Boo for a Sick Day...

I am home with the little man today.  He had croup over the weekend.... maybe starting Thursday/Friday.  The barkey cough didn't last too long... but he seems to feel worse now that the cold has moved to his chest and made him much more congested. Still, I would rather hear the productive/stuffy cough than the bark! That croupy cough scares me.  :(

He spiked a fever last night... and I was crossing my fingers that he would wake up better this morning, but no such luck. I cannot, in good conscience, send him to school with a fever.  Just can't.  I know it's just a virus and he will be fine... but I am also going out of town tomorrow and want to give him all the love I can until I have to go.  I certainly know I will leave him in good hands. Still, always harder to leave them when they are sick.

'Tis the season!  Ugh.

So, we are home taking it easy. He is missing his very first party at school and he knows it. He is really bummed.  I promised him there would be more parties.... he seems to be taking it well.

A lazy day for the little man... Mommy's bed, blankie, and Playhouse Disney!

Pumpkin Carving and More Parties....

Yesterday we got our pumpkins (we always do this - get them at the last minute - you can get them for a $1 then you know!!!  HA!) and carved them..... I am not gonna lie. It always sounds like more fun that it really is.  At least with my kids.  ;-)

Ally draws out what she wants her pumpkin to look like after searching on the internet for the perfect face and inspiration.  Then, she draws it on the pumpkin.  Of course, no one can actually carve what she draws... but Scott does his very best.  She is a bit disappointed, but she is okay.

Luke cannot stand the entire process really. Notice his face in the photo above.  He does NOT WANT to cut up his pumpkin. We really should have just let him draw on it or paint it. The scooping out of the guts made him gag. At one point, I was sure he was going to vomit on the table.  So, Ally is pouting,  Luke is gagging.  I am frantically picking out all the pumpkin seeds.  It's a good time people.

But just you wait.  It gets better.

We get them all carved (somehow I do not have a picture of the finished product!) and Scott puts them outside..... we go about our afternoon. Luke needs a nap (did I mention he has croup!?) and Ally takes her quiet time.  The dogs are put outside.  A few minutes later, Scott goes outside... and guess what? Fergus has eaten the face off Luke's pumpkin!

Awesome huh????

Best part... Luke STILL does not know.... and we took Scott to the airport this morning so I get to be the bearer of bad news and break Luke's heart with his half eaten pumpkin!

Anyone want a free Scottie?????  ;-)

Seriously....... WTF Fergus???? I know we do not do the best with our dogs. Their actions are a complete reflection on our inability to take the time to train them.  Honest truth - we have no business being dog owners.  They are loved and cared for. They are not well trained.  Our children take all our energy in that department. I am sorry.  No more patience or time for the fur babies. They are just going to be wild all their lives..... I accept this.

So, I will have to live with them destroying pumpkins from here on out.  I accept my choices.  ;)

Ugh.....

Last night we went to the Halloween Party at Queens.. and it was a bit of a madhouse!  Kids had fun though.  Luke decorated two cookies.  Painted a pumpkin. Made a picture frame.  Played a few games. Ate some junk food.  Aunt Jane, Gracie and the babies joined us in the madness.  I'm not sure what Ally did cuz she was off with her friends most of the time....  :-)  Ah... the independent almost nine year old.

I have no pictures from last night. Forgot my camera!  I suck!  Scott snapped one or two with his phone.... but I don't have them. But, remember the pictures from our work party? That's what the kids looked like  :-))))))

This morning, we got up and had a big breakfast and took Scott to the airport.... the kids were a little weepy, but they are okay now.  I am going to spend the day picking up and getting myself ready to leave Tuesday morning.... it's going to be a LOT crazy tomorrow single parenting Halloween, but I am prepared for the challenge... with the help of others of course!

Luke's party is in the morning.  Baking cookies for that today. He gets to dress up and I think he is kinda over the costume thing already.  ;-)  Then, I will take a break for yoga at lunch time... and then, head to Ally's party in the afternoon. They do not get to dress up.  The kindergarteners do and they parade around the school.  Pretty darn cute! Can't wait to see all of them!

Tomorrow evening, Ally will go trick or treating here in town with a friend and her parents.  I may take Luke out a bit, but he really enjoys helping pass out candy too. So we will do a bit of both! And, of course, some where in there, we have to do the traditional trick or treat to Nana and Papa and have Aunt Jane try to get pics of all the kids. That always goes REALLY well.  ;-)  But it's fun!!!!!!

No idea what to pack for San Fran.  Weather going to be in 60s/70s... that's definitely still jacket weather for me.  I always take too much and I am sure this time will be no exception.  Scott and I are staying smack dab in the middle of a really nice shopping district and I cannot wait to add to my suitcase.  :-)

I have been selling stuff on eBay and everything ends in the next day or two (so I can ship out before I leave) and that could really pad my shopping budget!!!  :-)  Lots of bids on most stuff and lots of watchers!  People love Uggs, jeans and purses!

Well, I should get off the computer and get my butt in gear.  A house to pick up.... and many, many things to do..... Happy Sunday Blog friends!

Halloween: Take One...

We have a whole bunch of Halloween events before the big day even gets here!!  Yesterday, was our first.  The Annual Governmental and Public Affairs Halloween party at Consumers.  I used to work in the department, and they still ask me to bring the kids back every year.  When I was with them, I was pregnant for Ally.  And when I was in that department, pregnant with Ally... it was like the entire department of 90 + people were having that baby with me.  It had been quite some time since someone was pregnant in that department... and I was treated like royalty the entire time.  They all seemed to anticipate and love Ally as much as I did.  We were like a family back then.... it was a great time.

So, each year, as Ally grows... and we then, added Luke to the mix... we go and so very many of my favorite people get to oooh and aaaahh over how the kids have grown.  Such a good time for them.

You get to trick or treat at many of the offices.... they have face painting, games, caricature drawing, balloon animals, and crafts.  A lot of fun all INDOORS where it's nice and warm. :-)

Luke loved it.... Ally did too, but she's starting to reach that age where she's getting older and things aren't quite as cool..... but I think she will humor me for a few more years... especially because for the most part, she enjoys seeing the wonder in Luke's eyes too.

It was a really great time! After the party, we got to go to Daddy's office.  Kids just love, love, love to go to Dad's office! What is it about that???  All his co-workers love to see them... and it's really cute to see them climb all over his office.  Ally runs right in and grabs his hard hat (yes he's an accountant with a hard hat - we kind of all get them!).... Luke goes right for the white board.  They are super proud of their Daddy. It's adorable.

