The Weekend Update...

We have had a perfectly balanced week around here, once Ally and I got back to school and work. Life has calmed down a bit since Destination Imagination has ended.  Two days a week have been freed up as a result of that.  Wow does that make a difference.  It really does.

I had to work Friday to make up for one of the days I was off....  and I will also have to work next Thursday. I already had appointments this past Thursday, so working both those days this week was not an option.  So, that's how things worked out.

A couple days of work. A couple days home with a sick kid.  One day of total pampering (hair appointment, lunch alone and a massage). And this weekend, we have had our friend Tony in from Chicago to hang. We haven't done anything special.... went out to eat.... shared some wine, conversation and laughter... and laid low.  A great weekend really.  A nice cap to the week.  And Bristow is here too..... the kids love her.

I got back to Saturday yoga this weekend. I have missed it so much. I also discovered a great yoga DVD and have been doing it a ton on the days I don't get to a class. It's not as good, but a close second... and it helps me on the days that I miss it so.  I have become a true yoga addict.

I continue to get to the chiropractor three times a week... and am continuing on my road to health and complete wellness.

I have spent some time today taking a look at my summer wardrobe.... and I got a new bathing suit that I adore from Garnett Hill.  LOVE IT!  Four weeks from yesterday, we leave for West Palm Beach in sunny Florida. I cannot wait.  Spring break here we come!  I am over winter..... and ready to bust out some crops, skirts, and sandals.  Summer cannot come soon enough for me............

Girl Scout cookies come in this week.... so if you ordered any, they arrive Tuesday and I will be contacting you to collect the money and making deliveries!  Good times. 

 Next weekend I have a girls' weekend out at Duck Lake with some girls.... I am trying to decide if I can do both nights or just one.... mommy guilt always kicking in..... and some wife guilt too.  ;-)  I should just take the weekend.  It would be nice.  We have to see. And I really think I am going to drive in for yoga on Saturday, which makes me slightly crazy.... but as I said, I am an addict now.  

A full week ahead..... normal routine and an extra work day.  Some evening activities and some craziness.  I would never have it any other way.

Work has been wonderful lately.  I have a newer boss and she and I are making some great strides in the major project we are working on.... and in addition, she inspires me in a way previous bosses haven't inspired me for years.  She and I have had some great chats lately.... and I feel really grounded and calm and HAPPY at work. This is such a good, good thing. So important to me because I take great pride in my work... and I want to feel fulfilled.  And I really do these days..... that feels great.  It doesn't matter how little or much of my time I spend working, I am just one of those people that needs to be fulfilled and happy and I always make that happen.

The kids are great. Healthy.... anxious for spring too.  We all just seem to have a bug to get out!  Get on the trail.  Get outdoors.  Get to the pool!  Luke can't stop talking about the pool and it's adorable.  We won't be able to do a big summer trip this year, so we are fortunate to have the Club as an option for "getting away" when we can.  It really does make a huge difference.  Worth every penny for our summer enjoyment.

So much to look forward to. I love it. I love lots of plans and looking forward.  Happy days.

In meditation this week, my instructor made a comment about how it is so hard to feel as though we are blessed..... I was so confused by this statement.... because I feel blessed every day. Each day I take time to count my blessings. Recognize my many, many blessings... and I am lucky enough to have too many to count. I feel thankful and blessed all the time. All the time. I have no problem feeling that I am blessed.... and for THAT I am thankful.

Count your blessings today and everyday blog friends.  You ARE blessed in countless ways.  I know it.  And, if you aren't feeling particularly blessed.... give me a call and I will make sure you have something to feel good about. That's why I am here in your life.

Blessings blog friends. Have a wonderful week.......

Oh to be a Kid Again...

And have an immune system that kicks strep throat's butt so quickly that you can do this after 24 hours....

We cleared the living room and Ally went rollerskating.  :-)  How much fun is that!??!  She loves to rollerskate and cannot wait until it's spring so she can take her skates from Santa out on the Falling Water Trail!!!!  Good, good times....

She says her throat doesn't hurt anymore.  No fever. The girl isn't even worn out.  Oh to be a kid!!!!  When us old people get sick, it takes us out for weeks. She was down for a couple days.  Such a lucky, healthy girl.  :-)

We learned yesterday at the doc that Ally has grown two inches since October!!!  Little growing machine that one!  I can, of course, vouch for this due to her  CLOTHING situation. It never fails that she outgrows her pants by about Christmas. Luckily, she's hanging in there with the uniform pants as they were a little long to start with.

Today has been a nice day for a sick, stay home day.  Ally and I watched The Blind Side together.  Let's talk about how much I love watching "grown up" movies that have such wonderful lessons for kids in them. She loves movies like this. We watched The Help a while back. Such great shows for her to watch at her age.  So nice.

