Having an amazing time with three great girls and cousin in NYC!!!!! Have had NO time to write. I've hardly even Facebooked! Crazy for me. We have eaten amazing food. Had some great wine. Explored Soho and Greenwhich Village on top of seeing every square inch of Midtown and Fifth Avenue!!!!
I have made some great purchases ... Some GREAT deals!!!! Purse.... Boots... Jeans.... And a dress! Love me some New York shopping....
We have a 10 pm dinner reservation at Nobu tonight and we can't wait. We're back in our hotel room resting until we get gorgeous to go out..... :-)
-- Post From My iPhone
Friday, November 6, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Anticipation...
I leave for New York City bright and early tomorrow morning! I am so excited!!!!!!!! I am going with three girlfriends... Beth, Sandy and Jackie. They all live in Chicago... and we coordinated our flights (theirs from Chicago and mine from Detroit) to arrive at LaGuardia at exactly noon. We can all hop in a cab and drop our bags off at our hotel and hit Fifth Avenue immediately for shopping heaven!!!
It will be a whirlwind trip... we are just there through Saturday evening.... two nights. Three out of four of us have kids to get back too and a Sunday recovery day at home is always nice to have before going back to work! But, we really have three full days in the City! We plan to eat great good... see some amazing sights.... drink fabulous wine or martinis.... SHOP.... and mostly enjoy some time away, just the girls... no kids to care for... no boys to deal with. Just four fabulous girls in the City.....
I am also going to meet up with my cousin, Sarah, who lives in Brooklyn. We are going to have dinner/drinks with her Thursday at a minimum... hopefully, she will be able to join us more often... but there is that pesky work situation.... ;-)
So... today, I need to get through my workday... and evening... and PACK! I am a last minute packer.... I usually pack the morning of a trip.... but I need to be on the road by 7:30 tomorrow to get to the airport.... so I really need to make myself pack tonight. And, of course, I will stress over what to pack. So many needs for a trip like this. Comfy clothes and shoes by day for walking all over... and nicer things for dinners out! No way can I do this trip with a carry-on only. :-)
Here's to girls' weekends!!!!!!!!!!!
It will be a whirlwind trip... we are just there through Saturday evening.... two nights. Three out of four of us have kids to get back too and a Sunday recovery day at home is always nice to have before going back to work! But, we really have three full days in the City! We plan to eat great good... see some amazing sights.... drink fabulous wine or martinis.... SHOP.... and mostly enjoy some time away, just the girls... no kids to care for... no boys to deal with. Just four fabulous girls in the City.....
I am also going to meet up with my cousin, Sarah, who lives in Brooklyn. We are going to have dinner/drinks with her Thursday at a minimum... hopefully, she will be able to join us more often... but there is that pesky work situation.... ;-)
So... today, I need to get through my workday... and evening... and PACK! I am a last minute packer.... I usually pack the morning of a trip.... but I need to be on the road by 7:30 tomorrow to get to the airport.... so I really need to make myself pack tonight. And, of course, I will stress over what to pack. So many needs for a trip like this. Comfy clothes and shoes by day for walking all over... and nicer things for dinners out! No way can I do this trip with a carry-on only. :-)
Here's to girls' weekends!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Not So Bad...
Well, Scott is feeling much, much better today. He is still home, but he stayed home more to take care of Luke than anything else. I'm not sure if he had H1N1 or what... but what's important is that he's feeling so much better. It's hard when they really aren't testing for it. Just jumping to conclusions that you have it. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't....
If he did... it ain't that bad! I'm sure he was uncomfortable for a couple days... but he said it just wasn't that bad...... I've seen him more sick. Last year I think he was out for a week with something. Flu. Ebola. I don't know. He was sick as hell.
I took Luke to the doc and his temp was much, much lower there than at home. Makes me question my thermometer. I do take his temp rectally.... and I know you are supposed to subtract a degree when you take it that way.... but still, I was getting a full degree or two higher a reading...
At any rate... the doc saw pus (a lot from her comment) on his tonsils... and ran a strep test, which was inconclusive in the office, so she sent one to the lab for a better result. But, she's assuming it might be strep, so he's on antibiotics. If it comes back it's not... then, he just has a cold virus of some sort. H1N1 doesn't "present" with pus on the tonsils... so it's definitely not that. Whew... good news.....
Still.... today he had a fever of 100.7.... and wasn't looking so great when I left him screaming to come to work. :( Breaks my heart that one..... he just wants his momma....... :(
So, hopefully, he will be on the mend....... last night, he had an hour or so where he just must have felt normal, because he and Ally were just playing and playing and he was having so much fun. Laughing and acting as healthy as can be. It's those moments that give you peace and take some of your worry away. Nothing worse than a sick baby!
Ally and I are feeling fine (knock on wood) and I really, really hope it stays that way because Thursday I am off to New York City with girlfriends for a girls' weekend!!!!!!!!!!! I need to be healthy for this trip of food, drink, shopping and sight seeing fun....... I have been looking forward to it forever as we planned it months and months ago.
But, today, I need to focus on getting some work done..... two day work isn't so bad. I just wish it was under better circumstances. Staying home with the sick ones yesterday was not fun at all. Here's to a better ending to my week!!!!!!
If he did... it ain't that bad! I'm sure he was uncomfortable for a couple days... but he said it just wasn't that bad...... I've seen him more sick. Last year I think he was out for a week with something. Flu. Ebola. I don't know. He was sick as hell.
I took Luke to the doc and his temp was much, much lower there than at home. Makes me question my thermometer. I do take his temp rectally.... and I know you are supposed to subtract a degree when you take it that way.... but still, I was getting a full degree or two higher a reading...
At any rate... the doc saw pus (a lot from her comment) on his tonsils... and ran a strep test, which was inconclusive in the office, so she sent one to the lab for a better result. But, she's assuming it might be strep, so he's on antibiotics. If it comes back it's not... then, he just has a cold virus of some sort. H1N1 doesn't "present" with pus on the tonsils... so it's definitely not that. Whew... good news.....
Still.... today he had a fever of 100.7.... and wasn't looking so great when I left him screaming to come to work. :( Breaks my heart that one..... he just wants his momma....... :(
So, hopefully, he will be on the mend....... last night, he had an hour or so where he just must have felt normal, because he and Ally were just playing and playing and he was having so much fun. Laughing and acting as healthy as can be. It's those moments that give you peace and take some of your worry away. Nothing worse than a sick baby!
Ally and I are feeling fine (knock on wood) and I really, really hope it stays that way because Thursday I am off to New York City with girlfriends for a girls' weekend!!!!!!!!!!! I need to be healthy for this trip of food, drink, shopping and sight seeing fun....... I have been looking forward to it forever as we planned it months and months ago.
But, today, I need to focus on getting some work done..... two day work isn't so bad. I just wish it was under better circumstances. Staying home with the sick ones yesterday was not fun at all. Here's to a better ending to my week!!!!!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Boo Hoo to the Flu...
It appears Scott has the flu..... and all the medical professionals tell us to assume it's swine.... he is achy.... headache.... extremely fatigued.... nausiated. It sucks.
Luke is once again, running a temp. Last week, on Sunday evening, he spiked a bit of a temperature. Only about 101... just under really... but this week, he's running around 102. Amazing how that one degree just FEELS so different. He is listless. Just laying on me. Refuses to let me out of his sight. Well, right now, he's playing for a moment. Tylenol must have kicked in and is giving him some relief.
He had the H1N1 vaccine, but only the first dose and supposedly they need two to be completely protected. Maybe he's fighting it. Maybe he won't get it "as bad"... It just started with a fever out of no where and then, 12 hours later, he was stuffed up.... he is coughing just a bit now. Imagine that might get worse?
On a positive note... Jane got some great pics of the kids to share!!! Take a look!!!!
Luke is once again, running a temp. Last week, on Sunday evening, he spiked a bit of a temperature. Only about 101... just under really... but this week, he's running around 102. Amazing how that one degree just FEELS so different. He is listless. Just laying on me. Refuses to let me out of his sight. Well, right now, he's playing for a moment. Tylenol must have kicked in and is giving him some relief.
He had the H1N1 vaccine, but only the first dose and supposedly they need two to be completely protected. Maybe he's fighting it. Maybe he won't get it "as bad"... It just started with a fever out of no where and then, 12 hours later, he was stuffed up.... he is coughing just a bit now. Imagine that might get worse?
On a positive note... Jane got some great pics of the kids to share!!! Take a look!!!!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Happy Halloween!
We had a great Halloween weekend! Busy for certain... and it's still going...
It all started with Friday night, when we went to Nicole's for a Halloween Party. We dressed the kids up and were required to dress up ourselves as well! It's been quite some time since I've dressed up for Halloween. I think the last time I did was for my sister and brother-in-law's party years and years ago. Pre-kids... and I went as a sexy black cat. Just wore all black with tall black boots, stuck some ears in my hair and a tail on my butt. Voila! Costume. ;-)
This year, we tried to think of a little family theme. Ally was bound and determined to be Hannah... so we had to build around her costume. I decided to be Miley... and Scott decided to be Billy Ray. But, he wanted to be old school trashy Billy Ray with a mullet... so most of the people at the party thought he was Joe Dirt. :-))))) We had to Google Joe Dirt yesterday and sure enough... his costume was definitely more "Joe Dirt" than Billy Ray... but whatever! At least he dressed up and got into the spirit of the event! It was a lot of fun.
Luke didn't really fit into our family theme.. but he was damn cute! We already had his monkey costume from Eli... so we figure maybe the Cyrus family had a pet monkey at some point. :-)
He was as cute as can be though... at first I thought he wouldn't wear the costume at all, but he totally got into it. He kept it on throughout most of the party and then, on Halloween itself, he wanted to wear it as soon as he woke up.... pretty darn cute little monkey boy!
We went over to Scott's parents to kick off our evening of craziness... cuz Jane had to get her annual picture. ;-) I'm so glad we did and I can't wait to see the pictures she got... since she always gets some great ones. Then, we went over to Ally's school for trunk or treating and the carnival... where the highlight for Ally was winning a fish...
I at least got once decent picture of the kids together... heavily relying on Jane here... so she'd better come through. :-)
They are a cute little pair if I do say so myself...
Luke was so into Halloween this year it was so freakin' cute. He loved carrying around his "punkin'" and getting candy. Of course, we had to eat every piece as we got it. We came home around 7 or so in time to pass out some candy ourselves. The kids really enjoyed that part, and like my friend Beth said, it's nice for them to experience some giving as well as receiving! Ally loved looking at all the costumes and Luke just loved saying "bye!" to everyone as they left. Every time someone came to the door and yelled "Trick or Treat" he would get so excited and run to the door, peer out, help me give the candy and then yell "bye bye!!!" Adorable....
Then, the kids bounced off the walls for a while... and I forced them to eat some real food to try to counteract the sugar....... they passed out by 8:30 or so...... Scott and I had a drink and passed out ourselves..... whew..... successful two days of Halloween fun....