After we were done... Ally and I got changed to go meet our friends at the Hunt Club.  It was awesome.  A group of us moms who are close and Ally's besties all went. Girls night out.  It is so amazing now, this age... of course not having Luke there made a difference... because Ally happily sits at a table of all kids... and five of us moms could sit and talk, have a couple drinks and throw money at them to go to the game room.

We then donned a few more layers... and headed to the Lumen Christi football game... where they won their first playoff game.  I will always love going to a Lumen game. It will forever remind me not only of my high school years, but more so of the years my brother was playing... and how my ENTIRE extended family would go to each and every game... no matter how far away or how cold. The year they won the State Championship was amazing.  Still some of the best memories of my family time. Some of the best pictures that still hang on my walls are from that State Championship game where we actually chartered a bus.... to go to the Silverdome.

Always great to be there cheering on the Titans... and now my very own daughter does and will continue to do the same.  I love the tradition that lies in that.  I just love it.  We are so blessed to be here and have these connections, these traditions and watch our kids go to our school.

We then went BACK to the Hunt Club with the same group after the game.... and got home super late. (for Ally!)  Ally told me it was the best day.  :-)  It was for me too baby girl.... definitely a great day!

Today we are pumpkin carving and then going to the Halloween Party at Queens tonite!!!  Party on!

Brownies Take on Volleyball...

Yesterday was our monthly Brownie (Girl Scouts) meeting at the school! The first one went really well, but we learned that our 21 girls... yes, we have 21!!!!.... have a lot of pent up energy at the end of the day and putting them in a little room is NOT THE BEST!!!!!!

So, this month.... we were LUCKY enough to find a wonderful Volleyball instructor to come in and work with the girls!!! She is the niece of my co-leader... she is just in college.... and just as sweet as can be!  The girls loved her.. and more importantly, they LISTENED to her!  They were so excited to learn the sport of volleyball!

Such a good time!!!  Our meeting time just flew by and the next thing we knew, parents were starting to show up!!!  It was the perfect thing to do after school.  I am looking forward to finding more opportunities like this for our girls!

On top of it all, I had a proud Mom/Brownie Leader moment with Ally.  During the lesson... the girls were paired off.... and Ally had been in a threesome with two of her good friends.  As they were paired off by the coach, a couple different girls were told to go partner up with another little girl in their class. Now this little girl is a true bully.  This is her first year in Scouts and we are working very hard with her, but she is, without a doubt, a very difficult little girl. She acts out and is very "mean" to other kids.  She's the girl out there on the floor throwing the balls at the other girls as hard as she can. And I give the girls credit, as a group, they react pretty well.  So.... when the coach tells the other girls to partner up, they flatly refuse to do so.  And not in the nicest of ways.

Now, I may have my issues with Ally.... but I will tell you this.... when any other adult tells her to do something, she is respectful and she does it. Which is exactly what she did when the coach looked at her.  I could see that she was not happy, but she did it...  At one point, she had to take a break.... and she came over a got a bottle of water.  Another Mom approached her and told her they were really proud of how she stepped up and partnered with the girl.  I could see Ally welling up... so I intervened.  I could physically see how hard this was for her.  She felt rejected by her friends and thrown under the bus. She was sad she was missing out on something fun with them... but she did it. She did not say a word.

The rest of the time went on... and Ally was with others again... and the little girl who we had such a hard time with, actually had to leave early.  Ally seemed happy and fine the rest of the time.

When she went to the locker room to change.... she broke down..... just crying silently.  I took care of all the girls... got them upstairs and looked at Ally, who was with one of her best friends (Caitee was just hugging her while she cried) and told her to take some time and come up when she was ready.  That's the thing with being in charge of all the girls... I can't just give MY girl all the attention.

And she did... she came up on her own... and seemed okay.

I thought for SURE I was going to be punished for this, by her acting out later.... when we got in the car, I praised what she did. Told her how very proud of her I was. And kept it simple.  Ally is very uncomfortable with too much praise. She smiled a quiet smile and that was that.  She never acted out as a result.

I shared what happened with Scott and he was proud of her too.... we didn't talk about it too much... but I want her to know I am proud of her for many, many things today.  So many things.  I am proud she listened to an adult, especially when her friends did not! She stood up and did the right thing in the face of other's choices to do otherwise.  I am proud that she played with the little girl that no one else would.... and took her shots as the little girl definitely was not the nicest to her.  I was proud that she didn't break down during the meeting when praised by another mom.  Proud of how her close friend and she worked out the emotion of it all.  And proud that she didn't feel the need to take it out on me later.  Just all around ridiculously proud of my little girl.... who has learned so much in a year's time and come so far.

Last year, this would have gone VERY differently.  ;-)

And... if I wasn't leading her troop this year... I would have missed the entire moment.... so I thank God I have the opportunity to be there and see the amazing person that my daughter is.

And yes, she totally got a candy bar after the meeting.  :-)

Namaste....

So, I can't believe I really haven't blogged about my new love.  Yoga.  People... I have totally and completely fallen in love with the practice of yoga.  We are fortunate enough, to have discovered an amazing instructor who essentially comes in and does a private class for a group of us at work. So, we get together each Monday and Wednesday.... take apart a conference room... dim the lights... and have a wonderful hour of peace, strength building and stretching. It has become the absolute love of my life... workout wise that is! 

In addiiton, the same instructor teaches a class on Saturday mornings at the Boos Center... and I try to make it when I find I have a free day.... like I do this weekend.   HOORAY! 

I cannot say enough about how it makes me feel so freakin' good.  We have been doing it weekly, and now two or three times a week, since June.  I can see and feel a difference in my body.  I am gaining flexibility where I had none. I am building strength.  I just FEEL better after a class.  One morning, I was in such a state of perfect peaceful happiness... that I silently cried in class.  It was that emotional for me. That spiritually moving. 

I love yoga.

Everything in my life is fast paced.  Yoga is about stillness.  And in all that stillness... that slowness.... you get an amzing workout..... AMAZING!

I keep looking for more opportunities to make it to classes.... I am constantly on the lookout to find more that fit into my schedule... which isn't easy I suppose.  So, for now, I am more than grateful for the days I do have it!!!! The days I am feel crappy, tired, hung over, stressed, down right sick... those are the days that I still get up and go... and leave feeling much, much better. 