I did an hour of yoga this morning.... and a half hour at lunch time.  I found a WONDERFUL yoga DVD that I adore.... as the woman is super similar to my instructor.... and it flows really nicely.  So many yoga DVDs just plain suck. There is no flow to them.  This one is absolutely perfect and I adore it. Also adore my daughter for allowing me that "me time."

We have eaten wonderful meals.... and she helped me with some online shopping... choosing a new bathing suit for our spring break which is coming up so quickly... YAY!  We have had a great day.

And I am going to roast a chicken for dinner.... and Scott will bring Luke home.  Great little day. An unexpected gift of a day really.  The sun is shining... health is once again smiling down upon us.  All is well and wonderful with the world.

Namaste.

A Two Day Pass...

Ally got herself a two day pass from school in the form of strep throat.  BOO!!!!!  Yesterday, she woke up with a sore throat and a fever of 101.  Lovely.  I knew instantly it was strep. She had a horrid, horrid headache. Her throat burned like nothing else.  And, of course, she had no other cold symptoms.  Classic strep. The only thing that would have made it more obvious was if she was throwing up.

So.... this morning we went off to the doc to confirm what I knew.... and here we are, home for two days with two bottles of pink stuff... some tylenol.... and soup and brownies.  After the much dreaded throat swab.... we went to Maggie Moos and Ally got a huge frozen smoothie.  My healthy girl. Give me the chocolate ice cream AND the peanut butter any day. She gets the fruit smoothie.  Feels GREAT on her throat I bet.

I have her in my bed, where there is a TV. I swap out the bedding before Scott and I go to bed.  I have never had strep in my life (knock on wood) and my doc thinks I'm likely just not susceptible to it.  So, I am the best person to care for someone with strep!  The jury is still out on Luke.... he has been exposed a lot though.  We shall see. I am pretty sure Scott gets it. Although I don't think I've known him to get it since we've been together... or at least, in a really, really long time.

At noon today, we were my pediatrician's sixth case of strep today. Apparently, it went all around Jackson this weekend.... probably at the DI competition!!!!  :-)))))

So, some rest and TLC and Ally will be as good as new soon.  She already feels better she tells me. She is such a placebo effect girl.  "Mommy, the medicine is already working!  My throat feels better!"  I love it.... whatever works. The power of positive thinking will surely wish you well my girl.

Happy Monday blog friends.... here's hoping this week finds you ALL healthy!!!!

Destination ImagiNation...

I have been coaching a group of six girls for the Destination ImagiNation challenge and competition for over three months. It has been a challenge for all of us.  Only one girl on the team had done it before.  My co-coach, Monica and I had never done it before, nor had our daughters.  We all pretty much went in blind.

The girls had such a rough start.  They had a lot of drama.  They could not get it together to agree on much in the beginning.  While, they were quick to agree on their challenge, soon after, they had a hard time getting it together to agree on the script and story idea. The challenge they chose was to write and perform a movie trailer that depicted the cultures of two nations. They had to do this all on their own.  Monica and I could give them NO ideas at all.  We could guide them in the direction, but we could not help or persuade them. It was absolute hell sometimes trying to deal with all the drama that six girls can throw at you at one time.

Somehow, over the course of the months that we worked.... the girls pulled it together. We had a lot of road blocks thrown up in our way. Some things they wanted to do, we learned were illegal at the last minute... and there was no time to replace some of the elements. This cost them in the long run. But, the show must go on.... and it went.

Yesterday, we arrived at Western High School where the Regional Competition was taking place.  I am certain I was more wound up and nervous for the girls than they were themselves.  I kept them moving all day... didn't allow them (or me!) to sit and think too much.  The first part of their competition was their Instant Challenge.... where they are given a challenge to solve, in an instant!  I can't talk about the details of their challenge due to competition rules, but I will tell you this.... I was in the room and have never felt so nervous in my life.  I watched them and beamed with pride though. The rocked it.

We took them out of the facility to Slice of Spice for lunch, to get them away from all the stress and craziness.  They were still doing great.  They were getting a bit worked up for their Central Challenge, but still, hanging in.

It wasn't until we were truly checking in for their big moment that I saw the nerves kick in. I thought for sure Ally was going to turn and run.  Luckily, as coaches, we aren't allowed to be with them for the final moments before they go on. They are all on their own........ So Monica and I joined the friends, family and classmates who joined to watch them..... and both tried to not vomit on the floor just before they went on.

They did great. Amazing really.  They forgot a prop.... but totally recovered and went on without it.... not missing a beat. While their skit was not the best in the bunch.... I know in my heart that they had to work harder and overcome greater obstacles than some of the teams out there... so my pride in them was tenfold.  I was with them every step of the way. I know what they did. How much of their heart and soul they put into this.....

