Vacation

Sorry it has been so long! With the holidays and then getting ready for vacation it has been a whirlwind start of 2010. To catch up on my life. The kids turned 4 on Christmas, we survived Christmas, and the new year. We had a new years get together with a few friends and lot of kids. Then we started getting ready for vacation. We had a great time. 9 days was a long time for kids to be away from their toys. We had great plane rides. Everything was on time! Miraculous. The kids did great Emily watched TV and slept while Zach even caught a short nap with Poppo. Once we arrived in the Happiest Place on Earth the fun began. Our cabin which we stayed in was great! I would highly recommend staying on one at Disney it had a full kitchen plenty of area outside for the kids to run and ride bikes and everything was within walking distance or they had a great transportation to anywhere with Disney. The kids loved the pool area. Even went down the BIG water slide. The parks were loads of fun. We did not even venture to Hollywood studios since there was not alot to do for the little ones. Animal Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom were perfect. I will have to do another Blog on the Pirate League and Bibbity Bobbity Boutique oh my that was fun. Zach was not as adventurous as Em. Overall the Breakfast with Mickey was a hit and the fireworks and light parade were awesome, Seeing their faces light up when they saw Cinderella castle was wonderful and knowing that in 3 or 4 years when we return it will be a completely different experience. We had a great time! Here are just a few of the 1500 pics Dave took. Yes we have the most well documented vacation ever!

weekend update

Wow you can tell Christmas is coming! This weekend was full! Saturday we went and saw the Princess and the Frog. Cute. I'm sure we will be bombarded with Princess and the Frog while at Disney in January. Oh did I forget to tell you we are going to Disney. Yeah I'm a little excited to say the least. Honestly think I am more excited for Disney than Christmas this year! We also had the annual Church Christmas program. Yes we came away from the event with no funniest home video material. Thank you Jesus! Then it was a two hour play time outside in the snow with Daddy while mommy frantically cleaned. Then the big man himself paid a visit. I mean Santa of course. It was awesome. We invited our friends Kyle, Lisa and their two girls over to have dinner and incredibly Santa came to visit. The wonder on the kids face was amazing. I almost cried. I said almost! Zach was just adorable. As soon as he realized it was Santa he was right up there talking to him and showing him where to sit and was the first on his lap, but when the big moment came and he was asked what he wanted for Christmas you could hear the birds chirping. (that is if we were not in Michigan and it was cold outside and the all the birds have flown south for the winter) Zach was starstruck and could not answer. Needless to say that is what moms are for with a little reminder Zach asked for Buzz and Woody! Mission accomplished. Emily on the other hand was not as fond of Santa. She refused to sit on his lap and would only approach the man in the red suit with mom by her side. she would not answer Santa's questions so I had to fill in the what do you want for Christmas statement with a Princess radio. I must admit. This is a highlight of the holiday season for me. As a child Santa visited my house every year and we held court with the man in the red suit each year for 20 mins. It is honestly the one memory in my head when I think of the holidays. I only hope my kids cherish it as much as I do! Happy Holidays and let the countdown begin!

Snow , Snow and COLD

Ok we knew it was coming, the calendar said winter should be here, they have been forecasting it for a week but somewhere deep down I thought oh maybe we might avoid snow this year. Yeah right! We live in Michigan! As I was cooking dinner the other night complaining about the snow, the cold and the idiots who can not drive. ( Me not being one of course) Dave reminded me that we live in Michigan. My response was not by my choice! YOU brought me here. He then reminded me I could have ran 12 years ago. Oh well I must really love him. Along with the snow came the kids first snow day from school. It is tough to explain to an almost 4 year old why they dont have school when it snows. All day Zach or Emily was asking why dont we have school today. This was after the night before the threat of if you dont go to sleep you cant go to school. HMM there is a tough one for a parent to explain. There goes that threat out the window. So we baked cookies and played inside. I am hoping for a little warmer than 15 degrees one of these days so the kids can go outside and play in the snow for real! Until then make a cup of cocoa and enjoy the cold days and nights! January 20 can't come soon enough watch out Mickey here we come!

