving and easily shows it. Ally has a harder time. I accept this. I try to fight it...understand it... fix it... but really, I just must accept who she is and what she is capable of... and what she is incapable of. Hard, hard, hard........ so freakin' hard.
Not to mention... I love to play the blame game. I must have done this to her. I must have taught her to react like this. This is my fault. How do I fix it? Stop it? Make it go away? Change her at her very core?
Parenting...... it has its wonderful moments like Luke gave us last night. It has it's challenges that seem impossible to overcome.... like Ally gives me from time to time.
You take the good and the bad and those who are lucky, learn from it all......
I'm a life-long learner. :-)
More than eating though, he's back to being his little crazy self. He actually played and acted silly. He got on the subject of school and going back today... and Ally asked him if his best friend was Joey. He replied "yes, but I love you more than Joey Ally"
Okay.... cue Mommy cry moment. Most adorable thing ever.
What did Ally say or do? Nothing of course. That is so sad to me. She just looks at him and grins. But, she does not tell him she loves him too. She does not even say thank you. She just sits uncomfortably. She doesn't know what to do in the moment.
Sigh.
Luke is so loving and easily shows it. Ally has a harder time. I accept this. I try to fight it...understand it... fix it... but really, I just must accept who she is and what she is capable of... and what she is incapable of. Hard, hard, hard........ so freakin' hard.
Not to mention... I love to play the blame game. I must have done this to her. I must have taught her to react like this. This is my fault. How do I fix it? Stop it? Make it go away? Change her at her very core?
Parenting...... it has its wonderful moments like Luke gave us last night. It has it's challenges that seem impossible to overcome.... like Ally gives me from time to time.
You take the good and the bad and those who are lucky, learn from it all......
I'm a life-long learner. :-)
Ways to Bond...
My coworker-friend just came bouncing into my office this morning.... so excited to share that over the weekend, when she was out of town, she stumbled upon a Lululemon and fell in LOVE! She tells me this because she knows of my love.... and she said she knew we could bond over it. :-)
LOVE IT!
It's silly... yes, I am fully aware it is silly to get so excited about someone else's yoga pants... but I adore Lulu and it's so nice when others join in my adoration which borderlines on obsession. She agrees with me... hands down, best "butt" ever in these yoga pants. So my blog friends..... if you too are looking for some amazing yoga clothes that will ALWAYS make you feel good...... check out Lululemon.... and join the obsession.
My personal obsession is totally Jessica's fault. ;-) And I am happy to pass on the addiction to others..... so they too can be broke like me from spending all their money on yoga wear. :-)
LOVE IT!
It's silly... yes, I am fully aware it is silly to get so excited about someone else's yoga pants... but I adore Lulu and it's so nice when others join in my adoration which borderlines on obsession. She agrees with me... hands down, best "butt" ever in these yoga pants. So my blog friends..... if you too are looking for some amazing yoga clothes that will ALWAYS make you feel good...... check out Lululemon.... and join the obsession.
My personal obsession is totally Jessica's fault. ;-) And I am happy to pass on the addiction to others..... so they too can be broke like me from spending all their money on yoga wear. :-)
Monday, March 12, 2012
Mommy Guilt....
Luke was still sick this morning.... and I HAD to go to work. I have moved days like crazy it seems between my illness, Ally's strep and I just couldn't miss some meetings today that I was facilitating.
Cue: Mommy Guilt.
I felt so bad. Just two weeks ago, I stayed home with Ally for two days. I couldn't make that happen with Luke. I know he is is happy and fine and loved with Nana and Papa... I just still feel bad I had to leave him. Still feel guilty. Feel guilty he had to go and feel guilty I have to expose everyone there to the pukes.
He had a fever all day yesterday and did nothing. Not. One. Thing. I don't think he has ever, ever been sick like this in his entire little life. When he gets colds, nothing really keeps him down. He has run fevers before. But... this time around, he was down for the count.
Last night, he asked to go to bed. Then, in the middle of the story, he asked if we "had to read the whole thing" cuz he just wanted to go to sleep. My poor little angel.
He woke up twice asking for water, and just went right back to sleep.
Then, this morning, he requested milk... so we gave it a shot...... and up it came, as quickly as it went down. His response? "I don't think I will drink milk again until I feel better Mommmy." Ugh. Break my heart kid.