And that is what made the awards ceremony so hard.

Ugh.

The other Queens team, competing in their category, took first place.  Our team took sixth.  Sixth out of 18 teams in the category. They had so much to be proud of.... but they took it so hard.  So, so hard.

Ally cried and cried... and could not even congratulate her best friends who won first. They came up and tried to console her, but she was beyond help. The other girls got teary when they were united with their parents. I think because I was with Ally, it allowed her to be herself and break down. The others held it together until they were in the comfort of their mom's arms... and then, they lost it. Which, in turn, made me lose it. I had mom's consoling me by the night's end.

It is hard to participate in something for that long.... as often as we met and devoted our time to it.... and not suffer disappointment when you don't do as well as you feel you should.  Along the way, I truly never thought they were second to anyone... in how hard they worked and executed their challenge. But, I saw what went on behind the scenes.

I could not be more proud of them all... and as hard as it is for all of us..... what a learning experience.  My little girl puts so much pressure on herself.... this was quite the lesson in disappointment for her. Big time disappointment.  And you can say "it's not fair" and "it's not right" all you want... but the fact of the matter is... the other team was amazing. They rocked it. They deserved to win. They worked better and more easily together as a team from the start. They did not suffer the drama and tears that we did.  We started way behind the start line.... and they started at the start line.  They did and performed better. There's nothing else to it.

Just like life, you can't pick your team all the time... you gotta make it work with the tools you have at hand..... six little girls learned how to do just that over three months time.... and it didn't exactly work out like they wished it would.... but they had the experience of a lifetime. And I helped give that to them.

In my book... we won it all.  I am more proud than words can say. And proud to be their coach.

Two of my amazing team members, Ally and Gracie

The Lovely Luke....

Oh Luke... you really ARE the sunshine in my day.  When everything is going to shit, you have a unique way of lifting me up like no one else can.  You are intuitive as can be.  You know when your Mommy needs a hug. You know when to behave because I'm at my wit's end.  You know when you can get away with murder because I am so smitten by you.  You are one of a kind little man.

When you are upset about something or mad at the world.... you say "pebbles."  It's your word for "damn" I think.  :-))))  If I say you can't have something, you respond with "pebbles."  It cracks me up every time.

This week, you bloomed at school.  Each of your teachers told me so. You started talking more. Interacting more. Playing more.  You came home full of energy and a bit of spunk usually only seen in your big sister.  You surprise us all the time.

You have been dragged around to so many of your big sister's events.  You sit through hours of gymnastics and seem to love it.  You are so proud of your big sister it makes me smile.  You have been going to Destination Imagination practices.  You have bonded with the girls... and even more so with Quinn's big brother, Cooper who is in the sixth grade.  He is amazing with you. He races with you in the halls, takes you to watch the basketball team practice and shares his treats.  He is so happy he finally won you over.  It did take some time.

You love Morgan's big sister, Anna.  You recently told me she is your favorite person.  She loves you right back and I can't wait for the day she is old enough to babysit you.  She is a LOT like Ally and gives her parents fits..... you calm her...... you make the better part of her come out. I love helping her find that patient part of herself.  Like I know it's there in Ally... I know it's there in her too.  She is such a wonderful girl.

You say "crack me out" instead of "crack me up." You talked about how you got "asses" on Ash Wednesday and your Daddy made you repeat it over and over and laughed is "ash" off.  You love to dance.  You are the funniest dancer in the world.

You have developed some crazy obsession with having your blankets just right when you go to bed.  Neither Daddy or I can seem to get it right.  It is frustrating because you get so mad and we have no idea how you want your blankets!  You are just annoyed that we don't get it. But.... you go to bed like a champ.  You really do.  Thank you for that.  Mommy has no more to give most nights at 8:00 pm. Thank you for being a good sleeper.

You love sweatpants.  You will wear nothing else without throwing a fit.  This gives your fashion-conscious Mommy fits. I am learning to deal. Thank you for teaching me you don't always have to wear designer jeans.  You make sweatpants look good my boy.

You know your ABCs and can count pretty high these days!  You can write your name, although the L is sometimes upside down and backwards.  The K is sometimes sideways. I love how you write your name.

You love to help Daddy shine his shoes and sometimes you shine them when he's not even home.

You remind us to say grace when we eat.  You reach out your hands to hold Daddy's and Ally's, who are seated next to you at the diner table.  You always close your eyes when we pray.  I love watching you do this.

But, you still cannot sit through mass.  ;-)

You love to come in the bathroom when I am getting ready.  You sit on the clothes hamper and play.  You are abundantly patient with this high maintenance Mommy who takes some time to get ready each day.  You are going to be a wonderfully understanding hubby someday should you choose to be one.