weekend update

Well Christmas time is upon us. That means lots of things going on. Lucky for us I really mean me I have finished the shopping, and decking the halls. Now it is just the wrapping ( which I hate to do) I just received an email today about a group that will wrap you gifts for a donation to the women's shelter I may become desperate! We will see. I'm almost done with cards so that will be another item off the list! We finally did get pictures taken see previous post. It was still a chore but done! We went with someone local and I will be doing that again. When we have the ones we like I will let you know. Lets see what else. The kids attended their first classmate birthday party. It was the little boy who we carpool with and it was at McDonald's. Just 5 kids so perfectly manageable. Of course I am now prepared for colds since they played on the germ invested playland. We went to another Christmas Parade over the weekend. It was different since the town celebrates with a Victorian Christmas. All the floats are pulled by horses and the highlight is the HUGE I mean HUGE at least three story Christmas Tree that is pulled by a team of horses and then lit at the end of the parade. Unique and very cool. They also had warm apple cider and roasted chestnuts. It helped that it was about 26 degrees and lightly snowing ahh just what you need to get in the spirit of things.
They are participating in the Church program this Sunday at church. OH boy I am praying for no funniest home videos starring my two kids. I think we are going to go see the Princess and the Frog with some friends this weekend and Santa may make an appearance at our house. Check back next week for pics. I mentioned that I called Santa to see if he could stop by. Emily said that was not necessary. She is kind of afraid of Santa this year. We will see how things go. Enjoy the Holidays!

Pictures.... I don't think so

Ok so last night we head to the big city to have the kids 4 year pictures taken. They did have school pictures done this year but I like to have a picture of them together around their birthday for the stairway to the upstairs. Well Obviously the picture studio where we went had other idea. I made the appointment thinking Monday night around dinner who would have their pics taken then. Well was I wrong. We were stuck waiting for 35 mins. Yes luckily I had snacks and coloring books. ( Pat myself on the back for the think ahead mom I am Ha- Ha this is a joke) ! So we waited and waited. Finally we were called back. The kids were uncooperative from the get go! Did not listen extremely whiney .... So the last straw was when the obviously inexperienced photographer tried to position the kids hands and heads realized that she did not have room on her digital camera card and left for what seemed like 5 mins. when she came back it was game over! I finally said forget it and stormed out. I honestly now looking back don't know if I was made at the kids (Yes) or the studio for making us wait so long (Yes) or the photographer for being so unhelpful (Yes) Needless to say I came to work today googled local photographers and have and appt with a local photographer on December 5th. Sometimes the extra money ways out the hassle and high blood pressure!

Time

Where has it gone? I ask my self that everyday. I realized today with the dawn of the holidays that time is marching on well not marching more like sprinting. I look at blogs almost everyday but have some how missed updating my own so here it goes. I have jumped feet first into facebook it has been great to catch up with some people from past. The kids have both been sick. I am not sure if it was the dreaded H1N1 or just a cold. They have both recovered and I am awaiting the next round of illness. I am sure it is coming. Zach has taken to making up words that he then calls you in a way that you think is derogatory. Kind of disturbing to be called a Kooki butt by an almost four year old. Emily is preparing for her first debut as a ballerina. Granted it is just a studio show but she is excited! To Emily all the world is a stage. Dave survived the season. We are into the quiet time. I can hear the crickets. Oh wait it is only 50 degrees no crickets here. Otherwise we are busy busy busy. Christmas shopping, Birthday shopping, school, dance, meetings, church, the list is neverending. I hope that over the holiday I will have the chance to stop and feel as though time is standing still for just a few minutes and enjoy the time spent with family.
Oh and a few pics to see Emily and Zach since I know you all love to check them out! :)

Time? Where has it gone?

Well I guess we have been busy! By looking at the dates I am way behind on updating. So what have the Crazy Life bunch been up to the last few weeks. Let's see the kids have both been sick, we saw a movie ( I took both kiddos by myself WHOO!) , visited the pumpkin patch, dog sat, ballet, school, swim class, taught Sunday school, shopped. Weee that is alot! The kids have both been fighting colds and that just makes everyone cranky! After this last round of sickness I think I am sold on the flu vaccines. I dont want to really have to deal with anything more than a cold or sore throat this year. We are hoping to get out and enjoy the fall colors this weekend and then it is on to sewing the costume to get it done before Halloween! I tell you the stress of being a mom! Take time to enjoy the beautiful fall weather that is forcasted this weekend!