I know it's not for everyone.  I think you either love it or hate it. But, for me... yoga is an answer to a question I didn't even know I had.  Something in my life that was missing that I didn't even know I needed.  I love it that much.

Hope there is something good for you in your life that you love that much too.... if not yet, I hope there soon will be.

Have a great week blog friends!

Tiny Gymnasts....

So yesterday was "bring a friend day" at the gym Grace goes to... and she wanted to take Luke.  How sweet is that?????  I quickly agreed... then went to tell Luke the good news.  He looked at me, crossed his arms and said "I don't want to go to gymnastics!!!!"

Uh-oh.

That was not the reaction I was expecting!!!!  So, I dismissed it... and thought we would chat about it later.  We talked a bit about it over the week and weekend.  And, eventually, he warmed up to the idea.  After I picked him up from school yesterday (after dropping Ally off at her gymnastics class!), just he and I went out to dinner together.  He was my date.  (You would not believe how often I have to "kill time in Jackson" - or grab dinner cuz it's too far to drive home - exasperating at times!)  He was REALLY excited about gymnastics class now.  He told me all about how he was "going to be silly and make Gracie laugh."  He was super geeked to wear sweatpants. The kid loves "comfy" pants.  :-))))  And even more excited to not wears shoes and socks.  The kid hates shoes and socks! If he could live live barefoot and in sweatpants, I think he'd be happy. It's my job to teach him how to dress apparently.  ;-)

Anywho......... we went to All Around to meet Gracie and Jane.... and Luke totally froze and freaked out. The place was full of a LOT of kids... and the majority of them were much, much older.  I calmed him... and luckily, most of those "big kids" left at the end of their class before Grace's class began.  When it was there turn, they all lined up.  Luke would not line up... so when it was their turn to go in..... I just shoved him through the door and turned around........

It worked!  He went out there. Very, VERY hesistant... and it took him a bit to warm up.  Once they realized this, he got some adult attention and he turned around quite quickly.

Then, he just LOVED IT!!!!  He happily followed along. Did what he was told. And luckily, he was super familiar with many of the things they did... cuz he has a big sister that loves to play gymnastics school with him!  So, he happily walked across the beam.... did front rolls... donkey kicks.... played ball... jumped on the tramp.... and just did all the super fun things they did!

Every time he looked up at me... he just had this huge grin on his face! Smiled the entire time! 

I got one crappy picture, but it gives you an idea....... he was just loving it and I was pleasantly surprised!

I have a video of the same thing I will upload later.  Adorable.

He talked about it ALL the way home! All the way.  :-))))  He asked if he could bring a water bottle next time like the other kids.  Glad he had such a good time...

Non-Believers....

Just one thing cuz I don't have much time....

Everyone in my house has nasty cold.

Not me.

Nope.

My lymph is clean.

So there.

:-)

National Evaluate Your Life Day...

So... Today is National Evaluate Your Life Day!!!!  I learned this on my morning radio station.  103.3 FM.  Oh yeah.  I get all my news from morning radio and Facebook!

I decided to Google it... cuz frankly, I wasn't sure I believed what I was hearing.  National Evaluate Your Life Day?  COME ON!!!!

But, it's true.... this is the day we are supposed to evaluate our lives!!!!

I have to laugh at this cuz I'm pretty sure I evaluate my life every freakin' day!  I over-analyze.  Over think. Over critique everything!  It's what I do.  How I am built!

Most recently, upon examining my life... I came to the conclusion that I need to be a healthier person.  Not necessarily lose weight kind of healthy... just that I needed to make some changes.  I felt like I caught every cold that blew past me. I was coming off a summer where I constantly was sick.. coughing.. you name it.  So, cuz I am weird like that... I did some research... and decided that my entire lymphatic system was out of whack... so I embarked upon a lymphatic cleanse.

Yes. I.  Did.

Cleanse the lymph! It was my goal. Surely, if my lymphatic system is clean I can fight off any illness that comes my way!  So.... here I went....

Each day I:

Juice half a lemon and add it to a cup of hot water - drink it
Drink 56 ounces of water with 8 ounces of pure organic cranberry juice
Drink "shots" of ground flax seed in cran-water.. or add it to cereal (at least two tbsp a day)
Eat as many veggies that I can stand - preferably raw
Eat protein with every meal and snack

Some days.... I dry brush my skin... and some days I jump up and down on a trampoline.

Yep... all these things are supposed to stimulate a cleanse of my lymphatic system!  Even jumping up and down.

Scott is convinced I've lost it...... it's possible.  :-)  I keep telling him he and his dirty lymph are just jealous.  :-))))))))

I hope you learned something if you TOO are looking to clean your lymph... or maybe I just gave you a great laugh.

Either way.

Mision accomplished.

Happy Evaluate Your Life Day!

A Great Weekend with a Strep Chaser...

We had a great weekend!!!!  Unfortunately, Sunday, Ally came down with strep... but still the weekend was great... and my girl is already on the mend because I got her into the doc right away Monday morning and started on antibiotics. Thank God for the pink stuff!!!

Our weekend kicked off with Friday... as every weekend does.  ;-)  That morning, I get a text from my hubby that my Sweetest Day gift is on its way!  We were eligible for one upgrade to the iPhone 4s and he gave it to me... even though it was on his line.  What a sweetheart!  He said he has an iPad... and he'd rather I have the voice activated texting and such.   I am not the best when it comes to avoiding texting and driving. Bad, bad girl.  This should help!!!

Luke and I went to pick Ally and her friend Kennedy (who was coming home with us) after school. We then met Scott at the ATT store to do the phone switch. After my being there an hour or so... he told me to take the kids home and he would deal. This was no short order for me. I was phone-less. We have no land line anymore. I had no phone. What to do in case of emergency?  Thank God I didn't have to find out....

Turns out we made the right call.  Scott was there for three hours with no resolution.  Not only did my new phone not work... but in the process, they deactivated my old phone. I was now..... PHONELESS for the duration.

Holy crap!!!!

We had plans to go to a Halloween Cartooning event for the kids... so Scott came and met me at the club for dinner while the girls did their thing.  Unfortunately, we had Luke with us and he was in a mood, so Scott had to take off before the girls were done... and then, Ally and I took Kennedy home after... and were on our way to Battle Creek to pick up my friend Chelsea who was coming in on the train from Chicago and spending the weekend with us!

We picked her up around 9 pm..... and headed back home.  Just had a low key night of chatting and even went to bed a decent time because we had plans to get up bright and early for the Michigan State/U of M game! Go GREEN!