Between your Mommy and your sister.... you will have cornered the market on patience and understanding.  Let's just hope you aren't attracted to all the crazies as a result.......  :-))))))

You put your pajamas on as soon as we walk through the door.... no matter what time it is.  Somehow sweatpants aren't as comfy as your jammies.

You are sweet and loving and full of it.  I love you so Lukie Ryan......

Giving Up Facebook....

I gave up Facebook for Lent. I did this for MANY reasons.

1.  Ally asked me to.
2.  As a good friend of mine stated, "it's a huge time waster."
3.  I still question how good it is for you to know so much about what everyone is "doing."
4.  I find I get annoyed with it.
5.  I assume everyone knows everything they need to know about me/my kids and I don't make personal calls or visits. This is such bullshit. And my own damn fault!

An example of number 5....... someone came into my office recently and asked what was going on with me. My response... "I have pneumonia. I put it on Facebook??"

WTF????  There are so many things wrong with that statement I cannot even begin to say.  I need help. That's ridiculous.

I think Facebook is a good thing. I love being able to contact old school mates. I love seeing what long lost friends are doing. I like the social connection to those I wouldn't normally be able to connect with. Where the problem comes in for me is the CLOSE relationships that you end up relying on Facebook to stay in touch with. This is just silly.

I should not tell my best friends happy birthday via Facebook...... unless I am telling them in a zillion other ways.  Close friends.... family.... loved ones... I want to SEE them..... call them... be with them. Facebook has no place in the communication between good, good friends.

And it's not anyone's fault....... it's just become what we do! How we connect.  How we communicate. It's just become a societal norm.  But... I am such a people person, and I crave more from others.... that I feel like it can actually hurt me at times.... the idea of limited Facebook contact.

So, this is sure to be a good test.  I am going to monitor how I feel about others... myself....  life......... over these next 40 days.  Maybe I will never go back.  Maybe I won't use it as often.  Maybe the App will never go back on my phone. Who knows!?!

Live and learn. That's what I'm doing.  Time will tell.

In the meantime..... I continue to feel better. So much better.  Again, not ALL better... but I feel the tide continuing to turn. This is a good thing.

It's Wednesday.  My work Friday.  The rest of the week is full of Destination Imagination events as the big competition is Saturday. We have practice both tomorrow and Friday. Friday, the teams are performing their skits in front of the school in the afternoon.  A couple busy days before it concludes.......... and I have to say.... I must be honest..... I hope our girls do well, but not too well so we go on to the State Finals. I don't think I could handle another month of practice and preparation!  ;-)

Six nine year old girls trying to create together is no stress free task!

So, wish us luck this weekend!!!!!!!!! But not too much luck! ;-)

Fat Tuesday and Turning the Corner...

Today is the first day I really woke up and felt that I was getting better.  YAY!!!!  I still am generating more mucus that should be allowable by law.... I am still coughing... and I am still pretty run down, but I can feel the tide turning within me.  This is a good, good thing.  :-)

The doc said FULL recover will take 2-3 weeks.  Just to feel back to the same level of energy. Full lung capacity. It's the lack of oxygen (you take in less) combined with the effects of the antibiotic that really get you down. I only have two more days of the antibiotic.... and I can't be rid of it soon enough. 

I know they make you better when you have certain illnesses and are sick.... but I just hate being on them.  They are a wicked cycle of illness... one kills certain bacteria, but makes you less resistant to others. They wipe out all the good bacteria in your system.... and just reek havoc on your body.

I mentioned earlier that I went to a chiropractor. We have some good chiropractor friends... and with this most recent illness... those good friends pretty much "forced" me to come in and be evaluated.  It has been something I have been wanting to do. I am fully intrigued with the idea of everything being connected....  a wellness/health approach..... and frankly, I am not a giant fan of constant "medical" intervention. I have a history of being medicated when completely unnecessary and I harbor some major resentment of the medical field. I constantly ask myself "what is the reason behind this illness, pain, or discomfort?"  I truly believe there is a reason for everything and jumping to medical intervention is not always necessary.

This led me to question the WHY behind Ally's constant ear infections when she was two. She lived an entire winter on antibiotics.... finally I demanded some allergy testing...... and sure enough, she had allergies to the two largest "mucus producer" allergens....  milk and eggs. We took her off ALL forms of milk and eggs. I was crazy anal about it..... not even allowing the ingredients in what she ate.... and you know what? The girl never had NOT ONE single solitary ear infection after that. 

There is a REASON for everything. There really is.

