Life with 3 Kids

Brownies & Dancing

2011-05-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

My girls are growing up. All too fast. Here is Katie's Bridging Ceremony to become a Brownie:

She is excited to be Brownie, and I am excited for her. Allison now wants to be a Daisy...so another journey begins...

Allison started taking Ballet lessons this year as part of her preschool. Yesterday was her recital. She definitely has her Momma's love of performing. She is the one all the way on the left in front. She is (in my humble, unbiased opinion) the one that is most animated...

I am heading out to a baby shower today. I remember when I had the baby showers for both girls. Time certainly flies by all too quickly...

Missions Accomplished

2010-11-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

So I was able to accomplish two major goals this weekend.

1. I ran 16 miles. YAHOOOO!!!! It took me 2 hrs 58 min. Not bad. I will confess that I was a bit sore for a while yesterday, but by last night (around 6:30 pm) I was feeling spunky enough to dance around the house while listening to my music. (the rest of the fam was out getting dinner & spending allowances with Grandma & Grandpa) For those that don't already know, I am in training for my first marathon (26.2 miles). I have run three half-marathons, with a fourth scheduled for Thanksgiving. The training is an adventure just by itself, but I am finding that I really love the challenge...way more than I ever expected. It is kind of scary how much I am liking it...but that is a different post for a different day.

2. I made T's lettuce costume for his musical performance this week. While this many not seem like a big deal, I don't fancy myself a seamstress or crafter, so this little adventure was making me a bit nervous. However, I got it done, and (if I must say so myself) it doesn't look half bad! Here it is:

He is going to be some lettuce. So he will wear this as a poncho, with matching shoe covers, which I also made.

Now it is time for me to keep working on some knitted gifts. Ya know...because there is no rest...

Just got back from Seattle...

2010-09-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

So...it has been a few months since I posted. However, I have been busy. School started at the end of JULY (yes, July), and life got crazy soon after that. Not a bad crazy, just busy.

SO...our new school schedule gives us a week off every 6 weeks of school. I decided to use the first break as an opportunity to go out west and visit Uncle Philip, Aunt Gloria, their family as well as Aunt Violet & Grandma.

It was awesome. It was great that our leaving this morning was one of the hardest things I have had to do in a very long time. If I could have stayed, I would have.

Here are a few of the best pictures:

Here are the cousins. I never imagined that Allison would bond with her cousins this quickly. It was so incredibly sweet and indearing.
Here is a picture of some of the Portland cousins and Grandma. It was so nice to see her and spend time getting to know Aunt Violet and Uncle Samuel again after all of these years.

Another week in the summer

2010-06-25T17:28:00.000-07:00

So...another week in the summer in HOTlanta. HOT! CRAZY HOT! And what did do? Run in the heat. crazy. stupid. exhilarating. It was awful while in progress (4.1 miles, 58 minutes, in case you were wondering...), but awesome when it was done. Of course, I had dance class later that evening. This all took place yesterday. I am exhausted today. But I went to my daily work out anyway.

The other exciting thing this week. I went to my first "Spin" class. ever. I was terrified. It was INCREDIBLE!! It was a cardio workout like I had never experienced before. Intense. Fun. The endorphin rush and high lasted for hours. I am already looking forward to Tuesday's class. So what is the upshot of all this? I believe I am addicted to exercise. There are worse things to be addicted to, I suppose. I have to keep it all in balance. Fortunately, Mike will rein me in when that needs to happen. For now? I am enjoying the buzz.

I have to post this picture of Allison from last week. She was in her ballet gear, and it is just too darned cute not to share.
She is even up on her toes like a good Irish Step Dancer...perhaps that will be in her future...

It has been waaaayyy too long!

2010-06-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

I know I was going to try to keep up with this...but that would be epic fail.

BUT...I am back, for now, at least.

Life is good. Crazy. Busy. But, good. My weight loss quest was accomplished. My new goal? To feel better about myself at the end of the summer than I did at the beginning. A friend of mine asked how I would measure such a thing. I replied, "totally subjectively". In the end, it is all subjective anyway, no? Anyway, I will keep you posted. Right now, everything seems on track. I am working out 3 - 5 times a week, I feel good, and I have some ideas on how to change things up.