He has never thrown up, so the whole thing is super scary to him. Once, it's over, he's okay, but he gets really worked up and cries and cries. I feel the exact same way every time I puke. And I'm 36 not four. ;-)
Ugh. My poor, poor little man...... we need to let this yucky bug run its course. When Ally was younger she used to take days and days to recover...... I have to keep that in mind with him now. I especially have to remind myself when Ally (who I assume had same bug???) was better in a few hours after getting sick. This has hit him much harder. So young? First time? Who knows.... time will tell.
I will get through these next couple work days... and hopefully, he and I can get out and enjoy what should be some nice weather Thursday and Friday! Here's to hoping the weather man is right this time!
Cue: Mommy Guilt.
I felt so bad. Just two weeks ago, I stayed home with Ally for two days. I couldn't make that happen with Luke. I know he is is happy and fine and loved with Nana and Papa... I just still feel bad I had to leave him. Still feel guilty. Feel guilty he had to go and feel guilty I have to expose everyone there to the pukes.
He had a fever all day yesterday and did nothing. Not. One. Thing. I don't think he has ever, ever been sick like this in his entire little life. When he gets colds, nothing really keeps him down. He has run fevers before. But... this time around, he was down for the count.
Last night, he asked to go to bed. Then, in the middle of the story, he asked if we "had to read the whole thing" cuz he just wanted to go to sleep. My poor little angel.
He woke up twice asking for water, and just went right back to sleep.
Then, this morning, he requested milk... so we gave it a shot...... and up it came, as quickly as it went down. His response? "I don't think I will drink milk again until I feel better Mommmy." Ugh. Break my heart kid.
He has never thrown up, so the whole thing is super scary to him. Once, it's over, he's okay, but he gets really worked up and cries and cries. I feel the exact same way every time I puke. And I'm 36 not four. ;-)
Ugh. My poor, poor little man...... we need to let this yucky bug run its course. When Ally was younger she used to take days and days to recover...... I have to keep that in mind with him now. I especially have to remind myself when Ally (who I assume had same bug???) was better in a few hours after getting sick. This has hit him much harder. So young? First time? Who knows.... time will tell.
I will get through these next couple work days... and hopefully, he and I can get out and enjoy what should be some nice weather Thursday and Friday! Here's to hoping the weather man is right this time!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Weekend Warriors...
The weekend kicked off Friday with a visit to our friends Kristen, Rhen and Mirah.... Luke and I spent the majority of the day there until it was time to get Ally. Luke is still warming up to playing with Rhen. Their personalities are so different. Complete different ends of the spectrum. Rhen is outgoing and boisterous in all the ways Luke is quiet and reserved. We keep trying though!!! It's good for Luke to hang out with super social kids like that! Rhen and Ally have the same personality.... too bad they aren't closer in age. ;-)
I brought all the kiddies home and headed out to Jane's family lake house for a little girls night away. It was lovely. Just lovely. Some drinks, lots of junk food and great girl talk away from it all. We slept in late..... and I lazed the morning and afternoon away while they scrapbooked. I gave myself a little mani/pedi and enjoyed the day of girl talk again.
Headed home late afternoon.... and the kids, Scott and I went to see The Lorax. Cute movie.... but I think my expectations were higher. Don't shoot me. :) It was still really great.... I am just keepin' it real. ;-)
We went out to dinner (tried Outback, but the wait was FOREVER) at Lone Star. Had a nice meal.... and headed home. For some reason, Ally fell asleep in bed with me and Scott left her there. This turned out to be a god-send..... because in the middle of the night, she started puking.... and while she puked, she would crap herself. Oh lordy day..... it was not a good situation.
I had to call in backup. Scott came up and helped me out. Ally got sick a few more times.... we had to clean her up all while she's shaking like crazy...... wash everything..... get her wrapped up and back to bed. So.... needless to say, I didn't sleep at all last night. Every time she moved, I wondered if she was going to be sick again.
Amazingly, she had that one awful, awful bout.... and she never got sick again. Luke, on the other hand, threw up for the FIRST time in his four year life this morning. Just once and all over Scott. He is now sleeping on the couch where he has spent the entire day. He has a fever. Just slips in and out of sleep. He is so very sad to me.
