Goodbye Penny...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family Fall Festival....

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

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

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

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

National Gymnastics Day!

Happy National Gymnastics Day! A day much celebrated in our house since we have a little gymnast who makes certain we are aware!

Ally had gymnastics this morning, and after only a few weeks, she has her routine down - as in she's memorized it!  Now it's work, work, work on timing and "finishing" it.  She is very happy with herself, as she should be! She didn't do the second back handspring this time, but she was still smiling.... and that's matters to this mom!  :-)

Link to Ally's Routine:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMV8mAV3K-E

We also have a schedule for her meets this year!  Mark your calendars!  (Exact days of the weekend to be determined.)  ;-)

December 15/16 - Plymouth
January 5/6 - Brighton
March 8/9 - Rochester Hills (Oakland University)
April 13/14 - Kalamazoo
April 20/21 - Location TBD - State Meet
May 18/19 - Ann Arbor - Regionals

Good times.... :-)

Into the Swing...

I don't know what exactly is going on lately, but I cannot seem to quite keep it all together.  The little things keep falling off the radar.  I sold something to a co-worker that I forgot to take into work for days. I threw away Ally's homework the other day.  We ran out of checks and they don't get reordered in a timely fashion.  This morning, I took Ally's folder out of her backpack to put something in it... and totally forgot to put it back in.  That earns me a lovely ride into town and back.  Something I get to do four times today.

I just feel like I'm not quite organized or something!  I know I'm not the most organized person in the world, but I am usually better than this.  I can count on NO fingers the number of times Ally has not turned in an assignment in her school career.  She wouldn't even let me explain it to the teacher... saying it was ultimately her responsibility and I don't need to explain.  I was proud of her for being accountable. Still..... that and then, the folder today. Two days in a row of a flub up.

We do have a lot going on, but we always do. That is how we roll around here... so I don't think that's it.  Am I simply adjusting to a new schedule? To Luke's new school schedule?  To different working days.?Seems like it's taking longer than it should to get into the swing of these new things. I feel a bit like I'm in a fog.  Not thinking clear all the time.  Hmmmm..... hoping this is just a phase, ya know?

Taking some time to beat myself up here (maybe or maybe not effective)... but also taking steps to get organized... and try new ways to stay on top of the things that happen on a regular basis and the things that change daily!  Got a GIANT dry erase calendar... some cork panels and a reminder dry erase board I put on the door to the garage.  I need to keep up on happenings... what I constantly fear is that I will forget the big things (picking up kids from somewhere) and I am constantly trying to keep on top of the all that, that I truly allow the little things to go unchecked.  And then, a folder stays on the counter... even though I've asked "did you remember your leotard/gym clothes/assignment notebook?"  Everything but the folder........

It happens.  Need to let it go.

Jeez, I wonder where my daughter gets her super hard on herself attitude.  Sheesh... must cut self break! I could also use a nap.... ;-)  Can't seem to wake up today.... wonder if it's the weather?

Coffee to the rescue.....

Bring Brody Home....

Our very good friends, Scott and Brook, lost their goddaughter last month. She died in her sleep. There has been no reason found for her death. None at all.

Without cause, an investigation started. Makes sense. But there is no just cause for this. No evidence to even suggest the parents could or would ever be involved.

They lost their four year old. Now they have lost their eight year old son. They have had no contact with him, even though a judge ordered they should. They live in fear that anything they say might be twisted and used against them, as so many things already have been.

They made fighting this with all they have. They are selling personal property to pay for their legal team and hire medical professionals to help clearer name. To dig to the bottom of why they lost their daughter.... And get their son back.

Can you imagine how this little boy is feeling? Foster care? His sister has died and he doesn't even have his family to comfort him or make sense of it?

It is a tragedy. It needs a happier ending. I am moved to donate. I am asking you to feel moved as well.

Here is a link to the site.

http://www.gofundme.com/16vtfk

Things I Ponder....

(after a glass of wine or two)

Why does my dog bark at every little thing, a car going by, an ant on the floor, a knock from the kids playing... Yet sits perfectly still as the UPS man drops a package off inside the garage to the door where he sits in his crate inches away and doesn't make a sound???

How does my four year old have such an amazing vocabulary. He uses huge words. His food isn't good or yummy, it's delightful!!!!!

Why do I accomplish ten times more the days I work? Even after I work? I work a day, get the kids here and there, run errands after, make dinner and do things around the house when I get home. I stayed home today an accomplished zero. Didn't even cook. Chinese takeout. Lesson - never be a stay at home mom!!!