The kids are getting HUGE. Tom is going into 2nd grade, Katie is going into 1st, and Allison has one more year of daycare before Pre-K. Where has the time gone?!?!?

Opening Christmas Gifts...a bit early

2009-12-22T16:19:00.000-08:00

Here are the kids opening their presents from Grandpa George & Grandma Sharon

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T16:07:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Progress - I have it!!

2009-09-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

So, instead of blogging, I have been focused on other areas of my life I needed to attend to...namely, my health. After Steve's death last year, I went into a tailspin, of sorts. I started to question everything about my life, and was unhappy about it all. For no good reason. I started to eat. a lot. I started to drink. too much. Last January, when we got home from our holiday travels, I uploaded our pictures, and was shocked. I looked awful. I could tell that I was letting myself be last on my care list. I could tell I had become apathetic. I saw it in every inch of my unrecognizable face and body.

Now, let me be the first to say, I wasn't obese. I wasn't "fat" by most other people's standards. But I didn't recognize myself, and that is where the shock came in.

Flash to the present tense. I have spent the last 9 months working hard. Paying attention to me, my health, my food, my well being. I have started taking care of both the physical and the emotional me. I have raised over $3000 for the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk, and for the first time in my life (other than when I was pregnant), I think I look good. I like who I am . I like who I have become, and not just on the outside. The outside change has facilitated the inside change. I now KNOW that anything is possible. To prove that point, I have decided to train for a marathon. It isn't impossible, it is very possible.

So, for the first time, I am happy to put out into public a BEFORE and AFTER. The before was taken December 29 2008. The after? Tonight. It feels good to own the change.

Wow- It has been a month!

2009-08-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

Since I posted!

Too long. But it has been a really great month.

First amazing event: The kids started school and are LOVING it! Tom, Katie & Allison are enjoying their respective schools What a blessing. Katie is mellowing out and we are continuing to work with her to level out her tantrums. She has come so far in a few months. Tom is loving first grade. His teacher is challenging him, and he thrives in her care. As for Allison, this example sums it up: on the second day of her school, this is our dialog:

Allison: Mommy, this is my NEW school
Me: It sure is!
Allison: Mommy, I LOVE my new school!!!
'nuf said.

Second amazing event: I have raised the $2300 I needed to raise in order to walk in the Breast Cancer 3-Day in October. I am amazed that it happened. I am floored by the generosity of everyone I have encountered in this journey. Both family and friends, and those I don't know have surprised me with their generosity. The stories that people have shared with me have renewed my optimism and my commitment to walk for all the women who deserved a lifetime, but didn't get it.

Third amazing event: I am enjoying school. I love my students, I love my classes. I have one really challenging group of kids, but I recognize that they are in my world to make me a better teacher. They are forcing me to re-evaluate what I do in my classroom, and while that may be difficult, it is SO important and necessary. I know at the end of the semester that they will be my favorites. They already have a special place in my heart, even though they make me crazy.

Back to Work!

2009-08-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

Tom & Katie enjoying the view of the ocean, FI, NY July 2009

So, tomorrow is my first "official" day back to school. Of course, I have been there for at least a few hours for the last few days. I couldn't dream of getting everything accomplished that I need with only 2.5 days of planning. Well...that is the life of a teacher, though. But in preparation for the new school year, I am putting up a few of my favorite pictures from summer.

Summer was wonderful. It was relaxing. It was rejuvenating. It was full of lots of laughs, memories and exercise.
Exercise, you ask? Well, back in January I decided to lose weight. I didn't like how I looked, and I CERTAINLY didn't like what I saw when I stepped onto the scale. So I did something about it. I changed my diet and I started to be more mindful of how I ate, when I ate and what I ate. I also started to exercise more frequently. By May I had achieved my goal weight. About that time one of Allison's classmate's Mom told me about an Abs/Core class held at the Y. I decided to give it a try. The instructor, Lisa, is fantastic. Over the course of May and June, I attended the class every Monday and Wednesday. By the time July rolled around (and Fire Island vacation) I was in the gym working out twice a week and walking anywhere from 4 - 6 miles on the weekend. Lisa set me up with a great regimen to maintain over the vacation, and now I am hooked. I am trying to accomplish strength training 2 times a week, and cardio 2 times a week as well. My cardio is usually running, and I am now up to 4.5 miles. I am addicted. For the first time that I can recall, I like how I look. I look in the mirror and I am comfortable with what I see. I am less stressed, and I find myself looking forward to working out, instead of dreading it.
Okay...enough rambling...here are my favorite pictures from the summer. Starting with the most recent:

The whole gang at Maguire's, Fire Island, NY

Me meeting Mike & Allison at the Ferry dock after being apart for 2.5 weeks. That was TOO LONG!