What will they think of next?

Emily, Zach and I were shopping the other day at the dreaded Wal-Mart. When Emily decided that she needed a Dora DVD. Well that was not going to happen so guess what a lovely 3 1/2 year old fit ensued. Oh well is my philosophy. I kept telling her no mommy was not going to buy this for her in a very calm and patient voice. When suddenly she looked down at her shirt. There was a sticker on her shirt that came from her lunch at one of the fast food places. She removed the sticker proceeded to place it on my lips and informed me that " No more mommy voice".

I looked at her and started to laugh. Really does she think a little sticker will stop me. obviously she does not know me well enough. I checked out, packed the car and drove home. WITHOUT A DORA DVD. Score one for Mommy. :)

Welcome Fall

It was a beautiful weekend here. You could not have asked for better weather! My parents and I took the kiddos up to one of the state parks we live close to and we took a hike. Now remember they are 3 1/2 and I was a little nervous about the whole lets walk and then they get tired and want carried. Amazingly we were able to hike over a mile and not til the very end did they get tired but they did it and walked the whole way by themselves. Now remember that we did bribe them with ice cream promises at the end but it worked. Not to mention they sleep on the ride home. we are planning another outing in October when the leaves change. I must admit one of the highlights of living where we do is the wonderful natural resources not to mention the fact we live within 1 hour of about 6 state parks. Welcome Fall!

Preschool Helper

It was the day I had waited for I was the preschool parent helper today. Em and Zach attend a private co-op preschool meaning parents are expected to help and play a key role in how the preschool works. I guess in the age of stay at home moms this worked out well but now a days with more moms working it is tough. But I knew it is important so I took the morning off to help. I was excited and the kids were excited. Yesterday when I asked what they thought I would do they both told me be the computer lady. Guess what they were right! It was so fun to see how they interact with the classmates and who they gravitate towards when they play. I can already see friendships starting to bud. We also get to bring snack on the day you are the helper so with the help of Em and Zach we got to put the napkins out, pour the juice and hand out snack. Wow they thought they were big stuff. The funniest moment was when I had gone to the restroom and shut off the light. Zach was next in line and he informed me that "Mom at school we leave the light on" Opps Mom messed up . I guess we all can learn something in Preschool.

Festival+Weather=Sucess

Wow! We had fabulous weather here this past weekend. But along with the great weather we had the sixth Annual Apple and BBQ Festival. This entails an apple pie contest which I am in charge of, a car show which Dave put on this year along with craft show, BBQ cook off, music it is a fun time. Well the weather cooperated this year and we were packed with over 12,000 people attending. That is amazing considering the size of Silver Lake. Dave had a record 115 cars show up and I did alright with 20 pies entered in contest.
The kids meanwhile started swim lessons on Saturday so needless to say it was BUSY! We were all exhausted last night., but did squeeze in a quick trip to Lake MI. Will post pics later.
Oh and by the way 1st week of school already have a sick kiddos with colds. Don't you love school starting.

You never know what they will say!

Just a few quotes from the kiddos the last few days:

Emily to my dad: Poppo you made these toy boxes when we were just chubby little babies.
(Me thinking... Chubby little babies? where did she come up with that one)

Zach today at Preschool suddenly screaming hysterically mom mom mom I cant find my name!
( Names are written on a little laminated board that they sit in back of during the AM circle time... Me thinking you lost your name???)

Zach to Emily: Dont worry Emily I will be there with you at Preschool
( me thinking yeah buddy you are the one I am worried about who will be there for you)

Those are just a few of the statements out of their mouths recently. I just keep thinking to myself who taught these kids to talk. Then I realize it was Dave and I !