We headed out the next morning by 8:30... dropped the kids with a sitter... and headed north. Got lucky after a half hour of searching and a guy sold us his parking pass right downtown cuz he was leaving... and got a GREAT table at Dublin Square for the game!

And what a game it was!!!!  We had a GREAT time watching the Spartans defeat Michigan up in East Lansing.  There is nothing like watching a great game in a local bar!  Scott, Chels and I just loved being in the middle of all the excitement!!!!!

We headed back to Jackson... picked up the kids and heard all about their day!  They went to a movie, went to a farm... and painted pumpkins.  Spent hours outside on our sitter's play structure.  She has turtles and lots of animals.  A great day for the kiddios! We are blessed to have a sitter like that!

Headed home to gear up for the Tigers..... and watched them lose.  Big bummer....  but you cannot deny their amazing season!!!!!

Sunday, we all slept in...  had a big breakfast... and lazed the morning away.  The kids (and Chelsea!) watched Judy Moody.... and around 1... we headed back to the train station to take our good friend and Auntie back to the train that would take her to Chicago. The kids loved having her here as much as I did.  Ally slept on the floor in the basement with her.  Slumber party style.  A good time was had by all.

And Scott my phone back up and running... no thanks to ATT.... and six solid hours spent in their store between Friday and Sunday.... but I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unfortunately... Sunday morning, Ally woke up with a horrid sore throat.... and although she tried to be tough... I could tell it was super bad. She was down for the count for the rest of the day.  I made the decision to keep her home the next day... and Monday morning... I had to drag the poor girl to a doctor appointment of mine.... but right after, I was able to get her into the pediatrician where we confirmed strep and got her on the antibiotic right away.  

She can't go back to school until tomorrow... so we are home again today.... just taking it easy and watching LOTS of movies on Apple TV. Thank God for Apple TV!  We love it.  She has watched Monte Carlo which just came out today, already today... and is now watching Zoo Keeper.  Yesterday she watched Little Manhattan. It was surprisingly cute.  :-)

I am making whatever sounds good for her to eat... and she has an appetite.  I can also tell she's starting to come around cuz she's once again, tumbling all over my house. She is unable to watch a movie sitting still.  As I type, I am watching her stand on her head with her legs in a full split...... she's coming back!

The dogs have been very watchful... as they always are when someone in the family is sick. I remember Duncan being the same way.

Yesterday Ally thanked me for staying home with her. I am eternally thankful and grateful that I have the option to do so.  I know she will be just fine soon.  :-)

In the meantime... we were lucky enough that yesterday was a cleaning day... and Julie, our amazing cleaning lady... did some extra disinfecting for us because she knew of Ally's possible strep! The house was cleaned from top to bottom. I have been washing my hands like crazy. They hurt!!!!  So far, knock on wood... everyone else seems to be healthy.  I am feeling positive that it will stay that way! I believe in the power of positive thinking!

We got a special treat at the end of the day yesterday... Luke got his school pictures!!!!!  I must say... one the best school pics ever............  :-)  My handsome little man... and his very first school picture!

Ugh. That kid is a heartbreaker.  Even his teacher could not hide her love for his pictures, nor can she hide her love for him.  :-)  They used Bullinger Photography and I think the lady did an awesome job... with some difficult subjects!  I guess she used to be the preschool teacher there... so she knew how to make those kids smile. I am still shocked she was able to make Luke smile.  :-)  And quite pleased.

Adorable.

The week is already taking a turn for the better... even though yesterday was trying.  Like I said... I had to take Ally to a doctor appointment.  Not fun.  This after I had to take Luke to school and he fought as hard as he ever has..... just a stressful morning... with sickness piled on top.  Not the best.

But, it will improve. Day by day..... and this weekend, god willing... I am off to Somerset with my sis in law and mother in law for an overnight trip of shopping, sushi and wine!!!! With a lot of Starbucks and California Pizza Kitchen thrown in there too. All our faves.  Very much looking forward to it!!!!

Have a GREAT week blog friends!

Shake Your Bushy Tail...

Luke is obsessed with shaking his bushy tail.....

Link to:  Luke's Bushy Tail

He cracks me up!  My kids have no problems performing.  Just when I think Luke is shy... he asks me to record him.....  :-)

Ally at School...

Ally is loving school these days.  Yesterday, at our PTO meeting I had a chance to talk to her teacher for about ten or fifteen minutes.  What a wonderful conversation we had!  She made me feel so good about my girl.  She said she comes to class each morning with a smile on her face and she is just so happy to be there and to learn.  She said while, yes, she is a social girl... she can tell that Ally works very hard at keeping that in check.  It's so nice to hear that your child is just a "joy to have in the classroom."

Here are some pics from her teacher's website.... they include the day that Critter Man came to the school... needless to say, her Daddy (who HATES snakes) is not a fan of that picture!!!

In other great, super, amazing news for the Ally-Roo.... she learned to tie her shoes this morning!  She has really been struggling with this.... and yes, it may seem ridiculously late for her to be learning such a task (a case of bad parenting here!)... it was a major accomplishment in this household and we are celebrating!  Go Ally!

Making Paint...

So, already this morning, before the clock struck 8:00 am... Luke and I had had our milk, coffee, breakfast and made a batch of green finger paint (flour, water, food coloring).  He really wants to paint all the time cuz he does so a lot at school.... and we don't have paint... but we have Google... so we googled homemade paint and viola!!!!! Finger paint!  What fun!

We are home today and we have NOTHING we have to do. Except pick up the basement (aka - playroom!!!) because we are having company this weekend.  It feels so nice to not have anywhere we must go!  I don't even have to go get Ally because she is coming home with a friend.... and my kindergartener that I pick up is home sick today.  So, it looks like a jammie day for me and the Lukester.  Hooray!

In reading my mom's comment on my interesting tangent on having girlfriends and time with hubby... I would like to put out there that I totally agree. No regrets!  I'm glad you don't have any! And I must get that from you... cuz no matter what I do in life... I have no regrets either!  And I always look forward! There is always a lesson to be learned and a brighter tomorrow!  :-)  I didn't mean for that stuff to come out as harsh as it sounded. The written word is tricky!!  :-)  I was simply stating what I need.... and it came off like a statement on how it should be.  I never ever feel that way. Every life and situation is truly different.... every family situation different. We all do the best we can with the resources given and the gifts god gave us!

Everything that happens in our lives happens just as it should. It is out plan and our path....  :-)  Embrace it!