Me & Tom dancing on the boat dock. This was our last night on Fire Island and you can hear the band playing in the background. It was such fun!

Picture of the family at the nightly ritual of getting ice cream after dinner.

Our blond bombshell:

My annual girl's weekend with Nathifa. This year we went to Nashville, TN. The first pic is at Layla' Bluegrass Bar. AWESOME place. We danced the night away. Literally.

Fido's, a great little breakfast place on 21st St in Nashville. So yummy!!

I hate it when...

2009-06-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

One of my babies is sick. I know, Allison isn't a baby anymore, she is a full-fledged, sentence speaking, self-dressing, tantrum throwing toddler,but she (and Tom and Katie) will ALWAYS be my baby.

This morning Mike came in to the kitchen to inform me that sometime last night, Allison had vomited in her bed. She was sitting in a bath and I ran in to bathe and soothe her. Quick temperature check showed she a slight fever. Once she was dried off and in some clothes, I brought her into the kitchen. She promptly stated she wanted milk, yogurt and strawberries. I said, "No." How about juice? She said, "No." Here is how the rest of the conversation went:

Me - Toast?
Allison - No.
Me - Bagel?
Allison - No.
Me - Gatorade?
Allison - (give you three guesses and the first two don't count).....No.

I started back at the top of the list again. After 3 or 4 go 'rounds, she decides on toast. And doesn't eat it.

Well, my day was still busy, despite having a toddler in tow. I had my 4 mile walk with Kathy this morning. Allison was happy to be in the stroller along with her juice and crackers (which she did eat). Next was on to see Stu Cohen. That took about 40 minutes, with Allison happily playing and reading/talking the entire time, which was fine.

Back home where Allison decided Cheerios and popcorn was what she wanted to eat. I supplemented the food with some ibuprofen since her fever hadn't come down yet. She ate it all and then asked for a banana. She got that, too.

I put her down for her nap, and 3 hours later, she wakes up burning up, her fever has increased slightly and now she won't eat anything. She will, however, drink ice cold juice. She spent the rest of the afternoon sitting on my lap. When she got too warm, she would sit next to me and hold my hand.

I hate it when my kids are sick. Hopefully my little Ballerella will be better tomorrow.

Martini's for Ta-Tas!

2009-06-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about my fundraising event. It is called Martinis for Ta-Tas. I get to play bartender for a night, my friends get to come over and hang at my house, and I am raising money for my walk. I already have people saying they will be there, which is amazing.

What more could a girl ask for?

Summer and Progress

2009-06-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...I have been pretty lax in posting on my blog. I resolve to get better. Starting now.

So, here is what is going on in my world.

The kids are all in summer camp. Tom and Katie are enjoying their time off. Allison has moved up in her school and is in the midst of potty training. She is pretty enthusiastic about the idea of it all. Here are Katie and Allison showing off their singing talents:

I am truly enjoying some time off. Although...I am working on a paper and starting to put together an idea of something I want to submit as a proposal for the NSTA (National Science Teacher's Association) annual conference. I am also in full swing with fundraising for my Breast Cancer 3-Day walk. I have raised just over $500. My goal is $5000, so I have a ways to go. I am sending out letters, emails and I have two events planned. Lots of stuff to keep me busy. But busy in a good way.

Breast Cancer 3-Day

2009-05-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am doing it. But it is so worth it.

I am going to walk in the Breast Cancer 3-Day. I am terrified, I am exhilarated. I am prepared to be amazed.

I am walking in memory of my Mom. On the days of the walk, October 23 - 25, 2009, I will be almost the exact same age as my Mom was when she died. I am also walking for me, my daughters and my sister and her daughter. I pray the money I raise will ensure our daughters will never have to know the pain my sister and I have experienced in losing our Mother at such a young age. I miss her every day.

Mom, this is for you.