So....... there is just a reason I cannot fight off a common cold. That these colds turn to sinus infections. Bronchitis. Pneumonia.  Something is off within me.  I just know it.  Maybe I am run down. Maybe my immune system is overreacting.  Maybe it's weakened by something.  There are a zillion reasons why...... and I need to find out and make myself "whole" again.  My kids need me. My family needs me. I need me. 

So.......... I had x-rays and learned a lot about chiropractic care... and am embracing it.... I like the wellness aspect of it. It makes sense to me.  It doesn't to everyone.... but it does to me.  It speaks to me so I am going with it.

I embrace homeopathic medicine. I believe in the power of vitamins and minerals. I think that exercise,  yoga and time spent alone, reflecting are cornerstone to health. I think everyone should sleep solid for eight hours a night. I believe we should eat well. I think we should spend time doing things that really make us happy... socializing with friends. Dancing.  Going on dates.  It all supports a happy, healthy life... these little things.

I am off on a corny tangent. I don't care. Deal with it.  ;-)

So...... today I turn a corner. I just know health is soon to follow. Energy.  A vibrant life. I want too much out of this life than to be held back, held down by illness and fatigue! I have too much to do! And I want to do it all!  :-)

PS - giving facebook up for lent.... so you can follow me here (MOM!)  :-)

Pneumonia...

What do you get when you are sick with a cold, that turns into a sinus infection and you don't take a single, solitary break to try to get better???  Not only that, but this cold turned sinus infection comes at one of the crazy busiest times ever?  You get pneumonia! That's what!!!!!

Mid January, I started to get a cold.  Jan. 16th to be exact.  I remember it well, being that it was Scott's birthday. Began with that tell tale tickle at the back of my throat. That entire week, I ignored it. The next week, it became worse, the following week, it turned into an infection.....

In the midst of all that... I had, Scott's birthday, Ally's birthday. Allys' birthday party.  A Girl Scout meeting.  MANY planned nights out with friends.  Trips.  A reorg going on at work.  A lot of WORK going on at work.  Destination Imagination practice twice a week at school.  School parties and events.  An overnight at Greektown with friends.  Superbowl parties.  Mary Kay parties.  Information night at school. Open house at school.  I was going and going and going.... and all the while, I was getting sicker and sicker.....

I finished the first antibiotic (Augmentin) and started to feel awful again before that one was even gone.  This past Tuesday I called the doc to say this.... between 8:00 am when I called and 11:00 am, I could feel my ability to breathe in fully, become more and more labored.  I felt like an elephant was sitting down on my chest.  So, I called and told them that I was coming in and a doctor needed to see me.  ;-) And, he did...... and I sat there and cried and cried while I told him how crappy I was feeling... he listened to my lungs and said pneumonia.... and that the Augmentin likely contributed because, while it wiped out the sinus infection, it also made me susceptible to everything and anything else. Especially since I didn't slow down not one stinkin' bit. So.... the infection moved into my already weakened lungs and took up residence. Bastard infection.

Pneumonia is no joke. It causes more pain than anything I've experienced. Every inch of my body hurt, but the worst, by far, was the chest pain.  I have been in bed since Tuesday. I leave once a day to see my chiropractor (long story - another post and I will tell you about this).

Scott has been amazing... even taking today off because Ally has a half day today and is doing a reading at mass.  I always go to mass when she has a part in it... so he is doing exactly what I would have done.  Totally stepping up. Later, he plans to take them to the movies and out and about so I can rest up some more.  We are going to make good and sure I am healthy as can be. I have felt worthless and half a mom for far too many weeks now...... but I am coming back! Better than ever.

So, off I go to rest....... I cannot thank all of you enough for your offers of help and words of healing. I have the best friends and family all over the place.

Here's to health blog friends......

Go Sell Crazy Someplace Else....

In the theme of movie quotes, I continue with....

"Go sell crazy someplace else.... we're all stocked up here....." -  As Good As It Gets (another awesome movie and the best quote of all time, only because it describes my "place" to the hilt!)

So, apparently both Scott and I are stocked to the hilt with crazy. Crazy obessession. Crazy reaction.  Just plain crazy.  I looked up Ally's grade in Science (what she's getting a C in) to see the details behind it on Powerschool. Each grade is posted... each test, quiz and assignment. Turns out, she has had three assignments in Science and she got 100% on one, a D+ on another and a C on the third. This gives her a C in the class (a week or two into the Quarter).

But, of course, Scott and I feel some epic parental failure on our part. We take out her assignment notebook and see that one of the assignments was homework..... and we did not check it. When your kid usually gets A's all the time, you get lazy apparently. We got lazy. That assignment was her C. The D+ was in class work... and we found that in her pack from previous weeks. She missed two words in a word/definition matchup.  Two wrong. D+.  There were only 8 words to start with.  So..... yeah, hard to fault her that one.  But... still....