Some more fun kiddio pics from homework time on Tuesday!  Ally is studying her multiplication tables... we are on x4s.  Not to be left out... I had to print some work sheets for Luke so he could do some too.  :-)

 Trying to remember to get the camera out a bit more and snap pics of little every day moments.... I find that I have to leave it out so I SEE IT to remember to do so!  :-)

Sadly behind on Project Life... but I will catch up!  I need to devote (set aside) some time to do it without disruption....

Happy Thursday my blog friends.......

Ally Gymnastics....

So, I took this video about a month ago or so... and I cannot believe how much she has improved in that short time.  The bar routine, she can do the entire thing now... here she is just practicing her dismount and the very end of the routine.... she can now sail through it all with no assistance, reminders or spotting.  Her bars... she can do all the tricks she needed Sydney to assist with in this video, unassisted now.  I am in constant awe of the things she can do.  I can't even pull myself up on that bar... or walk across that beam without tumbling off.  :-)

Go Ally!

Link to:  Ally Gymnastics

She Might be Crazy....

So the other day Ally comes home and says to me...  "Look what Kennedy, Morgan and I did on the playground today!" and proceeds to show me this....

Link to:  Ally Video

I laughed my butt off.  You will too....

At the end she says "Ally Prediction!!"  She meant "production...."  :-)))))  Sometimes words get jumbled in our head when we are reciting silly little songs.....

The Pumpkin Patch....

Today Luke is at the Pumpkin Patch on a field trip -- once again! -- for school. He is LOVIN' the field trips.  He was as happy as can be to go to school today.  I think the reasons are two fold: 1) field trip to the pumpkin patch! and 2) Ms. Joann was there when he was dropped off.  He loves his Ms. Joann.  He is sporting a super cute pumpkin shirt and pretty pumped about picking out his pumpkin.  I asked him if he was going to get a BIG one and he responded "No, I'm just going to get one I can carry to the bus by myself."  Practical.  ;-)

I haven't gone on a field trip with him yet.  The very first field trip was on a Thursday, and I don't work... but that first time around, I wanted him to have that experience without me around.  I wanted him to interact with the other kids... and not cling to me. Then... all the other trips have been work days for me... and it's not that I can't change that... it just seems that this is his thing to do with school and I need to be accepting of the fact that I don't have to be there for "every little thing." 

It is so important for him to have experiences without me - in my opinion. I really believe a mom can hold a kid back on some levels...... if I am always, always there.. his experiences just won't be the same.  And as much as I want to experience everything with him... and be there for his "firsts" all the time.... it's just not good for him as he grows older. I want him to gain independence... and be okay with me there.

In so many ways I am fine with this.  I want it.  But, there will always be a part of me that wishes I was there. I am human. I am a mom. I am not made of stone.  But... it's the selfish me that wants to experience that. It's not for him. It's for me. I need to let him be sometimes.

It's the same with Ally.  I do a lot with her. But, there is a lot I don't do... and that's a good thing! She has a lot of experiences without me.. and I am glad for that.  It's hard to strike that balance... but it is important to find it! I think that is something I do a great job at lately.  :-))) Not to toot my own horn or anything..... but I really do find that we have a good balance going lately.

We give the kids so much of our time. That is as it should be. We want them to feel safe, loved, secure, and that they are in a home where they are a priority.  But... they are not always the center of our world.  I have time for me. I work.  Daddy has time for him. He works a lot more. And Mommy and Daddy have time without the kids.  All important things to teach your kids. They are a priority... but the world does not revolve around them. Balance, balance, balance.

Peolpe say I am so lucky to have my in-laws so close... to have the money to afford babysitters.... and I say "yes I am !"  I am truly blessed.... but everyone can make time on some level... if it is truly a priority.  All moms need to make it one.  Dads do a better job of this.......

I was just talking to another mom at Ally's school....... telling her of my plans for a girls' get away and my concerns for what I was going to miss (event at school).... and she looked right at me and said...... "go... you MUST go... she will be fine... we will take care of her....."  She went on to say she never made her girlfriends, or even herself a priority... and now her girls are in high school... and while she loves them to pieces, she longs for that piece of her that she lost.  She longs for girl friends who want to do that sort of thing.

So moms....... go out with your girlfriends! Go away for weekends together.  Go away for longer!  Have drinks on a Wednesday night after the kids go to bed.  Spend a day shopping.  Go to New York... Chicago... the Keys......just do it.  It will hurt at first... but in the end, you will be glad you did.  :-)

Girlfriends are more important than you know.  Husbands are amazing. Our kids are our life.  But there is nothing like a girlfriend..... and nothing like time away with them... or just time with them.

I am looking forward to some time with one of my best girls this weekend!

Then, there's the hubby.... I would be remiss if I didn't mention he and I are going to get away the first week of November! YAY!  I am grateful to my in-laws who never mind keeping my kids for long stretches of time... and allow Scott and I to get away and reconnect!  Scott is going to San Francisco for work... he leaves Oct. 30. Now, I can't miss Halloween.. so I will join him Tuesday, Nov. 1... and we will stay through the weekend. Cannot wait!

Neither of us has been to San Francisco and it's on our list of places we really want to go.  We haven't been away just he and I since last March when we went to Mexico.. so we are due for some couple time.  We've been slacking on date night lately too...... so this trip is much needed!  Life keeps us busy... we need to carve out time for our relationship! 

Happy times......... go plan something with your hubby today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mean Girls...

So, apparently there is a mean girl at school. Luke doesn't want to go to school because there is a mean girl who hits the teachers.  This comes out on our drive in this morning.... he doesn't like school because of the mean girl.  Lordy day... I thought this statement would come from Ally some day... but not really Luke at the age of three in preschool.

Yes... I know other kids will hit and be mean and do things that Luke cannot fathom doing... but it's the way in which he articulates it to me.  How he explains it with such emotion and clarity. With little tears in his eyes because it obviously really bothers him.  And I can see this.  Luke is the quiet one.  When others are controlling or if they hit, he will recoil.  He will feel threatened.  His personality isn't so (yet anyway) that he knows what to do. How to stand up.  How to deal.

He knows how to deal with bossiness... don't get me wrong. He has a big sister who has taught him that.  But, physical threats... that's another thing.  Or when a kid takes his toys.... he will just let them. He won't fight back.

