To coin a phrase that Chris used in his blog today, I'm flying solo. I'm actually in Cape Coral, Florida, right now! Amazing to me that I went from 10 degree weather to 77 degree weather. I won't lie...it's wonderful!
It has been so odd and yet enjoyable to be solo. I miss Chris and the boys, and I do wish that they had been able to make this trip, but this solo thing is an unusual feeling. I woke up last night looking for the doorway to check and see if the lights were out and the boys were still in bed. I've even looked for the boys to see what they were up to a couple of times and it is quiet here....just a strange feeling. I have to keep checking in on my boys and bugging Chris! Kudos to him for dealing with school today and even the delay that mother nature threw at him this morning. Thank you Tami for calling to remind Chris of the delay!
Chris probably thinks I don't trust him or that I don't think he is capable. If I thought that for even a second, I wouldn't be here. He is the greatest dad and is enjoying our boys this weekend. As I type this they are actaully at a hockey game. Good for them!
I'm headed out with my grandma in a bit for drinks. We went shopping today (I didn't buy anything), out to lunch (complete with ice cream!) and then I spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool. It was just perfect weather today. It has been a bit cool in the evening, but still perfect weather. I had the biggest laugh this morning while I was on a walk with Mouse. It was cool down here yesterday and chilly this morning. Nothing that a pair of capris and a sweat shirt for me wouldn't take care of...but the locals were cold. While on our walk we stopped for coffee at Mouse's local coffee place. All her buddies were bundled up in winter coats, with hats and gloves drinking their coffee. It just made me laugh. Reminds me that with everything comes perspective! Cold to them is not cold to me!
Tomorrow we are headed off to some art gallerys and more shopping. I want to find some gifts for the boys and also something for my friend Tami, who helped watch the boys for me on Thursday after I left.
Thank you everyone for helping me out and getting me to fly solo. You are the best...oh, and Chris, what picture frame did Connor throw at Wes? :)
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Bummer...
It had to happen sooner or later and last night was the night. Purdue lost! Big bummer! I thought that maybe they had a chance to sneak out of Gloomington with a win, but no such luck. There were a ton of fouls called against them, but at the same time they didn't make many of their own baskets from the free throw line.
To make it worse, Chris is taking it all very hard. He has a standing bet with a buddy at work that if Purdue wins the IU fans have to fly the Purdue flag and vice versa. So, to add salt to the wound I know the offending IU flag is hanging in Chris' office today making him even more grumpy about the whole loss! It doesn't help that Purdue only plays IU once this year, rather than the usual road game and home game. There isn't much chance of us getting even for last night. I know we would have pounded them at Mackey!
Sorry Boilers. At least you have a good, honest coach who isn't a cheater! And your team is only going to get better in the next few years, while IU is on a fast track to disaster!
To make it worse, Chris is taking it all very hard. He has a standing bet with a buddy at work that if Purdue wins the IU fans have to fly the Purdue flag and vice versa. So, to add salt to the wound I know the offending IU flag is hanging in Chris' office today making him even more grumpy about the whole loss! It doesn't help that Purdue only plays IU once this year, rather than the usual road game and home game. There isn't much chance of us getting even for last night. I know we would have pounded them at Mackey!
Sorry Boilers. At least you have a good, honest coach who isn't a cheater! And your team is only going to get better in the next few years, while IU is on a fast track to disaster!
Monday, February 18, 2008
I'm so excited...
I'm so excited and I just can't hide it.... I'm going to Florida. After much deliberation on my part and time spent researching airfare, I've decided it is important to me to visit my Grandma (who I call Mouse) for a few days. I will be going alone because, as I've said before, going during Spring Break when we can all go will cost us both of our arms and legs!
Mouse was surprised and happy when I called to tell her I was coming. I didn't want to say anything to her in advance because I didn't want to disappoint her, but I'm glad it has all worked out. I know she loves having me there and I sure could use a couple of vacation days. So, I'll be gone next Thursday through Monday.
The worst part is leaving the boys behind. I know how badly they want to go but we just couldn't do it. None of us know how much time we have left on this earth, but I don't want to kick myself a year from now and say that something happened to my Grandma and I didn't take the chance to make that trip to see her. Family is so important to me and she has always been there for me.
