Happy Birthday, Love! Can't wait to grow old together!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Robert's Dirty Thirty
My husband turned 30 this past August 17th and I decided to throw a surprise party at our house. I contemplated the idea for awhile before actually going through with it. I didn't know how well I'd be able to pull it off without having his help with it all and especially didn't know how I'd foot the bill while keeping his in the dark. I figured out a way and before I knew it had a whole slew of peeps RSVPing for this shin dig. I prayed the weather would follow suit and to my luck it did! We had the party on a Friday night so that I'd have the day to prepare while he was working. My parents and in-laws helped tremendously and I wouldn't have pulled it off without their help. Aunt Terri also saved me the day of with offering to stay with the girls while I got ready! We had Mat's Cafe pulled pork as the main dish and other side dishes and apps made by my mom, mother-in-law, sis-n-laws and myself. We also had a keg, bonfire, lawn games and music. It was a great time and everyone enjoyed being together celebrating 30 years of Robert's life!
NIghts are getting colder...
...and the days are getting shorter. Oh how I am enjoying these fall weekends. I just love lounging around, not having anywhere to go, and spending time with my family. This weekend was especially nice because my husband was not away at a Michigan football game and we were able to just be together as a family. Apparently, I was so tired that I set my alarm Friday night and awoke to it going off at 6 am- SATURDAY morning. uggh Of course, we were both awake and couldn't fall back asleep. Why is it that during the week, when I have to get up, I have no problems falling asleep in between my several "snoozes" but come the weekend, I am up and wide awake? Not cool.
The only good part to that was knowing I could take a lovely nap in the afternoon. (and I did!)
We decided to visit Adams Farm to pick out some pumpkins. We usually go to Flavor Fruit Farms but every year we always say how we need to find somewhere less crowded. This year we did just that and it was so nice not dealing with the crowds.
Later that evening, Nae and Tony came over to watch the game and have pizza. The girls enjoyed playing with their Aunt Nae!
The only good part to that was knowing I could take a lovely nap in the afternoon. (and I did!)
We decided to visit Adams Farm to pick out some pumpkins. We usually go to Flavor Fruit Farms but every year we always say how we need to find somewhere less crowded. This year we did just that and it was so nice not dealing with the crowds.
Later that evening, Nae and Tony came over to watch the game and have pizza. The girls enjoyed playing with their Aunt Nae!
Sisterly love:)
1st Day of Preschool!
Madelyn started preschool this year and is having an absolute blast. She has adjusted well to a new environment and has made several friends from her class and morning childcare. Her teachers, Mrs. Mannor & Mrs. Jones, are wonderful and it's obvious of their special bond with the little ones they teach.
Tuesday through Thursday mornings, I take Madelyn to childcare which is right down the hallway from her classroom. She is there from 8-11, then eats lunch in the cafeteria with her preschool friends as well as the 3 year old preschoolers who attend childcare in the afternoon. At noon, Miss Pam takes the 4 year olds down the hall to their classroom where they have to answer the question of the day before entering the room. School lets out at 3 o'clock and the kids play outside with the childcare clan for awhile. I pick her up around 3:45. Monday and Friday she still goes to Penny's house with Alyssa. This is nice because she gets a good nap on those days and still gets to see Penny and all of her friends there.
The biggest adjustment for Madelyn has been going without a nap. She had been skipping naps prior to school starting but with 3 full and busy days in a row, she is completely wiped out by the time I pick her up. Wednesdays are even more busy because we head straight to ballet from school and don't get back home until 6:30. Madelyn's become accustomed to falling asleep pretty much daily during the car ride after school. It's a tiring week for us all! Needless to say, both the girls crash once they hit their bed at night. Bedtime has gotten earlier with Alyssa is bed by 7 and Madelyn 7:30. Then it's up and at 'em the next morning to do it all over again!
Tuesday through Thursday mornings, I take Madelyn to childcare which is right down the hallway from her classroom. She is there from 8-11, then eats lunch in the cafeteria with her preschool friends as well as the 3 year old preschoolers who attend childcare in the afternoon. At noon, Miss Pam takes the 4 year olds down the hall to their classroom where they have to answer the question of the day before entering the room. School lets out at 3 o'clock and the kids play outside with the childcare clan for awhile. I pick her up around 3:45. Monday and Friday she still goes to Penny's house with Alyssa. This is nice because she gets a good nap on those days and still gets to see Penny and all of her friends there.