He won't let me out of his sight, so here I sit in the living room with him. It is like 60 degrees and gorgeous out and the McIntosh family is down for the count. Neither Scott and I have gotten sick and god willing, it will stay that way. I started in on all my natural remedies and taking silver.... forced Scott to do the same, much to his chagrin as he does not subscribe to my newsletter quite yet. ;-)
Ally, is fine. Fine... fine... fine. That kid bounces back from illness like no one I know. She has been saving up since Christmas and her birthday to buy a Nano..... and today was the day. No sickness was going to hold her back. She and Scott went into town and she is now the proud owner of a lime green iPod Nano and she is thrilled. Best yet.... every dime of it was hers and she waited a long, long time to get it. I am proud of how hard she worked to achieve her goal!
Let's hope Scott and I stay healthy and Luke bounces back quickly so we can have a GREAT week. It's going to be in the 60s every day.... with day or two of 70!!!! I am giddy!!!!! Scott goes to South Haven for work Wednesday through Friday... so hopefully, the kids and I can get out and enjoy the weather and hopefully, it's as nice for him over there on the Lake! What a nice turn of events that would be for a March meeting at our conference center. It is so gorgeous out there! He goes this week and next week so I will be single parenting it quite a bit the next two weeks! Pray for me. :-)
Happy Sunday blog friends. I hope your week ahead looks as bright as mine!
I brought all the kiddies home and headed out to Jane's family lake house for a little girls night away. It was lovely. Just lovely. Some drinks, lots of junk food and great girl talk away from it all. We slept in late..... and I lazed the morning and afternoon away while they scrapbooked. I gave myself a little mani/pedi and enjoyed the day of girl talk again.
Headed home late afternoon.... and the kids, Scott and I went to see The Lorax. Cute movie.... but I think my expectations were higher. Don't shoot me. :) It was still really great.... I am just keepin' it real. ;-)
We went out to dinner (tried Outback, but the wait was FOREVER) at Lone Star. Had a nice meal.... and headed home. For some reason, Ally fell asleep in bed with me and Scott left her there. This turned out to be a god-send..... because in the middle of the night, she started puking.... and while she puked, she would crap herself. Oh lordy day..... it was not a good situation.
I had to call in backup. Scott came up and helped me out. Ally got sick a few more times.... we had to clean her up all while she's shaking like crazy...... wash everything..... get her wrapped up and back to bed. So.... needless to say, I didn't sleep at all last night. Every time she moved, I wondered if she was going to be sick again.
Amazingly, she had that one awful, awful bout.... and she never got sick again. Luke, on the other hand, threw up for the FIRST time in his four year life this morning. Just once and all over Scott. He is now sleeping on the couch where he has spent the entire day. He has a fever. Just slips in and out of sleep. He is so very sad to me.
He won't let me out of his sight, so here I sit in the living room with him. It is like 60 degrees and gorgeous out and the McIntosh family is down for the count. Neither Scott and I have gotten sick and god willing, it will stay that way. I started in on all my natural remedies and taking silver.... forced Scott to do the same, much to his chagrin as he does not subscribe to my newsletter quite yet. ;-)
Ally, is fine. Fine... fine... fine. That kid bounces back from illness like no one I know. She has been saving up since Christmas and her birthday to buy a Nano..... and today was the day. No sickness was going to hold her back. She and Scott went into town and she is now the proud owner of a lime green iPod Nano and she is thrilled. Best yet.... every dime of it was hers and she waited a long, long time to get it. I am proud of how hard she worked to achieve her goal!
Let's hope Scott and I stay healthy and Luke bounces back quickly so we can have a GREAT week. It's going to be in the 60s every day.... with day or two of 70!!!! I am giddy!!!!! Scott goes to South Haven for work Wednesday through Friday... so hopefully, the kids and I can get out and enjoy the weather and hopefully, it's as nice for him over there on the Lake! What a nice turn of events that would be for a March meeting at our conference center. It is so gorgeous out there! He goes this week and next week so I will be single parenting it quite a bit the next two weeks! Pray for me. :-)
Happy Sunday blog friends. I hope your week ahead looks as bright as mine!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
What I am Missing...
My mom is so cute..... she sends me what I'm missing out on because I am not on Facebook. :-) I will be the first to admit.... these ARE the things I miss the most. She sent me two pics of Ally that were posted in the last few days on the Queens site.
The first picture is from Monday's dress up day at school..... all the students who dressed up in her classroom..... super cute kids.