Of course this trip wouldn't be possible if Chris wasn't agreeing to take some time off to watch the boys. I also have my good friend Tami who will watch the boys for a day, so thank you guys for making this possible for me!
Mouse was surprised and happy when I called to tell her I was coming. I didn't want to say anything to her in advance because I didn't want to disappoint her, but I'm glad it has all worked out. I know she loves having me there and I sure could use a couple of vacation days. So, I'll be gone next Thursday through Monday.
The worst part is leaving the boys behind. I know how badly they want to go but we just couldn't do it. None of us know how much time we have left on this earth, but I don't want to kick myself a year from now and say that something happened to my Grandma and I didn't take the chance to make that trip to see her. Family is so important to me and she has always been there for me.
Of course this trip wouldn't be possible if Chris wasn't agreeing to take some time off to watch the boys. I also have my good friend Tami who will watch the boys for a day, so thank you guys for making this possible for me!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Will you...
...be my Valentine? Happy Valentine's Day, Chris! He has been a sweetie and called to wish me a Happy Valentine's Day. We do not have plans for tonight but are going out tomorrow instead. I wanted to go to dinner and the Komet's game on Friday...so that will be our Valentine's Day out. Perfect with me!
I'm married to an incredible man! I don't need flowers, or jewelry or silly stuff to know that I'm appreciated and loved. Chris goes out of his way every day to remind me that he loves me and our boys!
Thanks for being my Valentine! I Love you, Most!
I'm married to an incredible man! I don't need flowers, or jewelry or silly stuff to know that I'm appreciated and loved. Chris goes out of his way every day to remind me that he loves me and our boys!
Thanks for being my Valentine! I Love you, Most!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Burr...
Burrr, is it ever cold outside. Over the course of just a week we have had thunderstorms, hail, rain, ice and now snow. Talk about extreme! Mother Nature is supposed to send some snow this way. Great, maybe another school delay tomorrow which means Connor would miss swim lessons, again.
I had a fun weekend. We didn't do anything on Sunday, it was just too cold. Saturday was fun for me because I got to go out shopping and have dinner with my good friend, Heather. I needed to find some new fabric to recover our nasty kitchen chairs. I guess it was good that I found something in the exact same colors, but it was nearly the same stripe as what we already had. It was the only thing I could find in the correct colors. Plus, rather than paying the $40 a yard price for the fabric I really liked, I bought the similiar fabric for $6.49 a yard. Kinda a no brainer. Now I have to figure out how to take the chairs apart and put on the new fabric. I also have to refinish the top of the kitchen table. It has table cancer and is shedding it's white paint.
Another great bonus of the weekend, drum roll please...Purdue won! To coin a phrase from my cool husband...Another Bucky Badger Beat Down! That was a fantastic game to watch Purdue win. I'm almost starting to have faith in them. But, whenever that happens something stupid will force them to give up a game and drop in the Big Ten standings. So, I have to assume that they are going to not win their games and be excited when they do win!
I volunteered in Wes' classroom today. That is always fun and I learn so much about him and how he is doing at school. His teacher is always quick to praise how smart he is. He is too smart sometimes, if you ask me! But, even better, by being in his classroom I can gauge where he is compared to the other students. He is doing great. I am also proud of him for being the kindergarten student named Covington Character Kid of the month for Teamwork! Great job Wes!
We will be making some decisions in the next few weeks on what projects around our house will be completed or put off till later in the year. I'm so hopeful that we can find a way to do a little bit of everything. My fingers are crossed.
Till next time...and Go Boilers! Let's see if we can make a Sparty Smackdown happen!
I had a fun weekend. We didn't do anything on Sunday, it was just too cold. Saturday was fun for me because I got to go out shopping and have dinner with my good friend, Heather. I needed to find some new fabric to recover our nasty kitchen chairs. I guess it was good that I found something in the exact same colors, but it was nearly the same stripe as what we already had. It was the only thing I could find in the correct colors. Plus, rather than paying the $40 a yard price for the fabric I really liked, I bought the similiar fabric for $6.49 a yard. Kinda a no brainer. Now I have to figure out how to take the chairs apart and put on the new fabric. I also have to refinish the top of the kitchen table. It has table cancer and is shedding it's white paint.