The B was just on one assignment in English.... this grade will come up.......

Love how he and I obsess together about this.......????????  Crazy much?  ;-)

I guess we are the lucky ones... our family. We CARE TOO MUCH!  We care about how our children succeed in school. Scott spent all evening after dinner, with Ally, in her room, giving her one on one attention and help with Science. She fights this a lot, but has recently come to the conclusion that dear old dad knows a thing or two.  On her final Science test of the quarter, she was worried... Scott helped her.... low and behold, she listened... and she says to me, "Daddy really CAN teach Mommy!"

Um.... yeah..... we aren't so stupid after all are we dear???????  :-)  At least Daddy in this case... but I am taking it as a small victory for both of us.

It was nice to listen to them together.  Yes, she still fights the help. She wants to do everything perfect and on her own. She doesn't like needing help. I have no idea where she gets this!?!  ;-)

Of course... Luke had to protest the entire time.  My little cherub decides he wants and NEEDS Daddy... and just throws a big ole fit while Daddy is locked away in Ally's room. 

Man on man.  One on one.  I handled his fits..... Scott handled Ally.

Best of luck and many prayers to parents of more than two.  It's times like those that I think you all deserve sainthood. 

Our family is far from perfect... but man, we sure do work hard at it.  We are blessed with an enormous capacity to do just that.

So, we accept the crazy......... we love our crazy...... but we definitely do not need anymore!!!  ;-)

Happy Wednesday blog friends..........

Where Did Monday Go?

So.... I was over catching up on the last few posts at Momastery.  Glennon makes me so happy because she makes me feel so comfortable to be who I am. I can relate to almost every single experience she has.  ALMOST every experience, that is.  ;-)  I have read so many comments that say "it's like you're in my head".... we all feel the same way. And how freakin' cool is that...???  That this amazing woman is bringing a whole bunch of women together who say "yup...... that's me!!!"  How awesome is that???  Especially... since the subject matter that she share is something that most women (as wives and mothers) don't event ADMIT to their best friends, let alone perfect strangers........

Her blog makes me feel less alone.  I feel like I am a part of some big community of women who feel like failures on a daily basis for no good reason and we are all happy to share our ef ups and want to LAUGH and cry together.

Her birthday post....... that's me.  That  is EXACTLY how I want my birthday to be. That is what I do for my kids. I go over the top. That's me. It's so me.  The post where she talks about not being "easy breasy" where she writes that she is "is dramatic and anxious and obsessive and ridiculously intense and you know, a little WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"... yup.... that's me too......

I play hard, work hard, and sleep hard..... my life is 100% "game on"..... and when I am done with that,  I am out. I get so much out of a day that I am ready for bed at 9:00 pm most nights and I sleep solid.  I am up and at 'em at 5:30 and pack the day once again.....

When I want to do nothing, I do nothing....... I am perfectly capable of sitting and not doing....... then, in the next instant..... I am running crazy. Two speeds........ full speed ahead and standing still.  That's me.

So, all weekend long.... I ran. I was full speed ahead. I packed more into my weekend than most do in a week. I love it.  Sunday, we had an amazing Super Bowl party with amazing friends... and I think I lost Monday because I was exhausted and hung over... and my kids stayed out too late and it wasn't the best mommy decision, but hey...... you only live once... the Super Bowl only happens once a year and time with friends cannot be replaced.  Friends before sleep..........  ;-)

I have been reflecting on the fullness of my life lately.... and reveling in the happiness I have created for myself.  In all aspects of life... I feel really fulfilled and happy.... and yes... this is very important to me. Fulfillment... happiness..... fun. We've talked about this before...

I see that repeating itself in Ally. She likes to be on the go. She had a busier weekend than me...... and while I need to be the adult and balance life for her, I also need to let her be herself...... allow her the social time with friends she craves... the sleepovers... the involvement in maybe one too many activities.... the parties.  She is my daughter.  She really is.

So.... I cannot be suprised when she too feels the highs and lows..... when she is "is dramatic and anxious and obsessive and ridiculously intense and you know, a little WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"

I wonder where she gets it from?

It still shocks me though. I still look at her and wonder where she came from....... even though I am simply looking in a mirror.  I am looking at a reflection of me, when I look at her.

No wonder we butt heads on a daily basis........... whew......... we have our work cut out for us, she and I.  :-)

I got her progress report today..... we get it weekly........ the quarter just started and she is getting a B and a C..... which essentially means she has had one test in Science and got a C on it.  I go into full "fix it and fix it now" mode. I also want to talk to her about it immediately. Ask why. Figure out what is up. Analyze it to death.  Maybe perform an official root cause analysis on it..... and document the process.

I must stop........ slow down....... and let it play out...... deep breath.