Hope you all had a great time too!!!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
All About Ally...
This post is dedicated to Ally. That little "6 and 3/4" year old who makes me crazy and makes life interesting every single day....
Ally never ceases to amaze me. I will admit, usually, my amazement is frustration. She is not an easy child. No. Way. Every day is a new challenge with this girl... and most days I'm just proud of myself for not smacking her. She is six (six and THREE QUARTERS she tells everyone) going on 16 for sure. She has more attitude than most teenagers I know. The other day, a guy I work with told me he had a VERY difficult daughter when she was a kid... and then, it was like she got it all out by the time she was a teenager and was just as easy going as can be. I am really hoping for this option... as I really do worry about what life will be like when Ally is driving... dating... and going through her teenage angst.
Our little girl is in the first grad here in Concord and absolutely loves school. She has regularly informed us that school is more fun than home. Hmmmm....???? How to take that exactly?? I am going to say it's a good thing. The other day when I had to take her out of school early in order for she and Luke to get the H1N1 vaccine, she threw a bit of a fit for having to leave in the middle of an exercise the class was starting.
I think I was like this in school. I remember loving the social aspect of school. The commotion. The excitement of the day. Early on, I recall really liking my teachers. Worshipping them almost and thinking they were the greatest. Then... you get to high school and teachers suck. ;-)
I am truly glad she likes school.... but I do worry about the fact that she never really likes to be at home. When I pick her up from her grandparents' at the end of the day, it can be a battle. The first thing she says on a weekend morning is "are we going anywhere today?" She constantly needs to be on the move.
I guess, at this point, all we can try to do is balance her need to be on the go and try to teach her how to slow down from time to time.
Right now, she is a pretty involved/active little girl. On top of school each and every day, she has art class one night a week and ballet class one night a week. One day a week, after school, she has a friend come home with her to spend a few hours together. So, three days a week, after school, she is pretty occupied.
We try to do things with the kids over the weekend... but lately, we are also trying to balance that with doing things for ourselves. As adults. Scott and I really need to do those things together too... so every other week or so at least, we try to get a sitter and have an adult night out. Much needed!!!!!
Luckily, we have some great babysitter options... and the kids really like the girls that spend time with them. Hooray!!!!
Ally's biggest loves right now are reading, writing and art. She's a very "left brained" kind of girl I think. Left is the creative side right? HA! I love encouraging that part of her too. I'm so glad we disovered the Jackson School of the Arts and so happy to be involved there. What an amazing little gem here in town!
Ally still loves her "Duncan." A stuffed Scottie dog that she actually received from Santa on her first Christmas. Duncan was our Scottish Terrier at the time... he passed away when she was three or so. So... she still has a stuffed one in his honor... and he is her special toy. When she was little, like Luke, she had a blankie. Now, all that love has been transferred to Duncan.
Last night we couldn't find him at bedtime... which makes for a fun time.... ugh! She is also becoming a bit manipulative and deviant in her "old" age.... so sometimes it's hard to know what is really happening and what she's "created." For example - she will hide a school book that needs to go back to school by a certain time.... to purposefully add chaos to the morning routine. She has this little snicker and I just know she's messing with my head!!!!!!
When she pulled that crap this morning... Scott told her she was going to be tardy. And that it wasn't our fault..... she of course cannot stand to have anything go wrong at school, so this hit home. Still, she drags her feet and it makes you want to scream!!! Easy go lucky, this child is not!
She is going to be Hannah Montana for halloween... and she is just as giddy as can be. We put the "costume" together ourselves... just ordering an official wig and microphone. The rest is just clothes from Gymboree!!!! Amazing how real clothes for kids can be made into a costume because sometimes they are just so outrageous!!!!
We have a lot of events surrounding the big day this weekend. Two parties on Friday and a carnival at school and trunk or treat on Halloween itself. Should be fun trying to do all these events with sugar high children. :-))))
Scott has a major conflict with work and will now have to work late on Friday and possibly Saturday, so I can add to the chaos, the fact that I will be single parenting it. Good times. I will be traveling with a flask...... :-))))))
Monday, October 26, 2009
This -n- That...
So.... it was a fairly busy weekend in the McIntosh household! We kicked it off with dinner at Daryl's Friday with my in-laws for my mother-in-law's birthday celebration! Scott and I had previously had plans to go out, so we already had a babysitter... which worked out nicely. It was a last minute dinner... but we were as free as you can be (when you have kids that is).... so we joined the McIntosh clan for dinner... and then, Scott and I went and had some just us time and drinks at Bella Note afterwards. Always nice to get out!
Saturday, Ally spent the majority of the day with her BFF, Jacey. They are like two little teenagers when they get together. Ally was thrilled to spend the day at her house... and I was pretty thrilled myself to have some down time. Luke took a nice three hour nap and I was able to have a fairly quiet day.
After the peace of the day... we decided that we needed to get out... so we went to the Buffalo Wings place (I can't think of what it is actually called!) and met Jane, Adam and Grace for some wings, beer and MSU football. Great game... up until the last two seconds that is! What a bummer they lost...... oh well. I don't really get that caught up in it. It's a freakin' game after all. Fun to watch... fun to see them win... but I don't have my heart broken when they lose!!!!!
Yesterday I took Ally to see Where the Wild Things Are. I was pretty disappointed in the movie itself. Amazingly, Ally says she liked it. I was shocked at how dark it was! One person described it to me as "joyless" and that absolutely sums it up! I think if I was going to see a movie that was for adults and was a bit dark and deep, I would be completely fine with it. It was the fact that it was a childrens' book, made into a movie... and it was depressing as hell in my opinion!!!! Lots of talk of sadness and loneliness. One quote in the movie was "it's hard being a family." As in, it takes work to get along.
Sure - these are valuable life lessons I suppose. Life is indeed hard... but come on!!!! You took a childrens' book and made it into a sad movie!!!!!! You suck. ;-) Okay, that was harsh. I was just pretty disappointed. Maybe I needed a little escpace into a child like feel good movie. I seemed to be more disappointed and upset by it that Ally was. Or maybe she's just happy anytime she gets popcorn and a tootsie roll? ;-)
A busy, fun filled weekend.... I'm behind on the laundry and the house is a bit of a mess... but it's more fun to get out and enjoy I always say. The mess will always be there.
Saturday, Ally spent the majority of the day with her BFF, Jacey. They are like two little teenagers when they get together. Ally was thrilled to spend the day at her house... and I was pretty thrilled myself to have some down time. Luke took a nice three hour nap and I was able to have a fairly quiet day.
After the peace of the day... we decided that we needed to get out... so we went to the Buffalo Wings place (I can't think of what it is actually called!) and met Jane, Adam and Grace for some wings, beer and MSU football. Great game... up until the last two seconds that is! What a bummer they lost...... oh well. I don't really get that caught up in it. It's a freakin' game after all. Fun to watch... fun to see them win... but I don't have my heart broken when they lose!!!!!
Yesterday I took Ally to see Where the Wild Things Are. I was pretty disappointed in the movie itself. Amazingly, Ally says she liked it. I was shocked at how dark it was! One person described it to me as "joyless" and that absolutely sums it up! I think if I was going to see a movie that was for adults and was a bit dark and deep, I would be completely fine with it. It was the fact that it was a childrens' book, made into a movie... and it was depressing as hell in my opinion!!!! Lots of talk of sadness and loneliness. One quote in the movie was "it's hard being a family." As in, it takes work to get along.
Sure - these are valuable life lessons I suppose. Life is indeed hard... but come on!!!! You took a childrens' book and made it into a sad movie!!!!!! You suck. ;-) Okay, that was harsh. I was just pretty disappointed. Maybe I needed a little escpace into a child like feel good movie. I seemed to be more disappointed and upset by it that Ally was. Or maybe she's just happy anytime she gets popcorn and a tootsie roll? ;-)
A busy, fun filled weekend.... I'm behind on the laundry and the house is a bit of a mess... but it's more fun to get out and enjoy I always say. The mess will always be there.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Squashed the Oink....
I decided to vaccinate the kids against the H1N1 virus. It's funny... I'm not really sure why I was so unsure about it. It's not like I'm one of those moms that doesn't believe in vaccinations. I even get the 'recommended' vaccines. I get them the season flu vaccine... why did I balk at this one so much?
Who knows.... I guess sometimes I just feel uncomfortable with something new or different when it comes to that something being injected into my children.
I did a lot of reading... and in the end simply went with the advice of my pediatrician. We discussed Luke's risks.... and it just became clear to me that I should do it.
Then.... I got worried we wouldn't be ABLE to get it! I started hearing about the shortages of the vaccine. And I was wondering how the hell did we get so lucky that our pediatrician already has the vaccine (when many are saying they won't have it until November)? So... I decided we would go and go early to the prearranged clinic time. At first I thought I would just pick Ally up from school and go after school, but the office manager at Riverside recommended we come early.
THANK GOD WE DID! We did not only go right at the start of the clinic time (2:00 pm).... we went early, around 1:20 pm. I was just going to drive by and see if a line was forming at all. Sure enough.... long line and we jumped in.....
2 + hours later.... we had vaccinations! I feel really good about the decision to do it. We have a few people here at work who's kids have come down with it this week, and who now have it themselves. It's not pretty. If I can spare my child the sickness... I have to at least try!
I know it's a tough decision for some... and good luck with whatever you choose!
Who knows.... I guess sometimes I just feel uncomfortable with something new or different when it comes to that something being injected into my children.
I did a lot of reading... and in the end simply went with the advice of my pediatrician. We discussed Luke's risks.... and it just became clear to me that I should do it.
Then.... I got worried we wouldn't be ABLE to get it! I started hearing about the shortages of the vaccine. And I was wondering how the hell did we get so lucky that our pediatrician already has the vaccine (when many are saying they won't have it until November)? So... I decided we would go and go early to the prearranged clinic time. At first I thought I would just pick Ally up from school and go after school, but the office manager at Riverside recommended we come early.
THANK GOD WE DID! We did not only go right at the start of the clinic time (2:00 pm).... we went early, around 1:20 pm. I was just going to drive by and see if a line was forming at all. Sure enough.... long line and we jumped in.....
2 + hours later.... we had vaccinations! I feel really good about the decision to do it. We have a few people here at work who's kids have come down with it this week, and who now have it themselves. It's not pretty. If I can spare my child the sickness... I have to at least try!
I know it's a tough decision for some... and good luck with whatever you choose!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Ahhhhh....
I don't know what to do.... what to do? What to DO?????
Tomorrow, my pediatrician's office is giving the H1N1 vaccine to kids..... and they recommend both kids get it, but in particular Luke because he tends to have complications with his lungs when he gets sick. Everything goes straight to his chest........
I am surrounded by people with confirmed and suspected cases at work and in my social circle.....
I, myself am sick, but it's a sinus infection. Doesn't seem to be flu-like at all and I am currently on an antibiotic... not that it will ward of the flu, which is viral.