Another great bonus of the weekend, drum roll please...Purdue won! To coin a phrase from my cool husband...Another Bucky Badger Beat Down! That was a fantastic game to watch Purdue win. I'm almost starting to have faith in them. But, whenever that happens something stupid will force them to give up a game and drop in the Big Ten standings. So, I have to assume that they are going to not win their games and be excited when they do win!
I volunteered in Wes' classroom today. That is always fun and I learn so much about him and how he is doing at school. His teacher is always quick to praise how smart he is. He is too smart sometimes, if you ask me! But, even better, by being in his classroom I can gauge where he is compared to the other students. He is doing great. I am also proud of him for being the kindergarten student named Covington Character Kid of the month for Teamwork! Great job Wes!
We will be making some decisions in the next few weeks on what projects around our house will be completed or put off till later in the year. I'm so hopeful that we can find a way to do a little bit of everything. My fingers are crossed.
Till next time...and Go Boilers! Let's see if we can make a Sparty Smackdown happen!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
What is that saying?
I'm pretty sure there is a saying that goes something like this.."If you don't have something nice to say, say nothing at all." I know I should stick with it but then this entry would be two sentences. Instead, I'm going to say some not so nice things about members of my family and write a really long entry, just so that I can make myself feel better :)
It has turned into one of "those" weeks for me. My cold is dragging on into its 5th day. And, while I am not feeling like I need to be parked on the couch, I am tired of feeling like I need to wipe my nose every other minute or cough up a lung. Wes seems to have turned the corner and is feeling better, but poor Connor has a nose that will not stop needing wiped!
I passed up a Girl's Night Out with my friend Heather yesterday because I just didn't feel up to it. I hope to see her Saturday evening instead.
That brings me to my crazy family. Not my kids/husband family, but my they-gave-birth-to-me-and-raised-me-so-they-feel-obligated-to-give-advise-and-suggest-what-to-do-with-my-life family. My Mom just spent her annual few days in Florida with my Grandma. Now mind you, my neurotic Mother doesn't like to fly, hates being hot and can only eat fat free boring food, so traveling isn't really her cup of tea. She goes every year to say she visited her mother in Florida during her 6 months of winter hiatus and check up on her. I actually love traveling, enjoy spending time with my Grandmother and look forward to Florida every year.
However, flying our family of 4 to Florida has become an expensive little family vacation. We have lucked out the past few years by being able to travel when we wanted to and also taking advantage of some cheap airfare. We now have a kindergartner, which means we can only travel during spring break and can only fly on weekends during the same week EVERY family in America has spring break. Here is the point. Airfare is outrageous and we can't afford to go. We have a ton of things that need taken care of around our house and since everything costs money, something has to give.
Here is where my Mother comes in. While she says that both her and my Grandmother understand why we can't go, the guilt trip upon me has become intense. We suggested renting a small SUV and driving (we can't put the mileage on our leased Buick Rendezvous) if maybe my Grandmother could help pull a Silpada party together down there. It would help me pay for the rental, gas and motels for the drive down and offset some expenses of our vacation. She doesn't want to do a party. Which puts us right back to not going.
And, drum roll here....I'm the bad guy. I'm putting money and upkeep of our home ahead of importance of spending time with my Grandma. Yeah, I feel like shit about that, but I have a family of my own, bills to pay and a nice home to maintain. I'm an adult now and I have to make decisions that put the financial well being of our family first. Of course the boys want to go, they love going down there, and I want to go to...but we can't afford $1200 in airfare! That is just ridiculous!
Now I'm the bad guy. I have always and will continue to put family first. I am the one who has always made sure my Grandma is okay without nagging her and spying on her...like my Mother does. For years I was the only one in the family who even went down to visit her and my Grandpa (while he was still with us). And, I am the only one in the family who actually wants to go camping with my crazy 79 year old Grandma when she comes back to Michigan in the Spring. I'm the only grandchild, so I do feel like I have a responsibility to her.