The biggest adjustment for Madelyn has been going without a nap. She had been skipping naps prior to school starting but with 3 full and busy days in a row, she is completely wiped out by the time I pick her up. Wednesdays are even more busy because we head straight to ballet from school and don't get back home until 6:30. Madelyn's become accustomed to falling asleep pretty much daily during the car ride after school. It's a tiring week for us all! Needless to say, both the girls crash once they hit their bed at night. Bedtime has gotten earlier with Alyssa is bed by 7 and Madelyn 7:30. Then it's up and at 'em the next morning to do it all over again!
Here she is at open house the Wednesday before school began. It was also right after her first night of ballet at the Academy of the Arts.
My silly girls:
Daddy and his girls:
So proud of my Maddy boo!
My girl & I:
Isn't she beautiful?
Standing by her locker when we first arrived at school. She was a little timid at first:
Love you Madelyn! We are so proud of the sweet girl you've become and look forward to all of the new learning opportunities that await you this year!!:)
Monday, May 21, 2012
Myrtle Beach 2012
What a great time we are having here in Myrtle Beach! It's been so nice to slip away from the busyness of our schedules and enjoy some time just being a family.- not to mention in the warm sunshine with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic! We are on day 7 of our vacation but I am going to do my best to recall the events of our week...
Day 1: Saturday
We had an early morning flight, 8:00 to be exact, which meant we were out the door at 5am and headed to the airport. Aunt Terri was so kind and offered to drive us the night before we left. We gladly excepted the offer and were happy not to pay long term parking costs:) woo hoo! The girls slept in their clothes so that we could just get them out of bed and put them into the car. Madelyn thought this was pretty cool and I've had to remind her that this won't become habit. :) Girls were in good spirits as we squished into our escape and headed to Metro. Nobody went back to sleep on the way either. We arrived and slowly moved our way toward the check in line. I don't recall not being able to check in online when Madelyn was a baby but apparently with Sprint they don't allow it if you have a lap child. boo. The line was long but moved quickly. We had 2 strollers. 2 carseats, 2 suitcases, diaper bags and 2 girls. We were happy to get rid of the carseats and luggage to say the least. The security line was ridiculously long, however, when we got it line it grew another mile behind us. We made it through without any hiccups. Girls were cooperating but I had to pee after having my coffee. oh joy! We made it to our gate and then had breakfast at McDonald's. Tummy's were full and I anticipated at least Alyssa would fall asleep on the plane. I grabbed some gum and snacks while Robert let Alyssa run around for about 5 minutes before it was time to board.
We were seated in the very last row with 3 seats all together. Madelyn was stoked to play the new i pad and Alyssa watched, all the while trying to poke her cute little fingers at it just like her big sissy. Lou was exhausted and sucked away at her binky many times but didn't' fall asleep until about 10 minutes before the descent began. Go figure. All in all, it was a great flight. Alyssa had no problems staying in my lap and being content. If you know Alyssa, this is quite a feat for her but she triumphed! Madelyn thought the plane ride was pretty neat, enjoyed seeing the clouds out her window and looking at the wings. 10:00 AM- welcome to Myrtle Beach!
Checked the hotel- full, McCallister's for lunch, Tanger Outlets, Sightseeing drive, went to beach, checked into hotel at 3:30, nap, pool, pizza from Pizza Shak in room.
Day 2: Sunday
4 mile run, Beach, naps, Broadway at the Beach- Hard Rock Cafe
Day 3: Monday
Beach, naps, walked to 2nd ave pier- BUST, Murrells Inlet- Russells seafood mmmm:)
Day 4: Tuesday
4.5 mile run, beach, icecream, naps, Myabi- Japanese Steakhouse
Day 5: Wednesday
beach, naps, beach, Pier 14 Bar & Grill, "Boom your buttcheeks out!", mommy & maddy got icecream next to hotel, ordered airbrush tee for M.