Dude, I am tired

2009-05-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

So. I will admit it. I am tired. Really. Really. tired. I know that I shouldn't whine. But ya know what? I am going to whine for a moment anyway.

School is almost out. But not quite. I have a Final Crime Scene in full swing right now and cat dissections to work out for next week. Tom's soccer team plays their final game on Saturday, and I don't know if I will be able to make it. I am that tired. Oh. And Katie's birthday party is on Saturday, too. Then next week is Final Exams for all my seniors and Katie's actual birthday. I will need to bring fruit for her class and goodies for her birthday with her classmates. I will have to grade those final exams (somehow) in 30 minutes so I can post final grades.

whine, whine, whine. When my kids are tired, they whine. So, I guess if I am tired, I will whine. Just this once. Then I will pick myself up by my bootstraps, suck it up, deal with it and move on. But that is for tomorrow.

And for Amanda and Wes...I said whine. Not wine.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

It has been a wonderful day!

My day started with Mike and the kids bringing me breakfast in bed. After breakfast was over, they brought me their cards, which were adorable. Then, we went to church, where I received a flower from Katie. So cute!

When we got home from church, we sat down for lunch, and then the girls and I settled down for a nap. When I awoke, Mike asked what I wanted to eat for dinner. I told him anything seafood would be wonderful. So, he took the kids out on a shopping excursion while I am here blogging and getting ready to work on a knitting project.

Here is a picture of us from today. What a wonderful Mother's Day...Happy MOTHER"S DAY TO EVERYONE!!!!

Whew!!

2009-04-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I survived the last few weeks. A trip to DC, a shopping extravaganza throughout North Georgia, a week to Brooklyn with Allison.

sigh.

Now it is back to the norm. Which is still crazy busy, but not like the last few weeks. School only has 4 more weeks. Last night we nailed down the dates for Fire Island, which is VERY exciting!! Tom, Katie and I will be there for three weeks. I am already planning for the running, working out, and lots and LOTS of knitting. It is the ultimate vacation! But I digress...

Here is a video of Tom and Katie dancing last night to one of Laurie Berkner's new songs. I love her music.

Here are some pictures from tonight. Allison, Tom and Katie having some fun with me and the camera.

The kids. They are so wonderful. They are growing too fast. And in some ways...not fast enough. I am perpetually tired. I am perpetually harried. But. I have three healthy, HAPPY kids. They love life. They love me and Mike. They love each other. They have Grandparents that love them, and whom they love...I mean...adore. And it is mutual.

I might be tired. I might be exhausted. But. It. is. worth. it. Every second.

Hamster Wheel, anyone?

2009-03-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Wow. I am not usually the type of person that has to check her calendar before making appointments, but that is my life these days.

Just a glimpse of the craziness:

Today - Mike is out of town today. Wake up at 5:15 am, shower, eat breakfast, get the kids up at 6:25 am, fed, dressed, teeth brushed and out the door at 7:30 am. At school by 8:00 am. Go to gym after school (still on the weight loss endeavor...slow and steady progress is best...so they say...)

Tomorrow - Sanity.

Thursday - Pack for trip that I am leaving on Friday. Flight is at 6:30 am. Be at airport by 5:30 am. Leave home by 5:00 am. ugh. Out of town until Sunday night at 10:00 pm.

Monday - Wednesday - back at school, normal routine

Thursday - Ladies dinner at the Lisi's Make hors' doeuvre to share
Friday - My best friend's birthday shopping extravaganza weekend...gone all weekend
Sunday - get back, pack for going to Brooklyn with Allison to visit Richelle for 5 days
Monday - Friday: in Brooklyn with Allison visiting my sister

I am tired just thinking about it. And this doesn't include the various soccer practices, doctor appointments and other odds and ends that make up normal, every day living.

I am not complaining. I am just saying. I am tired. Now I know why.

It has been an awesome week!

