Wednesday, December 30, 2009

updates






Awhile back, I asked Stew if he would help me install a backsplash over Christmas break. He painfully agreed. Stew is not the guy who likes to do this kind of work. Ask him to play ball with the kids, he's your man. Fold laundry, clean-up after dinner, taxi the kids around, play a game, he's your man. Home renovation and updating, not so much. He's more than happy to write a check to the person that will do all the work for you. I, on the other hand, enjoy this kind of thing. I don't come by it honestly. Neither of my parents had any clue when it came to this kind of thing. I really didn't either but after owning 4 homes, you kind of figure out how things work. Part of me likes figuring out the mechanics of a project while the other part enjoys it as a creative outlet. I will tackle just about anything within reason. It seems that whenever Stew and I do a project together things don't go as planned. The end result is always good but the means by which we get there is always difficult. This project went amazingly well! The pieces fit, we worked together, the kids cooperated. Barring a minor trip to the ER when Avery fell off a stool and had to get 4 staples in her head, it went off without a hitch! We even bought a wet saw and still have all our fingers! Most importantly, we did it together. Stew even said he wants to try tiling Avery's bathroom! 2010 is off to a good start!

ps-thanks papa sam for paying for our supplies!
pss-avery is one tough cookie. she cried for about 30 seconds. staples come out on Monday and she has been initiated into the "club" as Macie calls it.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Christmas



I can feel the excitement of the kids mounting with each minute. Christmas is such a special time and even more so with young children. We have enjoyed being together and doing all of the things that make this time of year memorable. We've added a new tradition of trying to watch Christmas movies that we(the kids) haven't seen. So far we've seen Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story and A Christmas Carol(with Patrick Stewart). I'd like to find It's a Wonderful Life too. We also participated in a canned food drive with our swim team and will be donating to the local food pantry. We managed to give to charity while giving gifts this year too. We gave Mimi and Pop a gift card from CharityChoice as well as purchased the book FamilyPrint(www.familyprint.org this is about my very best friend and her husband and family), for several people, with the proceeds going to help family's of deployed veteran's. We've stood by our old traditions too of baking cookies for neighbors, making mom's peanut brittle, lighting her candle, visiting Santa and my favorite, having the kids read "Twas the Night Before Christmas." This year is Owen's turn. I can't wait to see his face and hear his little voice as he reads the story to all of us. All of this is a reminder of what is so important in our lives, family. I am so lucky to have such a unique and beautiful family. They are such a gift.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

and then there was one

I finally managed to kill one of the goldfish that we have had for nearly 5 years. I originally bought 3 when we moved to this house but quickly killed them. They were replaced by 2 from a neighbors water garden. I am the only person in this house who even knows they are here and I religiously feed them, change their tank water and filters. These guys really put some meat on their bones so to speak. I had many goldfish when I was a kid and never did any grow this big let alone make it past 3 months. It was with great sadness that I watched him spin round and round and round into the big fish bowl in the ground with one big flush. I wonder if the kids will even notice?

Monday, November 30, 2009

Lucky 13

13 things I love about Stewart:

1. I love that he makes me laugh every day. He is absolutely the funniest person I have ever met.
2. I love his passion for all things Kentucky. It doesn't mean I don't think he's crazy but he is true blue all the way!!!
3. I love that he will tell me what he thinks, not what he thinks I want to hear.
4. I love that he provides for us.
5. I love that he wants to coach our kids teams.
6. I love that he is the voice of reason when I need it most.
7. I love that he is spontaneous.
8. I love that he fights fair.
9. I love that he is a believer in God. Never doubted, never will.
10.I love his beautiful blue eyes.
11.I love that he'd rather be at home with us more than anywhere else in the world.
12.I love that he doesn't mind that I'm not a good cook.
13.I love that he said "yes" to a blind date 18 years ago.

Happy Anniversary Stewart! I love you!!!!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Laundry Fairy


I don't fall behind very often, but when I do it becomes a serious undertaking. I am talking about laundry. I do a pretty good job of staying on top of it although it is one of my absolute least favorite things to do. If there were ever something I might wish for( not including the obvious like health, world peace and education for all) it might just be a laundry fairy to wash, dry, separate, fold and put it all away. This is the mountain I am tackling tonight and there is still one load in the wash and another in the dryer! Laundry Fairy--take me away!!!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Halloween 2009





2 chickens, candy corn and a hobo!