The second picture is from Donuts with Dad, which was yesterday! During Reading Month, our school hosts a Donuts with Dad and a Muffins with Mom.... where we get to enjoy breakfast with our little girl... and do some reading together! It's a great little event and the kids just adore it. Any reason to show off your super cool parents. :-)
Last year, we were in Mexico this week! I remember that because Ally was with her friend Caitee's dad.... and he was her surrogate for Donuts with Dad. She was bummed, but luckily Caitee has a super cool dad too. ;-)
Oh Mexico....... sounds so sweet I just got to go...... :-) How I love you Mexico......... it is quite likely I would love any all inclusive resort where my hubby and I don't have a care in the world.... that's Mexico to us. Our happy place.
So, I am missing some things on Facebook, it's true.... but I have a great mom who makes sure I don't miss the most important! Thanks mom!
The first picture is from Monday's dress up day at school..... all the students who dressed up in her classroom..... super cute kids.
The second picture is from Donuts with Dad, which was yesterday! During Reading Month, our school hosts a Donuts with Dad and a Muffins with Mom.... where we get to enjoy breakfast with our little girl... and do some reading together! It's a great little event and the kids just adore it. Any reason to show off your super cool parents. :-)
Last year, we were in Mexico this week! I remember that because Ally was with her friend Caitee's dad.... and he was her surrogate for Donuts with Dad. She was bummed, but luckily Caitee has a super cool dad too. ;-)
Oh Mexico....... sounds so sweet I just got to go...... :-) How I love you Mexico......... it is quite likely I would love any all inclusive resort where my hubby and I don't have a care in the world.... that's Mexico to us. Our happy place.
So, I am missing some things on Facebook, it's true.... but I have a great mom who makes sure I don't miss the most important! Thanks mom!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Haircuts and Random Life Moments....
Yesterday, Scott left work a little early and picked Luke up from school. I had plans to attend a Thirty One party at a friend's house and Ally was invited to come along as some other girls from her class were going to be there. So, Scott and I decided instead of me picking Luke up and handing him off, it would just be easiest if he picked him up and we removed the middle man.
That allowed Ally and I time to run some errands and go to Panera and do her homework. Then, were were off to pick up the 1500 boxes of girl scout cookies our troop sold! Whew!!! Thank god for my cookie mom who keeps it all organized and lovely! We got all the cases of cookies in our two Acadias and got them over to her house in plenty of time for Ally and I to get to our party!
We had some super yummy food and great wine.... and I think (no, I know) I bought one too many Thirty One totes. Oh well..... we had a lot of fun.
In the meantime, Scott took Luke to get his haircut. Luke is continuing his bravery and still sitting by himself! Scott sent me the following picture....
Somebody is becoming a little ham. :-))))
Luke and Scott then went out to eat the two of them....... and then home to play...... Scott said it was a wonderful little evening just he and Luke. Ally and I had a wonderful little girl's night too.... Even though I didn't see much of her. She was with her girls... and I was with mine.
I really love the ages my kids are at right now. Do I say that a lot? I hope I always feel that way. I think I will. I just love that they can DO things with us so easily. I love that I can take Ally just about anywhere. I love that we can watch movies that we BOTH enjoy and that they are appropriate for her to watch. I love that we can travel together. That we share friend time.... her with the littles and me, with their moms. I love all of these things and so much more. It's a good time... life gets easier in ways as they get older. Harder in ways too..... just different all around. Ever evolving this parenthood journey!
Looking forward to lots these days. I love that feeling... looking forward and having wonderful things to look forward to! I am looking forward to a little min-break this weekend... as some girls and I are headed out to my sis in law's family lake house for a break from our insane lives. Looking forward to St. Patrick's day next weekend....... always a great drinking holiday and my father in law's birthday celebration! Looking super forward to Ally's first gymnastics meet the weekend after that....... and then, looking SO FORWARD to Spring Break and West Palm Beach.............. and hopefully, spring right around the corner after that! Love this time of year. The anticipation of everything warm and new.
Happy Hump Day blog friends!!!!!!!!
That allowed Ally and I time to run some errands and go to Panera and do her homework. Then, were were off to pick up the 1500 boxes of girl scout cookies our troop sold! Whew!!! Thank god for my cookie mom who keeps it all organized and lovely! We got all the cases of cookies in our two Acadias and got them over to her house in plenty of time for Ally and I to get to our party!
