We had a busy weekend. In between watching basketball on tv we managed to go to a Komet's home game. That was fun and probably the last regular season game for us. They have extended their home winning streak to something like 25 games. Good for them. Play offs start soon.
My parents came down to visit for a few hours on Sunday. It is a long drive for just a few hours, but that is all they ever seem to do. Mom mentioned maybe next time they come they would stay Saturday night and go home Sunday. Wow, what a concept! Of course, that means someone else, besides her, would have to take care of the horses!
Today marks the start of Spring Break for Wes. I've been trying to plan out the week but a few key things haven't fallen into place yet. My Dad, who works for GM, might be laid off this week. If that happens we will try and plan a visit with him. If that doesn't work out then we need to plan something to do each day so that the boys (and I) do not go stir crazy! I've got ideas for each day but I hate to say yes to our friends and then cancel if we can make plans with my dad.
Anyway...we went to the "big" library today and it was a zoo. I guess everyone was thinking the way I was and it was full of kids....and loud! It should be a bit warmer this week but it's rainy today. Not much of a play outside day. Darn weather doesn't seem to know it's Spring Break!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Dog gone
My family will never own a dog. For the past two weeks our family (mostly me) watched my in-laws dog while they were gone to Phoenix to visit their other son, Stu. We offered the option of "the dog" staying at our house because they were going to kennel her for two weeks. While I'm not a big fan of their Aussie, I felt two weeks of kenneling was extreme.
So, Chris and I talked it over and we made the offer to keep "the dog" and they accepted. I had a system worked out so that she could go out in the backyard on a long rope. Even though our back yard is fenced, she could easily have gone under or over our fence!
The past two weeks have been difficult, to say the least. "The dog" was stressed out here and despite being outside A LOT continued to make messes on our carpet. Which, pissed me off. She is not kept in a crate, so just putting her up was not an option. My family is strong believers in being able to crate a dog and our dogs have always been able to do that. So, toward the end of her stay she was either outside, in our laundry room (where she conveniently never made a mess because she would have had to stay in it) or sleeping at night in our room.
I was soooooooooo damn happy when the in-laws returned and retrieved their dog. We will never, ever own a dog and I firmly believe that after our cat goes to kitty heaven we will no longer own any pets. The cat was my mistake before we owned our home. But, I do not like having animals in my home and we never will again!!!!
So, Chris and I talked it over and we made the offer to keep "the dog" and they accepted. I had a system worked out so that she could go out in the backyard on a long rope. Even though our back yard is fenced, she could easily have gone under or over our fence!
The past two weeks have been difficult, to say the least. "The dog" was stressed out here and despite being outside A LOT continued to make messes on our carpet. Which, pissed me off. She is not kept in a crate, so just putting her up was not an option. My family is strong believers in being able to crate a dog and our dogs have always been able to do that. So, toward the end of her stay she was either outside, in our laundry room (where she conveniently never made a mess because she would have had to stay in it) or sleeping at night in our room.
I was soooooooooo damn happy when the in-laws returned and retrieved their dog. We will never, ever own a dog and I firmly believe that after our cat goes to kitty heaven we will no longer own any pets. The cat was my mistake before we owned our home. But, I do not like having animals in my home and we never will again!!!!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Seven things you might not know about me...
So, I didn't some up with this idea, I'm stealing it from another blogger. I rather liked the idea and thought it would be a fun change of pace.
1. I wore white Keds (tennis shoes) on my wedding day. No, I'm not a fitness junkie and I really do love cute, wedding shoes...but less than 5 months before our wedding day I had a second ankle surgery to fuse my right ankle. I spent the months leading up to our wedding in physical therapy hoping that I would be able to walk down the aisle minus a cast and without limping. Function beat out fashion for my wedding day. I did decorate them and they looked very wedding like!
2. I have no siblings. It's just me. When I was little and if someone asked me if I had siblings I would say "No, I'm a lonely child". Along those lines, I come from a very small family and I am the only grandchild on my mom's side. My boys will sadly never have first cousins and I will never be an aunt and Chris will never be an uncle. I think my parents did a pretty good job of making sure I wasn't spoiled, but I will admit that I got to do a lot of stuff with my grandparents that most kids do not get to experience. We traveled all over the place on their boat and I always spent time with them in Florida. This is another reason way I am so close to my Grandma and my Grandpa, who has passed.