But really, a C????????????????????????????????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, deep breath again.  ;-)

Ah... the highs and lows..... "my girl got all A's...... she's going to skip fourth grade math...... shit, she is getting a C in science........ the world is ending!!!!!!!!"

Get. A. Grip!

So, I write it all out here and you can all laugh at my craziness...... and I will feel better. 

LAUGH PEOPLE!!!!!

Thank you.  ;-)

I recall a line in Father of the Bride (one of my favorite movies of all time)....... when Steve Martin (the father) is apologizing to his soon to be son-in-law for his daughter's 'freak out' about the blender......

"You know, Bryan, Annie's a very passionate person. And passionate people tend to overreact at times. Annie comes from a long line of major overreactors. Me. I can definitely lose it. My mother. A nut. My grandfather. Stories about him were legendary. The good news, however, is that this overreacting... tends to get proportionately less by generation. So, your kids could be normal."

I am holding out hope for Ally and Luke's kids............................. 

Happy Tuesday blog friends........

A Poem by Ally...

Snowmen are great.
Snowmen are fun.
You can build it.
But not in the sun.

Oh What a Week....

It's been quite the week.  No different than normal I suppose.  As the weekend craziness winded down, I was looking forward to getting into a routine of normalcy.  What IS normal though? I have no freakin' idea.  Not a giant fan of normal anyway...... but I digress.

Point.  What is my point?  Oh!  What I thought was going to be a "routine/nothing going on in the evenings during the week, kind of week".... ended up being nothing but.  First off, Monday I woke up feeling even WORSE than I had before. This cold was in it's third week, and even though I KNEW Monday that it turned into something more, I literally did not have a free moment to get to the doctor until Wednesday. That is so unacceptable.

Work is in a word, INSANE right now.  We have gone through a major reorganization.  Tensions are high.  Anxiety among my co-workers even higher.  As a result of the reorg, we are all moving offices.  So, in the midst of a very busy reporting time for everyone.... we are told to stop working, pack and move. This does not go over the best as you can imagine.

I have a new boss and a new project.  We recently established our goals and objectives for the project I am working on right now.  It does not really align with my skills.  It is exceedingly technical, detail oriented and process driven.  Just about everything that I am not. I am thinking I have my "step outside my box" goal to work on right here at work..... this is definitely going to be out of my comfort zone.  It's going to be an interesting year.  A challenging year.

So, this week, I am in meetings back to back. I had not one break in the action, except for yoga which remains on my calendar, everyone knows not to mess with that hour.  By Wednesday, I just couldn't take it anymore... so I told my new director that I had to leave halfway through his meeting to get to the doctor at the only time I could... so I could get back in time for another meeting I could not miss. It worked out just fine.... but at the expense of yoga that day.

But, I had already gone through two awful, awful days.... Monday I could barely function. I was so, so sick. I still went to work and battled through. I still met with my DI girls.... still got everyone to gymnastics, got Luke home, came home and made dinner.... then fell into bed a bit after 8 when the kids went down.  Pretty much the same for Tuesday.... somehow made it through work.... got kids, made dinner..... and the evening is a blur.  Wednesday was my breaking point.  I could not go on another day... so I made the doctor apt. happen.

And, of course... I have a wicked sinus infection in my right sinuses.... all under my eye.... into my ear and down that side of my throat... all swollen (pain!!) and causing all sorts of awfulness.  Drugs. Antibiotics.

I got through Wednesday, but Ally's ride from school was sick so had to leave work early and cancel one of my meetings.  Luckily, the girl I cancelled with had to cancel on me the day before for her kids, so we get one another. Thank god for moms in the work place!  Got the girl to gymnastics and considered going back to work and leaving Luke at St. Mary's later... but decided I couldn't cope with that... so I picked him up and we ran a few errands... and went to the Hunt Club to meet up with my family for a surprise party for my Aunt Kris who turned 55!!!!

She was SO surprised..... she had lots of family all there, and you could just see the joy in her face.  It was such a cool night. It reminded me that it's my family that taught me how to really DO birthdays right.  My family celebrates everything!!!!!!!!!  Not a birthday went by that we didn't ALL get together for AT LEAST cake and ice cream to celebrate. And I mean everyone.... aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents.... we are all so blessed to have grown up together... and we always got together. Birthdays were and ARE a BIG DEAL!

So... you can see why I now throw my kids birthdays such as the one written about below!  ;-)  I love celebrating the special moments in life, in a big way!

My family is BIG on surprise parties..... everyone gets one or two in their life. I remember getting one when I was in junior high or high school?  I can't remember which... either 8th or 9th grade..... my mom, family and my friends and friends' parents all colluded to throw me a huge surprise.  It was awesome.