We had some super yummy food and great wine.... and I think (no, I know) I bought one too many Thirty One totes. Oh well..... we had a lot of fun.
In the meantime, Scott took Luke to get his haircut. Luke is continuing his bravery and still sitting by himself! Scott sent me the following picture....
Somebody is becoming a little ham. :-))))
Luke and Scott then went out to eat the two of them....... and then home to play...... Scott said it was a wonderful little evening just he and Luke. Ally and I had a wonderful little girl's night too.... Even though I didn't see much of her. She was with her girls... and I was with mine.
I really love the ages my kids are at right now. Do I say that a lot? I hope I always feel that way. I think I will. I just love that they can DO things with us so easily. I love that I can take Ally just about anywhere. I love that we can watch movies that we BOTH enjoy and that they are appropriate for her to watch. I love that we can travel together. That we share friend time.... her with the littles and me, with their moms. I love all of these things and so much more. It's a good time... life gets easier in ways as they get older. Harder in ways too..... just different all around. Ever evolving this parenthood journey!
Looking forward to lots these days. I love that feeling... looking forward and having wonderful things to look forward to! I am looking forward to a little min-break this weekend... as some girls and I are headed out to my sis in law's family lake house for a break from our insane lives. Looking forward to St. Patrick's day next weekend....... always a great drinking holiday and my father in law's birthday celebration! Looking super forward to Ally's first gymnastics meet the weekend after that....... and then, looking SO FORWARD to Spring Break and West Palm Beach.............. and hopefully, spring right around the corner after that! Love this time of year. The anticipation of everything warm and new.
Happy Hump Day blog friends!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Morning Madness...
I was just over catching up on Momastary. She posted five days ago and somehow I am just reading the most recent post! What is wrong with me? ;-)
Oh how I laughed at this post. I loved it so very much I wanted to cry. Again and again this woman leads a life that I read about and say "yep... been there girl...."
The entire description of her morning with her kids I relate to like you would not believe! Makes me smile to know not everyone is out there having a peaceful morning. I like to know more families are like mine..... we run crazy in the morning no matter HOW much we have done the night before to NOT run crazy. I swear to you... it does not matter how much I prepare..... the mornings are still hell in my house.
My kids wake up angry at the world. They do not wake up with smiles on their faces, ready to greet the day. They wake up pissed off. This is not an exaggeration. Luke even growls. Ally just has immediate attitude. Nothing is ever right for either of my kids in the morning and this is almost always MY fault somehow. Of course it is. Duh!
I spend a lot of wasted energy wishing I had those happy go lucky kids. A lot. I get insanely jealous of people who appear to have kids who go with the flow. Who's kids are compliant and appear to have genuine respect for their parents.
I birthed kids who question authority. Argue their points. Kids who must be won over. You must prove to them that you deserve respect... they don't just give it to you.
I have strong, smart kids.......and most days I am no match for their brains..... but I keep on trying.
I need to spend a lot more time simply accepting that they are who they are and that it is very unlikely I am ever going to change them into happy go lucky kids. They just aren't built that way. So, I can wish and envy all I want...... but that will do me absolutely no freakin' good. The best I can do is accept and learn to live in peace with what I have.....
Not to mention.... I need to appreciate their personalities for what they are. Ally has so much to offer, if she is just put in the right environment to be who she is. So long as she feels love and acceptance..... Ally can shine. Luke is the same really...... he's just younger and I've learned a lot more through trial and ERROR with Ally so I know how to deal better.
My mornings will always be crazy........ in sharp contrast to most nights. I am thankful that my children go to bed like champs. The horror stories I hear of kids not staying in bed.... refusing to go to bed.... sleeping in their parents' beds..... are all more than I could take. My kids give me a run for my money all day long..... they are just as exhausted as I am come bed time and we all just pass out! Thank god for bedtime. :-)
The one thing I have done right is teach my children how to value sleep!
This morning, on the radio show I listen to, they discussed how to have a great night's sleep. The key points were:
1. Eat before 8:30 pm
2. Do not drink anything after 9:00 pm
3. Be in bed by 9:30/10 and asleep by 10:30 pm
I defintely do all this and more. I try not to do anything at all once I put the kids down. That cannot always be accomplished. Lately, I am going to the chiropractor at 8:15/8:30 a couple nights a week.... so the process of driving to and from Jackson that late, gets me more wound up than I care to be. But that is a short term need and will soon end.
