Anyone out there?

I am alive!  It seems like the last thing I wanted to do this summer was spend anymore time in front of an electronic device than needed. We had a great summer!  (More on that in a future post - I promise!). And now, school has begun!

My baby boy started kindergarten and is loving every moment of it. It's so great to have one kid truly giddy to go to school. Since my other kid who is in the fifth grade is at the age of "ugh, school!"  

Don't get me wrong. She is a great student. She just finds school boring now. I imagine it's the age. 

Fifth grade is tough. So far she has a great deal more homework than last year. She is learning to manage it though. It's not going to be easy that's for sure. Ally has gymnastics or dance most days of the week. 

Luke is taking gymnastics now.  At the Academy where Ally takes dance. It aligns nicely schedule wise. They are there at the same time. And the Academy is at least close!

He is also playing soccer for the first one!  He had his first practice/game Saturday morning and loved it!  Scott was really impressed with how well he did and how he got in there and gave it his all. We had no idea how he would take it. Just an example that you need to let your kids do things in their own time. We offered soccer to him for the past two years and this is the first year he seemed interested!  I am glad he is finding some extra curriculars to get into!

Of course now this means I am a full blown taxi driver. Each. And. Every. Day. Of. The. Week. 

I thought soccer was only Saturday. Seems its Monday and Saturday. Ugh. Monday was our only day "off" after school. And I wanted to keep it that way. We officially have no evenings free of kid activity now. I guess it was going to happen sooner or later. So I am trying to buck up and accept it. 

Monday - Luke has soccer from 5:30 - 6:30. Only an hour in theory. But we get out of school a little after 3:00. By the time we get home it's almost 3:45 or so. We are home an hour and turn around and come back to jax???  Or do we "kill time" in jax?  Either option kinda sucks. By the time we get home it's 7. So that's a late dinner?  Or do we have a wicked early dinner?  I guess we play with options and see what works. Ally needs to be able to get homework done. That's really priority one. 

Tuesday - Ally goes to the gym from 4 - 8. It's actually easy on Luke and I. We are home after we drop her. Scott usually works until she needs to be picked up. It just means we aren't home as a family for dinner. Kinda sucks... but it's the way it is most days.  We make the most of other time together.

Wednesday - Ally dance 5-7. Luke gymnastics 5-6. In spring arbor. Convenient and not too early or late. I am taking advantage of this day and scheduling wine with the girls... or doing other things I need to do.  Scott will get Luke at 6 most weeks and I will get Ally at 7.  Saves my drive time, but again the lack of dinner together.

Thursday - same at Tuesday. 

Friday - every other one Ally has competitive dance company from 5-6:30 at the Academy. We are going to try to go out on those days... meet up at Slice of Spice with others to celebrate Fridays every chance we get!

Saturday - Ally gymnastics 9-12. Luke soccer 9-10. We all have to get up early... but the rest of the day is ours to do with what we like.

Sunday - day of rest. 

I now know why parents buy their 16 year olds a car. Saving now. :)

It's going to be a great, fun year!  I know it will be. We will find our balance and it will run smoothly as it always does. I  glad Luke is in activities now and doesn't just sit and have to watch his sister.  So we will make it all work!!!!

And maybe I will blog a bit more too!  :-)

I'm Still Alive!

I live! I do.  I promise!  We are busy!  We are sucking the marrow out of summer!!!!  Doing all we can do enjoy the weather when we can. Sure, there's been a lot of rain... and frankly it hasn't even been THAT hot... but we have had an amazing summer so far, and there is still so much more summer to enjoy!

Ally has been to camp, we have been to Kiawah Island, we have gone to the pool more times than I can count, we have been out to our friends' at Browns Lake just as often, we had an amazing "staycation" with friends over the Fourth! We went canoeing.... we had pool time... we had lake time... we saw fireworks galore. It was awesome!

We are looking forward to Scott's brother and kids arriving this weekend and staying for a week!  We have LOTS of fun planned with them while they are here.  Ally is downright giddy to see her cousin Natalie!

Ally is busy at the gym and taking private jazz lessons. She is loving her new dance passion!  I think she adores the one on one time of a private lesson. Who wouldn't? She is giddy for the new classes she will start taking in the fall and being a part of another team.

Luke is loving golf and day camp - where he goes each Wednesday.  He has become quite the little fish and is now jumping into the water and going under the water.  This is a big step for him!  He can't quite swim without his swimmies, but he has made huge strides in overcoming his fear of the water!  He even FINALLY swam in the lake this past weekend, when we docked the boat out at the sandbar at Browns Lake.  He also learned another SUPER important skill - how to pee in the lake!  :-)

It's been an amazing summer so far. I just adore my kids' ages.... and we are having so much FUN!  I love fun.  :-)

Go out and do something fun today blog friends!

You Must Wonder.....

You must wonder where I am?!?!  I am here. It's the end of the school year and its been a busy time but its about to get downright nutso....