Day 6: Thursday
shelling in am, beach, naps, Barefoot Landing- Fire Island Grille, Maggie Moo's icecream
day 7: Friday
breakfast at 2nd ave pier, Broadway at the Beach- Medieval Times dinner show
Day 8: Saturday
Just now discovered the Dunkin Dounuts a block up the road...I've been having less than par coffee all week! Checked out of the hotel at 11 am and hung out at the beach until 3. The girls were great, so content. I'm speaking more for Alyssa, since this was smack dab in the middle of her usual nap time. They both played well and I soaked up some last minute sun. We cleaned up in the lobby and changed our clothes before heading back to the airport for our 6 o'clock flight. Alyssa was exhausted and threw some fits on the plane. stressful to get her asleep which she finally did with about 5 minutes left of the flight. oh joy.
GREAT TRIP! Can't wait for next year's adventures:)
Day 1: Saturday
We had an early morning flight, 8:00 to be exact, which meant we were out the door at 5am and headed to the airport. Aunt Terri was so kind and offered to drive us the night before we left. We gladly excepted the offer and were happy not to pay long term parking costs:) woo hoo! The girls slept in their clothes so that we could just get them out of bed and put them into the car. Madelyn thought this was pretty cool and I've had to remind her that this won't become habit. :) Girls were in good spirits as we squished into our escape and headed to Metro. Nobody went back to sleep on the way either. We arrived and slowly moved our way toward the check in line. I don't recall not being able to check in online when Madelyn was a baby but apparently with Sprint they don't allow it if you have a lap child. boo. The line was long but moved quickly. We had 2 strollers. 2 carseats, 2 suitcases, diaper bags and 2 girls. We were happy to get rid of the carseats and luggage to say the least. The security line was ridiculously long, however, when we got it line it grew another mile behind us. We made it through without any hiccups. Girls were cooperating but I had to pee after having my coffee. oh joy! We made it to our gate and then had breakfast at McDonald's. Tummy's were full and I anticipated at least Alyssa would fall asleep on the plane. I grabbed some gum and snacks while Robert let Alyssa run around for about 5 minutes before it was time to board.
We were seated in the very last row with 3 seats all together. Madelyn was stoked to play the new i pad and Alyssa watched, all the while trying to poke her cute little fingers at it just like her big sissy. Lou was exhausted and sucked away at her binky many times but didn't' fall asleep until about 10 minutes before the descent began. Go figure. All in all, it was a great flight. Alyssa had no problems staying in my lap and being content. If you know Alyssa, this is quite a feat for her but she triumphed! Madelyn thought the plane ride was pretty neat, enjoyed seeing the clouds out her window and looking at the wings. 10:00 AM- welcome to Myrtle Beach!
Checked the hotel- full, McCallister's for lunch, Tanger Outlets, Sightseeing drive, went to beach, checked into hotel at 3:30, nap, pool, pizza from Pizza Shak in room.
Day 2: Sunday
4 mile run, Beach, naps, Broadway at the Beach- Hard Rock Cafe
Day 3: Monday
Beach, naps, walked to 2nd ave pier- BUST, Murrells Inlet- Russells seafood mmmm:)
Day 4: Tuesday
4.5 mile run, beach, icecream, naps, Myabi- Japanese Steakhouse
Day 5: Wednesday
beach, naps, beach, Pier 14 Bar & Grill, "Boom your buttcheeks out!", mommy & maddy got icecream next to hotel, ordered airbrush tee for M.
Day 6: Thursday
shelling in am, beach, naps, Barefoot Landing- Fire Island Grille, Maggie Moo's icecream
day 7: Friday
breakfast at 2nd ave pier, Broadway at the Beach- Medieval Times dinner show
Day 8: Saturday
Just now discovered the Dunkin Dounuts a block up the road...I've been having less than par coffee all week! Checked out of the hotel at 11 am and hung out at the beach until 3. The girls were great, so content. I'm speaking more for Alyssa, since this was smack dab in the middle of her usual nap time. They both played well and I soaked up some last minute sun. We cleaned up in the lobby and changed our clothes before heading back to the airport for our 6 o'clock flight. Alyssa was exhausted and threw some fits on the plane. stressful to get her asleep which she finally did with about 5 minutes left of the flight. oh joy.
GREAT TRIP! Can't wait for next year's adventures:)
Some very random updates:)
- Well today is Monday and I am spending the day at home with my little ladies! Not because any of us are sick, we are quite healthy, but because Penny (daycare provider) is on vacation this week. It came at a pretty inconvenient time with only a few weeks left of school but oh well, what can ya do?