He is going to have to learn the ways of the world. We can't just stop going to school because there is a mean girl. Lord... we would have all dropped out by middle school or high school if that were the case!  ;-)  We talked about how he can always tell his teacher... and how he can tell me at the end of the day if she did something.  I will always talk to his teacher for him...

So at drop off this morning, he was a bit teary, but simply said "you will talk to Ms. Joann about what we talked about right Mommy?"

Little man needs to learn to cope... he shouldn't feel threatened... and he needs to know he can tell someone when he is scared... but he has to go to school and deal with this little girl.... like we all do in our every day lives.

Deal with the mean girl. Mean people.  It never ends... unfortunately.....  that bumper sticker had it right.  Mean people do suck!

In other Luke happenings... it seems as though he is going to be a pescetarian like Steve Jobs and only eat fish.  I swear to you... he eats best when I make salmon or whitefish.  Oh... a hot dog eating pescetarian... but one none the less.  :-)))))   He has informed me that he does not like PB&J anymore.  He won't really eat sandwhiches (neither of my kids do).  For lunch at school all he wants is hot dogs.  Lovely. He is so very, very, very picky.  We will just keep on trying everything... and not stressing out when he eats nothing at all.  He apparently is healthy and growing.... living on milk, hot dogs, and fish now and then.  Throw in a cheez-it... fruit snack and the occasional skittles... and that there is a complete balanced meal!  :-)

Tonite... we are making homemade pizza... he can't wait to help.  I really love my Mondays... with my hour with Ally at Starbucks just her and I and then, my time with just Luke until everyone comes home.  What a nice transition to the working week.  :-)  Happy Monday everyone!

T-I-T-A-N-S... Titans!!!

So.... yesterday Ally had a cheer camp in the morning at Lumen Christi with the cheerleaders.  OMG she was so excited.  One of the older girls (senior at LC) that goes to her gym and is an assistant coach to her... is a cheerleader and Ally has a HUGE case of hero worship.  She LOVES her.  Her name is Nicki and Ally even made her a thank you card as soon as camp was over.  Adorable.

So... the girls learned a bunch of cheers... and did some tumbling... and generally just had a GREAT time.  While I went and had my oil changed, tires rotated, ran errands... and then enjoyed a pumpkin spice latte and a stroll around Target.  It was a good morning for us all.

Ally then went over to her friend Kennedy's for some "get ready with the girls" time and then they went to a tailgate... We got to attend an adult tailgate (i.e. - there was vodka).... and then, we went to the game where the little girls got to cheer with the big girls for the first quarter.  We thought its was the first half... so I got no where near as many pics as I wanted.  Oh well... such is life!

We sat in the stands and Luke stole the heart of every female around.  He is in love with one of Ally's best friend's Mom... it's hilarious. Becky came to see him and took him for a walk.  He had lots of treats... and then, was done.  Around 9:30, he was over it all... so we didn't get to go out with our friends as planned and watch the Tigers... such is the life of parenthood!  Ally went off... had a sleepover and a fun night out at the Hunt Club.... Mom, Dad and Luke went home. 

Tigers lost anyway.  ;-)

Recently, it has really hit me that it is pretty likely that Ally will go to Lumen. Short of a major job relocation on Scott's part... we plan to be here through our kids' period of education through high school.  It has hit me that she will go to the same high school I went to. That her grandparents (my mom and dad) went to. That countless other members of her family have attended. We are all over the walls of that school.  Literally since my cousin has done paintings all over that school.

I just find that to be freakin' awesome.  I am in awe of it.  And I am really excited to be a part of watching her have the LC experience. I loved high school. Loved it.  Was proud to go there. Was proud to support our athletic teams. Felt it was the best education hands down.  I am just really proud to send my daughter (and son!) there soon.  :-)

And my kids look amazing in GREEN!!!  :-)

Cut My Hair...

Just chopped my hair off and I feel like a million bucks!!!! Love it! :)


-- Post From My iPhone

School Pics...

Luke had his school pictures taken yesterday! His very own three year old preschool pics.  How adorable is that.  We were told they don't have just an average LifeTouch photographer come in.... they have someone local who actually used to work there and gets the kids to smile and has fun with them.  I can't wait to see how they turned out.

Ally had hers done much earlier in the year and she thinks they are her best pics yet!  I took a pic of one to show you.

Not the best quality... but you get the idea!  I think it's a great shot too.  :-) She officially looks older this year.  The baby face is definitely all gone now.  Speaking of pics... we got our gallery from Nicole and I have ordered those up.... GREAT pictures... will post them soon!!!

Luke did cry again at drop off yesterday. The room was FULL when we got there.... I think I just need to try to get him there earlier in the morning when it's quieter.  Coming into a crazy room overwhelms him. Scott told me he gets this.  Ally asked him what his problem was.  :-)))  Personalities coming through or what?  ;-)

It has been a great week so far.  I have been pretty busy at work.... and I feel like I am getting a lot done on that front.  Nothing feels so good as to get things off your desk that have been weighing on your mind.  I have yoga twice a week during the work week now... and am going to try to go as many Saturdays as I can.   Doing that is life changing for me.  Both in mind and body.  I really "need" that moment in my day and am so thankful we found this wonderful instructor to come into work.  No matter how I am feeling (horrid headache yesterday - did not even want to go!), I come out of her class feeling totally better.  Completely better.  Even if I am a little sore from the "yoga butt" class she did with us yesterday!  Whew!

Today I am lucky enough to have a salon day in front of me..... hair cut and a pedicure..... and then some doctor appointments while I am Luke free.  Luke was pretty pumped to go spend his day with his best buddy  Gracie.

Happy Thursday blog world!!!

PS - Ally's tentative meet schedule includes TWO meets only. Fun meets at this level.  Her first is the weekend of March 24-25 in Freeland, MI and the second in in Kalamazoo on April 14-15. I will know which day she competes as we get closer to the dates!  K-zoo Geri!  And I'm pretty sure Freeland is near Dad now.  We can all stay in his house.  :-)))))

Night and Day....

So, yesterday when I drop Luke off at St. Mary's.... he is absolutely heart broken. Cries. Yells.  Holds on to me for dear life. I can barely peel him off me.  Ugh.

When I pick him up, he is ridiculously happy.  Practically skips to his cubby to show me what he got on his field trip to the Fire Station - a fire hat, a toy hydrant, a tatoo and a fire fighter sticker. He is so proud of all of this. He cannot stop talking about the field trip and his day.  I purchased him Fire Truck PJ's special to give him after his day. They say "Daddy's Little Hero" on them. Adorable. He couldn't wait to get home and put them on and then, he couldn't wait until Daddy got home to show him.