So, we celebrated my aunt on Wednesday.... and I couldn't stay as late or party as "hard" as I'd like between the infection and it being a school night... but the time we were there was time enough to enjoy the moment for what it was.

Yesterday, I had a hair appointment... and then, I really needed to go into work for a few hours, so Luke went to play with Nana, Papa and the Dawson girls.... and I went and had two hours of pampering... and a few hours of work..... with 24 hours of antibiotics flowing in my system, I could feel the tide turning already.  The swelling in my face and throat was down considerably and I didn't feel pain on every inch of my body.

The kids and I came home after school.... and had some dinner (leftovers) and God was smiling down on me because for some reason..... the kids played NICELY and in the basement for hours... until it was time to go back to school for Ally's open house.  It was wild.  Ally has been going through a phase where she has just been treating Luke like crap.  And he takes it... and still longs for her attention and for her to play with him.  It breaks my heart.... but I know this is the sibling relationship.  So, we have been talking a LOT about this..... and yesterday, for whatever reason.... she just has a change of heart and decides to be as kind as can be.... and plays with him for hours... and treats him kindly.... and it was just so freakin' nice.

I made a pot of tea... and sat and read my book for an hour... listening to them play and play.... and then, it was time to go!

We got to Queens, and ran into the Manchesters in the parking lot.  Ally was off with Morgan instantly (she is in the third grad with Ally and one of her besties) and Luke, had Anna (Morgan's 6th grade sister) who he worships. He took her hand, waved to me... and was gone in an instant.  I walked into school, childless because my children were comfortable, happy and confident to be with their friends and those who care for them.

This makes me so happy.

Scott meets up with me from work and asks "where are the kids????"  I laugh..... we work our way through the classrooms we want to see.... talking to parents and kids along the way.  My school feels like an extension of my family to me.  I trust the parents and the students there. I trust them with my kids. I trust them to do the right and best thing.  We are a good bunch there at Queens.  I cannot say this enough.

We make our way to Ally's room and see this:

Each of the students, drew themselves sitting in their desk... it is just as cute as can be.  Ally is in the second row from the left.... the second desk back.  Hard to see it. I should have taken a close up of her self portrait. It was such a cool idea and awesome to see when you walked in.  They are all even in their uniforms... red and white shirts... or their Queens sweatshirts.  Just adorable.  Love.  :-)

Ally showed us around the room, showing off the things she was proud of and wanted us to see. There are running tallies of their challenge (spelling) words for the year. She had gotten all the challenge words except for one in the first quarter, right on her tests. She has only missed one word all year (of the words that she isn't even graded on!). She is crazy proud of herself and we are crazy proud of her.  Some art projects were up on the boards. She is always proud of those.  Her most recent book report.  All sorts of things.

Scott walked over to the books and took out her math book.... and Ally ran off with her friends again, after saying "Realy Daddy, math???" :-)))))  He was simply interested in what they are doing next.  Ally's teacher came and joined him, happy to talk about what the rest of the year will bring. They are finishing up their multiplication facts. Ally has them all memorized now. The timed tests each week are awesome for her.  She likes a challenge like that.  She likes being the first one done... and the fact that she gets them all right, every time.  They are now working on fractions.... and division.... and mean, median and mode... and by the end of the year they will start working on more complicated multiplication and long division.  AAAACCCKKKK I say.

Mrs. Phelan shared with us that next year is when they start grouping the kids by skill levels in subjects such as math and that Ally will be in the advanced level and skip right to the 5th grade math book.  Cue GIANT smile on her Daddy's face. Cue puzzled look on mine.  ;-)  Advanced math?  What?  Obviously the girl got her Daddy's skills in this subject.  Let's just say I was NEVER in advanced math. But, I could not be prouder of my baby girl.... who apparently IS!  5th grade math. When she is in the 4th grade. Cannot believe I am using numbers and grades this high to talk about Ally.  4th grade next year.  Wow!!

It's all just so crazy..... one day you are worrying about what they eat... that you introduce the right foods to them, in the right order and whether or not they are drinking enough milk....... and the next moment, you are discussing advanced math and challenge words.  In the blink of an eye I will be standing next to her as she applies for her drivers licence.  All of this makes me smile. I take in every moment and enjoy it for what it is when it comes.  I am blessed with an ability to look forward and be happy. I look back and am happy, but I do not long to go backward.

So, here we are...... looking forward to fifth grade math..... and the fact that Luke and Ally will be in the same school next year!  And in between, we have so much to enjoy too.  Life is full.  Life is good.

And..... eventually, Luke did let go of Anna's hand and go home with me..... it was touch and go there for a while though...........  ;-)

Divas and Dances...

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

Huge sigh of relief!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nine!!!!

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

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

She is such a cool kid.

I am so lucky she is in my life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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