- So the girls will be with my mom a couple of days and my Grandma on Friday. Robert may be home with them on Thursday, not sure yet. I am actually welcoming having a day home during the week. It's been a long time since we were vacationing this year during Spring Break- which reminds me, I do have a draft going on that vacation- shoot...totally forgot to finish that one up!! (that will come soon...I hope)
- This past weekend was amaaaazzing!!! The weather was absolutely gorgeous and we spent so much time outside! I was able to get my flowers planted and the girls splashed around in the pool both days. Madelyn spent hours in there with the neighbor girl, Erin. At the end of the day, the girls were filthy from being wet, running in the grass, coloring with sidewalk chalk, towing things in and out of the garage etc. Those are the best days- so care-free! Nae and Tony came over for dinner and beers and we sat and roasted on the deck. It nothing short of spectacular! I LOVE SUMMER.
- The dock is in!!!! Next weekend's weather outlook is good!!! Can't wait to spend it lakeside with my fam:)
- I'm on week two of seven in a reading class that is required by the state of Michigan for renewing my teaching license. The class is a nice change of pace from my usual master's program classes. I have papers due every week, rather than every two weeks. So far, I have spent both Sunday nights up until 11 or so writing my papers. I just can't bring myself to sit on the computer during the weekend and especially with lovely weather. It will be nice to soon be home and have time to write the papers during the week.
- About a month ago, Robert and I watched an infomercial for the world's greatest pill- "My Pillow" and well, I was suckered. I am always complaining about how flat my pillows get and that I just want a nice pillow. So I got online and ordered it. Robert made fun of my the entire time and so I opted to order one for him also. He has lots of sleep troubles anyway. Plus it was a 60 day money back guarantee. I figured, if it's as nice and they say, then I've scored and if not, I tried (and get my money back) right? Let me tell you this pillow is AWESOME!!! and Robert most of all has told many people about the wonders it has done for his sleep! We've had a few people order them after out testimony. such a simple thing but so important to have good sleep. check it out, if you having trouble sleeping. warning: the infomercial is pretty comical and cheesy but the product does deliver.
- Robert has been at his new job for a couple of months and they recently moved into their building and love it. We had the ribbon cutting ceremony two weeks ago and it was pretty neat to be there for the grand opening. They have 5 guys and they make a great team.
- I've been running for the past few months and just love it. It always get more difficult to keep it up in the summer because I don't enjoy running in the real heat and the girls are home with me all day though. I will do my best.
- Ohhh! I've run 2 races this summer so far and have a few more to do. The last one I placed 3rd in my age group and won....a pair of socks! (ha) With each race I've improved my time by 2+ minutes. What a thrill that is crossing the finish line and seeing my time get shorter. Love it!
- 13 MORE DAYS!!!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Brutally Honest...
It has been forever since I last posted on this blog. I always have such good thoughts and think "I should blog this!" but then I can't seem to sit down and actually do it. Tonight is different. I am going to type this for myself and if someone else stumbles upon it then maybe you can offer some advice or encouragement. Here goes...
I have two wonderful, amazing, beautiful and healthy little girls. I love them with everything I have and then some. I thank God for all the joy they have brought into the lives of my husband and I. I love being a mom and even more, love being their mom. For as long as I can remember, it has always been a dream to have a larger family than what I had growing up. Now, I am not criticizing my parents for choosing to have just me and my brother. I love my brother, I really do. But, with that said, I often wish I had more siblings to share this life with. When I met Robert, I still thought that I wanted to have four children, no questions about it. He had a very different picture in mind. Although, he came from a family of four children, he did not want more than two. Of course, this was early on and we laughed and joked about this topic. Every girl thinks they can persuade their guy in just about every area, right?
Fast forward to today.....2 daughters and my husband STILL insists on no more kids. While I know he absolutely adores our girls and loves them with all he's got, he has a different picture of complete than I do. This makes my heart ache. Some days more than others. We've had the emotionally draining, hours long conversation of why I want another and why he so strongly believes there are already too many people on this planet and we don't need to add another. I get his argument, I really do, although not to the extent that I want to stop having children. After all, I am not asking for a dozen, just ONE more. ONE more is that really so much to ask? Apparently, it is.