Both kids and Scott and I already got the regular flu shot.
I am at a loss. Kind of freaking out. Sitting here on the fence....................
I was pretty convinced I would NOT get it for the kids .... but now I am waivering.....
Scott says we should.
I hate decisions like this......
Tomorrow, my pediatrician's office is giving the H1N1 vaccine to kids..... and they recommend both kids get it, but in particular Luke because he tends to have complications with his lungs when he gets sick. Everything goes straight to his chest........
I am surrounded by people with confirmed and suspected cases at work and in my social circle.....
I, myself am sick, but it's a sinus infection. Doesn't seem to be flu-like at all and I am currently on an antibiotic... not that it will ward of the flu, which is viral.
Both kids and Scott and I already got the regular flu shot.
I am at a loss. Kind of freaking out. Sitting here on the fence....................
I was pretty convinced I would NOT get it for the kids .... but now I am waivering.....
Scott says we should.
I hate decisions like this......
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
"No Momma. No hat!!"
What am I going to do with the little man this winter??? He REFUSES to wear a hat on his head. His baby head is going to freeze. His ears are going to fall off. This is ridiculous............
Any words of wisdom? Tips? Should I just invest in a big roll of duct tape?
Boys........
Any words of wisdom? Tips? Should I just invest in a big roll of duct tape?
Boys........
Friday, October 9, 2009
Always Apologizing...
It seems like I'm always apologizing for my lack of blogging. Life is just busy. Overwhelming at times... and to be really honest... sometimes I just don't have anything nice to say.... and like Thumper says:
"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
My mom is here this weekend for a visit. A good deal of the purpose of her visit was to stay with the kids while Scott and I went to his cousin's wedding in Traverse City. Well.... no wedding for us. Scott has to work today - it is a busy time for him and today was mandatory. Tomorrow he likely has to work too, so going up to Traverse City was not in the card for us in the end. We are going to try to go out this evening and at least have some dinner, drinks and time to talk, but that's it for now.
It's cold... and I know a lot of people like fall... and it's true... fall is nice... but I just know winter is around the corner. Dark , cold, dirty winter and that just puts me in a bad mood frankly. I have a hard time snapping out of a funk come this time of year.... is it spring yet?
The kids are doing great. Really. Luke is talking like you would not believe. Complete little sentences. He is just a freakin' doll right now. Ally is loving school and looks forward to it every day. She's taking art and ballet at the Jackson School of the Arts and while that keeps us hoppin', it's worth it because she loves it so much... and she is the kind of girl who needs to stay busy. (wonder where she gets that from? ha!)
Scott is taking a class in Grand Rapids one night a week... I have not been able to get up to my beloved pole class in East Lansing in far too long and I am missing that physical outlet.... best workout around.... work is busy... kids are busy... life is busy...
And, blogging falls to the wayside..... just wanted to let any faithful readers know... we are alive and well... for the most part. ;-)
"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
My mom is here this weekend for a visit. A good deal of the purpose of her visit was to stay with the kids while Scott and I went to his cousin's wedding in Traverse City. Well.... no wedding for us. Scott has to work today - it is a busy time for him and today was mandatory. Tomorrow he likely has to work too, so going up to Traverse City was not in the card for us in the end. We are going to try to go out this evening and at least have some dinner, drinks and time to talk, but that's it for now.
It's cold... and I know a lot of people like fall... and it's true... fall is nice... but I just know winter is around the corner. Dark , cold, dirty winter and that just puts me in a bad mood frankly. I have a hard time snapping out of a funk come this time of year.... is it spring yet?
The kids are doing great. Really. Luke is talking like you would not believe. Complete little sentences. He is just a freakin' doll right now. Ally is loving school and looks forward to it every day. She's taking art and ballet at the Jackson School of the Arts and while that keeps us hoppin', it's worth it because she loves it so much... and she is the kind of girl who needs to stay busy. (wonder where she gets that from? ha!)
Scott is taking a class in Grand Rapids one night a week... I have not been able to get up to my beloved pole class in East Lansing in far too long and I am missing that physical outlet.... best workout around.... work is busy... kids are busy... life is busy...
And, blogging falls to the wayside..... just wanted to let any faithful readers know... we are alive and well... for the most part. ;-)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Stranger Danger...
This has double meaning.... I feel like a stranger to you all don't I? I so suck at keeping this blog updated!!!!!!! Also... our little man Luke, is in full on STRANGER DANGER mode. In fact, I think he just hates everyone frankly....
This morning, after a long, horrid weekend of sickness all around.... I took Luke to the doctor. It all starts in the waiting room. As soon as the nurse comes to the door and calls his name for us to come back, he just starts wailing! And not your little wimpy cry either... no, this is a full-on, painful wail!!!! With the shakes and everything! He absolutely hates the doctor's office.
So... we get weighed and have our temperature taken. We weigh 27 pounds and 11 oz, fully dressed and WITH our blankie. :-) Our temp is around 99. Not too bad. Better than Sunday.
After the nurse leaves, I get him calmed down. Then, the fun really starts when the DOCTOR comes in!!!! This doctor is SO MEAN... she invades his space. Listens to his heart and lungs. Looks in his ears and mouth. Checks out his vital organs. I mean, this is terrible stuff for a 20 month old. He is carrying on in such a ridiculous manner one would think she is beating him with a baseball bat!
I am surprised he didn't explosively shit himself..... see previous post. :-))))
Ugh. The poor little guy. Seems that a nasty virus has just invaded his body. Ears good. Lungs good. Throat, fine. Becuase of the temp, they did swab his nose for the flu virus, so we will find out on that tomorrow. Probably just a cold though......
Great way to wrap up our weekend..... the weekend from hell started a little something like this:
While driving home from work on Friday afternoon, I got rear ended in Spring Arbor. UGH! I was driving home to try to get the kids by 5:15 so we could go to a community picnic at the school before the football game. And, of course, I get hit by a big ole white van. Someone was turning left off M-60 onto Teft and I was slowing down to stop behind them... I saw in my rear view mirror that this van was SO NOT GOING to do the same behind me... so I started to get over.... they still hit me, but luckily my car was no longer poised right behind the car in front of me, so instead of my car getting crunched from both ends, just the back is all jacked up.
I am actually surprised the damage to my car appeared as little as it did. Huge safety kudos to the Nissan Murano! That thing takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin!!!
So... it wasn't my fault and I don't have to pay a thing, even the deductible... but it's still an annoyance that I have to be without my car for a week once they get the parts in.
We still made it to the picnic on time and a bit of the football game! Luke and I only stayed through halftime... and Scott and Ally watched it all. Concord actually won in overtime, so they saw a great game....... Luke and I were tuckered out from our days of car crashes and colds.
Saturday, Scott woke up feeling HORRID. He was convinced he had strep both Saturday and Sunday because his throat hurt that bad. A doctor's appointment this morning proved he doesn't, which is good for the rest of us. But... I'm still waiting to get this cold. I always do :-(
Luke wasn't doing so well either and frankly, Ally is still on an antibiotic and she doesn't seem to have an energy as a result... so we had a pretty lazy Saturday. Watched some football. Took some naps. Made some chicken chili.
Sunday came around... and I had to get the kids out... no matter how anyone was feeling. Two days in the house is hell. One is barely tolerable. Scott couldn't swing it... so the kids and I went out and about.... the entire purpose for our day was to get to an open house at the Jackson School of the Arts because we wanted to sign Ally up for some art classes that they offer.
Ally absolutely loves to draw, paint and color. She loves it!!! In fact, a painting that she did in Kindergarten last year was selected for the Art a Loan program here in Jackson (if you go to the link, her's is the Crab). We are excited to go see her art at the Ella Sharp Museum where it is professionally displayed. She even has an official "exhibit and reception" in October. How freakin' cute is that?!?
So... we were excited to get the flier about the Open House.... and then...
After we actually WENT to the place, we were even more excited! This place is just adorable and it's really exciting that Jackson HAS something like this to offer. I always assume I have to go to Ann Arbor or the like to get these sorts of opportunities that really are in our backyard! I forget to give Jackson the benefit of the doubt sometimes, ya know!?!
Not only is Ally going to take a really amazing art class, but she is also going to take ballet at the school. They offer a variety of art, dance and even theater classes!!!! You really need to check this place out...
She is so excited to get started... tomorrow! I'm excited to keep her busy because I think she needs it... and hope we are able to keep up with getting her there twice a week. It's no small task to get out to Concord to pick her up after work... then, get back to Jackson for class... but, what is life if you don't have a little over scheduling? It's how we operate in the McIntosh household...
.... Where chaos rules!!!!
Happy Monday people!!!!! I wish you all HEALTH! :-)
This morning, after a long, horrid weekend of sickness all around.... I took Luke to the doctor. It all starts in the waiting room. As soon as the nurse comes to the door and calls his name for us to come back, he just starts wailing! And not your little wimpy cry either... no, this is a full-on, painful wail!!!! With the shakes and everything! He absolutely hates the doctor's office.
So... we get weighed and have our temperature taken. We weigh 27 pounds and 11 oz, fully dressed and WITH our blankie. :-) Our temp is around 99. Not too bad. Better than Sunday.
After the nurse leaves, I get him calmed down. Then, the fun really starts when the DOCTOR comes in!!!! This doctor is SO MEAN... she invades his space. Listens to his heart and lungs. Looks in his ears and mouth. Checks out his vital organs. I mean, this is terrible stuff for a 20 month old. He is carrying on in such a ridiculous manner one would think she is beating him with a baseball bat!
I am surprised he didn't explosively shit himself..... see previous post. :-))))
Ugh. The poor little guy. Seems that a nasty virus has just invaded his body. Ears good. Lungs good. Throat, fine. Becuase of the temp, they did swab his nose for the flu virus, so we will find out on that tomorrow. Probably just a cold though......
Great way to wrap up our weekend..... the weekend from hell started a little something like this:
While driving home from work on Friday afternoon, I got rear ended in Spring Arbor. UGH! I was driving home to try to get the kids by 5:15 so we could go to a community picnic at the school before the football game. And, of course, I get hit by a big ole white van. Someone was turning left off M-60 onto Teft and I was slowing down to stop behind them... I saw in my rear view mirror that this van was SO NOT GOING to do the same behind me... so I started to get over.... they still hit me, but luckily my car was no longer poised right behind the car in front of me, so instead of my car getting crunched from both ends, just the back is all jacked up.
I am actually surprised the damage to my car appeared as little as it did. Huge safety kudos to the Nissan Murano! That thing takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin!!!
So... it wasn't my fault and I don't have to pay a thing, even the deductible... but it's still an annoyance that I have to be without my car for a week once they get the parts in.
We still made it to the picnic on time and a bit of the football game! Luke and I only stayed through halftime... and Scott and Ally watched it all. Concord actually won in overtime, so they saw a great game....... Luke and I were tuckered out from our days of car crashes and colds.