Why can my daughter flip on a beam and land on it yet not walk down the hall without bumping into things, tripping and falling?? And why oh why is she such a flippin slob????

Why did my fortune today read "At 20 years of age the will reigns, at 30 the wit and at 40 the judgement". That's just dumb. And not even a fortune!!!

Why oh WHY isn't there a Thai restaurant in Jackson?!?!?!?!

What is it with Doc McStuffins??? Kids love it. Even Ally! The damn song gets stuck in your head for hours. Heaven for kids young and old. Torture for parents everywhere.

Is it just me or do kids have ten times more homework today than we ever had??? Do you remember sitting down with your parents/mom everyday after school and doing homework?? Starting in the first grade??? I sure don't!! But I am that mom now... With more homework than I can handle!

Does everyone feel that their kids are the most difficult in the world? Does everyone out there look at every other mom in the world and think they are ten times the mom they are? Or do I just beat the crap out of myself on a daily basis all alone here???

Why is my husband currently at U of M listening to the CEO of Twitter talk? Oh wait. I know the answer to that. Cuz he's a big ole dork and I love that about him. ;)

And last but not least.... Why does 5:30 am have to be so damn early!? Ready for bed??? Yeah! What a difference it makes the nights I know I have to get up!!!!!

Over and out. :)

Gymnastics....

..... is not for the faint of heart, body or mind. It just isn't!!!!!!!  Mom's included!!

Last Thursday, Ally was ready to quit.  She had a rough practice Tuesday.  I wasn't really aware of the extent of how upset she was.  Her coaches had shared with me that she had a hard time with her fly-away, but they also said they couldn't believe how amazing she was. How determined. How even through the tears, she got her butt back on that high bar and did it.... time and time again.  What none of us knew was what was inside her head.

She was scared out of her mind and didn't WANT to do it again.

So.... come Thursday, in the parking lot of the gym... Ally had a meltdown in the car. She didn't want to go to practice... even more... she wasn't sure she ever wanted to go back to the gym again.

LORDY DAY!!!!!

I sent her coach a text. Sydney texted me right back... asking a ton of questions and basically walking me through what to say to her to get her to walk through the door. They didn't come out and get her.  They just waited....  And, in time... with the promise of NO FLYAWAY today.... Ally went into the gym just 20 minutes late.  ;-)

Holy Hannah..... I don't know if I am cut out to be a gym mom!  The drama!!!!! The agony!  Ally was so upset with herself for being scared. She is so hard on herself... very unforgiving.  It's hard, as a mom, to watch her go through it.  I am so often at a complete loss as to how to help her... what to say... what to do.

I have no idea if I did the right thing, pushing her to go.  I feel like I did.  I wasn't going to let her quit over one skill!  She has so much else to offer!!!  If someday, she doesn't want to do gymnastics anymore, so be it... but not like that! Not quitting out of fear or a bad day. You have to work your way out....

There's that fine line... between allowing your kids to have the freedom to choose what they do and making sure they don't give up.  Teaching them how to really determine if they want to quit something. It's hard... and I couldn't do it without help that's for damn sure.

The help of coaches, a sister-in-law with the experience and friends to use as sounding boards... to say nothing of my partner in all things drama and parenting, my hubby....

His response when I sent him the first text as to what was going down.....

"Oh boy..."   :-))))))

In the end, I picked up a happy girl.  I am glad she went. She was glad she went.  We won't be doing the flyaway again anytime soon. She will do drills and work through her fear for a while.  What everyone thought she might be ready for, she just isn't... and that's okay. She rocks. She is a great gymnast. She's my gold medal girl no matter what.

Here's a link to Ally's floor routine for the year. It's day one - the day they choreographed it so she doesn't have it down or know it at all... she had just learned it two minutes before, but wanted me to record it so she could remember it as she tries to memorize.  She's tumbling to "The Wizard of Oz" and in the end, it's going to be an adorable routine.

First meet:  December... weekend of my birthday.  :-)

Link to:  Ally's Floor Routine 2012

First "Mostly" Normal Week....

So, Ally started school over two weeks ago now... and Luke started last week.  This is the first week everyone is in school together and we have begun all extra-curricular activities... for the most part!  Ally doesn't have school Friday and Luke does, so there is that one little glitch, but like I said.... it's a mostly normal week!

What does a normal week constitute around here you ask? First of all... there will really be no such thing as "normal." The McIntosh family doesn't really do normal or routine, but we strive to keep things as scheduled and organized as possible. It gets harder each year. The older your kids get, the more activities they are involved in and the busier life just IS!  I really love it though. I love this kind of busy. It feels good and right to me.  