My typical night looks like this:
1. Dinner between 6-7:30 (depending on Ally's gymnastics schedule)
2. Low key activities after dinner... no TV for Luke. Ally is occassionally alowed to watch a show in my bed. Luke usually plays with Scott in his room for a little bit.
3. Bedtime for kids at or before 8:00 pm
4. I am in bed reading by 8:30 pm or Scott and I are talking on the couch. Rarely we watch TV (sports usually).
5. I will not usually talk on the phone, email, get on the internet at all or do anything that winds me up in this hour.
6. I am out anytime between 9 and 10 pm... depending!
There are always exceptions...... but typically, on school/work nights.... that's my optimal schedule. I sleep like a rock when I follow that plan. The only coffee I have is one cup in the morning.... and green tea is all the caffeine I have throughout the day. This was apparent yesterday when I had a latte at 3:30 when Ally and I went to Jackson Coffee and I got a free latte that I couldn't pass up. Sleep was MUCH more interrupted. Will not make that mistake again.
I have not always been able to perform this loser sleep ritual that I have going on now..... I had to really accept that it was OKAY not to run around like a crazy person trying to accomplish a ton after my kids were in bed. That is just NOT an optimal time for me. And, I am lucky.... many days, I am home after the school hour and I have those hours to accomplish those things, then. So.... after 8:00 pm.... you will find our house quiet and pretty much done for the day each week day. That's just how we roll. :-)
Oh how I laughed at this post. I loved it so very much I wanted to cry. Again and again this woman leads a life that I read about and say "yep... been there girl...."
The entire description of her morning with her kids I relate to like you would not believe! Makes me smile to know not everyone is out there having a peaceful morning. I like to know more families are like mine..... we run crazy in the morning no matter HOW much we have done the night before to NOT run crazy. I swear to you... it does not matter how much I prepare..... the mornings are still hell in my house.
My kids wake up angry at the world. They do not wake up with smiles on their faces, ready to greet the day. They wake up pissed off. This is not an exaggeration. Luke even growls. Ally just has immediate attitude. Nothing is ever right for either of my kids in the morning and this is almost always MY fault somehow. Of course it is. Duh!
I spend a lot of wasted energy wishing I had those happy go lucky kids. A lot. I get insanely jealous of people who appear to have kids who go with the flow. Who's kids are compliant and appear to have genuine respect for their parents.
I birthed kids who question authority. Argue their points. Kids who must be won over. You must prove to them that you deserve respect... they don't just give it to you.
I have strong, smart kids.......and most days I am no match for their brains..... but I keep on trying.
I need to spend a lot more time simply accepting that they are who they are and that it is very unlikely I am ever going to change them into happy go lucky kids. They just aren't built that way. So, I can wish and envy all I want...... but that will do me absolutely no freakin' good. The best I can do is accept and learn to live in peace with what I have.....
Not to mention.... I need to appreciate their personalities for what they are. Ally has so much to offer, if she is just put in the right environment to be who she is. So long as she feels love and acceptance..... Ally can shine. Luke is the same really...... he's just younger and I've learned a lot more through trial and ERROR with Ally so I know how to deal better.
My mornings will always be crazy........ in sharp contrast to most nights. I am thankful that my children go to bed like champs. The horror stories I hear of kids not staying in bed.... refusing to go to bed.... sleeping in their parents' beds..... are all more than I could take. My kids give me a run for my money all day long..... they are just as exhausted as I am come bed time and we all just pass out! Thank god for bedtime. :-)
The one thing I have done right is teach my children how to value sleep!
This morning, on the radio show I listen to, they discussed how to have a great night's sleep. The key points were:
1. Eat before 8:30 pm
2. Do not drink anything after 9:00 pm
3. Be in bed by 9:30/10 and asleep by 10:30 pm
I defintely do all this and more. I try not to do anything at all once I put the kids down. That cannot always be accomplished. Lately, I am going to the chiropractor at 8:15/8:30 a couple nights a week.... so the process of driving to and from Jackson that late, gets me more wound up than I care to be. But that is a short term need and will soon end.
My typical night looks like this:
1. Dinner between 6-7:30 (depending on Ally's gymnastics schedule)
2. Low key activities after dinner... no TV for Luke. Ally is occassionally alowed to watch a show in my bed. Luke usually plays with Scott in his room for a little bit.