Saturday, Scott woke up feeling HORRID. He was convinced he had strep both Saturday and Sunday because his throat hurt that bad. A doctor's appointment this morning proved he doesn't, which is good for the rest of us. But... I'm still waiting to get this cold. I always do :-(
Luke wasn't doing so well either and frankly, Ally is still on an antibiotic and she doesn't seem to have an energy as a result... so we had a pretty lazy Saturday. Watched some football. Took some naps. Made some chicken chili.
Sunday came around... and I had to get the kids out... no matter how anyone was feeling. Two days in the house is hell. One is barely tolerable. Scott couldn't swing it... so the kids and I went out and about.... the entire purpose for our day was to get to an open house at the Jackson School of the Arts because we wanted to sign Ally up for some art classes that they offer.
Ally absolutely loves to draw, paint and color. She loves it!!! In fact, a painting that she did in Kindergarten last year was selected for the Art a Loan program here in Jackson (if you go to the link, her's is the Crab). We are excited to go see her art at the Ella Sharp Museum where it is professionally displayed. She even has an official "exhibit and reception" in October. How freakin' cute is that?!?
So... we were excited to get the flier about the Open House.... and then...
After we actually WENT to the place, we were even more excited! This place is just adorable and it's really exciting that Jackson HAS something like this to offer. I always assume I have to go to Ann Arbor or the like to get these sorts of opportunities that really are in our backyard! I forget to give Jackson the benefit of the doubt sometimes, ya know!?!
Not only is Ally going to take a really amazing art class, but she is also going to take ballet at the school. They offer a variety of art, dance and even theater classes!!!! You really need to check this place out...
She is so excited to get started... tomorrow! I'm excited to keep her busy because I think she needs it... and hope we are able to keep up with getting her there twice a week. It's no small task to get out to Concord to pick her up after work... then, get back to Jackson for class... but, what is life if you don't have a little over scheduling? It's how we operate in the McIntosh household...
.... Where chaos rules!!!!
Happy Monday people!!!!! I wish you all HEALTH! :-)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Traveling with the Devil...
I have many, many wonderful things to say about my travels over the past two weeks... and I have every intention of getting to that... but first I must start at the end... because it's such a VERY good place to start.....
"Our Flight Home from North Carolina"
Screenplay by: Nicole McIntosh
Starring: Luke McIntosh
Supporting Cast: Allison McIntosh, Nicole McIntosh, Cathy McIntosh, Jane Dawson, Grace Dawson
What you are about to read were atual events that took place on Sunday, August 30, 2009.... the names have NOT been changed. There are no innocent parties to protect. Only guilty...
After a long, tiring, but wonderful week on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.... the McIntosh family must make the long journey home back to Michigan... for the past two years, the men (my father-in-law, brother-in-law and husband) have driven while us women (my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and I) fly with the children (Luke, Ally and Grace - my children and niece).
We fly into Norfolk, VA as it is the closest airport to the Outer Banks. We rent a minivan from there and it is about a 3 hour drive by car to reach our destination....
Sunday morning, we have to check out of our cottage by 10 am. Since our flight is not until 4:00 pm... we have some time to "kill" before we go to the airport. We take a leisurely drive up to Duck on the Island... and do a little shopping before we head to our prechosen lunch location. We know we need to hit this fabulous Southern Style restaurant because last year the fried chicken was to die for! Duck was very quaint... shopping went well. I bought the kids each a final "souvenier" at this adorable toy store. And we looked at some little boutiques to pass our time.
We then head to lunch... and are disappointed to learn that the place has changed ownership and does not have the same food we had last year. A bit of a bummer... but we are there and have to eat.... so we do....
We head to the airport.... and I am going to drop the kids, my mother-in-law and Jane off at the curb to make it easier.... I will drop the rental off on my own. We reach the curbside drop off point.... and start to unload.... we cannot... for the life of us... get Luke's carseat out!!!!! We are either too weak to manage or just too dumb to work the thing correctly... but we have to ask two police officers to assist us because (of course) we don't have the freakin' time to mess around with this... as we like to cut everything pretty close and we just have enough time to run to our gate for departure.
The police officers (yes, it took two) were able to get the seat out, thank god.... and I did about 90 around the airport to return the car to the rental company. I run to the terminal in time to help check the car seats in with Jane... we then run towards our gate.....
Uh oh.... STARBUCKS.... it's been over a week since I've had an iced latte. Must stop quickly and get one.
Fatal error. Fatal.
Luke sees this latte as ICE CREAM. He is convinced I just got some sort of ice cream drink and that he is missing out. He starts to scream at the top of his little 20 month old lungs.....
"I CEAM!!!!!! I CEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I give him a sip... thinking this will prove to him that is NOT in fact ice cream.... but the little shit LIKES it and keeps screaming for MORE!
"MOY!!! MOY!!!"
I am under no circumstances giving this child espresso. Holy shit. Not a good plan!!!!!!!
So, the fight begins. He is not happy. I try to calm him. He is pissed............
We go to our gate and our seats are unassigned. WTF? They assign them as we board... and Ally and I are not together. I explain to the friendly gate attendee that this "ain't gonna work for me buddy..." :-) He asks me to board last and that he will take care of "moving individuals around"
I am in the very front row (small plane, no first class)... so the poor bastard who has to move gives up his front row aisle seat. For what seat in what row, I don't know, but I'm sure it was not as good.... and I'm damn glad I'm not the one asking him to give up his seat.....
We sit down..... and Ally has a total and complete BREAK DOWN that there is no tray!!!!! The front row has no seat in front of it... so therefore, no tray visible. I, of course, know the tray comes out of the side... but cannot convey this to her fast enough. She is in full meltdown mode. Holy shit. You have GOT to be KIDDING me. Over a tray. Seriously?
So..... we overcome that......... I show Ally the tray. She starts to breathe normally. In the meantime...... Luke is barely holding on by a thread. He's really quite upset...... and becoming more and more so as the minutes tick by.
Jane hands me a sucker......
This calms him for a couple minutes......
The flight attendant brings beverages around. She asks me what I would like. Seriously? Think I can balanace a cup of liquid and these two children? REALLY lady? REALLY???? Ally asks for cranberry juice. We pull her tray out.....
You can see where this is headed, can't you?
Oh yeah... cranberry juice goes flyin...... all over her precious stuffed animal, her back pack and her new toy....... meltdown city. She is heartbroken................ tears, tears, tears........
Luke starts to lose it again......
Jane hands me Grace's milk......
He throws it......
Here we go. Full. F-in. Meltdown.
We are screaming. We are ANGRY! He is screaming at the top of his lungs.... GO!!!! DOWN!!!!! OUT!!!!!! He wants off this plane. Believe me buddy... I do to!!!!!!!! His face is bright red. He is kicking.... he is strong as hell and it takes every ounce of my strength to hold on to him and keep him in my lap. This goes on for quite some time. Felt like two hours... probably 10 minutes...
My mother-in-law is seated a couple rows back..... she tries to take him.... this does not go well. I take him back and he is even angrier than before.
Jane hands me another sucker......
My mother-in-law takes him and tries standing up with him up near the cockpit.... he throws the sucker. He hates the world. He hates suckers. He hates planes. He is one angry little shit.......
So angry that he has explosive diarhea............ oh yeah......... shit everywhere............ it's lovely.
We go back to the very scary, tiny bathroom to change his diaper...... I am balancing his screaming, smelly, shitty ass..... the diaper and wipes in there.... I put the diaper down and it falls into the sink, which is OF COURSE full of water........ I desperately try to dry the diaper. I cannot make the trip back to my seat to get another........
He is screaming all the while. This time, screams of complete horror for the place he is in. He cannot believe I have placed him on a table in this scary, loud closet!!!!!!! Totally freaking out......... we use all the wipes in the case to clean him.... change him......... rediaper him......... and get the hell out of there.........
He starts to calm as I walk down the aisle. I stay standing for a while at my seat with him. He is calming down........... THANK YOU SWEET BABY JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The flight attendant tells me I need to take my seat. I mentally stab her with a large knife.......
Luckily, Luke is okay with this............ the bathroom did him in......... he is physically exhausted...... he passes out..... I hear the pilot say we are landing......
That's about right............
So, the little shit sleeps for the last 15 minutes of the flight. At least there were those 15 minutes of silence on the 1 1/2 hour journey. I am certain everyone on the plane wishes me dead.
We land...... still sleeping....... we have to wait forever on the runway...... still sleeping........ we arrive at our gate and everyone starts to get up and commotion ensues. Luke wakes up. Oh lord....... he is pissed, pissed, PISSED at this. For some reason, the freakin' jetway is taking about forever to get to our plane.................... and all the bastards are standing up in the aisle....... not letting ME with the screaming child stand up....... did they NOT notice this is what shut him up the last time?
No........ they are in a hurry to get off that plane......... I guess I can respect that...............
We finally start to move off.
I get the stroller and put him it it... my arms are so weak I can barely push the stroller........
Luke absolutely FLIPS out in the stroller.......... OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DOWN!!!!!!!!!! He is screaming as he is trying to work his way out. I am RUNNING down the jetway with him......... holding the stroller all the way back so he can't get out............. but he has turned himself all the way around... onto his belly and is sliding off the front of the stroller...... "DOWN!!!!!" he continues to yell........ and his literally hanging on to the stroller front.... and hanging off the front as I continue to run off the plane.....................
We get into the airport and he breaks free of the stroller.... and starts to run as fast as he can BACK TO THE DAMN PLANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really? You really want to go BACK there buddy? REALLY????????
A disgruntled passenger runs interference for me and grabs him.
I am hysterical at this point......... hysterical.............
Mommy needs a drink. Stat.
"Our Flight Home from North Carolina"
Screenplay by: Nicole McIntosh
Starring: Luke McIntosh
Supporting Cast: Allison McIntosh, Nicole McIntosh, Cathy McIntosh, Jane Dawson, Grace Dawson
What you are about to read were atual events that took place on Sunday, August 30, 2009.... the names have NOT been changed. There are no innocent parties to protect. Only guilty...
After a long, tiring, but wonderful week on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.... the McIntosh family must make the long journey home back to Michigan... for the past two years, the men (my father-in-law, brother-in-law and husband) have driven while us women (my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and I) fly with the children (Luke, Ally and Grace - my children and niece).
We fly into Norfolk, VA as it is the closest airport to the Outer Banks. We rent a minivan from there and it is about a 3 hour drive by car to reach our destination....
Sunday morning, we have to check out of our cottage by 10 am. Since our flight is not until 4:00 pm... we have some time to "kill" before we go to the airport. We take a leisurely drive up to Duck on the Island... and do a little shopping before we head to our prechosen lunch location. We know we need to hit this fabulous Southern Style restaurant because last year the fried chicken was to die for! Duck was very quaint... shopping went well. I bought the kids each a final "souvenier" at this adorable toy store. And we looked at some little boutiques to pass our time.