3. I have a very bad habit of picking at my lips. I have always had a fixation with picking at things. I started out sucking my thumb and did that into elementary school. After braces for my teeth began, I moved on from thumb sucking to picking at my thumb. I don't really remember at what point I stopped doing that, but I have a very bad habit of picking my lips instead! Sadly, Connor constantly picks at his finger nails. Sorry buddy. That neurotic tendency definitely came from me!
4. I love sports. Not playing them, mind you, but watching and being a fan. My favorites would be college football, college basketball, professional hockey and then professional football. I despise professional basketball (I really think most of the players are just hoodlums!) and I don't care for baseball - too boring! One of my favorite times of the year is coming up with March Madness. For the past two years I have come so close to winning the pool I have been in, but no cigar. Maybe this will be my year!
5. I really like curling. Back home, in Michigan, we could get Canadian channels that had curling on all the time. I would sit and watch it for hours and everyone in my family, including my husband, thinks I'm nuts. It also doesn't make much sense that I like it, considering I think baseball is boring...but I also respect curling because last I'd heard there were never any curling/steroid scandals! I would love to try it some day. Unfortunately, I do not think there are any curling places around here. I guess I will have to stick with bowling.
6. I nearly died from childbirth with our second son. I was untreated for a type of preeclampsia called H.E.L.P Syndrome. A nasty little problem that nearly cost me my life. Connor was delivered via emergency c-section under general anesthesia. Chris wasn't even allowed in the operating room. I was so upset about him not being present for the birth of our second son. I guess under the circumstances I could see why he wasn't allowed in the room, but it still upsets me that he wasn't able to be there for Connor. I probably had H.E.L.P Syndrome with my first pregnancy but the symptoms were not as pronounced. Probably a good thing for Connor that it wasn't as bad with Wes, otherwise Connor might not be here. No more children for our family!
7. My family has horses and I used to be a riding instructor. I graduated from the the University of Finlday with an Associates Degree in English Equestrian Studies. I rode hunter/jumpers and competed at horse shows in Michigan. I loved jumping and so did my Thoroughbred mare. I went on to get my Bachelors Degree from the University of Michigan - Flint in a "real" degree, but all the while I was teaching lessons and had roughly 30 students most of the time. I enjoyed it, but with marriage and a family horses have become a part of my past. Some day when we can afford it, and my boys have grown up considerably, I will return to horses and get back in the saddle.
So there you have it. Seven things you didn't know about me. That was fun and I would encourage you to do it!
1. I wore white Keds (tennis shoes) on my wedding day. No, I'm not a fitness junkie and I really do love cute, wedding shoes...but less than 5 months before our wedding day I had a second ankle surgery to fuse my right ankle. I spent the months leading up to our wedding in physical therapy hoping that I would be able to walk down the aisle minus a cast and without limping. Function beat out fashion for my wedding day. I did decorate them and they looked very wedding like!
2. I have no siblings. It's just me. When I was little and if someone asked me if I had siblings I would say "No, I'm a lonely child". Along those lines, I come from a very small family and I am the only grandchild on my mom's side. My boys will sadly never have first cousins and I will never be an aunt and Chris will never be an uncle. I think my parents did a pretty good job of making sure I wasn't spoiled, but I will admit that I got to do a lot of stuff with my grandparents that most kids do not get to experience. We traveled all over the place on their boat and I always spent time with them in Florida. This is another reason way I am so close to my Grandma and my Grandpa, who has passed.
3. I have a very bad habit of picking at my lips. I have always had a fixation with picking at things. I started out sucking my thumb and did that into elementary school. After braces for my teeth began, I moved on from thumb sucking to picking at my thumb. I don't really remember at what point I stopped doing that, but I have a very bad habit of picking my lips instead! Sadly, Connor constantly picks at his finger nails. Sorry buddy. That neurotic tendency definitely came from me!