I am double booked like everyday. Not by choice... Just by happenstance. I didn't really realize Luke's swim lessons started this week. I assumed they would start at the end of the school year. While his has ended... The rest of the schools in Jax are still in session... So I assumed dead wrong. He has swim class every day this week at 4:30. He's gonna have to miss one. Cuz Thursday is triple booked. Ugh. 

So: Monday - I work, Ally has a field trip, Luke goes to Nana's then I get Ally from school and bust him over to swim class. I was supposed to attend a seminar that begins at 5:00. I will be late. If I can get there at all. That requires a mom to dad kid hand off and dad is more than busy with work and his masters program right now. Think I am busy... What I have going is nothing compared to his stress levels lately. So, it's hard for him to help me. Sigh. 

Tuesday:  Ally has field day at school. I am working field day all day. Luke will go with me. That won't be stressful or anything. :))). Ally has gymnastics after school. Luke has swim class. 

Wednesday:  a decent day!!!  I work. Ally has school and Luke goes to Nana's. Luke has swim class after I get Ally. Then we prepare for the next day.....

Thursday:  AKA the day from hell. I have a hair appointment. Excellent timing. It happens every four weeks. I am so gray it's not even funny. If I reschedule, it throws off the whole schedule for the year since all my apts are booked for the year. Not an option. So Luke has to go with me. Then, I have to get Ally from school. It will be close. Luke has swim at 4:30 and... Ally has dress rehearsal at 5:00... And I have a mandatory parent meeting at the gym!!!! (And she has to miss gymnastics as it is) Ummm. Something doesn't jive there!!!!!  Luke will have to miss class. I will have to hand off Ally and Luke to a daddy who will have to leave work early and hang at dress rehearsal while I run to the gym then run back to dress rehearsal....

Tired yet??  I am!!!  Then I get to get up at 5 and work Friday. Someone else's mom has to take Ally home on her last day because its a half day!  Then I will have to skip my workout and get her. 

Saturday. I don't even want to talk about it. Ally has gymnastics. She will have to skip. She has to be at Western dressed and ready to dance at 1pm. She has a 2pm and a 7pm dance recital. We were invited to two birthday parties and a graduation party we will have to miss. And.... It's my gma's 80th Bday party. I am already missing the dinner portion of the event.. And Scott will miss the later festivities to trade off on the performances. Luke and I will attend the 2pm and then go to my gma's. Scott will attend the 7pm and then come to my gma's with Ally after. 

Sunday... My mom and I have a shopping date and my uncle is having his 50th Bday party...

Then.... We begin summer schedule. And compared to next week that will be effing cake!!!!!!!!!!

I think I can.... I think I can....

We have been having a great spring. Luke finished his school year. He had a performance on his last day. It was awesome. He had a mass to welcome him to kindergarten. Also awesome. He has grown so much in his preschool years. He is so so ready for school and I am so happy he has come so far out of his shell. He is starting to read. He amazes me daily. 

Ally has had a great year. She just had a field trip to the State Capitol.  She continues to do amazing in school. Her grades are excellent and I am proud of her each and every day. She is looking forward to a summer of new skills in the gym, a new dance class and days at Nana's and the pool when we can get there.

We are headed to South Carolina in a couple weeks for vacation. Headed to Kiawah Island and super pumped for it. Scott has a meeting there and we are making a vacay out of it. No other big trips this year. 

Ally attends two gymnastics camps this year. One sleep away and one "in house" at our gym where the coach from EMU comes to us. She gets to live her passion and for that I am thrilled.

Luke will attend day camp and do golf each Wednesday this summer in addition to his swim classes. Scott has also promised to teach him tennis. Lessons just didn't fit into the schedule or the budget this summer!!!!  

Summer will fly. It always does!!  Excited for it to start tho. Assuming I will live through my week. Go me. 

Air Conditioning....

It's officially on. Our air conditioning. It's supposed to be like 88 tomorrow and that means AC needed. I think we skipped spring. Again.

We had a great weekend. Friday I had a Stella trunk show. Ally went with me and hung out with girlfriends. Luke and Daddy did boy things. I'm not sure what that included. But I know they had a good night together cuz when Luke woke up Saturday morning he called Scott. He usually calls me so it means they bonded. Or maybe he didn't think I was home yet. Whichever. It was lovely. ;)

Ally had a sleepover at a friend's last night and we got a sitter for Luke. His fave sitter is home from college. He waited all day. Impatiently. I love how much he loves Jen. We are blessed to have such an amazing babysitter. And lucky she comes home for the summers still!!!

Scott, Jane, Adam and I went up to East Lansing for dinner. We went to an amazing tapas place called Red Haven. What a little gem!!!!  Amazing decor. Adorable. Very eclectic food. All local harvest. Amazing drinks. Super fun night. Cannot recall the last time the four of us went out without our brood of children. It was lovely!!!