Then there's the conversation about money...Oh money....how I love you and loathe you all at once. We already have TWO college tuitions to pay for, TWO vehicles, TWO weddings, TWO wardrobes (technically 1 since they are both girls), TWO daycare costs (temporary), TWO airplane tickets for vacations...and the list goes on. I have many pros and cons on my list as well. I am thankful to have a husband who is so money conscious and who does not want to live in debt and who takes it upon him to make sure we are financially well and set for a good future but WHYYYYY or why can't we agree on this one issue?!
I hear of other women who will say things like "Oh my husband doesn't want any more" or "It's not up to him" or "what if we just have an oops?" and this drives me bonkers!!! This drives me bonkers for a few reasons. 1) I know that for me, it's not as simple as "ill just talk him into it" 2) my husband isn't a push-over, not even close 3) I would never, never in a million years wish to have an "oops" in this situation for it would just not be good on our marriage if my husband weren't all for it. Madelyn was an "oops" and this is why I do not do the pills anymore. No chance of an oops:( I always getting very frustrated when Facebook turns into a baby competition. Don't get me wrong, I am happy for those who learn they are expecting but for real, when it's not always that simple for everyone, it sure can annoy the heck out of me. In case anyone reads this- Please, please no offense to ANYONE. It's not your fault.
I don't need sympathy, sometimes I just want to feel like I'm not the only mom/wife in this situation. I can't be the only one out there who is in disagreement with their husband on this topic, am I? Oh, I wish is weren't so complicated. blaah
I have two wonderful, amazing, beautiful and healthy little girls. I love them with everything I have and then some. I thank God for all the joy they have brought into the lives of my husband and I. I love being a mom and even more, love being their mom. For as long as I can remember, it has always been a dream to have a larger family than what I had growing up. Now, I am not criticizing my parents for choosing to have just me and my brother. I love my brother, I really do. But, with that said, I often wish I had more siblings to share this life with. When I met Robert, I still thought that I wanted to have four children, no questions about it. He had a very different picture in mind. Although, he came from a family of four children, he did not want more than two. Of course, this was early on and we laughed and joked about this topic. Every girl thinks they can persuade their guy in just about every area, right?
Fast forward to today.....2 daughters and my husband STILL insists on no more kids. While I know he absolutely adores our girls and loves them with all he's got, he has a different picture of complete than I do. This makes my heart ache. Some days more than others. We've had the emotionally draining, hours long conversation of why I want another and why he so strongly believes there are already too many people on this planet and we don't need to add another. I get his argument, I really do, although not to the extent that I want to stop having children. After all, I am not asking for a dozen, just ONE more. ONE more is that really so much to ask? Apparently, it is.
Then there's the conversation about money...Oh money....how I love you and loathe you all at once. We already have TWO college tuitions to pay for, TWO vehicles, TWO weddings, TWO wardrobes (technically 1 since they are both girls), TWO daycare costs (temporary), TWO airplane tickets for vacations...and the list goes on. I have many pros and cons on my list as well. I am thankful to have a husband who is so money conscious and who does not want to live in debt and who takes it upon him to make sure we are financially well and set for a good future but WHYYYYY or why can't we agree on this one issue?!
I hear of other women who will say things like "Oh my husband doesn't want any more" or "It's not up to him" or "what if we just have an oops?" and this drives me bonkers!!! This drives me bonkers for a few reasons. 1) I know that for me, it's not as simple as "ill just talk him into it" 2) my husband isn't a push-over, not even close 3) I would never, never in a million years wish to have an "oops" in this situation for it would just not be good on our marriage if my husband weren't all for it. Madelyn was an "oops" and this is why I do not do the pills anymore. No chance of an oops:( I always getting very frustrated when Facebook turns into a baby competition. Don't get me wrong, I am happy for those who learn they are expecting but for real, when it's not always that simple for everyone, it sure can annoy the heck out of me. In case anyone reads this- Please, please no offense to ANYONE. It's not your fault.
I don't need sympathy, sometimes I just want to feel like I'm not the only mom/wife in this situation. I can't be the only one out there who is in disagreement with their husband on this topic, am I? Oh, I wish is weren't so complicated. blaah
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