2009-03-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

So...my birthday week has reached its conclusion. And I couldn't be happier. Here is a VERY amateurish video clip from the culminating event...the Billy Joel/Elton John concert

So...this concert was such a wonderful event for my birthday. There have been many times in my life I have missed my Mom. When I got married (Richelle & Dad can tell you about when I started sobbing and ran back into the bridal room...pretty funny), when each of my children were born...and this past Saturday night. When Billy Joel and Elton took the stage I started bawling like a baby. The couple behind us said I was totally feeling my Mom's presence. Maybe so...all I know...it was the best damn concert ever. I am so glad I went. I sang along to EVERY song. I didn't sit the entire 4 hours of the concert. My feet hurt, but I am glad they did. I lived in the moment. For me. For my Mom. :-)

Hold on to your fingers!

2009-03-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

My birthday week has begun. It started on Friday night when Mike decided that I had to get my present. Right then. Not Saturday, not Thursday (which is my "actual" birthday). Right that moment. Why? Because it was something I would want to play with. Right then.

He was correct.

He gave me a Blackberry Curve. I haven't put it down yet. I am in techie love. It is SO cool. I have even managed to twitter, update Facebook, and email with the thing. I have setup my Bluetooth so that I can "talk" with my computer. Yeah.

The one rule is that I can't put my work email on it. I am okay with that rule. I don't want my work email on the Blackberry. That would take the fun away. But, believe you me, I am having FUN. Let the party begin!

Fun, fun, fun

2009-03-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

So...today is the first day of soccer practice for Tom's team. That also means it is the first day of coaching his team for the second season. I am curious as to how this is going to go. I loved coaching last season. 6 little boys (aged 5 - 6) a co-coach (who is a Dad to one of the other players) and me. We had such a good time.

So, I am trying to think of what fun things we could do. Playing "catch the coach" was always a favorite. We will definitely play some of that. But, the boys also need to work on some basic skills - dribbling, ball control, getting the ball from another player (preferably from the opposing team). They had improved so much the last season, it will be interesting to see what happens over the next two months.

Snow Day

2009-03-02T05:02:00.001-08:00

YAY! It is a snow day!

Ummmm... now what?

The roads are icy, so no going out & about until the sun melts the ice from the roads. The kids are a bit confused - it doesn't LOOK that bad, after all. Hmmm...I think we will head to the library later, when it is safe to drive. That will take a little bit of time. Then we can come home and read some while Allison sleeps and I grade papers. We will figure out the rest later.

Here are some pictures of the snow. It was beautiful!

Happy Birthday Allison!

2009-02-15T17:25:00.000-08:00

Unbelievably, Allison turned two this Valentine's Day. I can't believe it has been two years since our little Ballerella (as we like to call her) arrived. Here she is on day one...all 8 lb 13 oz of her...
And then again on her first birthday...And then yesterday...
She is still so full of joy and love. Such a happy little girl. Don't get me wrong, she has her temper tantrums like every other two year old, but over all...she is such a bright, sunny child. She is a blessing in every way.

Dancing and Knitting

2009-01-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

What better fun could be had than dancing and knitting? Here is the dancing:

Here is the knitting I am working on.

This is a purple cowl using some fabulous hand-spun yarn I received in a Swap on Ravelry. The picture doesn't do it justice.

This is a keyhole scarf I had intended for Tom, but it is too small. So, Katie and Allison are taking turns wearing it. It is from the same swap as the purple yarn above. It is silk, merino wool and very, very yummy warm.

Last but not least. This is a Chevron scarf I am making from yarn that was purchased at the famous shop "Purl Soho". It was a present from Nina, and I am loving using the yarn. The owner of the shop wrote the pattern, and it is both easy and beautiful.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

Well, 2009 is finally here, and not a moment too soon! The kids and I traveled home from New York City today with Wally and Nina - and everything went fairly smoothly. It has been a hectic two weeks of travel and it is so good to be home. Here are a few pictures to commemorate the holidays! This is Tom and Allison at Dad & Sharon's house. They were watching a cartoon, and Allison just plopped down on Tom's lap to watch. Tom wrapped his arms around her and they just sat there. It was really precious.

Here is Katie getting her hair braided by Sharon. It was really amazing since Katie won't ever let me do anything with her hair! She even kept the braids in for the rest of the day.

This is the little purse I knitted and felted for Katie. I used Baby Alpaca Wool and it turned out beautifully. Katie really likes it too, which is a bit unexpected. She doesn't always like girly things, so her using it to carry around her toys makes my heart melt.

Allison playing with Tom's light saber. Tom was so excited to receive that present. He couldn't wait to take it outside to play!