Today.... We (Scott) have done some yard work and cleaned out the garage. Sunday stuff. Stuff that needs to be done. All winter long, our garage is a dumping ground for crap I take out of my car.... Stuff just accumulates and gets thrown around. Going through it and cleaning it all out and throwing crap away is so therapeutic. Feels good. 

Tonite we shall have pad Thai for dinner. Scott makes the best. Then he heads out of town for a few days for work... And I am a single mom for a bit. Thanks to the power of "other mom help", I can still get the kids to school and get to work on time... And get Ally to all her events. There's power in numbers. Could not live without "other mom help." Blessed to have amazing ones around!!!!  

In other news, my Grandma has been in the hospital for a bit. Blood clots in her lungs. She is doing ok but prayers are always nice to have so keep her in yours if you don't mind!  Thank you. ;)

Her Bday bash is in a couple weeks!!!  80 years young.... So she needs to get herself better because we polish peeps throw a great party. :)

Three weeks of school left for Ally!!!  Luke only has two!!  Cannot believe another school year will soon be behind us. Kindergarten and Fifth grade for my angel babies next year. Amazing!!!

Love watching them grow....

A Cup of Coffee and a Moment....

I am enjoying a cup of coffee and a moment to collect my thoughts.  A post/picture has been going around Facebook and Instagram that reads something along these lines:

"If you'd like a glimpse inside a woman's mind, imagine a browser open with 2,000 tabs.... all the time..."

It's so true.  At least for me. I am always thinking of a zillion things at one time.  I am always planning a zillion things at one time. I am constantly looking at today and fast forward into the future and planning, planning, planning...

This can be a really, really good trait.  It can also be effing exhausting.  But, it is who I am.  Who I have always been.  Who I will always be.

It's really good for those around me.  People should really appreciate me more.  ;-)  My family in particular.  More so my husband!  When you have a built in planner in your house... you have very little to worry about.

That said - even a planner wants something planned FOR HER from time to time.  But that needs to be said and not assumed....

I digress.  Moral of my story is my mind is very much on overload today as I am home with one sick child and one very active, but happy to entertain himself (and for this, I am so thankful) and so I am thinking, thinking, thinking.

With thinking comes planning... and thinking some more.

We are at that turning point in the year.... school is ending and summer is beginning.  Final summer arrangements are not made for the kids for the days I work this summer, and that stresses me out BIG TIME.  But, I am working on it....

What we do have... are a lot of plans for activities it seems.  Ally will be in the gym Tuesdays and Wednesday from 8:00 am - noon.  And  Thursday from noon until 2:00 pm.  She has camp at CMU the last week in June... right after we return from our family vacation to Kiawah Island in South Carolina.  She will also have another "in house" day camp at our gym with the EMU gymnastics coach the first week in August.

Last year, Ally chose to only go to the gym two days a week and took one day for golf at the club. This year, as gymnastics is becoming her passion, she won't give up a day in the gym... so she is dropping golf. That's fine by me.  Luke may or may not start golf this year. We are back and forth on it.  He also needs swim lessons, but those are more difficult to coordinate if we want them to be at the club... so we shall see.

Luke is likely going to take a gymnastics class that is right after Ally's on Thursdays as well.  Maybe.  Again.... I am not sure yet!

I have been given some crap for all that Ally does and all that Luke does NOT do.  This kinda pisses me off... cuz at the age of FIVE, Ally did not do that much at all. She was not into gymnastics yet.  She tried soccer and let's just say, it was an epic failure.... but for the most part.... she didn't do much.

I have always worked and my kids have always gone to day care or preschool at least two or three days a week.  It's not like he doesn't have structured activity in his life.  Sports and craziness will come soon enough... I imagine after Kindergarten starts... the fliers will come home and he will start all sorts of things.  Still.... I want to start to get him into some things that he shows interest in.

That said - lordy day - how will we do it?  HAHA!  Ally alone keeps us running. ;)  I know it will all work out though.  The power of the mom and mom friends and carpooling is pretty strong at our school.  Very thankful for that.

So... today I am sitting here thinking, thinking, thinking about summer.  And, as I look at a calendar... I am in awe that exactly TWO weekends once June starts have nothing on the calendar.  Two!  June through August - two weekends don't have something one of the days of the weekend.  HAHAHA! I laugh at this. This is hilarious. Summer is going to fly.........

It always does....

To add to it all.... this past week, Ally was asked by the director of her dance studio.... to join their "mini company" next year in Jazz.  Yes... that's right.  I thought we might be done with dance..... but Ally does so enjoy it... and I've thought it's nice for her to have something fun and not competitive... but they are gonna go and make it competitive for her.  :-))))))))))

Of course, all this was said in front of her... and she came home on cloud nine... telling me "I feel so special that I was asked Mommy".... so how does one say "NO?"

I suppose your mouth makes the N and then, the O sound and  you say it.....  :-)))))))  But whatevs.... I am not likely to.

I was pretty demanding in return... stating Allys gym schedule and told the director if she could accomodate that.... promise me one night a week in the studio and no interfere with meets... we could talk. The next morning, I received a detailed email meeting all my demands. Can't argue with that huh.