I already feel bad about letting my boys down and disappointing my Grandma, so I didn't need the guilt trip from my Manic-Mom! I need to let it go, move on and except the fact that we will not be traveling to Florida. But, I can't let it go...maybe I should just go by myself for a couple of days to visit her. Then I would feel guilty leaving the boys behind. How does that look to a 6 and a 3 year old? Sorry boys, I know you want to go really bad but mommy is just going to go by herself without you...oh, and while I'm gone, you just take care of yourselves while daddy is at work. Yeah, that will work! Not!
I know that no one out there is reading this, and if you are, damn I feel sorry for you...get a life and move on. But, writing it all down has helped me realize that I can't go, my immediate family comes first and the rest of my family is out of line!
It has turned into one of "those" weeks for me. My cold is dragging on into its 5th day. And, while I am not feeling like I need to be parked on the couch, I am tired of feeling like I need to wipe my nose every other minute or cough up a lung. Wes seems to have turned the corner and is feeling better, but poor Connor has a nose that will not stop needing wiped!
I passed up a Girl's Night Out with my friend Heather yesterday because I just didn't feel up to it. I hope to see her Saturday evening instead.
That brings me to my crazy family. Not my kids/husband family, but my they-gave-birth-to-me-and-raised-me-so-they-feel-obligated-to-give-advise-and-suggest-what-to-do-with-my-life family. My Mom just spent her annual few days in Florida with my Grandma. Now mind you, my neurotic Mother doesn't like to fly, hates being hot and can only eat fat free boring food, so traveling isn't really her cup of tea. She goes every year to say she visited her mother in Florida during her 6 months of winter hiatus and check up on her. I actually love traveling, enjoy spending time with my Grandmother and look forward to Florida every year.
However, flying our family of 4 to Florida has become an expensive little family vacation. We have lucked out the past few years by being able to travel when we wanted to and also taking advantage of some cheap airfare. We now have a kindergartner, which means we can only travel during spring break and can only fly on weekends during the same week EVERY family in America has spring break. Here is the point. Airfare is outrageous and we can't afford to go. We have a ton of things that need taken care of around our house and since everything costs money, something has to give.
Here is where my Mother comes in. While she says that both her and my Grandmother understand why we can't go, the guilt trip upon me has become intense. We suggested renting a small SUV and driving (we can't put the mileage on our leased Buick Rendezvous) if maybe my Grandmother could help pull a Silpada party together down there. It would help me pay for the rental, gas and motels for the drive down and offset some expenses of our vacation. She doesn't want to do a party. Which puts us right back to not going.
And, drum roll here....I'm the bad guy. I'm putting money and upkeep of our home ahead of importance of spending time with my Grandma. Yeah, I feel like shit about that, but I have a family of my own, bills to pay and a nice home to maintain. I'm an adult now and I have to make decisions that put the financial well being of our family first. Of course the boys want to go, they love going down there, and I want to go to...but we can't afford $1200 in airfare! That is just ridiculous!
Now I'm the bad guy. I have always and will continue to put family first. I am the one who has always made sure my Grandma is okay without nagging her and spying on her...like my Mother does. For years I was the only one in the family who even went down to visit her and my Grandpa (while he was still with us). And, I am the only one in the family who actually wants to go camping with my crazy 79 year old Grandma when she comes back to Michigan in the Spring. I'm the only grandchild, so I do feel like I have a responsibility to her.
I already feel bad about letting my boys down and disappointing my Grandma, so I didn't need the guilt trip from my Manic-Mom! I need to let it go, move on and except the fact that we will not be traveling to Florida. But, I can't let it go...maybe I should just go by myself for a couple of days to visit her. Then I would feel guilty leaving the boys behind. How does that look to a 6 and a 3 year old? Sorry boys, I know you want to go really bad but mommy is just going to go by herself without you...oh, and while I'm gone, you just take care of yourselves while daddy is at work. Yeah, that will work! Not!
I know that no one out there is reading this, and if you are, damn I feel sorry for you...get a life and move on. But, writing it all down has helped me realize that I can't go, my immediate family comes first and the rest of my family is out of line!
Monday, February 04, 2008
Fun weekend
It's Monday, that's for sure. Sadly, the fun weekend is over and the weekly routine is back in place. We did start the week off with a 2 hour delay thanks to ice, sleet and fog. Wes will just have a shorter school day today. Oh, and I have a nasty cold.