We then head to lunch... and are disappointed to learn that the place has changed ownership and does not have the same food we had last year. A bit of a bummer... but we are there and have to eat.... so we do....
We head to the airport.... and I am going to drop the kids, my mother-in-law and Jane off at the curb to make it easier.... I will drop the rental off on my own. We reach the curbside drop off point.... and start to unload.... we cannot... for the life of us... get Luke's carseat out!!!!! We are either too weak to manage or just too dumb to work the thing correctly... but we have to ask two police officers to assist us because (of course) we don't have the freakin' time to mess around with this... as we like to cut everything pretty close and we just have enough time to run to our gate for departure.
The police officers (yes, it took two) were able to get the seat out, thank god.... and I did about 90 around the airport to return the car to the rental company. I run to the terminal in time to help check the car seats in with Jane... we then run towards our gate.....
Uh oh.... STARBUCKS.... it's been over a week since I've had an iced latte. Must stop quickly and get one.
Fatal error. Fatal.
Luke sees this latte as ICE CREAM. He is convinced I just got some sort of ice cream drink and that he is missing out. He starts to scream at the top of his little 20 month old lungs.....
"I CEAM!!!!!! I CEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I give him a sip... thinking this will prove to him that is NOT in fact ice cream.... but the little shit LIKES it and keeps screaming for MORE!
"MOY!!! MOY!!!"
I am under no circumstances giving this child espresso. Holy shit. Not a good plan!!!!!!!
So, the fight begins. He is not happy. I try to calm him. He is pissed............
We go to our gate and our seats are unassigned. WTF? They assign them as we board... and Ally and I are not together. I explain to the friendly gate attendee that this "ain't gonna work for me buddy..." :-) He asks me to board last and that he will take care of "moving individuals around"
I am in the very front row (small plane, no first class)... so the poor bastard who has to move gives up his front row aisle seat. For what seat in what row, I don't know, but I'm sure it was not as good.... and I'm damn glad I'm not the one asking him to give up his seat.....
We sit down..... and Ally has a total and complete BREAK DOWN that there is no tray!!!!! The front row has no seat in front of it... so therefore, no tray visible. I, of course, know the tray comes out of the side... but cannot convey this to her fast enough. She is in full meltdown mode. Holy shit. You have GOT to be KIDDING me. Over a tray. Seriously?
So..... we overcome that......... I show Ally the tray. She starts to breathe normally. In the meantime...... Luke is barely holding on by a thread. He's really quite upset...... and becoming more and more so as the minutes tick by.
Jane hands me a sucker......
This calms him for a couple minutes......
The flight attendant brings beverages around. She asks me what I would like. Seriously? Think I can balanace a cup of liquid and these two children? REALLY lady? REALLY???? Ally asks for cranberry juice. We pull her tray out.....
You can see where this is headed, can't you?
Oh yeah... cranberry juice goes flyin...... all over her precious stuffed animal, her back pack and her new toy....... meltdown city. She is heartbroken................ tears, tears, tears........
Luke starts to lose it again......
Jane hands me Grace's milk......
He throws it......
Here we go. Full. F-in. Meltdown.
We are screaming. We are ANGRY! He is screaming at the top of his lungs.... GO!!!! DOWN!!!!! OUT!!!!!! He wants off this plane. Believe me buddy... I do to!!!!!!!! His face is bright red. He is kicking.... he is strong as hell and it takes every ounce of my strength to hold on to him and keep him in my lap. This goes on for quite some time. Felt like two hours... probably 10 minutes...
My mother-in-law is seated a couple rows back..... she tries to take him.... this does not go well. I take him back and he is even angrier than before.
Jane hands me another sucker......
My mother-in-law takes him and tries standing up with him up near the cockpit.... he throws the sucker. He hates the world. He hates suckers. He hates planes. He is one angry little shit.......
So angry that he has explosive diarhea............ oh yeah......... shit everywhere............ it's lovely.
We go back to the very scary, tiny bathroom to change his diaper...... I am balancing his screaming, smelly, shitty ass..... the diaper and wipes in there.... I put the diaper down and it falls into the sink, which is OF COURSE full of water........ I desperately try to dry the diaper. I cannot make the trip back to my seat to get another........
He is screaming all the while. This time, screams of complete horror for the place he is in. He cannot believe I have placed him on a table in this scary, loud closet!!!!!!! Totally freaking out......... we use all the wipes in the case to clean him.... change him......... rediaper him......... and get the hell out of there.........
He starts to calm as I walk down the aisle. I stay standing for a while at my seat with him. He is calming down........... THANK YOU SWEET BABY JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The flight attendant tells me I need to take my seat. I mentally stab her with a large knife.......
Luckily, Luke is okay with this............ the bathroom did him in......... he is physically exhausted...... he passes out..... I hear the pilot say we are landing......
That's about right............
So, the little shit sleeps for the last 15 minutes of the flight. At least there were those 15 minutes of silence on the 1 1/2 hour journey. I am certain everyone on the plane wishes me dead.
We land...... still sleeping....... we have to wait forever on the runway...... still sleeping........ we arrive at our gate and everyone starts to get up and commotion ensues. Luke wakes up. Oh lord....... he is pissed, pissed, PISSED at this. For some reason, the freakin' jetway is taking about forever to get to our plane.................... and all the bastards are standing up in the aisle....... not letting ME with the screaming child stand up....... did they NOT notice this is what shut him up the last time?
No........ they are in a hurry to get off that plane......... I guess I can respect that...............
We finally start to move off.
I get the stroller and put him it it... my arms are so weak I can barely push the stroller........
Luke absolutely FLIPS out in the stroller.......... OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DOWN!!!!!!!!!! He is screaming as he is trying to work his way out. I am RUNNING down the jetway with him......... holding the stroller all the way back so he can't get out............. but he has turned himself all the way around... onto his belly and is sliding off the front of the stroller...... "DOWN!!!!!" he continues to yell........ and his literally hanging on to the stroller front.... and hanging off the front as I continue to run off the plane.....................
We get into the airport and he breaks free of the stroller.... and starts to run as fast as he can BACK TO THE DAMN PLANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really? You really want to go BACK there buddy? REALLY????????
A disgruntled passenger runs interference for me and grabs him.
I am hysterical at this point......... hysterical.............
Mommy needs a drink. Stat.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Poor Little Man...
Luke has a horrid summer cold. Poor guy. He has the croupy horrid sounding cough.... a runny nose... and the worst diaper rash. :-( He's not sleeping well. So, I'm not sleeping well. I just feel awful for him.
Somehow, knock on wood, the rest of us are feeling okay so far... and I certainly hope it remains as such because I am going to Chicago on Thursday... and then, to Boston on Sunday. I need to be healthy for my travels!
I would like it better if Luke were healthy for my travels too. Hard to leave the little ones behind and enjoy yourself completely when you know they are home sick, and that someone (Dad in this case at least) is home caring for them. Scott is nothing if not super dad though, so it's not like he can't handle it or is incapable!
Luke is just trying to say all sorts of things lately... he's in full babble mode. He's started to say "kay" in addition to "no" when you ask him to do something...... ;-) It just used to be "no" all the freakin' time... then, one day out of the blue, I asked if he could put something away, and he said "kay" and did it! What a sweet boy.....
I am going to desperately try to upload some pictures this evening. I got a new camera!!!!! And have been playing with it a bit at home. I have some really cute pics of the kids to share. Luke's "funny faces." He does this series of funny faces all in a row. I swear to god, it's like Jim Carey. He makes a serious mean face where he squints his eyes and looks "down" at you... then, he smiles all big, then he makes an excited face, forming his mouth into an "o." You really have to watch it in action to get it... but it is freakin' hilarious!!!!!!!!!!! And you just never know when he's gonna pull this crap out....... what a crackup!
My whirlwind travels start this Thursday and I know some people think I'm crazy... but I LOVE IT! I will be in Chicago on Thursday and Friday, returning Saturday morning. Then, Scott and I will be in Boston next Sunday through Thursday. Then, we will be in the Outer Banks of North Carolina the following Sunday for a week........ I will be back at work August 31. More than two straight weeks OFF!!!!!! NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Back to work for a short week that week, then off to Baltimore to visit my brother, Mary and their new baby, Maggie! The kids and all will go for that long weekend trip... and my mom will be meeting us there from Vegas. We got the BEST deal for a flight $100!!!!! Roundtrip from Detroit to Baltimore. Can't beat it!
Good times........ I just realized.......... tons of time on the East Coast!
So, if I'm quiet for a while...... you know why!!!!
Somehow, knock on wood, the rest of us are feeling okay so far... and I certainly hope it remains as such because I am going to Chicago on Thursday... and then, to Boston on Sunday. I need to be healthy for my travels!
I would like it better if Luke were healthy for my travels too. Hard to leave the little ones behind and enjoy yourself completely when you know they are home sick, and that someone (Dad in this case at least) is home caring for them. Scott is nothing if not super dad though, so it's not like he can't handle it or is incapable!
Luke is just trying to say all sorts of things lately... he's in full babble mode. He's started to say "kay" in addition to "no" when you ask him to do something...... ;-) It just used to be "no" all the freakin' time... then, one day out of the blue, I asked if he could put something away, and he said "kay" and did it! What a sweet boy.....
I am going to desperately try to upload some pictures this evening. I got a new camera!!!!! And have been playing with it a bit at home. I have some really cute pics of the kids to share. Luke's "funny faces." He does this series of funny faces all in a row. I swear to god, it's like Jim Carey. He makes a serious mean face where he squints his eyes and looks "down" at you... then, he smiles all big, then he makes an excited face, forming his mouth into an "o." You really have to watch it in action to get it... but it is freakin' hilarious!!!!!!!!!!! And you just never know when he's gonna pull this crap out....... what a crackup!
My whirlwind travels start this Thursday and I know some people think I'm crazy... but I LOVE IT! I will be in Chicago on Thursday and Friday, returning Saturday morning. Then, Scott and I will be in Boston next Sunday through Thursday. Then, we will be in the Outer Banks of North Carolina the following Sunday for a week........ I will be back at work August 31. More than two straight weeks OFF!!!!!! NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Back to work for a short week that week, then off to Baltimore to visit my brother, Mary and their new baby, Maggie! The kids and all will go for that long weekend trip... and my mom will be meeting us there from Vegas. We got the BEST deal for a flight $100!!!!! Roundtrip from Detroit to Baltimore. Can't beat it!
Good times........ I just realized.......... tons of time on the East Coast!
So, if I'm quiet for a while...... you know why!!!!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wow..
So, I haven't blogged in forever. I have no idea where to really start when I don't write for so long. What to share first... what is even WORTHY of sharing. As if anyone actually cares. ;-) HA!