So.... this summer, Ally will take some sporadic private and semi private dance lessons.

I really don't mind terribly much. I like a scheduled summer for the most part.  Now and then, we will chill... but once your kids are in school.... routine and schedule keep the sanity.  At least in my house... and for my family.

So... dance.  And gymnastics for Ally this summer. Some vacation time for all of us. Some get aways for Scott and I.  Lots of birthday parties and nights out with friends.  Graduation parties.  A visit from Scott's brother for cousin week.  A great summer to look forward to.  I freakin' love summer.

We have had an amazing spring thus far.  Ally's competitive gymnastics season ended.   She ended the year medaling on beam at States. It was so amazing.  She medaled the week before on bars at a meet as well.  Great end to her season. We went to a Taylor Swift concert and stayed in Detroit with friends.  It was an awesome night and us big girls enjoyed it as much as the littles.  I loved watching Ally's face... and listening to her sing.  It was magical for both of us.

Luke is in his final weeks of school... he has his final preschool show and Kindergarten welcome mass next Friday. I am excited to see my little buddy sing on stage for the first time at his show.  He's not had anything like that yet.  Should be cute.  :)))))

This weekend we are going to a wine/beer tasting event with Jane and Adam.... Looking forward to some adult time sans kids.  Other than that.... I have a couple Stella shows in the next week.... and Memorial Day is around the corner.  The pool will open... and we will be happy.

Welcome summer. We've missed you so!!!!!!!!!!!

All is Well...

All is well here..... life is good. Better than the last post. Sorry to keep you hanging for so long. I am okay. We are okay. We hit a point of suck... and then, we bounce back. Things get great.  Isn't that just the story of everyone's life.  Life with kids. Life with your spouse.  Just life.

We had a very busy weekend.  Scott had a Tiger game Friday night.... Luke and Ally had a friend sleepover.  Saturday, we went out to dinner with friends and to a charity basketball game with some current and former Detroit Lions. Sparty was there.  Luke was in heaven. He has a small Sparty obsession. It's pretty darn cute.

It was a great event... and we enjoyed hanging out with some of our favorite people while raising money for a great cause.

Sunday... Ally and I went shopping with some friends and moms.... our mission:  outfits for the upcoming Taylor Swift concert... which is this weekend!  The girls are over the moon excited.... us moms are pretty pumped too.  I think it will be a fun night out for everyone.  We are staying in Detroit... so we can enjoy the evening with cocktails and not have a care in the world about traffic or driving. The girls are looking forward to their Taylor/hotel/sleepover. Many, many pictures and stories to come... I am sure!

This week is full of everyday action. Same old story. Ally is at dance. Luke and I are enjoying some peace.  Tomorrow we are lunch with old co-worker friends... and who knows what else the day will bring.  I have a girls' night out Wednesday and we are keeping some of Ally's friends/our friends kids so they can go away for their anniversary.  Friday, we have an Adult Prom at the Country Club for Marriage Matters.  We are GIDDY for this event..... I have an amazing dress... Scott has rented a tux... we are going all out!!!!!  Prom!  Who didn't and doesn't love prom!!!!!

A great week...... lots to look forward to and enjoy.  Have a great week blog friends.

Staying Positive...

I believe in focusing on the positive. I believe in talking more about what is good than bad in my life. I believe if you focus on the good, more good will come to you.

I firmly believe this. I do.

I believe a smile on your face can turn around a grumpy persons day. I know this because I do it every day. And in turn... My day can turn around too.

I believe in the power of positive thinking. Positive words.

So I don't always talk about the negative. I don't want to invite more into my world. Who does???

But my life is far from perfect. And sharing some reality now and then reminds everyone of that. Life isn't perfect. Life is sometimes quite negative.

I try to hold on to the fact that these shit moments that come far and few between the wonderful moments will make those wonderful moments all the more memorable.

Yesterday was shit. Pure shit.

Yesterday was one of those kind of days where you sit and think "what did I do to deserve this? Where did I go wrong? How have I failed this miserably?"

Yesterday was the kind of day that reminds me that my daughter who appears so tough ... Is anything but and can shatter in the blink of an eye.

Yesterday's blink? "Help clean the basement"

Seemingly small. Ally blew it up into an all night fit complete with screaming, throwing things, slamming doors, leaving the house, forcing me to make the decision to take her brother who was scared out of his mind to his grandmas, and generally making the evening misery.

Twice I calmed her. Held her. Forgave her. She would start up again. She could not let it go.

She turns into such a beast when this happens. She screams that I hate her and I want her to die. She says things that shatter me and then, what good am I??? I am a crying mess and neither of us can be the strong one. How can I be the mom he needs me to be when her words kill me??

How can she say these words??? No where has she heard such things. Scott and I do not speak that way to anyone. Ever. They always say that a child's behavior is learned behavior. What if it isn't true??? Scott and I have the most respectful relationship. We never ever call names. We never ever yell. We argue from time to time. Who doesn't. But it is always calm and always respectful. Name calling, accusations, screaming and throwing things is not a part of the equation. Ever.