4. I love sports. Not playing them, mind you, but watching and being a fan. My favorites would be college football, college basketball, professional hockey and then professional football. I despise professional basketball (I really think most of the players are just hoodlums!) and I don't care for baseball - too boring! One of my favorite times of the year is coming up with March Madness. For the past two years I have come so close to winning the pool I have been in, but no cigar. Maybe this will be my year!
5. I really like curling. Back home, in Michigan, we could get Canadian channels that had curling on all the time. I would sit and watch it for hours and everyone in my family, including my husband, thinks I'm nuts. It also doesn't make much sense that I like it, considering I think baseball is boring...but I also respect curling because last I'd heard there were never any curling/steroid scandals! I would love to try it some day. Unfortunately, I do not think there are any curling places around here. I guess I will have to stick with bowling.
6. I nearly died from childbirth with our second son. I was untreated for a type of preeclampsia called H.E.L.P Syndrome. A nasty little problem that nearly cost me my life. Connor was delivered via emergency c-section under general anesthesia. Chris wasn't even allowed in the operating room. I was so upset about him not being present for the birth of our second son. I guess under the circumstances I could see why he wasn't allowed in the room, but it still upsets me that he wasn't able to be there for Connor. I probably had H.E.L.P Syndrome with my first pregnancy but the symptoms were not as pronounced. Probably a good thing for Connor that it wasn't as bad with Wes, otherwise Connor might not be here. No more children for our family!
7. My family has horses and I used to be a riding instructor. I graduated from the the University of Finlday with an Associates Degree in English Equestrian Studies. I rode hunter/jumpers and competed at horse shows in Michigan. I loved jumping and so did my Thoroughbred mare. I went on to get my Bachelors Degree from the University of Michigan - Flint in a "real" degree, but all the while I was teaching lessons and had roughly 30 students most of the time. I enjoyed it, but with marriage and a family horses have become a part of my past. Some day when we can afford it, and my boys have grown up considerably, I will return to horses and get back in the saddle.
So there you have it. Seven things you didn't know about me. That was fun and I would encourage you to do it!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Godspeed, Reece
It is with so much sadness today that Chris and I realize our friends are spending their last moments with Reece. There was nothing else for doctors to do for her little heart. Her family will be saying goodbye to her today and she will be removed from the machines...her body free.
To anyone who may be reading this today, please say a prayer for a peaceful passing for Reece, for strength for her parents and for the rest of her family. While they will miss her dearly they have said that God created her, protected her and will now take her to be with him.
Godspeed Reece and fly high sweet angel.
To anyone who may be reading this today, please say a prayer for a peaceful passing for Reece, for strength for her parents and for the rest of her family. While they will miss her dearly they have said that God created her, protected her and will now take her to be with him.
Godspeed Reece and fly high sweet angel.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
This weekend
It has been a good family weekend. Chris was out of town on business for the later part of the week. The boys were excited to have him back when they got up Saturday morning. I'm reminded when Chris is gone of how much I need him at home and how much I miss him. We all went to the Komet's game last night and they beat Flint. Today we are just taking it easy. Hopefully Illinois can beat Wisconsin today in the Ben Ten Tounrey. Much sadness was around after Purdue lost.
On to the sad news of the weekend. We are being told by Reece's family that it isn't likely she is going to survive past this weekend. After the surgery they did last week doctors were just yesterday able to get her bleeding under control. They don't know why she is bleeding and they have nearly run out of options. Chris and I do not know the agony of what Evan and Lisa are going through and the decisions they will have to make today, but we do know the agony of having to watch dear friends bury their children. It is the worst thing anyone should have to endure and we are struggling to understand why horrible things like this have to happen to young children.
Hug your children, love your families and enjoy the reminder of this weekend.
On to the sad news of the weekend. We are being told by Reece's family that it isn't likely she is going to survive past this weekend. After the surgery they did last week doctors were just yesterday able to get her bleeding under control. They don't know why she is bleeding and they have nearly run out of options. Chris and I do not know the agony of what Evan and Lisa are going through and the decisions they will have to make today, but we do know the agony of having to watch dear friends bury their children. It is the worst thing anyone should have to endure and we are struggling to understand why horrible things like this have to happen to young children.