O'Fallon JR Renegades











Owen officially completed his first season of tackle football with his best game yet. When I told Stewart I had signed Owen up for football he was less than excited. Even though football is his thing, he just didn't think Owen was ready. Thankfully, for both Owen and I, he proved his dad wrong by tackling and blocking week after week. He played tight end and defensive tackle. He was clearly one of the smallest players out there weighing in at 52 pounds soaking wet! More importantly, he showed that size didn't matter as he was often lined up against the other teams biggest players. Week after week he battled and fought and stood his ground. Today he was able to tackle the other team for several losses. He was so proud of himself and loved having Stewart by his side as an assistant coach on his team.

Chase finished up his regular season today as well. His team went 7-0 while he played linebacker. He's come a long way considering he spent most of his first season on the sidelines crying. There were several times that year that we asked Chase if he wanted to play. H e just kept plugging away. His second season he improved tremendously yet his team went 1-6. Something just clicked this year and he became unafraid to take a hit or make a hit. He got a feeling for the game and found that he really liked it. It has been so much fun watching him really begin to grasp the fundamentals of the game. His team has earned home field advantage and the #1 seed in the playoffs.

I am just so proud of them both for really putting in the work. They have been practicing since mid July and haven't missed a single practice or game. It would have been easy for them to want to take a break or skip out on practice but each night they put their gear on and went ready to play. I think the Parker boys have got a lot of football left and I'm ready. I'm officially a football mom!

Owen

After telling me he was full but wanted Halloween candy Owen said, "no mom, my dinner sack is full, but my candy sack has plenty of room!"

Thursday, October 1, 2009

September

September was a busy month. Not even sure where it went to be honest. Here's a snapshot of the things we did: dentist appts, Avery started mom's day out, me to Milwaukee for a wedding, trip to the ER with PaPa Sam, football for the boys-games and practices, another set of new glasses for Chase, a visit from Mimi and Pop, swim team begins for M,C and O 3 nights a week, Kings Kids begins at church, parent-teacher conferences, cycle break begins, visited the Magic House, went to the park several times, chiropractor visits for all, Macie and Stew to NYC, hanging out with friends, Chase lost a tooth and finally a visit from my cousin Laurie. October looks to be equally as busy. We are really enjoying our cycle break and finding lots of fun things to do together. Looking forward to one more week until the big kids head back to school.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Bye Bye Avery


Avery just left to go to Kentucky with Mimi and Pop. It was a far cry from the goodbye we had with Bogey on Saturday. She'll be back in a few days and we'll be happier than ever to see her. She had no reservations about leaving. She woke earlier than usual this morning telling me she had to go. This might be the best birthday gift I've ever gotten!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Bye Bye Bogey






We took Bogey to meet his new family tonight. Although it was heartwrenching, it was good to see him with his new playmate, 9 month old Dora lab mix. They got along well and it made me feel better knowing he would have a friend. He'll also have 2 other friends of the feline variety. Not sure what he'll think but given his friendly demeanor, I'm sure he'll be just fine. I'm so appreciative to Don and Lyla for giving him a new home and an opportunity to just be a dog without all the restrictions we would have had to place on him here. We made our exit fairly quickly because I was afraid I might not follow through. Macie sobbed the entire way home. Chase cried but was pretty quiet. Owen was at a party so he had a good distraction. Avery just kept asking Macie what was the matter. She really got me tonight though when I was rocking her. She said "we have to go get Bogey." I said, "no, we aren't going to get Bogey." She said "we go get Bogey later." I just hugged and kissed her and cried.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Cuppa Joe


I guess Avery decided she needed a little afternoon pick me up.  She moved a stool over, climbed up on the stove, got out a coffee mug, poured a cup of coffee(no it wasn't on) and put sugar in it.  Talk about a girl who goes after what she wants!!!!!  Hopefully she won't find the liquor cabinet anytime soon!