People tell me to ask her what she wants. People say something bigger must me going on.

You all think I don't know this?

Come live in the heat of the moment when a ten year old is having a fit that includes some scary shit and tell me to stay calm and ask her what's really going on? It ain't gonna happen.

It sucks. Plain sucks. Some days I am scared of my own kid. I never know who she's gonna be. Then... We can go weeks and months without it ever happening again.

I am supposed to show her that I still love her no matter what. Yeah. Ok. I do. But dammit I am pissed at her actions. I do not love this shit. I hate this. I hate that she does this to our household. She holds us all emotionally hostage.

It's hard. It's hard each and every day with her. She has issues with anger. She gets so so mad. What the hell is she mad for?!?!

Rhetorical questions. I don't want answers. Truthful I don't even want to talk anymore about it. I am tired. I am spent. I am nearing the end of my rope when it comes to these moments.

Get over yourself and grow up little girl. Your life is no where as bad as you seem to think it is.

Wacky Weather...

What is UP with this weather? Seriously? What the hell???? It's snowing right now.  Yesterday, I had all the windows open in the house - at least until it started to rain!  Monday... the kids rode their scooters to the library after school and played outside until dinner time - in shorts!

Today snow?  WTF???  Not cool Michigan.  Not cool.

I am ready as anyone for spring.  It really hit me Monday when I got home and the kids just changed and ran outside... how very ready I am!  There is a small window where it's nice enough for them to go outside and not "too hot."  Yes... my children will quickly complain that it's too hot to go outside... so I desperately NEED spring for a while!  We all do!

We need the sun.We need the Vitamin D!!!!!!

This past winter I had some vitamin levels tested... one of which was my Vitamin D.  It was initially tested for immune reasons.... and since it came back quite low, I started taking an additional supplement of it on top of my multi-vitamin.  Let me tell you.... it altered my mood like NOTHING else!

I always knew I was "happier" in the summer and sunny months.  Your body absorbs 1,000 IU of Vitamin from the sun in 20 minutes. That's the average person's daily requirement.  If the sun isn't out... if you stay out of the sun... or if you regularly use sunblock, you won't absorb it.  I had no idea how it affected my mood.  Now that I have been taking 2,000 IU each day... I just fell a bit elevated. I don' t know how to explain it.  Just happier...not super noticeable... but enough that every so often, I will just be sitting there and think to myself.... "I am happy and I don't really know why!"

This sounds silly... I realize. But... moral of the story is that we all need some sun to be happy and there's a real scientific reason behind it!  Vitamin D!!!!

So... hello spring?  Come on!  I would love to stop taking my extra supplement and just lay out in the shining sun 20 minutes a day!

Doctor's orders!!!!!!

State Meet....

What can I say!? Ally rocked her State meet up at Saginaw Valley State University. It was awesome!!!! She went into it just wanting to "stay on beam." She walked away not only "staying on beam" but with a medal for beam. Seventh place in the state for her age division. Cannot ask for a better outcome.

Her routines were solid. All of them. She had the second best bars score and her top vault score. She brought her A Game when it counted. She gave it her all... And she ha fun doing it.

All meet long... She was all smiles. All jumps. All laughs. I love that side of her while she's competing in a sport that can suck the fun right out of you.

Keep it fun. Always. It doesn't count if its not fun. Work hard. Fail. Succeed. Win it all. Lose if all. Do what you do. But have fun.

She has found her passion and that is what I want for my kids. Live the crap out of life. Be passionate about all you do. I see your passion when you are out there and it fills my heart.

You amaze me whether you win ten medals or none. You amaze me. You rock.

Keep on rockin' girl.....

Link to routines:

http://youtu.be/jsNcSnqNrMo

Bouncing......

Today Luke and I had a peaceful morning at home with a great big pancake breakfast!  We got ready to go.... and went into work for a bit before meeting CE friends for lunch.  Then... we met Grandma Kathy (who is in town for a bit!) at the Bounce Castle!!!!

Luke is always tentative on the slides there.... so after he conquered the smaller one.... I decided I would climb the big one with him to help him go down that one.

Holy shit! That slide is HIGH.... and you shoot straight down. I have become a big wimp in my old age.  I did it... but I didn't want to!  :-))))))  My mom just laughed and laughed at me. But it was worth it.  He must have slid down it 100 times.  We were there for a couple hours of bounce and sliding fun.

And.... my mom and I had some time to sit and talk too!  Super nice!

Now.... my mom offered to take Luke because I have a meeting at the gym this evening. I always take him with me and frankly, he's a GIANT pain.... so this is so lovely. To top it off... I have this time, right here, right now... to enjoy a coffee and get some work done at Starbucks.  (And post this little diddy)

To make it even more amazing... I am going to meet my hubby for an impromptu dinner before my meeting.  BONUS!

It's turning out to be quite the awesome rainy day!