Happy, happy little man........

And then, after dinner... he announces to me that he's not going to cry when I take him to school in the morning. That he loves school and he wonders what "project" they will do.  He talks on and on....

He seems to be just as happy this morning when he wakes up........ and low and behold...... when I dropped him off this morning, three kisses... three hugs.... a "goodbye Mommy" and no tears......... just. like. that.

Craziness.  Night and day I tell  ya.  :-)

So..... I am proud that I kept on keeping on. That we stayed firm and proved to him that school is not a scary place... and that he is safe and loved there and that Mommy always comes and gets him at the end of the day.  I'm sure there will still be days of crying... but it's good to know there are days like this to look forward to as well.

Ally (who has no issues with school) has made some great strides in gymnastics recently.  She came home last night, just beaming, excited to tell me that she got two new tricks on the bars.... what they are called, I do not know.  :-))))))  But, she showed Scott when he picked her up.... and he confirmed that it was, indeed, impressive.  She is always so proud of herself (as she should be!) when she learns a new trick..... and "gets it."

She has memorized her enitre beam routine.... and can do everything without assistance now.  Even her dismount, which she struggled with for some time. And now, it sounds like she doesn't need any assistance on any of her bar routine. She's had her vault down for a while now........ so now, it's just remembering her floor routine!!!!  It's long and the most difficult for the little ones to "get."  Not technically difficult for her... just a lot to remember...... so she literally needs to just do it over and over and over again...... muscle memory........  :-)

I still have NO IDEA how she will handle an actual meet.  Part of me thinks she will completely freak out, cry and run off the floor...beam... what have you. Another part of me.... knows she wants to do it and prays she can summon the confidence I know she is so capable of.  We shall see! She doesn't have a meet until March..... thank god for that! And I am going to take her to some of the earlier meets that the older girls are competing in... so she can see what it's all about.  Watching her best friends Cara and Caitee should help her get a feel for it at least. I don't want her to be totally surprised........... 

In the mean time, she is loving having a bigger beam at the house.... and is begging for a kip bar.  Soon I will have a gym in my basement..... but for some reason, I would rather buy that kind of stuff than toys anyday. At least it is something that keeps her working out and physical.....

A good week so far...... and it's only Tuesday....... :-)

Guess Who's Back...

Old blog back again.... no one could post comments... don't know what was up with that... but we will go back to basics.... and just return..... which means I have to tell Nicole ONCE again that I need a new blog banner......  :-))))))  I have sent her like a zillion emails with photo orders and clarifications.  Sorry Nicole!

So......... it's Monday.  What can I say?  Luke cried hysterically again this morning. That is not going any better.  Huge bummer. Still a shitty way to start the day. Truly.  He is happy as can be on the drive... but as soon as I gear up to leave.... he freaks.  I know he's fine after. Each day I get a lovely note from his teacher on how long it took him to calm down (minutes - never more than 3) and I KNOW  he has fun and likes it. It's just the transition.......... must continue though.  He needs to learn.

I have yoga at lunch today.  Exceedingly thankful for that!

Ally and I are going to go to Bigby after school today to do homework and have a drink and a snack before gymnastics.  She is excited to go someplace new!  My cleaning lady comes today and that gives me GREAT joy because I know I will go home to a shiny house!  I am going to make a yummy healthy fish dinner this evening.

Yesterday was a simply amazing day.  The kids were so great, there are no words.  At one point, Scott actually said to me "I think someone came in and replaced our kids..."  They played happily together all day long.  ALL. DAY.  And most of it... was spent outside.... as it was absolutely gorgeous!!!!  This allowed Scott and I to be able to accomplish so, so much.  He got the garage cleaned out (looks amazing, I could live out there now) and the lawn mowed.  I got like 20 loads of laundry done.  Washed everyone's sheets, blankets, quilts, comforters... all of it!  Picked up the entire house.... and did more "cleaning out" in the kids' rooms. I swear, I could throw ten things away a week and they would never know.  Ally and I did some major clothes shopping for her over the weekend, so I did some major "are you ever going to wear this again" with her and her dresser.  The girl won't wear what she won't wear... and there's no point in hanging on to it....... I'm definitely giving up control there.

I also discovered that Gymboree has an AMAZING return policy!!!! At the beginning of the summer, Ally wanted/had to have/begged for all these dresses that she was going to wear all summer long. She didn't wear half of them. They still have the tags on them. I still have the receipt... and Gymboree's policy is 180 days......... I am totally within that time frame... so today I am returning two dresses, one shirt and one skirt and getting like $60 back for stuff she will never wear.  Yay me!  :-)

Luke is not without his opinion either. Both my kids are very vocal when it comes to their clothing.  Doesn't make it too easy on mom. I can hardly buy anything without them there.  Luke gets some hand me downs... and usually that goes okay, cuz they are mostly jeans and pants.  Hard to hand down boys' shirts... they are just so hard on clothes!  But, when it comes to sweaters and jackets... that kid is opinionated!!!! 

Easy going my children are SO NOT.   ;-)

Ah well..... we move forward.... we take them when we shop. Even Luke likes to pick out his stuff and it's a lot of fun. Good thing they have a mom that loves to shop.  :-)))))

Happy Monday everyone.  Have a GREAT week!!!!!!!!!!  It is what You make of it!!!!!!

You're in the Right Place!!!!!!

I am playing around with a new 'look' for the blog. Blogger has this new dynamic view.  You can actually CHOOSE how you view my page. Different options are listed above. I have selected the most simple view as the default. I am really liking it. I am leaning toward keeping this new, clean interface!  Feel free to let me know what you think. I think my words and pictures can speak for themselves.... and you don't need to see a whole lot of other stuff... but I always appreciate my readers' opinions!

Be sure to check out the "snapshot" view... it allows you to just look at all the pictures I've posted to my blog outside of all the "words." Pretty cool!!!

My Brownie meeting.... I bet you have all been waiting to hear!  ;-)  It went really, really well. I  cannot believe how nervous I was leading up to it.  I was exhausted when it was over.  I spent a great deal of energy!!!!  Holy cow!  We had a great time and the girls were well-behaved for the most part.  They have a lot of energy at the end of a school day. Who can blame them? So the goal next month is to do something much more ACTIVE!!!