Hug your children, love your families and enjoy the reminder of this weekend.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Good news
I was so relieved to read a good update for Reece late today. I felt like I was holding my breath all day wondering how she was doing in surgery. That pales to compare to the anxiety, stress and fear her parents felt today. Hopefully in the coming days she will continue to improve and be taken off the ECMO machine. Keep fighting little one!
Open Hearts
My mind today is focused on the frality of life and our amazing hearts. While I'm typing this a friend of Chris' (through work), 2 year old daughter, Reece is back in open heart surgery at Riley fighting for her life. Surgons are trying to undo an earlier heart surgery from last week that failed. She has been on an ECMO machine keeping her alive until today. That's like being on a heart bypass machine for a week. Not good, especially for a 2 year old.
My thoughts and prayers right now are with Reece, her Mommy and Daddy, twin sister and brother. Hopefully Reece will continue to be the fighter that she has proven to be and pulls through her surgery today with a healed heart. May God be with the surgons and all her family today!
My thoughts and prayers right now are with Reece, her Mommy and Daddy, twin sister and brother. Hopefully Reece will continue to be the fighter that she has proven to be and pulls through her surgery today with a healed heart. May God be with the surgons and all her family today!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Flying Solo
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? :)
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? :)
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!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
I'm married to the Grill Master
Our anniversary was yesterday and we decided to have our favorite dinner after the boys went to bed. Our favorite dinner consists of some form of a potato and a peppercorn fillet fresh from the grill. We just recently made this for New Year's Eve without incident. Without incident means that Chris was able to use the grill on our deck, outside, in January weather.
I guess we should have checked the hourly forecast yesterday with accuweather. At the moment the boys were in bed and we were ready to warm the grill up it was storming complete with lightening, pelting rain and 30 to 40 mph wind. Poor Chris actually had to stand out in the pelting rain and hold the umbrella just right so that the grill would stay hot and cook our yummy steaks...for 15 minutes.
Now that folks, is the Grill Master. Way to go Grill Master and I salute you for sacrificing yourself so that our fillets were grilled to perfection and our anniversary meal was not lost. Grill Master also decided that we need to bring our grill into the garage next winter!
I guess we should have checked the hourly forecast yesterday with accuweather. At the moment the boys were in bed and we were ready to warm the grill up it was storming complete with lightening, pelting rain and 30 to 40 mph wind. Poor Chris actually had to stand out in the pelting rain and hold the umbrella just right so that the grill would stay hot and cook our yummy steaks...for 15 minutes.
Now that folks, is the Grill Master. Way to go Grill Master and I salute you for sacrificing yourself so that our fillets were grilled to perfection and our anniversary meal was not lost. Grill Master also decided that we need to bring our grill into the garage next winter!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Happy Anniversary to us!
Today I am sending all my love out to my amazing husband, Chris. We are celebrating our 8 year wedding anniversary today. I have considered myself so incredibly lucky to be married to such a wonderful man. Somehow he finds a way to put up with me! :)
I truly believe fate brought us together over 12 years ago. There is honestly no other explanation as to how we met. (That's a story for a different day!) During our years together I have seen Chris become a loving and protecting husband, a devoted father and an all around great best friend to me. I never thought I could find someone to spend my life with that could make he as happy as he does!
We are celebrating quietly tonight, after the boys have gone to bed, with one of our favorite dinners at home. This weekend we are taking off to Indy to spend Saturday night at the Hyatt. I am so excited to actually have "alone time" with my husband! We have dinner reservations at St. Elmo's and tickets to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra! Thank you to Chris for making all of the arrangements and getting his parents to watch the boys for us. His thoughtfulness is just another example of what makes him a great husband.
Happy Anniversary, Sweetie! I look forward to many, many more happy years together!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
More Birthday Wishes
Happy Birthday to my cool bro-in-law, Stu! He lives in Phoenix, so I know the lucky bastard is basking in a nice sunny, warm afternoon while the rest of us freeze our asses off. I'm not bitter about that or anything :)
Anyway, Happy Birthday Stu! I hope you have a great day.