My Pick Monday (just a day late!)...

So.... I have been using essential oils for a little while now.  I got what was a "starter kit" of sorts when I first started out. This consisted of small bottles of an array of the most popular oils for a variety of ailments.  In addition, I got some oils that I had learned about when I went to an information session that sounded interesting to me.

The kit arrived and I was excited to try the oils. I already had one that I was using regularly, called Thieves. A couple friends were into the oils, and Ally had gotten a very bad sore throat.  I was given the oil and told to use it on her feet and on her throat (not inside!).  Thieves is a blend of multiple oils that are antibacterial, antiviral and anti fungal in nature.  It was a super, awful, strep-like sore throat.... and after just a couple days, it subsided enough that she could function and participate in school and gymnastics.  I never had her swabbed, so I don't know if it was strep or not. Frankly, I didn't want to know because I was going to try very hard to not put her on an antibiotic even if it was.

So.... we had all fallen in love with Thieves. The kids could tolerate it on their feet... and when really sick, I could get it on Ally's neck.  Even Scott now asks for it when he feels a little illness coming on.  ;-)

The other oils took some getting used to and it took me a long, long time to figure out how to use them and which I loved.

I will start out with those I can't live without:

Valor:  This was one of the first I tried because everyone spoke so highly of it.  It is called the "chiropractor in a bottle" as it is supposed to help you with balance in your life.  It's supposed to keep you courageous... strong... and give you a sense of confidence.  I have fallen in love with this oil and am on my second bottle. I use it daily and reapply often. I have given it to a lot of people... have a stressful meeting that you need to get through and stand your ground?  Use Valor!

Peppermint:  Ironically enough, this one took me a while to actually figure out how to use effectively.  I tried it in water (as recommended) for nausea. I couldn't stand it when I was sick to my stomach. It may be effective but I just couldn't get it down. So... then... it sat there unused.  Then, I read somewhere that it was a great oil to apply prior to your workout! That it really lifted you up and gave extra energy. So..... I tried it!  And I fell in love.  I started to use it daily.... as a pick me up first thing in the morning. I apply it to the back of my neck just under my hairline and it just cools my head and keeps me awake!  It's amazing before a shower... you put it on and then the entire shower is aromatherapy and energizing. I am completely addicted to peppermint.  It is amazing for a headache... any kind of pain... applied to the bottoms of feet, it's a great way to cool the entire body (wonderful for a child's fever!)... and it just smells awesome!  Love, love, love!

Lemon:  Need I say much? It's lemon. Put it in your water. It makes water more drinkable. It contains all the pure vitamin c of any citrus fruit in highly concentrated form. It's all around wonderful.

Lavender: A simple, wonderful oil for bedtime!  I apply it to my chest and neck so I can smell it and inhale it as I fall asleep.  I put a few drops on my feet as well.  It's also wonderful for skin ailments.  My mother in law used it on a scar, along with Frankincense and it faded the scar almost completely.  It smells great too!

Frankincense:  Say what you will... I've heard the jokes "where's the gold and myrrh?"  Frankincense rocks!  Apply a little to your forehead and crown of the head... and it will put you to sleep and you will stay asleep! It's great in skin care. It's amazing to add to any other oil for any other reason and it will help "push" the oil into your system. It's anti-cancer.  It's anti everything bad.  It rocks.  :-)

There are many others I use too... Stress Away and Peace and Calming for stressful or aggravating moments. I use a blend of Grapefruit, Rosemary and Cypress for anti cellulite and circulation. And Transformation which I most recently discovered, along with Valor because it does a lot of the same things and smells great as well.  It helps me with my quest to want to be a better person.  :-)

It can all sound a little crazy and be a lot to take in.... but this is something I am doing... something I believe in.... and well, what can it hurt?  I have a pretty healthy family and there are a few things we do different than the average family.... this is one of those things.  Don't knock it til you try it.

Work Days....

I get to see really cool people at work all day.  Like these crazy kids....

My mother in law comes in a few times a week and my father in law is out of town... so the twins came in with her yesterday. They are so freakin' hilarious.  Lyla just walks right in, takes off her coat, says hello and comes around to sit with me.  Jilli, who is a little more shy, takes a moment to do all that... but she does.  They both climb in my lap to see what Aunt Nicki does at work.  They sat for a bit.... then, realized "hey! there are toys here...." So, off they went....

It wasn't long after playing with the toys, that they realized there were suckers!  So.... a little chair climbing and reaching... and success!  Suckers for all!  They were pretty funny.  I almost wish we had some other patients in the waiting room because our patients are the kind of people that just love kids.

They would have loved to watch the twins in action. They are a sight to see for sure!  Once, a friend of mine had an appointment, and her daughter and son hung out in the waiting room.  Another patient totally sat down with the younger girl and played blocks with her the entire time while the older son hung with me behind the desk.

How many people can say they work in such an awesome environment?  It makes me smile and fills my heart every day.  I have grown to know and adore many of our patients.  I love helping them each and every day in ways others cannot.  It's good good work.