The best part - Ally told me I did a great job... and her exact words "I am proud of you Mom!"  Yay.  :-)

We have had a great weekend.... Friday Ally didn't have school... and I let the kids choose what we did on our "special day" off together.  They chose Build a Bear.  Shocker.  My kids are obsessed with Build a Bear.  Me?  Not so much.  But, we got in and out for under $60 which is probably cheaper than a water park (which was also discussed) and we were at Briarwood... so I was able to run many other errands... and do a great deal of shopping. Both needed (clothes and shoes and a winter coat for Ally and shoes for Luke) and not so much needed (new Sevens Short Dojos for me).  :-)  (to wear with flats! practical!!!)

Saturday I had the most amazing morning. I set my alarm and got up at 7:00 am before anyone else.  Had coffee and breakfast in peace.... and went to a yoga class at 9:00 and had a facial at 11:30.  Had a wonderful, wonderful morning for myself.

Came home to the craziness of life... but always feel more "on top of it" when I get that break.  Last night we went out to the Country Club for a nice family dinner together... after delivering a dinner we all made together, to a sick friend and her family.  Ally's best friend, Kennedy's mom (and my good friend too) had her appendix burst last week and spent the week in the hospital. She is home now, but still quite ill.... so a group of us are working together to feed her, her hubby and her three kids.....

What a great day.  :-)

Today we are working around the house.  Scott cleaned the garage - which was a pit stain.  He is mowing now.  Maybe the last time we will need it? Hope not!  I am doing loads and loads of laundry and picking up. Cleaning lady comes tomorrow!

Looking forward to a great week.... it's a busy one.... but that is truly nothing new.  :-)

Ally has a class website!  You can check it out at:

http://www.nphelan.webs.com/

Mrs. Phelan will post pictures and keep a calendar up to date so we all know what's going on... and I know I have some special readers who like to keep up on things such as this. :-)

Brownie Meeting #1...

I think I am about as prepared as I am going to be!  I have made interview sheets for the girls. They are going to interview one another and report out on their new friend. I thought this would be easier for them... to talk about someone else other than themselves. Not everyone likes to talk about themselves, in fact... most people don't! Kids and adults alike.

We have to do a lot of "housekeeping"... learn the Girl Scout Promise - okay, they probably know this. I need to work on it. :-)  We have to talk about the type of things we want to do this year.  Vote on the area council trips. And of course, have a snack!

I am worried about the girls coming right from school to a meeting... I feel like they need to do something active after a day of being in their desk most of the day!  I am trying to come up with a quick activity that gets them moving.... but that's gonna have to be a last minute add cuz I'm blank right now.  :-)

Looking forward to reporting out later that the meeting was a smashing success!  Send me prayers and good thoughts at 3:10 pm!!!!!!!!!

20 Little Girls....

This Thursday is my first Girl Scout (Brownie) meeting.  HOLY CRAP!!!!  :-)  Myself and another super cool mom, are the co-leaders this year for our third grade brownie troop!  It's going to be a huge learning experience... and I hope we don't let the girls down.

We have around 20 little girls signed up.  20 eight year olds. TWENTY!  At any given time, we need at least three moms there for moral support.  Kami and I don't know what we are doing quite yet.  We had an area leaders meeting last night... and I will admit, I was ever-so-slightly overwhelmed!  I am in the middle of taking a bunch on training courses... and still will have more to do. I didn't know some of them had to be done before tomorrow's meeting.

Then - there is the little issue of the council CHANGING everything! The way badges are earned... what they even do... and what they are called!  So... while Kami and I had built this first meeting... and I was feeling so proud of us.... we can't even do it anymore cuz everything has changed.

Just when you feel on top of it... life bites you in the butt!  :-)))))

No worries... new plan of action.... we will wing it!  ;-)

I will be honest... I am worried about doing a good job.  Especially in Ally's eyes. I want her to be proud of her mom, the troop co-leader... not mortified by me.  ;-)  So far, I have done good things in her eyes and she likes my involvement. I want this to further that feeling... not harm it.  So, I am going in hopeful to only strengthen her and my relationship!  Fingers crossed! I know I will certainly work hard at it.

Yesterday, as I mentioned, we had an area leaders meeting. It ran almost two hours long... and then, one of the other leaders (my friend Brook) and I, went to Daryl's for some wine an munchies.  Much needed debrief on the whole meeting... since I couldn't follow everything and I was feeling clueless!  She straightened me out on my issues... and we enjoyed a nice chat.... and some laughs. A brief and much needed girls' night.

When I got home (around 9:30) I went in and said goodnight to Ally. In a state of sleepiness, she said "Oh good... you're home.... I can sleep now...."  Sweetest thing.  :-)  She was totally asleep... but in her mind, all was well with the world now that I was home. I love that she and I have only grown closer and closer over the past couple years since I have stepped down from the time I spend working...

Well, today is a little crazy. Of course, I get a big work assignment on my last day of the week, on a week I have something else major going on... so I am working frantically to accomplish that. And today... Scott has an after work committement.... I am totally gonna tell you... he's getting a facial... he regularly gets facials........ this is no joke!  :-)))))))  So, I have to take AND pick up Ally from gymnastics and I really wanted to make a decent dinner so I am toying with the idea of running home and making it in the hour I will have to do so.  Hour home, hour round trip travel... gymnastics being two hours. Stupid?  Maybe. Worth it for a good home cooked meal?  Most likely! 

I also have to get to the Girl Scout office to pick up a bunch of stuff........ and get a check to the school from the PTO for a fundraiser we are supporting.  A working mom/troop leader/PTO treasurer's work is never done!!!!!!!!!

So far, feeling good and positive about it all though. Not feeling bogged down or overwhelmed.  I bet it's my new App.  :-))))))))))))

In other, not so uplifting news... Luke has totally taken a turn at the drop off for preschool.  :-(  He has started crying again... and this time, he's worse than when we first took him!  Today, he was awful.... screamed.. grabbed on to my clothes and would hardly let go...they had to peel him off me.  I had to pee something awful, so I was able to go there and that gave me an opportunity to still be around and hear that he had stopped.... but still.  :(  A huge bummer after he was doing so, so well. 

We need to push on through though...... cuz he will be okay and not sending him is not an option. Not to mention, it simply validates his feelings of fear or whatever he is going through by sending a message of "OH!  Mommy isn't making me go anymore? I must have been right to be so scared!"  Sometimes, being the mom means making the hard decisions... and powering through.  Teachable moments.  All teachable moments.  :-)

Here's hoping it gets better though... cuz he is breaking my heart piece by piece each morning.....