Summer is gone

Summer is officially over in my book. The kids started preschool today. There was no crying Yeah! Emily did ask on the drive to school if I could stay. I replied no I had to go to work and this was her job now. I told her Zach would be there with her and he replied" Emily I will be there with you don't be scared" to cute. They walked into the class sat down and did not turn back. They are big kids! We enjoyed probably the last swim of the year on Monday. And I got the kids entire play wardrobe at the consignment shop this weekend for fall and did not have to spend a dime. I had enough credit on my account from my items of consignment to outfit two kids in about 6 outfits plus shoes, fall coats and some other items that were just to cute to pass up. I love walking out of a store with two huge bags and not spent a dime of my money! :) Oh and the kids moved up to booster seats. They love the fact that they can strap themselves in and get out by themselves. I love it to. BIG time saver! HUGE! My mom and I walked in the 2nd Annual Hart Bridge walk on Monday. This is done at the same time as the Big Bridge Walk in Mackinaw. Not quiet the same but good exercise nonetheless. Dave and I celebrated the end of Dune season. Of course there will still be people around but not like the summer. As we like to say around here Glad to see them come in the spring.. Glad to see them go in the fall! Oh one more big weekend this weekend. The Applefest! Should be a good time if the weather holds. out. If you are around bake a pie and enter it into the apple pie contest. ( I am in charge want more info email me) :) Enjoy Fall!

Week of Firsts!

Wee this has been a week of firsts! And next week includes some more! This week Emily got her glasses. She looks so cute! Zach also go his eyes checked. He does not need glasses. I did the happy dance for this. The kids went to the dentist for the second time. I know this is supposed to be about firsts. We also had the kiddos ears checked for hearing. A Preschool requirement. Thank goodness they can hear. At least now I know they are just choosing to ignore me when I ask them something :) Emily starts Ballet class today. I am so excited oh she is too! Dave and I started our 5 week golf league. Dave has never played on a golf league before and he totally enjoyed it last night. We start preschool next week and the list just keeps going! Oh and we booked our Disney Vacation! Watch out Mickey here we come. (not til January so put away any of the items you dont want the kiddos to get into)

Where have I been??

Ok I know it has been forever since I posted. Since we have returned from Ohio it has been a whirlwind two weeks. We had a great time in Ohio. The kids loved the the little kidde amusement park we went to . Camping was a total hit! We are considering buying a camper. And the kids were decent at the wedding! Yeah a success! Work has been crazy and now we are trying to fit in ever dr appt imaginable. Dentist, Eye checks, blood draws , ear checks . I tell you I hat drs offices! Oh well at least they will all be done! The biggest news on the home front is Emily has to get glasses. I had a feeling and that is why I took her in. When the picture popped up and she reported she could not see it my thoughts were confirmed. So we picked out the cutest little purple glasses with flowers! I hope it goes well. She gets them next week and I will post some pics. oh and we scheduled our Disney trip I am so excited. Jan20-29 2010. Watch out Mickey here we come! Ok enough updates have to get to work!

Weekend Update

Weekend Update. Ahh Saturday NIght Live. I don't think I have watched that since about 2005. Hmm coincides with the birth of the two kiddos.Funny how life changes. Oh well. I enjoy Scooby Doo and Dora so much now adult humor does not have a place in my life right now. Ok now my weekend update.

Friday Hubby had a "boy date" He went and saw the new GI Joe movie with some guy friends. The kids and I spent the evening with my parents heading to Muskegon to purchase some material for their new sandbox. Pictures coming as soon as we decide to fill it with sand. Let's just say a HUGE improvement over Franklin the Plastic turtle sandbox. We also found a few other things I "needed". Nice evening the kids were good and we had a nice time. Saturday we went to Pentwater to pick up a few birthday gifts. I tell you all of my friends must have a birthday in August! Sunday it was hot! We headed to my parents pool and spent most of the afternoon in it. The kids swam and played I tried to get a little sun. Throw in some ice cream and Papa Johns pizza it was a perfect day. Hubby came by later in the day after he went and played war. Next up is Golf on Tuesday, and packing for our trip to Ohio which includes our first family camping trip. Thank you Bill and Alicia for letting us use their camper. I am sure stories and photos will be abundant next week!

Sand and Surf

The last two nights have been perfect to visit the beach. We live just 5-10 mins from the a couple of great beaches on Lake MI. While Hubby is exercising I pack the kiddos up and have taken to the beach by myself. They love it. I dont enjoy the sand everywhere but I feel that we live so close I should let the kids expereince the fun of the beach. So the lst two evenings have been perfect. The middle of the week so that means I can find a parking place, not a crazy busy, no breeze ( very important) and the temp is warm enough to play in the water. So the kiddos and I have enjoyed the beach the last two days. The first I made the mistake of not dressing them in swim suits... The result very wet and sandy clothes and kids riding home in just underwear. The second night I got smart and put swimsuits on them. They had a ball! We played in the channel which is about 10 degrees warmer than the lake then moved to the "big lake" where Zach got bowled over by waves and Em was screeching literally screeching with excitment! We had a ball. The kids loved it. We played for about an hour and half then back to the car so that we can take a bath. How do kids get sand every where? I mean everywhere! Oh well here are some pics from our first evening.