Now on to New York. Our plane was first thing in the morning, so the first afternoon we went to the Time-Warner Center and saw the changing stars and had a snack at Whole Foods - yum!

We had such fun! Every day we had one major activity planned: Saturday was our trip to the American Museum of Natural History. We saw the Sea Monsters Imax film (more precisely, Grandpa Wally and Tom saw it...the rest of the crew wouldn't sit still for the movie...), the Butterfly exhibit, which was unbelievable. The live butterfly habitat was simiply breathtaking. Katie loved being surrounded by butterflies. I couldn't help but think how much Mom would have loved to be there. The butterflies would land on you if you were still. It was incredible. We also saw the Lizards and Snakes Alive! exhibit (Katie loved that, too). Tom, Margaret and I stayed for the Cosmic Collisions planetarium show which we saw last year and just had to see again!

Sunday we visited Richelle, Neil and Chandra and the kids got to ride the subway train...which they were quite excited about!

That night Mike flew back to VA and then drove home. Wally and I were solo with the kids since Nina was at a conference. But we did great by taking the kids on Monday to the Children's Museum of Manhattan.

2008-12-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

This is Tom's holiday play. It was to the Nutcracker Suite. He was a Sugar Plum and very cute. Here are some pics, too:
Katie and I went and watched while a co-worker's son watched Allison. We all had a wonderful time...and for a bonus, we have found a new babysitter!!

So much to be Thankful for

2008-11-27T14:59:00.001-08:00

In a year that has been difficult, I still have so much to be thankful for. My husband, who loves me, just as I am, imperfections, selfishness and all. My children, who are healthy, happy and such a testament to God's promises. My life. My faith. In a year when I have lost my brother, a friend has lost her child, and many people are faced with unnamed difficulties, I am blessed. I thank God every day for what I have - a life that has purpose, even if I am not sure what that purpose may be - a family that loves and knows love - and enough sustenance to make it through another day. I am blessed. I am thankful.

A much needed break

2008-11-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

This picture sums up the weekend. I took Friday off to be with Allison since she was sick, but it ended up turning into a very relaxing three day weekend.

I decided not to do any school work this weekend. Boy, am I glad I made that decision. I really needed three days to sit, knit, play with the kids, enjoy my husband and just relax. I know there is a ton of work to do, but it can wait until tomorrow.

DONE..and the rest of life to contend with now

2008-10-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

So the blanket is done. Blocked and finished and put away for Allison's Christmas present. Here is the final pic:

Now to finish all of the other things I want to finish for the holidays. Yeh, right.

Tom just had his 6 year check up (I am still in denial that I have a six year old son). He has grown three inches and is now in the 50th percentile (versus the 25th) for height! YAY!

Professional life is a bit difficult. I feel like I am spinning my wheels constantly. The harder I work, the less I seem to accomplish. Just when i think I am getting a handle on it all, another obligation comes along. There are a lot of times lately that I have been thinking of trying to do something else. Anything else. But I love what I do. I love teaching with a passion, but I can't keep up this pace. I know the grass is always greener on the other side, but I can't help but wonder if there is something else I can do besides teach.

It is almost done!

2008-10-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here is Allison's almost complete baby blanket. I have added the garter stitch edging to the top and bottom, now I just have to pick up stitches on the sides and then it will ALL DONE!!! I never thought I would get this far...so to be so close is really exciting! This is her big Christmas present from me.

Cute Allison Video

2008-10-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

I just had to get this on camera. One of Allison's caretakers at school is French, so she is learning some basic Francais... Bonjour, au revoir, etc. She is also all about naming her facial features. So without further ado...

Tom turns 6!!!

2008-10-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it. My son is six. SIX!!! I still remember the day (or morning...3:03 am) when he was born. It seems like yesterday. I suppose it will always seem that way. Now he is a big boy. He wants to play with his classmates, and now he is on a soccer team. wow.

He had such a great day. He scored two goals in his soccer game, then all of his best buds from his kindergarten class came to play with him for his birthday party. With Grandma Nina and Grandpa Wally, Tom, Katie, me and Mike roasted marshmallows and made s'mores in our backyard.

It was the perfect day. Happy Birthday TOM!!