On Mondays, both kids go to school... and I work from 8 am - 2:40 pm.  Leaving at 2:40 allows me time to get to school to pick everyone up! At the end his school day, Luke goes to the school office with a few others and their older siblings come and sign them out there at the end of their day. Then, Ally and Luke come out together, grab Little D and off we go!

We head home and do homework, have dinner... and then, Ally has Hip Hop at 7:00 pm in Spring Arbor at the Academy of the Arts. Yesterday was her first class and she loved it!  I would like to get in a routine where I used that time to do something productive, but yesterday I just watched her first class and chatted with a couple friends (moms of Ally's friends who are doing the class together) and that was lovely.

We head home after and Ally is tucked into bed at 8:30 and everything that had to be taken care of (homework, assignment notebook, gym clothes, gymnastics clothes, etc) was done prior to us leaving that evening.  The schedule works well Mondays.

Then, we have Tuesdays. Tuesdays, neither Luke nor I have school or work.  I still get up with Ally and see her off. Breakfast, hair, last minute preparations.... then, Luke and I watch some Disney in bed and Scott has usually brought me a cup of coffee cuz he rocks like that.  It has the potential to be a peaceful start to our day. We shall see how this goes.  ;-)

We will go get Ally and D at 3ish.... and Ally has gymnastics at 4:00 pm. She knows this, so on Tuesdays (and Thursdays) she has been trying to use her free time in class to do her homework. I am proud of how she came up with this little plan on her own! Good time management!  We have a significant snack and do some more homework either in the car or at the park (weather permitting) and she gets to the gym.  Luke and I head home after we drop her.

She is done at 8.  I would like to get into a routine where I leave here by 6:30 or so to get a workout in on Tuesdays and Thursdays prior to picking her up. This would be a great use of my time.  This hasn't worked out yet... we've had other commitments... but we shall see if we can get it going soon.

Home and in bed between 8:30 and 9 - Scott has Luke down already Monday, Tuesday and Thursday without me (YAY!).

Wednesday, both kids to school.  I go to work. NOTHING AFTER SCHOOL!  Hooray.  :-)

Thursday is a repeat of Tuesday.  No school or work for Luke and I. Gymnastics for Ally 4-8pm.  

Friday, both kids to school and I WORK. Yes, I work Fridays now.  Sigh.  ;-) It's working out good so far.  I know it could come back to bite me, but I am kind of liking the every other day. It's nice. But, I think I still prefer my chunks of time. We shall see. Many months to go on this schedule.

No planned activities on Fridays either.... but it's the freakin' weekend... so you never know what comes up!

Saturday mornings, Ally has gymnastics from 9-noon.... I would like Luke to start taking swimming at the Y at 10:30 Saturdays, but he's not receptive to the idea yet.  I will keep on trying. Classes start this Saturday.  I think it would be good for him to learn a little more confidence in the water.

It's a busy and full week, but I really think I struck a good balance. I want Ally to be involved in sports and active. She spends 11 hours a week in the gym. Two week days a weekend day. I think this is manageable.  So long as her grades stay up and she seems to be handling it all, we will keep up the schedule.  If she struggles and grades fall.... we are going to have to cut back on a day.  School first around here. That's how it works.  She knows this.... and she is really aware of what she needs to do.

We learned at last week's Parent's Night at school that this year, in the fourth grade, they are really focusing on making the kids act more responsible and accountable. They encourage us to make them remind us to sign their assignment notebook, not always ask and do it without their reminder.  Allow them to take the fall if they don't complete at assignment.  We won't always be there to remind them. They need to start to learn good homework and study practices.

They get "incompletes" now for missed work and can earn detentions for too many of them. They get detentions faster now for "mark offs" (misbehavior in the classroom, talking, etc).

I find my biggest challenge is simply to trust that Ally will do all this.  I want to ask her about everything.... I want to grab her assignment notebook and sign it without her asking. I want to check her folder to see that work has been done. I want to check her homework to make sure it is all correct, even when she doesn't want me to!  I want her to succeed, so I want to help!  But, I know I must let her do for herself. She needs to gain the confidence that she can do things on her own. Like Glennon says....  she too can "do hard things." She is my daughter after all.  ;-)

Preschool!!!