3. Bedtime for kids at or before 8:00 pm
4. I am in bed reading by 8:30 pm or Scott and I are talking on the couch. Rarely we watch TV (sports usually).
5. I will not usually talk on the phone, email, get on the internet at all or do anything that winds me up in this hour.
6. I am out anytime between 9 and 10 pm... depending!
There are always exceptions...... but typically, on school/work nights.... that's my optimal schedule. I sleep like a rock when I follow that plan. The only coffee I have is one cup in the morning.... and green tea is all the caffeine I have throughout the day. This was apparent yesterday when I had a latte at 3:30 when Ally and I went to Jackson Coffee and I got a free latte that I couldn't pass up. Sleep was MUCH more interrupted. Will not make that mistake again.
I have not always been able to perform this loser sleep ritual that I have going on now..... I had to really accept that it was OKAY not to run around like a crazy person trying to accomplish a ton after my kids were in bed. That is just NOT an optimal time for me. And, I am lucky.... many days, I am home after the school hour and I have those hours to accomplish those things, then. So.... after 8:00 pm.... you will find our house quiet and pretty much done for the day each week day. That's just how we roll. :-)
Monday, March 5, 2012
Thing One...
Today was dress as a Dr. Seuss Character at school (to kick off reading month!) and Ally went as Thing One...
Not the best lighting..... but she is wearing red yoga pants, a red t-shirt and a blue fuzzy hat. Scott and Tony went ALL over Jackson ysterday to assemble this lovely outfit........ they went to Walmart.... some crazy Beauty Supply store..... Hot Topic....... Kohls...... Sears....... you name it. They were hilarious. And quite proud of themselves. Pretty sure the hat cost $2. The pants cost $5. And the shirt cost $3. Fantastic.
Ally made the white circle that says Thing 1 herself out of an old pillowcase (I helped cut the circle, she did the writing) ......... she is very proud!
What a morning we had..... things were going so well. Too well. We were so prepared this morning. Made Luke's lunch last night. Got everything ready to go like we should each evening! Scott left with the kids... and as I was grabbing my keys to start my car prior to my leaving.....I realized I didn't have my keys at all. You know when you have that sinking feeling in your heart....... I had that because I recalled that the last time we took my car anywhere, Scott drove and I just knew the keys were likely in his coat pocket, in Jackson.
Made a phone call to my hubby and sure enough...... he had them. Of course, we have NO IDEA where the second set is. He is dropping Luke off, so he heads home as soon as he can after that..... but in the meantime..... he gets pulled over.
The cop asks him if he's been in an argument this morning. Hmmm..... odd. He says "no" and wonders WFT??? Eventually they figure out the cop has the wrong guy..... whoever he was looking for, and for whatever reason..... it wasn't Scott. So, Scott finally makes his way back home to bring me my keys.
I use my time wisely, jumping on work email. Sending out Girl Scout reminder emails for cookie pick up tomorrow. And printing out my coupon for a free Latte at Jackson Coffee today because they are celebrating their big win as Jackson's Favorite Coffee!!!
Ally and I resume our coffee/homework date after school! It's been a couple months and we have missed it. I know she has surely missed it because she told me how much she was looking forward to it. That fills me with joy. :-)
It's going to be a great Monday blog friends!
Not the best lighting..... but she is wearing red yoga pants, a red t-shirt and a blue fuzzy hat. Scott and Tony went ALL over Jackson ysterday to assemble this lovely outfit........ they went to Walmart.... some crazy Beauty Supply store..... Hot Topic....... Kohls...... Sears....... you name it. They were hilarious. And quite proud of themselves. Pretty sure the hat cost $2. The pants cost $5. And the shirt cost $3. Fantastic.
Ally made the white circle that says Thing 1 herself out of an old pillowcase (I helped cut the circle, she did the writing) ......... she is very proud!
What a morning we had..... things were going so well. Too well. We were so prepared this morning. Made Luke's lunch last night. Got everything ready to go like we should each evening! Scott left with the kids... and as I was grabbing my keys to start my car prior to my leaving.....I realized I didn't have my keys at all. You know when you have that sinking feeling in your heart....... I had that because I recalled that the last time we took my car anywhere, Scott drove and I just knew the keys were likely in his coat pocket, in Jackson.
Made a phone call to my hubby and sure enough...... he had them. Of course, we have NO IDEA where the second set is. He is dropping Luke off, so he heads home as soon as he can after that..... but in the meantime..... he gets pulled over.