I regularly get together with my old co-workers from Consumers.  They have often told me I seem more happy overall.... less stressed.... more positive.  Amen.  A-freaking-men.  Definitely less stressed. I am glad it shows!

Spring Fling 2013...

Well.... this first week after Spring Break was quite the roller coaster ride.  Ally returned from Florida a bit injured as I mentioned before. We aren't exactly sure how it happened.... it could have been anything. A round-off in the sand... a quick turn on that left leg... something laying dormant from practice just before she left... or how she sat the entire 20 hour ride home in the car.  Whatever it was... we dealt with an injury all week and that made for some pretty big letdowns.

Ally went to the gym Tuesday and was only able to do things that didn't require the use of her knee. So... basically, she conditioned and did bars for a few hours.  Thursday, she had the Jordyn Weiber dinner so missed practice (which was for the best, timing wise).  Friday, she was approved to attend practice Saturday and just go at it... see what she could do and what her knee could handle. So... that's what she did.

Floor up first - first round-off. Instant tears.  Ok. Not ready to tumble on the floor.

Running doesn't go well either... no vault.

Let's see how beam goes.....

While she couldn't land anything on the beam... she could do it.  It wasn't really pretty.  Her bars were okay, but she hadn't even attempted her squat on (squat on the low bar and push off and jump to the high bar).... but it was decided she could go to the meet and compete the two events.

She was over the moon excited.  She told us, no matter what... just like Jordyn did in the Olympics when she didn't make the finals, Ally was going to be her team's biggest cheerleader out there.

But... she also got out there on her first event.... and rocked it! Rocked it!  (Even with only practicing her squat on in warm ups!)  She scored a 9.075 on bars. Her very first score above a 9 - ever.  All that time focused on bars had paid off. It was amazing to watch... just her reaction  at the end of the routine and then, even more so, her reaction upon seeing her score.  Big smiles.  Awesome stuff.

Beam went well in warm up... but Ally couldn't hang on for the real deal. She fell off twice... once on her cartwheel and once on her full turn.  Her knee is not allowing her to have the full balance she requires.  But... a bad beam routine could not overshadow the amazing bar performance she had!  All smiles, all day for my baby girl!!!!

Could not be more proud of her attitude, hard work and acceptance for what she could and could not control.  She got out there and did her very best with what God gave her that week....and what she could not do... she cheered for..... and she was her team's biggest cheerleader!

The team had a GREAT meet.  Our good friend, Lanie took first All Around for her age group and Mary Grace took second. Many, many girls medaled.  Way to go SASGC!!!

(more pics to come off the read camera! for now, enjoy the few I snapped on my phone... and those Ally took of herself and her friends while at awards... love the selfie!!!)

Jordyn Wieber....

It is no surprise to anyone out there reading this that my gymnast daughter absolutely idolizes Jordyn Wieber.  Home-state Olympic hero. Same gym has her also idolized Aunt Jane.  Same coach.  Amazing Olympic performance.... it goes on and on.  Ally loves her.

So, when we heard she was going to be speaking at a dinner at JCMS, we got pretty excited at the chance to attend!  Then... my friend and mother to one of Ally's besties... Paula invited Ally to join Cara, along with the LC High School Gymnastics team... to work at the event.

Double bonus!

So.... the date came... and the girls were to wear their warm up jackets and uniform pants.  And, while there was no promise of meeting Jordyn... the hope was still there.

I didn't go. Ally was invited to go with the team and as much as I wanted to be there to see her experience it... I held back.  I have to learn that I don't have to be there to witness everything first hand. Not an easy thing to do as a Mom.  ;-)  I had plenty of parents texting me updates... "I just saw Ally - she looks so excited!"  It was fun to read them and chat with people who were watching her reactions.

In the end... Jordyn met privately with the team in a classroom before the dinner even started.  A-mazing! They each got personal autographs - Ally's says "To Ally - Jordyn Wieber 2013"  They each got a chance to have their picture taken with her. And... they each got a picture of her, that she signed at the event for them.

I love Ally's picture. Pure joy.  True, honest, genuinely happy smile. The best.

I had one giddy, giddy girl last night. She met her idol. Bucket list item for sure.  :-)

Weekend Wrap Up...

Well.... our Spring Break week came to a close!!  Thursday was spent at home in the morning.  Luke and I slept in and got a late start to our day.  We went to the Tasty Treat and Cascades, before meeting old co-workers from Consumers at the Buffalo Wings place here in town for dinner and drinks.  Luke tagged along... and lots of others brought their kids too which made it fun for all.  I was so happy that so many of my friends were able to make it... since it was a last minute event!  My favorite part may have been the email my friend sent out in order to invite people though:

Former employee Nicole McIntosh has challenged the entire dept to a drinking contest starting at 4:30 today at Buffalo BBQ Wings – 1085 N. Wisner.  Whoever defeats her gets to babysit her son Luke tonight.  Luke will be there and will judge the contest.