Like my Facebook status says... "what a difference a year makes!!!"  Luke walked into preschool today like a pro.  No hesitation. No lack of confidence. No tears.  Just a happy, happy boy ready to face the day at school!  We got up bright and early to go to Panera as a family and enjoy breakfast.  I was SO proud of how the morning was going. I really couldn't even believe it was going so well.......

Then, we got to Panera and Ally says to me "Mommy, my shoes aren't in the car."

WTF?????!!!!!!???????

She jumped in the car without shoes because she thought they were in there. Didn't think to look when we got in the car and were still AT HOME... no, she waited until we were in the Panera parking lot. This is life people.  Just when you think everything is rolling along smoothly - BAM!  You have a daugther with no shoes..........

Thank god I had my mom's croc flats!! HAHA!  I keep forgetting to give them back to her and this must be why. God knew I needed them! ;-)  Ally at least could slip those on so we could go into Panera... and Daddy to the rescue... Scott busted ass home to get her shoes.

He met us at school in plenty of time.  I was taking pictures (with my real camera - to be uploaded later!) and he pulled up. Of course, Ally was running around the wet grass in her white socks. Sigh. That kid.  ;-)

Luke just marched right into school.  He held my hand as we walked in. He hung up his backpack.  He put away his nap items and his lunch.  He slipped on his name tag.  I walked him into the room and snapped a few more pics.  Walked him in further and told him to have a good day!  He said "oh! you're leaving now?"  To which I said, "yes."  And his response was simply, "Ok! Don't forget your hug!"  As if I needed the hug more than he did.

Daddy leaned in for a hug too.... and that was that.... we walked away and even though I looked back, he was fine... which makes me so fine.

Not all the kids and parents were in the same boat... I just wanted to reach out and hug all the moms who had to peel their kids off them... and leave them crying. That was Luke last year. It was hard each and every day for a long, long time.... but now he is a happy, confident boy who knows that school is not a scary place... because he knows mommy and daddy would never send him AND Ally to a place that wasn't filled with love.

He's got this.  :-)

Ally's Kindergarten Picture...

SO many people I know have Kindergarteners starting this year!!!  I had to go back and find Ally's pictures from her first day at Concord! She was so little.... :-)

Congrats to everyone on their first day... whether it be Kindergarten or your 30th year teaching... I hope it was a great day back!  Here's to an amazing school year!

Key Play....

So, we have a little problem here at the McIntosh house. We only have one set of keys for the Acadia. The car that I primarily drive. The car I would normally use today to pick up Ally and get her to the gym by 4 pm. The car I make sure is stocked with food of all sorts for her to eat before and after gymnastics.

The car that is stuck in the garage full of said food because Scott drove to work this morning with my keys. The only set we have. Which when you think about it, is totally unacceptable and I am quite sure his fault. Although he will tell you differently.

Thank god he wasn't in a meeting at 2:40 when I called. Double thank god he can leave work and go get Ally. And since my daughter is super duper adaptable and easy going, I am certain she will be thrilled that Daddy is picking her up instead of Mommy and that she won't mind a bit that the food she preordered isn't there waiting or her. Yes. She is going to be in such good spirits when she and Daddy get here with my keys. I cannot wait!!!!!

So Long Pool Days...

Ugh. How sad! It was our last day at the pool today. It is officially closed. No more swimming. No more cocktails poolside. No more popcorn chicken, nachos or shakes. We had a great summer there and everywhere!!!! We love having a pool to call "our own"

We spent hours there today. Lots of other friends had the same idea so it was a fun day for the kiddos. The , we got ourselves dressed up and went inside for a nice "real dinner" as they had an indoor BBQ. The food was excellent. The kids ate like champs. We topped it off with a sundae bar and strawberry shortcake! Yum!!!!!

A great finale to an amazing summer. So sad to see it go. I hate that cold months and snow are around the corner, but that's just the way it is here in Pure Michigan!!! ;)

And We're Caught Up....

I am posting about yesterday!!! I am officially caught up on the blog! Woo hoo!!!! :)

Yesterday was an amazing day. I had a super rough day Wednesday. It was work related and pretty bad. Don't really care to get into it here but it was bad enough to make me schedule some much needed pampering time for me on Saturday. I have had a gift certificate to Skin Deep for some time now and they were offering a great deal on facials... So I took the opportunity to book one! Then, I remembered I had a loyalty rewards card for Divinity which entitles me to a free spa pedicure. Bonus! Put those two together, and you have a few hours of me time! Perfection!!