This past weekend we had birthday parties galore!!!!!! We celebrated my niece, Natalie's fourth birthday and nephew Evans 2nd up in Grand Rapids on Saturday. They, along with their parents, Mark and Laura (Mark is Scott's brother) are moving to Kansas City in a week or so... so this was also a bon voyage party of sorts for them! We are sad to see them go... but excited for them as well. They both lost their jobs here in Michigan, an unfortunate circumstance that many are facing... so they are off to explore new territory! I am excited a bit a jealous truth be told. I can't tell you how many times I wished I had the guts to do the same.....
Sunday, was Grace's 2nd birthday out at Duck Lake. Jane always puts on the best parties as she is an overachiever to outdo all overachievers in this, and many other categories. :-))) It was an awesome time for all the kids and fun to watch everyone play together. The food and atmosphere cannot be beat at a Dawson event....... that's for sure! Jane and Adam know how to do it up big!!!
Past weekends have included some significant adult time out! I had a big girls' night out for a friends' birthday in East Lansing aweek or so ago... it was a fun, wild time. I'm sure if you are my "friend" on Facebook, you had a good laugh at the pictures. A girl needs a night out like that now and again...... party with reckless abandon! That same weekend, my friend Beth was in town from Chicago, and she, Kristen and I had a private Pin Up session and a great night out ourselves. Three moms, martinis, dinner and pole dancing. That was a wonderful night too!
Scott and I went to see the Dave Matthews Band in Detroit last week.... it was awesome! As always. Seats were great. Show was great. But... I am a bit obsessed/in love with Dave... so he can do very little wrong in my eyes... and rarely put on a bad show....... :-)
The kids are doing great... Ally is still doing Y Camp on and off this summer. This week, she is going and she is up at Michigan's Adventure today. They really do the best things and she has a blast! She went to Nana and Papa's last week... and I think it's a lot to ask them to watch her on top of the two little ones all day, every day. We are starting to think about what we should do with Luke this fall when Ally goes back to school. Considering doing what we did with Ally at around two and putting him in daycare a couple/few days a week.
Ally went to ABC on Lansing Ave. mainly out of convenience as I work on Parnall Rd. Does anyone in the area have any recommendations for places they really love??? Or thoughts at all? We are kind of at a loss for what to do........
Ally starts first grade soon and frankly, she cannot wait. She can't stop talking about it. She's ready to go back already. I smile when she says this to me because I completely remember being ready to go back to school as a kid. I missed my friends... I missed the routine of it all. I freakin' loved school! Dork. ;-)
Luke is a all boy... he is a temper tantrum, aggressive, physical, bundle of strength and energy! He cannot be contained! Another reason to put him in a more physical environment.... I think he might give my in-laws a heart attack soon. He is a LOT to take care of sometimes I think. But, he's fun. He can also be the absolute sweetest, cuddliest boy in the world...... and if his big blue eyes don't melt you into a puddle, his dimples will when he gives you his big grin. I love that boy..........
We've been keeping them busy this summer with road trips, weekends away... and there is plenty to look forward to in the future! I think our family trip to Hatteras later this month is going to be interesting...... last time we went (last year), Luke was as grumpy as can be. Here's to hoping he handles it better this year...... I'm a little concerned about him holding still for the plane ride! Are there any approved sedatives for toddlers? HA!!!!!
We are enjoying our summer..... hope all of you are too!
This past weekend we had birthday parties galore!!!!!! We celebrated my niece, Natalie's fourth birthday and nephew Evans 2nd up in Grand Rapids on Saturday. They, along with their parents, Mark and Laura (Mark is Scott's brother) are moving to Kansas City in a week or so... so this was also a bon voyage party of sorts for them! We are sad to see them go... but excited for them as well. They both lost their jobs here in Michigan, an unfortunate circumstance that many are facing... so they are off to explore new territory! I am excited a bit a jealous truth be told. I can't tell you how many times I wished I had the guts to do the same.....
Sunday, was Grace's 2nd birthday out at Duck Lake. Jane always puts on the best parties as she is an overachiever to outdo all overachievers in this, and many other categories. :-))) It was an awesome time for all the kids and fun to watch everyone play together. The food and atmosphere cannot be beat at a Dawson event....... that's for sure! Jane and Adam know how to do it up big!!!
Past weekends have included some significant adult time out! I had a big girls' night out for a friends' birthday in East Lansing aweek or so ago... it was a fun, wild time. I'm sure if you are my "friend" on Facebook, you had a good laugh at the pictures. A girl needs a night out like that now and again...... party with reckless abandon! That same weekend, my friend Beth was in town from Chicago, and she, Kristen and I had a private Pin Up session and a great night out ourselves. Three moms, martinis, dinner and pole dancing. That was a wonderful night too!
Scott and I went to see the Dave Matthews Band in Detroit last week.... it was awesome! As always. Seats were great. Show was great. But... I am a bit obsessed/in love with Dave... so he can do very little wrong in my eyes... and rarely put on a bad show....... :-)
The kids are doing great... Ally is still doing Y Camp on and off this summer. This week, she is going and she is up at Michigan's Adventure today. They really do the best things and she has a blast! She went to Nana and Papa's last week... and I think it's a lot to ask them to watch her on top of the two little ones all day, every day. We are starting to think about what we should do with Luke this fall when Ally goes back to school. Considering doing what we did with Ally at around two and putting him in daycare a couple/few days a week.
Ally went to ABC on Lansing Ave. mainly out of convenience as I work on Parnall Rd. Does anyone in the area have any recommendations for places they really love??? Or thoughts at all? We are kind of at a loss for what to do........
Ally starts first grade soon and frankly, she cannot wait. She can't stop talking about it. She's ready to go back already. I smile when she says this to me because I completely remember being ready to go back to school as a kid. I missed my friends... I missed the routine of it all. I freakin' loved school! Dork. ;-)
Luke is a all boy... he is a temper tantrum, aggressive, physical, bundle of strength and energy! He cannot be contained! Another reason to put him in a more physical environment.... I think he might give my in-laws a heart attack soon. He is a LOT to take care of sometimes I think. But, he's fun. He can also be the absolute sweetest, cuddliest boy in the world...... and if his big blue eyes don't melt you into a puddle, his dimples will when he gives you his big grin. I love that boy..........
We've been keeping them busy this summer with road trips, weekends away... and there is plenty to look forward to in the future! I think our family trip to Hatteras later this month is going to be interesting...... last time we went (last year), Luke was as grumpy as can be. Here's to hoping he handles it better this year...... I'm a little concerned about him holding still for the plane ride! Are there any approved sedatives for toddlers? HA!!!!!
We are enjoying our summer..... hope all of you are too!
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Weekends Fly By...
We had another FULL and busy, but wonderful weekend!!!
It all started out on Friday. We attempted to go into town for the Hot Air Jubilee, but the weather was horrid. Cold. Rainy. As far as I know, the balloons did not go up. So, we were in town and decided that we would head to the Hunt Club for dinner. I love Wiley Chips. YUM! Who am I kidding, I am a nacho slut.... I LOVE NACHOS from anywhere. :-)
We had some dinner and some drinks.... and headed home with some tired grumpy kids.... got them to bed and had some more drinks.
Saturday, we spent the day doing household yuckiness. Picking up. Laundry. We really despise domestic duties. I was really cut out for living a life of luxury with a live-in maid. Alas, I do not have one. Oh well. So... I sucked it up and cleaned up...
We had a new sitter Saturday night, Traci. She is a Spring Arbor University Senior and is going to be a teacher when she graduates. She is really interested in teaching Kindergarten specifically. She loves to hang out with kids. Could you ask for much more? Not. So. Much. So... she came over to hang with the kiddos while Scott and I went to his Aunt Collette's 40th birthday party in South Lyon.
We had a wonderful time! Saw lots of family.... at great food... drank fabulous gin. :-) Sang kareoke. Laughed our asses off....... a great child free night out!!!
Sunday, Scott had plans with my dad to golf in Plainwell and then, help him with some roofing... of a shed my dad just built. Scott was hurting a bit after having one or five too many G&T's Saturday night.... but he was a trooper. Made his tee time.... and worked his ass off helping my dad out. I know my dad appreciated the help and Scott enjoyed the time with him. The kids and I went over and hung out with my step-mom, Geri and my sister Biz and her friends.... we had a nice laid back day and dinner out... Luke was a bit clingy... Ally was great...
We got home last night and all passed out cold...... it was a fun and busy weekend. We wouldn't have it any other way!!!!!!!! Now, we work our asses off to get to the next one.... work hard, play hard. :-)
It all started out on Friday. We attempted to go into town for the Hot Air Jubilee, but the weather was horrid. Cold. Rainy. As far as I know, the balloons did not go up. So, we were in town and decided that we would head to the Hunt Club for dinner. I love Wiley Chips. YUM! Who am I kidding, I am a nacho slut.... I LOVE NACHOS from anywhere. :-)
We had some dinner and some drinks.... and headed home with some tired grumpy kids.... got them to bed and had some more drinks.
Saturday, we spent the day doing household yuckiness. Picking up. Laundry. We really despise domestic duties. I was really cut out for living a life of luxury with a live-in maid. Alas, I do not have one. Oh well. So... I sucked it up and cleaned up...
We had a new sitter Saturday night, Traci. She is a Spring Arbor University Senior and is going to be a teacher when she graduates. She is really interested in teaching Kindergarten specifically. She loves to hang out with kids. Could you ask for much more? Not. So. Much. So... she came over to hang with the kiddos while Scott and I went to his Aunt Collette's 40th birthday party in South Lyon.
We had a wonderful time! Saw lots of family.... at great food... drank fabulous gin. :-) Sang kareoke. Laughed our asses off....... a great child free night out!!!
Sunday, Scott had plans with my dad to golf in Plainwell and then, help him with some roofing... of a shed my dad just built. Scott was hurting a bit after having one or five too many G&T's Saturday night.... but he was a trooper. Made his tee time.... and worked his ass off helping my dad out. I know my dad appreciated the help and Scott enjoyed the time with him. The kids and I went over and hung out with my step-mom, Geri and my sister Biz and her friends.... we had a nice laid back day and dinner out... Luke was a bit clingy... Ally was great...
We got home last night and all passed out cold...... it was a fun and busy weekend. We wouldn't have it any other way!!!!!!!! Now, we work our asses off to get to the next one.... work hard, play hard. :-)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
South Haven...
So, we went to South Haven this past weekend and had an absolute BLAST!!!!! The above NEW and improved banner incorporates some pics that Jane took while she, Adam and Grace joined us on Saturday... we had the perfect day and the perfect weather... both that day, and Sunday!
We went over later in the day on Friday and got settled into our condo right in town on Maple Street. We were one block from Kids Corner, which is this wonderful children's park, and two blocks from the beach! It was the perfect location! Our little condo was just one bedroom and little... but SO NICE and BRAND NEW and perfect for us. We loved it and would return in a heartbeat! We were so lucky to get it last minute... since we just decided we were going for sure last Wednesday. See.. you can be spontaneous with stuff like this! I love that.....
We went out to eat Friday to a really nice place and the kids were amazingly well behaved..... we actually received a compliment from our waitress on how good they were. Always nice to receive a compliment like that!