 

No need to reply to note, just make it if you can.

Hee hee... that cracked me right up.  And lots of people made it. It was so great to see them. Of all the things I miss the most... it's the people I worked with.  Most of them anyway.  ;-)  Great group and I am so lucky they still will come out with me!!!!

Friday came.... and I learned that Ally would be arriving late, late (really early Saturday) that night!  The family she traveled with decided they would drive straight home.  I think the mom realized Ally needed to get home sooner rather than later.... and I am so grateful for their amazingness!!!!  They drove straight from 5:00 am until 1:15 am.... to get my baby home to me.  Love them to pieces!!!

I went and picked her up.... and brought her home... she was so happy to be here and sleep in her own bed. I felt so happy just to have her back here, in our house.  Her presence was definitely missed. Especially by this little man... who did a happy dance upon her return.

We took it easy on Friday. Did some shopping in town... and went out for lunch.  We had already decided that we would do something bigger on Sunday... and the Dawson family decided to join us! Super fun..... so Sunday, off to Kids Opening Day at the Tiger game we went!

It was an awesome day.  So gorgeous in the sun... but when the sun went behind a cloud - watch out! The temp sure did drop!  Luckily, we were prepared for the weather as we dressed warm!  The kids were able to ride the carousel and ferris wheel free.. they got little bags with a bat and lunch and other goodies. It was a great day to be a kid at the ball park!

Have I mentioned my son has become quite the ham? He constantly asks me to take pictures of him. Those I posted aren't even half of what he posed for and wanted me to take!  :-))))))

In other news.... Ally has done something to her knee.  The good doc calls it "an externally rotated tibia causing mild patellar tendinitis"  Yuck.  

I had to call Dr. Scott in Florida as I didn't know what to do when she started limping on Saturday.  We aren't sure when it happened. Ally has an exceedingly high threshold for pain, which makes all this more frustrating.  We think she did something at gymnastics the last time she was there, which was almost two weeks ago. Then.... it didn't really bother her until she was on the ride home from FL.... all those hours in the car, with her little body curled up to sleep and her knee bent.  That aggravated whatever had happened.  So.... first thing Monday morning.... Dr. Scott looked at it and sure enough... she was all rotated crazy.  He adjusted it back into place and the relief she felt was immediate.  

Unfortunately, through the day... it went back... so we had to adjust it and then tape it later yesterday.  She is all taped up. She will go back to have it checked today and a brace will be placed on it. In addition to the kinesio tape.  Good good times. Did I mention she has a meet this weekend? Oh... and next weekend as well.  :-(

We are resting and icing.  And having it adjusted twice a day and looked at and... well, just throwing all we have at it.  I was awestruck yesterday at just how blessed we are that I work where I work. That we became friends with the Manchesters.  How Dr. Scott is my family's primary care physician these days and I can't imagine what I would do without him?  Go to the ER to have x-rays and MRI's I guess? 

I just feel like everything happens for a reason... and I sleep so much better at night knowing I have someone in our lives who is always looking out and willing to do the best for my little girl and her little bones.  :-)

Have a great week blog friends!!!!!!  Enjoy getting back into the routine of life! Feels good after time off... at least I feel that way.  :-)))))))

Make It Yours....

When you ask Luke what he wants to do, no matter what, he says "paint pottery!" The kid loves to go to Make It Yours!!!!

So... When we were making plans for things to do during break, of course, painting pottery was at the top!!

We went yesterday... He woke up just ready to go! But... Since they didn't open until noon... I had to hold him off. As soon as lunch was over though, we headed right there. ;)

Sometimes it takes Luke hours just to pick his piece to paint. Yesterday, that didn't take too terribly long. Maybe cuz he's already painted half the store, I don't know. ;) He chose an ice cream cone "box" of sorts. The cone and ice cream are two pieces and you could, in theory, put small items in there. I don't know!

It made it easier for him to paint, that's for sure. He chose his colors.... Bright blue with sparkles for the cone... Yellow, purple and green for the ice cream. He painted the cone first and while painting the first coat of yellow on the ice cream, decided he wanted to do sprinkles! I though this was a great idea and impressed he came up with it. (I'm the mom tho, you might not find this as impressive)

We went back to the paint and chose more colors and a smaller brush to makes the sprinkles... And as we began the sprinkles process, who should come through the door? Our cousin Becky!!!! We were so excited to see her!!!!

Luke finished up his project and then helped Becky choose her piece to paint.... And the paints to paint with. We hung our a bit longer before he bored of it... And we then went to Maggie Moo's where we got real ice cream! :)

I heard from Ally yesterday.... But before that, I heard from my friend Brook that she was coming down to see them! Ally and Kennedy went to spend the day with the Manchesters. :). I got pictures and video sent to me all day. Made me so happy to see the pure joy on their faces. I know my girl is having a great time, even if she is a bit homesick.

Link to Spring Break Video Ally and friends made - worth the watch:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA53Z82QAWg