Different Philosphies

I understand that all people have different philosophies when it comes to parenting. I guess I just assumed we were pretty middle of the road and I guess normal. This weekend I became acutely aware that my kids eating hot dogs twice a week is not normal in some households. We had a cook out with some of Daves family. His cousins came from Detroit and Colorado. The one family has a little boy who is two perfect age for Em and Zach to play with. I am proud to report that we had no meltdown over sharing. I think we are making progress. But what i was just amazed with is the little boy and his mom eat a totally whole food diet. All I could think of is oh my that must take up a lot of time to plan, and remember to pack what ever you are going to eat. That is a lot of work. I give people credit who can do this. I know it does not fit into my lifestyle or my kids lifestyle. I guess the idea is what you dont know you dont miss. The crack up of the night was when Emily saw a cookie he was eating she tried one and just about gagged. Guess Emily is not a candidate for the whole food diet. The kids had a great time playing and the adults had a nice time visiting and catching up! The weekends of the summer are quickly flying by. Only a few more weekends then it is time for School. Hard to believe!

Where has the week/month gone?

Wow! This week officially flew by. I honestly don't know where the days went. last time I checked it was Monday. Oh well . Here is a quick update on our lives or as they say on tv - "And these are the days of our lives" I loved that show in college :) OK
Monday- I caught up from the weekend not to exciting I think we actually spent the evening playing outside.

Tuesday- Golf and Zach's hair cut. I am pleased to announce that this hair cut was 100% better than the last. I did not have to physically restrain him. That always makes for a good afternoon. He also was sweet enough to pick Emily a sucker out of the bin and save it for her when we got home. What a sweet brother! Golf well lets say we played and I managed to find about three trees. Not a good night.

Wednesday - I was up early and to Big Rapids for a meeting. but home early. When I arrived it was eerily quiet no one was home. I took advantage and quick started dinner before the kiddos arrived home with the sitter. I honestly did not know what to do without kids screaming at me as I cut up chicken. Emily, my mom and myself made a quick trip to Muskegon to pick up some supplies so that I can make record place mats yes place mats. They are for a ladies golf outing on Tuesday. I only have to cut out about 65 records. Oh and I got some great deals at Penney's for the kids and myself. I love end of summer sales. Who can say no to a skirt for 7.00 or a shirt for the kiddos for 2.50.

Thursday- I cut records, I cut records, I cut records. The neighborhood kids came by to play for awhile. Entertainment for the kids.

Friday- I have no idea what tonight will bring. Possibly the county fair or a return trip to Muskegon to return something or swimming if the weather holds out. We will wait and see.

Weekend. we are hosting a cook out on Sunday at our house with Hubby's family. My parents are also invited. I hope it is nice to get some sun. Otherwise have a great weekend.

And to my friend at A Happy Little Family - Happy Birthday!

Golf, 5K and and other Weekend highlights

Whewe it is only Saturday evening and I am already tired out from the weekend. Friday night lent itself to a great evening of golf with Hubby, the kiddos and my parents. The kids did a great job at tending to the pin and enjoyed running around and cheering us on. They may finally be learning to stay out of the way when we go to swing a club! Today I ran a 5K. I did not train for this I was actually trying to decide to register for the walk or run when I walked up to the table today but I thought oh what the heck lets go for it. Luckily it was a fairly flat course and it was cooler. Humid but no sun. I made lets leave it at that. I ran it in less time than my ages which is not something I am proud of. I think I might actually try to run a few nights a week and run another in September. This one includes some beach running so that might be interesting. The kids got pulled by my parents who walked in the 5K. Needless to say they brought up the rear but my dad got the only trophy for the group. 5K overall male winner. Did I mention he was the only male in the walk. Oh well we topped off the morning with donuts. I wonder what Sunday will hold?