Saturday... we lazed around in the morning.... and went to the beach after Luke's morning nap. Jane, Adam, and Grace joined us around 1:00 or so... and we spent the afternoon on the beach!!!! The kids were really, really good. Ally wore these new water shoes on her walk to the beach though and got blisters. That was a bit of a disaster to overcome. At first, the sand hurt... the water hurt... everything was an f-in disaster....... but she pushed on through and ended up having a great time. That girl LOVES to swim... and the lake is just perfect for kids to swim in. The tide is gentle... waves are manageable... nothing like the ocean where "death is imminent" :-))))
We went to dinner at Clementines and had the famous onion rings Saturday night..... the kids were pretty darn good there too.... Grace and Luke are quite the pair when they are together. Sometimes, I feel bad for Ally because she is so much older and out of place when it's the three of them... but she has her place too....
Sunday, we did some shopping in town in the early part of the day. Had lunch and drinks at The Idler, literally ON the water - it's a boat converted to a restaurant. Ally thought that was quite cool. :-) Luke liked the ducks. He likes to say "ducky" repeatedly now.
We spent the late afternoon at the beach.... and had dinner at The Vineyard. Yummy pizza....... it was SO GOOD!!!!! Then, after dinner we headed to my Dad and Geri's cottage down the street. They are staying there for a week and our time overlapped a bit. It was a ton of fun to hang out with them, my siblings and some of Geri's family.... they are a fun, party bunch! Next year, we are going to try to sync our week with theirs, because next year we definitely want to stay a week!
We love South Haven.. it doesn't even take us two hours to get there... it really is a wonder we don't GO MORE OFTEN!!!! We are going to shoot for at least one more day trip there this summer.......
I will post pics of my own soon...... for now...... thank you so much Jane for the new banner!!!!!!
We went over later in the day on Friday and got settled into our condo right in town on Maple Street. We were one block from Kids Corner, which is this wonderful children's park, and two blocks from the beach! It was the perfect location! Our little condo was just one bedroom and little... but SO NICE and BRAND NEW and perfect for us. We loved it and would return in a heartbeat! We were so lucky to get it last minute... since we just decided we were going for sure last Wednesday. See.. you can be spontaneous with stuff like this! I love that.....
We went out to eat Friday to a really nice place and the kids were amazingly well behaved..... we actually received a compliment from our waitress on how good they were. Always nice to receive a compliment like that!
Saturday... we lazed around in the morning.... and went to the beach after Luke's morning nap. Jane, Adam, and Grace joined us around 1:00 or so... and we spent the afternoon on the beach!!!! The kids were really, really good. Ally wore these new water shoes on her walk to the beach though and got blisters. That was a bit of a disaster to overcome. At first, the sand hurt... the water hurt... everything was an f-in disaster....... but she pushed on through and ended up having a great time. That girl LOVES to swim... and the lake is just perfect for kids to swim in. The tide is gentle... waves are manageable... nothing like the ocean where "death is imminent" :-))))
We went to dinner at Clementines and had the famous onion rings Saturday night..... the kids were pretty darn good there too.... Grace and Luke are quite the pair when they are together. Sometimes, I feel bad for Ally because she is so much older and out of place when it's the three of them... but she has her place too....
Sunday, we did some shopping in town in the early part of the day. Had lunch and drinks at The Idler, literally ON the water - it's a boat converted to a restaurant. Ally thought that was quite cool. :-) Luke liked the ducks. He likes to say "ducky" repeatedly now.
We spent the late afternoon at the beach.... and had dinner at The Vineyard. Yummy pizza....... it was SO GOOD!!!!! Then, after dinner we headed to my Dad and Geri's cottage down the street. They are staying there for a week and our time overlapped a bit. It was a ton of fun to hang out with them, my siblings and some of Geri's family.... they are a fun, party bunch! Next year, we are going to try to sync our week with theirs, because next year we definitely want to stay a week!
We love South Haven.. it doesn't even take us two hours to get there... it really is a wonder we don't GO MORE OFTEN!!!! We are going to shoot for at least one more day trip there this summer.......
I will post pics of my own soon...... for now...... thank you so much Jane for the new banner!!!!!!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Summer Travels
I love to travel. Love it like nothing else. I don't sit still well. Never have. Never will...... and in the past couple days... I have learned of some more opportunities for me to do what I love to do best........
Yesterday, Scott forwarded me a note from his boss... he had requested "permission" to attend a training in Boston.... and his boss's reply was "of course... but only if you take Nicole." I LOVE IT!
So... we are going to Boston in August....... this will be the week BEFORE our annual trip to the Outer Banks (North Carolina) with Scott's family and the week AFTER I go to Chicago for a long weekend for some S Factor and a very good friend's birthday party/welcome home bash.
I am so excited!!!!!!
We have already gone to Denver this summer... and this weekend we are going for a long weekend to South Haven. It is so wonderful to be on the go... exploring new places and seeing new things. Denver was an adult trip. This weekend we are taking the kids. Chicago will be girls only... Boston, just Scott and I... then Hatteras will be family. It's a nice blend of alone time and time with the kids.... just perfect!
I am busy planning things to do and see in Boston! I have been there before, but Scott has not. It is an awesome city! I have a friend from high school there... and we are going to get together. My days will be my own to lounge, read, spa and shop while Scott is in class. Then we can go out to eat fabulous places every night. Heaven....... can't beat a nice ass hotel paid for by your company! :-)
On top of all this..... my brother and sister in law will be having their baby sometime in late July or August... and we will be going to Baltimore to see them!
Love to be on the road..........
Yesterday, Scott forwarded me a note from his boss... he had requested "permission" to attend a training in Boston.... and his boss's reply was "of course... but only if you take Nicole." I LOVE IT!
So... we are going to Boston in August....... this will be the week BEFORE our annual trip to the Outer Banks (North Carolina) with Scott's family and the week AFTER I go to Chicago for a long weekend for some S Factor and a very good friend's birthday party/welcome home bash.
I am so excited!!!!!!
We have already gone to Denver this summer... and this weekend we are going for a long weekend to South Haven. It is so wonderful to be on the go... exploring new places and seeing new things. Denver was an adult trip. This weekend we are taking the kids. Chicago will be girls only... Boston, just Scott and I... then Hatteras will be family. It's a nice blend of alone time and time with the kids.... just perfect!
I am busy planning things to do and see in Boston! I have been there before, but Scott has not. It is an awesome city! I have a friend from high school there... and we are going to get together. My days will be my own to lounge, read, spa and shop while Scott is in class. Then we can go out to eat fabulous places every night. Heaven....... can't beat a nice ass hotel paid for by your company! :-)
On top of all this..... my brother and sister in law will be having their baby sometime in late July or August... and we will be going to Baltimore to see them!
Love to be on the road..........
Monday, June 22, 2009
Crazy Suck....
I crazy suck at posting lately cuz I've just been crazy busy!!!!! I am going to give you all the update, bullet style:
- Scott surprised me a with a trip to Denver for our anniversary.... we went last weekend, Saturday through Monday. Stayed downtown at the Hotel Monaco, ate amazing meals out every night, drank amazing drinks and wine, shopped and enjoyed some grown-up time away! In room massages... champagne in our room and an upgrade to a suite were just some of the wonderful highlights of the weekend!!! Scott gave me amazing tickets to the upcoming DMB show at DTE as well... as if the trip weren't enough! Can't wait for the show!
- The Friday before we left, we went and stayed in Detroit and watched the Red Wings game downtown at a fun bar. We had a GREAT time and I was overserved...... way overserved.....
- Last week, I spent the majority of the work week in Detroit at a conference. It was a lot of fun and I learned a little too! Mostly... it was just great to get out with co-workers and meet lots of new great people. I just love that sort of thing.
- Luke turned 18 months this past weekend on Saturday! Today he had his checkup and he is over 27 pounds and more than 33 inches long (I think! ha!).... he HATED every minute of the appointment and screamed the entire time. It was exhausting!!!!!!!
- Ally has decided that she will NOT wear anything with a halter top! This makes it virtually impossible to find her a bathing suit, not to mention, completely WASTES the four I already bought her that are all halters! She doesn't like how it feels around her neck. UGH!!!!!
- Ally started Y Camp today...... BEST DEAL IN TOWN! Less than $100/week gets you a full week of camp.... including all their food!!! They travel 2 or 3 days a week to great places like water parks and zoos. They swim every day. Go to the library. Go to local parks. It's just awesome................ she loves it and meets great kids outside of her school. Opens her social circle!!!!
I do have some pics to upload and share... but it's Monday night... and I've had some wine... and just feel like taking it really easy until my favorite shows come on... Weeds and Nurse Jackie!
Night all.....
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Bragging...
I'm not really one of those moms that is always bragging about her kid. I'm just not. I try not to talk about my kids constantly... especially to those that don't have kids or understand the dymamics there.... BUT.... I just have to brag about Ally for a little bit. :-)
We went to her "End of the School Year Appreciation" breakfast this morning. It was really nice.... her teacher invited all the parents and siblings to come to the classroom and have breakfast with the kindergarteners on their second to last day of school. As we were leaving, we thanked Mrs. Spicer and let her know how much Ally has enjoyed having her for a teacher this year.
Mrs. Spicer let US know how much SHE has enjoyed having Ally as a student. Okay, okay... maybe all teachers say this... but I really sensed her sincerity. Then, she went on to say that she was so pleased to have the most advanced reader (in kindergarten of course) to ever go through Concord. She told us that it was just an amazing experience for her to see Ally evolve as a reader and watch her blossom.....
It's TRUE! The other day at breakfast, Ally was reading the newspaper. Not your average, run of the mill kids book.... the newspaper! And, had very little trouble with the big words. We're talking words I can't read here people. :-)))))
It just amazes me how far she has come in a year's time....
Not having a real clue on HOW to teach at all.... I am just so amazed by ALL the teachers out there who have the PATIENCE and the amazing gifts to teach our children. And as a parent, it is amazing to watch your child blossom under that guidance.
We had a WONDERFUL kindergarten experience with Mrs. Spicer this year... and Ally sure loved her. I just hope we can keep her mind challenged through the summer... cuz god knows, when Ally gets bored..... there's hell to pay!!!!!!!!!!
Time to go to the bookstore!!!!!!!!!!!
We went to her "End of the School Year Appreciation" breakfast this morning. It was really nice.... her teacher invited all the parents and siblings to come to the classroom and have breakfast with the kindergarteners on their second to last day of school. As we were leaving, we thanked Mrs. Spicer and let her know how much Ally has enjoyed having her for a teacher this year.
Mrs. Spicer let US know how much SHE has enjoyed having Ally as a student. Okay, okay... maybe all teachers say this... but I really sensed her sincerity. Then, she went on to say that she was so pleased to have the most advanced reader (in kindergarten of course) to ever go through Concord. She told us that it was just an amazing experience for her to see Ally evolve as a reader and watch her blossom.....