Connor and I are headed to Flint for a birthday visit with my mom and also to do a Silpada party. Normally the whole fam would join us, but I have to be there by mid afternoon on Friday and I didn't want to pull Wes out of school. Thankfully my friend and neighbor is picking Wes up from school and watching him for the afternoon. Thank you Tami!
Have a great weekend everyone. Stay warm and go Boilers. Beat the evil Cheese Badgers on Saturday. Please, pretty please...it will make Chris so happy!
Anyway, Happy Birthday Stu! I hope you have a great day.
Connor and I are headed to Flint for a birthday visit with my mom and also to do a Silpada party. Normally the whole fam would join us, but I have to be there by mid afternoon on Friday and I didn't want to pull Wes out of school. Thankfully my friend and neighbor is picking Wes up from school and watching him for the afternoon. Thank you Tami!
Have a great weekend everyone. Stay warm and go Boilers. Beat the evil Cheese Badgers on Saturday. Please, pretty please...it will make Chris so happy!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Birthday wishes
Happy Birthday to my good friend Laura!
Those wishes go out to my college buddy from the University of Findlay days. We had a good laugh on the phone this morning complaining about the cold. Back when we were students we had to ride everyday, regardless of how cold it was. And let me tell you, there were mornings when we had to ride when it wasn't even 10 degrees!
We both decided we have definitely lost our "edge" for the cold. We were whining like babies today at how cold it is outside. Evidently the more birthdays you have the more you loose your temperature toughness!
Have a great day Laura!
Those wishes go out to my college buddy from the University of Findlay days. We had a good laugh on the phone this morning complaining about the cold. Back when we were students we had to ride everyday, regardless of how cold it was. And let me tell you, there were mornings when we had to ride when it wasn't even 10 degrees!
We both decided we have definitely lost our "edge" for the cold. We were whining like babies today at how cold it is outside. Evidently the more birthdays you have the more you loose your temperature toughness!
Have a great day Laura!
Thanks for sharing.
I must say that I was surprised and touched to see a "thanks" posted on my site from proud pappa Nate. He keeps getting better and better news about his girls and I am just thrilled for his family. Way to go Tricia and Gwyneth! And, thank you Nate....keep up the great work you are doing as a husband and daddy.
http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/
I will also say, and this comes as a great surprise to me, my views about organ donation have greatly changed. I've never known anyone who has had to go through the difficult process of waiting and recieving an organ donation. I have always been in awe of the generosity of both the organ donor and the donors family. At a time when surviving family members must be going through great pain and loss they give the greatest gift from their loved one.
So now that I have gotten a small glimsp into the world of transplants and organ donation I want to say my views have changed. I've always wanted to give to those in need throughout my life. If it is a coat the boys have outgrown or just something in my closet I never seem to wear, I pass it along. Why wouldn't I want to continue to give to those in need after I die? Considering that I really won't be needing my organs any more, the least I could do is pass them on to someone who needs them more than I do. That would be the greatest gift I could ever give and a legacy I would be proud to pass on to my children.
So, thanks again to Nate for sharing his family with "the world" and also helping to advance a cause that he probably didn't realize he was advancing. And, I would encourage those reading to think twice about sharing the gift of life with others!
http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/
I will also say, and this comes as a great surprise to me, my views about organ donation have greatly changed. I've never known anyone who has had to go through the difficult process of waiting and recieving an organ donation. I have always been in awe of the generosity of both the organ donor and the donors family. At a time when surviving family members must be going through great pain and loss they give the greatest gift from their loved one.
So now that I have gotten a small glimsp into the world of transplants and organ donation I want to say my views have changed. I've always wanted to give to those in need throughout my life. If it is a coat the boys have outgrown or just something in my closet I never seem to wear, I pass it along. Why wouldn't I want to continue to give to those in need after I die? Considering that I really won't be needing my organs any more, the least I could do is pass them on to someone who needs them more than I do. That would be the greatest gift I could ever give and a legacy I would be proud to pass on to my children.
So, thanks again to Nate for sharing his family with "the world" and also helping to advance a cause that he probably didn't realize he was advancing. And, I would encourage those reading to think twice about sharing the gift of life with others!
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