Macie


On Sunday we headed out to the Botanical Garden for a day of family time.  On our way it began to rain so we detoured to West County Mall.  Let me preface this with the fact that 1.  Stew hates malls and 2.We haven't been to this mall in years.  We initially went in search of a new computer since our trusty rusty one has finally died after nearly 10 years of use!  Anyway, we headed to the Apple store where the kids can play on all the computers, ipods and iphones while we do a little hands-on research.   After leaving the Apple store we were approached by someone handing out fliers for a spelling bee at Macy's.  Macie and Chase were excited because it's for 8-12 year old so without any real agenda for the afternoon, we head to Macy's.

The spelling bee is set up to take place in the kids department.  It is sponsored by Macy's, The Magic House, Reading is Fundamental and Radio Disney.  We register and the bee begins promptly at 2pm with about 20 contestants.  In between each round, Radio Disney hosts games and contests for all the kids there.  Owen participated and won the crazy dance off.  Stew participated in the crazy parent contest, while Macie, Chase and even Avery got in on the fun in between.  Chase completed the 3rd round before he was eliminated.  He seemed unfazed and enjoyed the afternoon with the rest of us.  Macie continued spelling and to our surprise, ends up winning the whole thing!!  Her winning word was magnetosphere.  Her prizes included a $150 gift certificate to Scholastic books, a one-year family membership to The Magic House, a year of online tutoring from Kaplan and 2 round trip airline tickets and 2 nights stay in NYC to compete in the finals!  Apparently this bee had been advertised in the St Louis Post Dispatch, Riverfront Times, The Magic House Website and Facebook.  25 other Macy's stores across the country held spelling bee's that day too! 

 So it looks like Macie and Stewart will head to NYC the weekend of September 26 for a little father daughter bonding, some sightseeing and perhaps another spelling bee title!  I bet she's the only Macie in the bunch!!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Snow

I had forgotten about this poem that Chase wrote in second grade until I was telling a friend about it. His class had a poetry day in May and each child memorized a poem and also wrote one. All the kids did a great job but Chase's poem really stood out. Many parents came up to me and even said what a different poem that was, especially for an 8 year old. I called Stew immediately and told him. Of course he said, "are you sure he didn't get it from someone else?" I assured him that it came straight from Chase. Here it is...

Snow

We're under the sky,
right below,
the falling flakes,
the twinkling snow.

It's beautiful,
in every way,
why today is my lucky day.

It is so beautiful and bright,
We're here tonight,
seeing such a lovely sight.

Now I wish you were here to see
what stands before me.

by, Chase Parker May 2009

Thursday, July 30, 2009

thanks

I want to say thanks to all the people who sent messages and prayers our way in regards to the incident with Bogey. Many have asked about the little girl and how she is doing. Let me preface this by saying that I believe any dog bite is bad. Luckily for her, Bogey nipped her in the cheek leaving what I understand to be 2 puncture wounds and a gash( I have not seen her up close.) She rec'd stitches from a plastic surgeon and has had them removed. Her mom told me that she looks great and is doing well! That is wonderful news!!! Thank you so much to all who have been thinking about her and praying! Bogey remains with us. In the meantime, we are working with a trainer until we know what direction we will take with him. Thanks again!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Potty Training 101-Done!

I can't even believe how smoothly it went. I guess when they're ready, they're ready. I just really anticipated Avery giving me a run for my money when it came to this but she has sailed through with flying colors. We started the day the kids went back to school. Initially, I went with pull-ups but upon seeing how well she was doing, she and I quickly headed to Target for some "Big Girl" underwear. Since day 1 we've only had 3 accidents, thankfully all #1. We've been in our "Big Girl" britches for about a week and she is so proud. We've also tested every public bathroom within a 10 mile radius but I don't care! As gross as they are, I'd rather sanitize her hands than continue adding to the landfill. It's been a long time coming for me but we are movin' on!