The cop asks him if he's been in an argument this morning. Hmmm..... odd. He says "no" and wonders WFT??? Eventually they figure out the cop has the wrong guy..... whoever he was looking for, and for whatever reason..... it wasn't Scott. So, Scott finally makes his way back home to bring me my keys.
I use my time wisely, jumping on work email. Sending out Girl Scout reminder emails for cookie pick up tomorrow. And printing out my coupon for a free Latte at Jackson Coffee today because they are celebrating their big win as Jackson's Favorite Coffee!!!
Ally and I resume our coffee/homework date after school! It's been a couple months and we have missed it. I know she has surely missed it because she told me how much she was looking forward to it. That fills me with joy. :-)
It's going to be a great Monday blog friends!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
The Weekend Update...
We have had a perfectly balanced week around here, once Ally and I got back to school and work. Life has calmed down a bit since Destination Imagination has ended. Two days a week have been freed up as a result of that. Wow does that make a difference. It really does.
I had to work Friday to make up for one of the days I was off.... and I will also have to work next Thursday. I already had appointments this past Thursday, so working both those days this week was not an option. So, that's how things worked out.
A couple days of work. A couple days home with a sick kid. One day of total pampering (hair appointment, lunch alone and a massage). And this weekend, we have had our friend Tony in from Chicago to hang. We haven't done anything special.... went out to eat.... shared some wine, conversation and laughter... and laid low. A great weekend really. A nice cap to the week. And Bristow is here too..... the kids love her.
I got back to Saturday yoga this weekend. I have missed it so much. I also discovered a great yoga DVD and have been doing it a ton on the days I don't get to a class. It's not as good, but a close second... and it helps me on the days that I miss it so. I have become a true yoga addict.
I continue to get to the chiropractor three times a week... and am continuing on my road to health and complete wellness.
I have spent some time today taking a look at my summer wardrobe.... and I got a new bathing suit that I adore from Garnett Hill. LOVE IT! Four weeks from yesterday, we leave for West Palm Beach in sunny Florida. I cannot wait. Spring break here we come! I am over winter..... and ready to bust out some crops, skirts, and sandals. Summer cannot come soon enough for me............
Girl Scout cookies come in this week.... so if you ordered any, they arrive Tuesday and I will be contacting you to collect the money and making deliveries! Good times.
Next weekend I have a girls' weekend out at Duck Lake with some girls.... I am trying to decide if I can do both nights or just one.... mommy guilt always kicking in..... and some wife guilt too. ;-) I should just take the weekend. It would be nice. We have to see. And I really think I am going to drive in for yoga on Saturday, which makes me slightly crazy.... but as I said, I am an addict now.
A full week ahead..... normal routine and an extra work day. Some evening activities and some craziness. I would never have it any other way.
Work has been wonderful lately. I have a newer boss and she and I are making some great strides in the major project we are working on.... and in addition, she inspires me in a way previous bosses haven't inspired me for years. She and I have had some great chats lately.... and I feel really grounded and calm and HAPPY at work. This is such a good, good thing. So important to me because I take great pride in my work... and I want to feel fulfilled. And I really do these days..... that feels great. It doesn't matter how little or much of my time I spend working, I am just one of those people that needs to be fulfilled and happy and I always make that happen.
The kids are great. Healthy.... anxious for spring too. We all just seem to have a bug to get out! Get on the trail. Get outdoors. Get to the pool! Luke can't stop talking about the pool and it's adorable. We won't be able to do a big summer trip this year, so we are fortunate to have the Club as an option for "getting away" when we can. It really does make a huge difference. Worth every penny for our summer enjoyment.
So much to look forward to. I love it. I love lots of plans and looking forward. Happy days.
In meditation this week, my instructor made a comment about how it is so hard to feel as though we are blessed..... I was so confused by this statement.... because I feel blessed every day. Each day I take time to count my blessings. Recognize my many, many blessings... and I am lucky enough to have too many to count. I feel thankful and blessed all the time. All the time. I have no problem feeling that I am blessed.... and for THAT I am thankful.
Count your blessings today and everyday blog friends. You ARE blessed in countless ways. I know it. And, if you aren't feeling particularly blessed.... give me a call and I will make sure you have something to feel good about. That's why I am here in your life.
Blessings blog friends. Have a wonderful week.......
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