I also got a text yesterday morning from our summer sitter who was home for the weekend and asked if we wanted to go out so she could see an babysit the kids! How do you say no to that?!?!?! So we went to dinner at Daryl's..... We took Scotts parents out for their anniversary. 44 years! How awesome is that?!?!

Jen did a super cute thing with Ally's hair and sent me the pic! She "wanded" it?!??

Some friends read on FB we were out and they told us to come meet up with them later for some drinks.... Which we did! The night ended up being MUCH later and frankly crazier than intended but it was pretty amazing.

A much needed down day of recovery today..... ;). Tomorrow we will hit the pool for the last time before it closes!

Friday Night Lights...

After a long day at the pool, it's important to take your tired kids and keep them up late for a local high school football game!! ;)

That's just what we did on Friday for the big Promise Bowl here in Jackson! A game between Lumen Christi and Jackson High. I love that Ally already wants to go to football games. Not to watch the game but to hang out with friends. And maybe support older brothers a bit. :)

Luke had to have an LC t-shirt this year. And football beads. And a tattoo. Oh... And a cowbell. :). He loves the activity that surrounds a football game. The band. The cheering. The cheerleaders!

In case you're wondering, Ally was too cool for pictures..... I didn't leave her out. ;). She's not a big fan of my taking her pics much anymore! Oh - and Lumen won. By a lot!!! Good times for a good cause!!!

Friday Fun....

This past Friday was a warm, warm one!!! We made plans to take Grace and a friend of Ally's to the pool for the day to escape the heat!!!! My mom joined us and we had a nice afternoon in the sun... Even if I did burn a little. I love how I am so diligent about sunblock for the kids but stink when it comes to applying it on myself!

The kids swam and swam. It's the last weekend the pool is open and we will surely miss it. I expect another winter of Luke asking me on a regular basis when it opens again! They all ate popcorn chicken, had ice cream or Popsicles, and drank countless cups of ice water. Something about that self service water cooler is tons of fun for the 4/5 year old's. ;)

Good good times. Last warm days! Or maybe fingers crossed for a warm fall/winter!!!!!

Tuesday's With Lukie.....

Starting next week, my schedule will change so that I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Not a fan really. Working every other day. No block of days off anymore. But, it allows me to be home with Luke on his days off from school and that's the whole point of being part time anyway.... Being there for my kids when they need me.

Picking Ally up from school, getting her to where she needs to be whether it be the gym or dance class. Taking Luke to his gymnastics class. All these things that I don't know that we could swing if I weren't around to take them. Worth it? Definitely!

Luke and I get to hang a lot. Last week we had some time while Ally was at the gym and Scott couldn't be home either. We went to dinner one night. Just the two of us. We went to the park the other. Nice to hang one on one like that. I make an effort to do that with both kids and I think they really get a lot out of that time. I know I do!

Back to School....

It's that time again!!! Ally went back to school last Monday and Luke starts preschool this coming week!! Woo hoo!!!

The first day is a big event at Ally's school... At least where us group of moms are concerned! We treat our girls like celebrities. Snapping pictures as fast as our little fingers will allow. Truth... We are a bunch of dorks. ;). What can ya do????

Ally wanted to get there early. It was pouring down rain. So, we had to go in. Luckily, friends started showing up one by one and we kept up the action of picture taking. I have to upload the series of pics I got on my "real" camera.... But for now, can share those from FB and my phone.

Ally is happy as can be at her not-so-new-anymore school. She just adores it. I do too and look forward to having Luke in the same building!

Horsin' Around....

Last weekend, my sister in law, Mary had a horse event in Michigan! Richland to be exact. This is awesome and amazing cuz she lives in Maryland and we have never gotten to see her compete before! So we were pretty geeked!!!!

It was amazing... The entire thing! First of all, I think horses are just pretty amazing creatures. Gorgeous animals. And watching Mary do what she loves was just so much fun!!! I love watching someone do something they love so much. You can just feel the passion oozing out their pores, ya know?!!!?? And not many people can say.... I get to live out my passion, in my everyday work and career. She can! That rocks. Really does!

Hoping she rides in this event again next year!!!

FUNdraiser....

A couple weeks ago, Scott and I went to a fundraiser at Daryl's. It's a newer cause established by a friend of a friend and we really loved the idea of it. We were happy to support it! It's a scholarship fund for kids who have either lost a parent to cancer or survived cancer themselves. Pretty cool stuff.

They had a dinner, silent auction and after party... And party it up we did!!! It was also our good friend Scott's birthday eve and we got to toast him at midnight! It was one of those nights. A night of shots and silliness. We had a great time!