Monday, July 20, 2009

Sick

While it sickens and saddens me to write this post, I know it is something I have to do. Last Sunday, our 16 month old puppy bit a little girl in the face. Bogey was lying on the ground and the girl came up just to pet him and he snapped. Fact is, doesn't really matter how or why it happened, just that it did. We have been struggling with guilt and remorse and praying hard for the girls' health and recovery. We have also been struggling with what to do. We have decided that Bogey has to find a new home. It is a heart wrenching decision but one we had to make. We have too many kids in this house, in our yard, in our neighborhood to even entertain the thought of keeping him. I simply can't keep an eye on him every time a child enters our home. It is also unfair to him to have to lock him away any time people are here. And while I don't think he is a true threat, I couldn't bear it if it were to happen again. I have cried more tears and experienced more emotions in the past two days than in the past two years. Please pray for healing for this little girl and her family. Also, please keep our family in your prayers. Although we know we are making the right decision, it is still so very difficult. It took us a long time to agree to even get a dog, and then to get one as great as Bogey was just icing on the cake. I think that is what makes it so hard. He would never imagine hurting one of our kids. Needless to say, our kids are heartbroken and even suggested that their fighting caused Bogey to learn this behavior. Chase literally cried himself to sleep last night. Our hope is to find a home for him that has another dog and more land for him to run. People that we know so we can receive updates and visit him. Prayers for all involved for a peaceful and happy resolution.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Potty Training!

I decided awhile back to coincide Avery's potty training with the older kids return to school. They all began school yesterday and day#2 of potty training is well under way. It's going much better than expected. The "Pull-Ups" have been a huge hit and the skittle treats for going #1 and #2 seem to be providing ample motivation! More to come from Potty Training 101!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Disgusting

I am just wondering if there is a magical age when the boys will not be so disgusting in the bathroom. Owen NEVER lifts the seat. Seriously, I think it's a game for him to see how little pee he can actually get in the toilet. Then there's Chase who at least lifts the seat but has other issues. I was looking through my camera and saw a video I didn't recognize. I pressed play and saw a very blurry vision of Chase sitting on the toilet and singing a song we'll call "little poop nuggets." I'm thankful it was blurry b/c he showed the "little poop nuggets" and all. I promised Stew I wouldn't post the video, though it did have us laughing. Perhaps he's a Scorcese or Speilberg in the making and his little video will pay dividends someday. On top of all that we've got the toothpaste. Apparently it wasn't really meant for your toothbrush. The goal here is to see how much you can smear on the mirror, vanity, cabinets, floor and even windows. I really don't want much, just to be able to clean the bathroom and then go in an hour later and still have it clean. Such a small thing that would bring such joy. From the looks of the bathroom today, it ain't gonna happen anytime soon.

Monday, June 8, 2009

45 Lessons

I really liked 10, 31 and 40.

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written." My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column I wrote once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends andparents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journeyis all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God neverblinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is upto you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for ananswer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don'tsave it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, willthis matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'dgrab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Hey Jude

This is Avery's rendition of "Hey Jude" with a little prompting. She's gonna have to polish it a little for Paula, Randy and Simon to keep her around.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

gifts







Along with several gifts only a mother could love(a broken ladybug made in art class, patchouli soap made in spectra and flavor infused toothpicks), I received an unexpected gift from my own mom. Gardening was my mother's gift. I spent many afternoons helping get beds ready and dead-heading perennials so they would continue to bloom. Though I didn't inherit her gift for gardening, I do love flowers and do the best I can with what I have. About 6 years ago we were in Chicago and went to see some old neighbors on the street where I grew up. My mom's close friend Diane brought me into her back yard and dug up two rose bushes(one for me, one for Liz). They were rose bushes she had transplanted from my mother's garden after my father had moved but before our house was torn down. What a thoughtful gesture from someone who loved my mother dearly. When I awoke this morning, it had just started to bloom. It was a perfect reminder that my mom is all around me if I'll just open my eyes to see her.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

luvoo

There really is nothing sweeter than rocking my 2 year old before her nap or night night. At times she can seem so big, but in the stillness of her room when it's just she and I, all is right in the world. She clings tightly to me and lets me stroke her hair and scratch her back. She looks up at me with those big blue eyes and says "luvoo." Her sweet way of saying "I love you." And though it's a few days early, hearing her say that is the best mother's day gift in the world. Luvoo too Avery, a whole lot.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

The Kentucky Oaks 2009



We had a blast and after all that talk about no hat, Lori ended up having one that I borrowed! Can't wait to go to the Derby next!

Thursday, April 30, 2009

And they're off!

Today Stewart and I leave for Louisville, KY to attend the 135th Kentucky Oaks horse racing event at Chruchill Downs. It's a day of fillies races the day before the derby. We were invited by Stewart's brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Lori who luckily ended up with tickets from her work. Let me just begin by saying that I am more than thrilled to be invited!!! I am equally thrilled to have some time away from my kiddos and time alone with Stew!