Chris and I had a great anniversary weekend. I have always enjoyed staying at the Hyatt when we go to Indy, but thanks to some upgrades, I thought it was even nicer. Chris enjoyed the self check in and we used a $20 voucher for food in their new bar. When Purdue game time came around we were able to find ourseleves an oversized couch, big screen tv and surround sound to watch the Boliers beat IL. Thank you very much guys! That made Chris' day because he really felt there were not going to pull off a road win.
Our dinner at St. Elmo was fantastic, as it always is. They just know how to do a steak and don't hesitate to dish out a full oversized serving of mashed potatos! We also enjoyed the Indianpolis Symphony. I thought that the patrons were rather stuffy and unfriendly, but we enjoyed listening. I must say that we were probably the youngest couple in attendance and we observed some of the most untamed, wildest old man eyebrows ever seen. Wow!
I was coming down with a cold on Saturday, thanks to the two walking, sneezing, snotting boys I live with. Thankfully Saturday was just a sore throat, because Sunday really sucked and I was parked on the couch for most of the day after our return home! By last night I couldn't taste food. I was so glad that held off for 24 hours!
So, there you have our weekend in a nutshell. The boys had fun at G & G's house, we had fun in Indy and everyone is happy. I couldn't stay awake last night to watch the end of the Supper Bowl...thanks to the adult size dose of NyQuil. I really think that stuff is just 100 proof alcohol with some medicine added, just for fun. Wow, I was out last night. Not a big fan of waking up in the morning and wondering why I felt like a medicated zombie. Hopefully tonight I can get by without it!
Enjoy your Monday.
Chris and I had a great anniversary weekend. I have always enjoyed staying at the Hyatt when we go to Indy, but thanks to some upgrades, I thought it was even nicer. Chris enjoyed the self check in and we used a $20 voucher for food in their new bar. When Purdue game time came around we were able to find ourseleves an oversized couch, big screen tv and surround sound to watch the Boliers beat IL. Thank you very much guys! That made Chris' day because he really felt there were not going to pull off a road win.
Our dinner at St. Elmo was fantastic, as it always is. They just know how to do a steak and don't hesitate to dish out a full oversized serving of mashed potatos! We also enjoyed the Indianpolis Symphony. I thought that the patrons were rather stuffy and unfriendly, but we enjoyed listening. I must say that we were probably the youngest couple in attendance and we observed some of the most untamed, wildest old man eyebrows ever seen. Wow!
I was coming down with a cold on Saturday, thanks to the two walking, sneezing, snotting boys I live with. Thankfully Saturday was just a sore throat, because Sunday really sucked and I was parked on the couch for most of the day after our return home! By last night I couldn't taste food. I was so glad that held off for 24 hours!
So, there you have our weekend in a nutshell. The boys had fun at G & G's house, we had fun in Indy and everyone is happy. I couldn't stay awake last night to watch the end of the Supper Bowl...thanks to the adult size dose of NyQuil. I really think that stuff is just 100 proof alcohol with some medicine added, just for fun. Wow, I was out last night. Not a big fan of waking up in the morning and wondering why I felt like a medicated zombie. Hopefully tonight I can get by without it!
Enjoy your Monday.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Snow day
Thanks to Mother Nature, we have a snow day at our house. We probably got about 5 or 6 inches of snow in the past 24 hours. All the schools around here were closed for the day. Which, surprises me because that's all it was, a few inches of snow. Oh well. I just finished snow blowing the drive way and side walks, while the boys enjoyed playing in the snow. We just had to make a little snow man. It's been a nice day at home without places to go and things to do!
Now, it can stop snowing! Chris and I are headed down to Indy tomorrow morning to spend the weekend. I'd rather not drive in a snow storm, so it can stop now. If I have to ride to Indy in a snow plow, I will. Nothing is going to keep me from a weekend away with my hubby!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Now, it can stop snowing! Chris and I are headed down to Indy tomorrow morning to spend the weekend. I'd rather not drive in a snow storm, so it can stop now. If I have to ride to Indy in a snow plow, I will. Nothing is going to keep me from a weekend away with my hubby!
Have a great weekend everyone!
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