It's TRUE! The other day at breakfast, Ally was reading the newspaper. Not your average, run of the mill kids book.... the newspaper! And, had very little trouble with the big words. We're talking words I can't read here people. :-)))))
It just amazes me how far she has come in a year's time....
Not having a real clue on HOW to teach at all.... I am just so amazed by ALL the teachers out there who have the PATIENCE and the amazing gifts to teach our children. And as a parent, it is amazing to watch your child blossom under that guidance.
We had a WONDERFUL kindergarten experience with Mrs. Spicer this year... and Ally sure loved her. I just hope we can keep her mind challenged through the summer... cuz god knows, when Ally gets bored..... there's hell to pay!!!!!!!!!!
Time to go to the bookstore!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Sickos...
I have to laugh at Nicole's comment on my blog after yesterday's post. It is SO TRUE! Someone in our household always seems to be sick!!!!! It has not always been this way... but it really has been since Ally started day care/preschool.
Ally wasn't sick a day of her life until she was almost two, and we decided she needed to go to day care a couple days a week to start to socialize with other kids. She had been going to Nana's everyday since I went back to work when she was around five months old... and we felt that she needed some "socializing." (this thought makes me laugh now... cuz I really could not have a more social child!)
So... we started her at ABC Academy here in Jackson... the one on Lansing Ave. I work on Parnall Road... so it was extremely convenient for her to go there! And... it was probably about a week before she got her first cold. After that, all bets were off... she spent that entire winter sick. Antibiotics over and over for ear infections. A diagnosis of milk and egg allergies that was adding to the problem. It was awful.... really awful.
Then, with Luke... he was sick with a cold in the first two weeks of his life!!!!! No two year waiting period for him! Two weeks!!!!! That's the difference between having a child at home only... and a child at school, bringing home all sorts of germs to her little brother!
I hope Luke is better off when he goes to preschool, than Ally was. Ally sure seems to have gotten it out of her system because she is not as sick at all in Kindergarten. Must have built those immunities up!!!!! Doesn't stop her from bringing it home to all of us though! Especially Luke.
I seem get every illness they have, ten times worse. I too wonder when the madness will end???
I don't think the fast pace and stress of our lives helps any of us... but I don't think I know how to live a stress-free life... so I take it as it comes.
Luke slept HORRID last night... and was generally the biggest grump on the planet yesterday evening. As a result, I am extremely tired today... and a bit grumpy myself. My patience is non-existent... I don't have much under normal circumstances, but today is bad. Good thing I have class tonight and won't be home to take it out on my kids.......
I am taking a pole dancing class in East Lansing at Pin Up Pole Dancing! It's a LOT of fun. VERY different from S Factor.... but it gets me on the pole, working out, and learning new tricks! A few weeks ago, I went inverted on the pole for the first time on my own. My friend Kristen, who I am taking the class with, spotted me over and over again until I could do it solo. Ever since then, I can't stop! I love to be upside down in the air!
I am considering starting a pole dancing blog........ hmmmm?????
Well... from sick kids to pole dancing moms...... what a random post! Happy Tuesday!
Ally wasn't sick a day of her life until she was almost two, and we decided she needed to go to day care a couple days a week to start to socialize with other kids. She had been going to Nana's everyday since I went back to work when she was around five months old... and we felt that she needed some "socializing." (this thought makes me laugh now... cuz I really could not have a more social child!)
So... we started her at ABC Academy here in Jackson... the one on Lansing Ave. I work on Parnall Road... so it was extremely convenient for her to go there! And... it was probably about a week before she got her first cold. After that, all bets were off... she spent that entire winter sick. Antibiotics over and over for ear infections. A diagnosis of milk and egg allergies that was adding to the problem. It was awful.... really awful.
Then, with Luke... he was sick with a cold in the first two weeks of his life!!!!! No two year waiting period for him! Two weeks!!!!! That's the difference between having a child at home only... and a child at school, bringing home all sorts of germs to her little brother!
I hope Luke is better off when he goes to preschool, than Ally was. Ally sure seems to have gotten it out of her system because she is not as sick at all in Kindergarten. Must have built those immunities up!!!!! Doesn't stop her from bringing it home to all of us though! Especially Luke.
I seem get every illness they have, ten times worse. I too wonder when the madness will end???
I don't think the fast pace and stress of our lives helps any of us... but I don't think I know how to live a stress-free life... so I take it as it comes.
Luke slept HORRID last night... and was generally the biggest grump on the planet yesterday evening. As a result, I am extremely tired today... and a bit grumpy myself. My patience is non-existent... I don't have much under normal circumstances, but today is bad. Good thing I have class tonight and won't be home to take it out on my kids.......
I am taking a pole dancing class in East Lansing at Pin Up Pole Dancing! It's a LOT of fun. VERY different from S Factor.... but it gets me on the pole, working out, and learning new tricks! A few weeks ago, I went inverted on the pole for the first time on my own. My friend Kristen, who I am taking the class with, spotted me over and over again until I could do it solo. Ever since then, I can't stop! I love to be upside down in the air!
I am considering starting a pole dancing blog........ hmmmm?????
Well... from sick kids to pole dancing moms...... what a random post! Happy Tuesday!
Monday, June 8, 2009
No Time to Blog...
I'm sorry I suck so bad at updating my blog lately. It's not like nothing is going on in my life. Maybe TOO many things are going on in my life. Some of which I just don't want to share I guess. Not a bad thing.... it's just how it is right now. So, you'll have to excuse me if the blogging is few and far between!
Everyone has been sick in the past week. It started last Wedensday when I got a call from my mother-in-law that Luke had a fever of 102. Off the doctor we went! Nothing wrong that you could get drugs for. Viral infection.... so just keep the tyelonol flowing. Then, Scott got it, then, I got it. It's hard to know or say if Ally ever had it. It's just a cold with body aches, but the cough if the worst. It's a chest cold of sorts with a fever and dry, hacking cough. Scott is still coughing pretty bad. I'm still feeling a bit achy and off. Could not sleep well last night at all and Luke is still not sleeping well. Just exhausted mostly!!!!
I despise summer/spring colds. Just hate them! It's just not RIGHT to have a cold this time of year....
We had a wedding this past weekend for a friend and co-worker of mine... up in Clarkston. It was an absolutely gorgeous wedding!!!!!! We had a really nice, adult night out drinking with friends... and felt a little guilt leaving a sick baby behind, but he was better for the sitter (my fabulous cousin Becky) than he is usually for us... so it all seemed to go just fine.
Last week at work was INSANELY busy for me as I am preparing to submit comments on a proposed reporting rule for greenhouse gases, as proposed by the EPA. It's been a lot of work, reading and reporting on a 1200 plus page rule... but the end is drawing near and that is something to be proud of! And, wicked happy to have behind me!
This is Ally's last week of school. Wow! How is it possible that she is finishing Kindergarten?? I think she will miss school a great deal. It should be interesting to see how the summer goes. We had so many disciplinary problems with her last summer. I hope that we don't have a repeat of that! I am hoping between Y Camp and other day camps that we hope to enroll her in, we can keep her busy and challenged. She gets angry when she gets bored I think. Kinda like someone else I know. :-) (for the slow ones out there... that would be me)
Luke is Luke. Little pain in the ass... sweet as can be... all those things boys are rolled into one. Yesterday, we had a lazy "mom is too sick to do anything and dad is at the Tiger game" kind of day. Luke and Ally had a lot of togetherness. Maybe too much. At one point, Luke was brushing Ally's hair... then, all of the sudden, he was beating her with the hair brush. OUCH! I heard her head crack all the way across the room! Then, Ally and he were playing on my bed (yes, I was still in it - lazy) and Luke "accidentally" fell off. This, after the head whacking with the hair brush. I'm not placing blame here... but Ally may have given him a gentle shove off the side. Who can blame her? No harm done... Luke barely shed a tear. He knew he deserved that one! ;-)
During Luke's naps yesterday, Ally complained that she wished he was up so they could play. Then, as soon as he would wake up, she would complain that she can't do anything with him around... he steals her toys... eats her crayons... ruins her art projects. Ya can't win with that girl sometimes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh well..... we made it through the day........ that's all you can ask for sometimes. Survival. It's all about survival!
Everyone has been sick in the past week. It started last Wedensday when I got a call from my mother-in-law that Luke had a fever of 102. Off the doctor we went! Nothing wrong that you could get drugs for. Viral infection.... so just keep the tyelonol flowing. Then, Scott got it, then, I got it. It's hard to know or say if Ally ever had it. It's just a cold with body aches, but the cough if the worst. It's a chest cold of sorts with a fever and dry, hacking cough. Scott is still coughing pretty bad. I'm still feeling a bit achy and off. Could not sleep well last night at all and Luke is still not sleeping well. Just exhausted mostly!!!!
I despise summer/spring colds. Just hate them! It's just not RIGHT to have a cold this time of year....
We had a wedding this past weekend for a friend and co-worker of mine... up in Clarkston. It was an absolutely gorgeous wedding!!!!!! We had a really nice, adult night out drinking with friends... and felt a little guilt leaving a sick baby behind, but he was better for the sitter (my fabulous cousin Becky) than he is usually for us... so it all seemed to go just fine.
Last week at work was INSANELY busy for me as I am preparing to submit comments on a proposed reporting rule for greenhouse gases, as proposed by the EPA. It's been a lot of work, reading and reporting on a 1200 plus page rule... but the end is drawing near and that is something to be proud of! And, wicked happy to have behind me!
This is Ally's last week of school. Wow! How is it possible that she is finishing Kindergarten?? I think she will miss school a great deal. It should be interesting to see how the summer goes. We had so many disciplinary problems with her last summer. I hope that we don't have a repeat of that! I am hoping between Y Camp and other day camps that we hope to enroll her in, we can keep her busy and challenged. She gets angry when she gets bored I think. Kinda like someone else I know. :-) (for the slow ones out there... that would be me)
Luke is Luke. Little pain in the ass... sweet as can be... all those things boys are rolled into one. Yesterday, we had a lazy "mom is too sick to do anything and dad is at the Tiger game" kind of day. Luke and Ally had a lot of togetherness. Maybe too much. At one point, Luke was brushing Ally's hair... then, all of the sudden, he was beating her with the hair brush. OUCH! I heard her head crack all the way across the room! Then, Ally and he were playing on my bed (yes, I was still in it - lazy) and Luke "accidentally" fell off. This, after the head whacking with the hair brush. I'm not placing blame here... but Ally may have given him a gentle shove off the side. Who can blame her? No harm done... Luke barely shed a tear. He knew he deserved that one! ;-)
During Luke's naps yesterday, Ally complained that she wished he was up so they could play. Then, as soon as he would wake up, she would complain that she can't do anything with him around... he steals her toys... eats her crayons... ruins her art projects. Ya can't win with that girl sometimes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh well..... we made it through the day........ that's all you can ask for sometimes. Survival. It's all about survival!
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