Lucky for me shopping was involved for this event. I LOVE to shop but rarely come home with anything for myself. I always seem to talk myself out of things. I am the queen of deals so if it's not a deal, I generally don't get it. Avery and I have searched high and low for a dress, a hat and shoes. Thankfully, she is a very patient shopper and will do just about anything I ask if I've got a pack of gum in hand. I've come home with several that Stewart has deemed duds but finally settled on the most comfortable, reasonably priced dress that actually looks good on me!!! I also found a great pair of sandals that couldn't be beat either! As far as the hat goes, I think I'm going to just skip it. I know I probably should just buck up and buy one but I just can't seem to spend money on something that I know I will absolutely never wear again. (darn that thrifty side of me!) If my friend Tiffany were here, she would never let me get away with this! She would absolutely insist that I buy a hat and fit the part of a true southern belle.

Just as much as I'm looking forward to the day at the races, I am also looking forward to 4 hours in a car, alone with Stew. 4 hours of uninterrupted conversation. 4 glorious hours of no fighting in the backseat. 4 hours of not having to unbuckle my seat belt, crawl into the back and retrieve some object that fell. 4 hours to paint my nails. 4 hours to sleep. 4 hours to do whatever I want. I haven't had that in exactly 10 years and 109 days, but who's counting?

All bets aside, we are sure to have a great time. Steve and Lori are a fun couple and we most certainly don't see them enough. I'm thankful that they thought to invite us and look forward to a few drinks and lots of laughs! Who knows, maybe we'll hit the big one and come home with a million bucks. Or maybe we'll just come home happy to see our children and happy to be together. Or maybe both!

ps-I'll be sure to take lots of pics and post when we return!!!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Dr Duhart


On March 14, the doctor that delivered all of our children at home and was our family doctor for many years, suddenly passed away. He was so much more than just a doctor that trying to put his loss into words is so difficult. The bond that we shared with this man was special. To know that his time on earth has ended brings me sorrow but just having known him here on earth was an amazing gift. Here are some things that come to mind when I think of him:

*he was truly a gentle giant

*he had a sixth sense about a woman and her labor-he could tell by the sound of her voice

*he embraced people of all kinds-evidenced by the wide range of people who came to honor him at his funeral

*he marveled at the human body and allowed it to do what it was meant to do

*he was a part of our family-no matter how much time passed between births or visits, he always greeted me with a hug and his infectious grin

*he was a consummate teacher

*he had a god given gift of caring for the whole person

*he had a grace and presence about him. he was a man of few words but you always knew when he was there

*you never questioned his abilities-you just knew he knew what he was doing

*he had the most amazing hands

*we knew we were finished having children before his death, now we are certain-we couldn't have another without him


here is an article that was in the St Louis Post Dispatch:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/deathsobituaries/story/4CAA9DE5D501C0048625757F000BB491?OpenDocument

Thursday, March 5, 2009


I'm pretty sure these boys would do anything for their sister. They've had their fingers and toenails painted, had their hair done, put on dresses, worn make-up and now they've had a chocolate mud mask. I think I've seen it all. They'll either be gay, metrosexual or they'll make really good boyfriends!!!!!

Wisdom

With age comes wisdom, or so they say. This morning Chase was sitting with Avery in her favorite chair. They have quite a bond, sort of like kindred spirits. I said to him, "what would you do without your baby sister?" "Well," he said, "you know I prayed for her, that's how I know God is real. If you can prove something then you don't have faith." He's so much farther with his relationship with God than I was at that age. Sometimes he's farther than I feel now. Interestingly, one of the definitions for faith is "a firm belief in something for which there is no proof."(merriam-webster online dictionary). He is wise beyond his years.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Socks

You can't even begin to imagine how many socks we go through. Keeping track of them all has become nearly impossible. I literally have a mountian of mismatched socks on my dresser. After each load of laundry I dutifully sort through them trying to find a mate for each one. It seems my efforts are futile as my pile grows exponentially each time. Today while we were at Target getting shoes for the boys I had a lightbulb moment. I really don't know why I didn't think of this sooner. I decided that Macie, Chase and Owen are all going to wear the same everyday socks. We bought 3 packages of plain white socks to start. Luckily they all wear almost the same size so that wasn't an issue. When we returned home I purged their drawers of all their old socks and put them in the giveaway pile with all their lonely counterparts. Either our pile of unwanted socks is going to make someone very happy or we'll be seeing a lot of sock puppets around here real soon.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Queen Bee

About a month ago Macie took first place in her school spelling bee. She competed against 30 fourth and fifth graders who had each won their respective class bees. She will go on to compete in the St Louis Post Dispatch spelling bee on March 7. If she advances to the next round, she would compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee(I'm assuming they do a Missouri version first). We are so proud of her but most importantly she is proud of herself. I can't figure out how to post the dvd. I won't be winning any awards for that!

There is a funny story that goes along with this. When I was in sixth grade I took second place in our school spelling bee. The girl who came in first was so horrible to me. I remember my classmates making fun of me for getting second as well. Anyway, my mother, being the person that she was, made me go and support this girl at the next competition. I remember sitting there and just seething and being so angry at my mom I wanted to scream. I also remember knowing the word that knocked her out of the competition(I don't remember it now.) Obviously, as a parent I can see what my mom was doing. As an eleven year old, it was dreadful! So glad Macie doesn't have to endure this kind of parenting. Can you imagine, a parent making their child do the right thing and be the bigger person? Thanks Mom!

PS-I forgot to mention she was the first fourth grader to win in over 10 years!!!!

a Baby no more







Our baby girl turned 2 yesterday. She officially moved from baby to toddler, though she's had the toddler part down for quite awhile. I have to say, I wasn't as wistful about turning 2 as I was with 1. I am really looking forward to this next year and all the independence that it brings. I am well aware of the challenges of this age but I say bring it on!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Sign of the Times




Lastnight while we sat and watched the Grammy awards with the kids, Macie and Chase were playing on their nintendo ds's. It was very quiet. I didn't realize that they could communicate with each other through their ds's. They were writing each other back and forth and cracking each other up. I'm not sure what they were saying but they seemed to be enjoying themselves and they weren't fighting. It was funny to watch our 2 older kids be so technologically savvy. My cell phone is a dinosaur and I wouldn't know how to text someone if my life depended on it. I guess it's just a sign of the times. I hope they'll be satisfied with this for awhile b/c cell phones are definitely NOT in their near future.

Friday, January 23, 2009

funny

After having been outside with Avery and Bogey on an unusually warm January day, I headed inside to see what time it was. I came back out to find Avery standing with Bogey. She is holding his ball and yelling at him to "Shit! Bogey! Shit!" He very obediently did what she asked and sat on the ground. Too funny.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Double Digits




It's hard for me to believe that my baby girl is 10 years old today. I remember everything about that day and all the emotions that it brought. In essence it's what made me a grown-up. The moment she took her first breath was really the first moment my life was no longer about me. Such unimaginable joy to finally meet this person that had been growing inside me. A bond that would link Stewart and I together like no other. So aptly named Macie after my great-grandmother meaning "a pearl" and Ann after my mom meaning "gracious." Our lives were forever changed that cold morning in January, for not only was a child born but so was a family. Ours.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

A Good Laugh

I signed Stew and I up for a class at our gym called "Dynamic Training." Basically, it's an hour and fifteen minutes 2x a week at the mercy of a trainer. My workout friend Erin and her husband signed up and I thought it would be a good way for Stew and I to change up our routine and try and get some lbs moving in the right direction. I didn't exactly fill Stew in on all the details of the class.

Of course when I first mentioned it he didn't want to do it. After some thought he agreed but in his usual fashion was a total wiseguy. He kept making comments like, "don't forget my leg warmers!" He even saw a neighbor up there who said to him, "you're taking the ladies class??!!" Well let me tell you it was no ladies class! Stew worked harder tonight than he has in his 3 years at the gym!! I thought it was a good class, but nothing that I couldn't handle. Very similar to the classes I've been taking just taken to the next level. What cracked me up was watching Stew's face every time the trainer(Jen) would show us what to do. The looks on his face were priceless. He was definitely being challenged and not in ways that he enjoyed. I did however enjoy that I kicked his butt on the stairs. If he can walk by then, we'll be heading back for more on Tuesday!!!:)