Babies

2008-09-20T07:45:00.001-07:00

I was driving home yesterday afternoon with Allison and Katie in the car. Allison has recently adopted one of Katie's baby dolls and frequently carries it around with her. Should anyone else pick the doll up, she promptly screams "MINE!!!" and will run and grab the doll.

Okay...so here is where the story gets cute.

As we are driving home I notice some movement in the back seat. I see Allison holding her baby doll. She is holding it in front of her and talking to it. Then she gives the doll a big hug and kisses it. She does this over and over. She tenderly puts the baby on her shoulder and snuggles with it. All I could think was that she is learning all of these wonderful habits and we weren't even trying. It is a good sign, I think, that we are instilling the right kind of behaviors in our children. It also lets me know that her class is one where they are loving the kids, too.

It was a precious moment, and one I wish I could capture and hold it in place forever.

Coach Cris

2008-09-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

Well, Friday was the first time I coached soccer and Tom's first practice. I think things went well. I spent the better part of Friday during the day looking up age appropriate soccer drills. The one that sounded most intriguing was Tag-the Coach. So...I decided to try it.

Picture me. Surrounded by 8 five year-old boys. Here is the game: I run around, the boys have to dribble their soccer balls, and when they get close, try to "tag" me with their ball. If I get "tagged" I stop running and have to make whatever animal/superhero noise the tagger designates. It was pretty hysterical. I got to be a Cheetah (the name of our team), an elephant, a lion and a duck. This week I am going to change it up a bit and have the kids go do something else (with the other coach) once they have tagged me, that way every kid (not just the really talented ones) get to "tag" the coach.

I think I am going to like this. I get to be an over-sized lunatic soccer kid for 45 minutes each Friday. I can do that.

Because I am just not busy enough

2008-09-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

I went to Tom's soccer orientation last night at our local Y. During the presentation, the director said they needed co-coaches for his age group. (you see where this is going, don't you?)

I had already considered co-coaching the soccer team. I LOVE soccer. I loved playing soccer. I am going to be at practice, anyway...right?

SOOOO...now I am co-coaching his team. This should be interesting.

Because I didn't already have enough to do...

Rolling right along

2008-08-30T16:56:00.001-07:00

So, we survived the plumbing craziness. The driveway concrete was poured on Thursday, YAHOO!! Today was the first time in 10 days I could drive up our driveway. While that would not be a big deal at any other house, our home is "perched on the edge of a cliff" as one co-worker put it, and the driveway goes straight up that cliff. Trudging up and down a 45-degree incline in the rain, carrying a 22 pound toddler in the muddy clay is JUST. NO. FUN.

Enough whining.

We had an insanely busy week, but we made it through and are actually surviving rather well. Tom and Katie both had their Open Houses at their schools. I really love their teachers, and I think their experiences in their respective schools are going to be great.

Katie had her first gymnastics class this week and it went well. The instructor said she is fearless, which is something we already knew. I am hoping this will help her find her own niche.

Life keeps rolling along.

About the plumbing...

2008-08-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

So...I thought things were going well. Then...the main sewer line out of house collapsed. Like, nothing is leaving the house. This was last Tuesday. Hmmm, this is a problem. Roto-Rooter quotes us "starting at $6500." WHAT?!?!?!? Okay...now onto Wednesday. Get more quotes. Still no using the potty at home. (yes, that includes the kids) Find someone who gives us a more reasonable quote ($4800, what a deal) and they can start on Thursday. Early in the morning, he says.

Nope.

Not until around 10 am. Now it is 6 pm on Thursday. Still no drainage from the house. The pipe is hooked up, so we can shower. Still no potty usage allowed. Supposed to be fixed by Friday afternoon. I arrive home on Friday around 5:30. The plumbers are just finishing. I ask "Can I use the bathroom?" Response: "SURE!!!" Okay. Yep, it works. BUT, now there is all kinds of rust in the hot water. sigh

Good news: Mike flushed the hot water heater multiple times and the rust problem goes away. No need to buy that $600 hot water heater. yay.

High notes: Tom, Katie and Allison are still loving there respective schools. My classes are going okay. Some challenges, but mostly okay.

The sports merry-go-round started this weekend. Katie is in swimming and gymnastics. Tom will start soccer in two weeks.

No rest for the wicked.

Cute picture of Tom and Jack (yes, Jack is in the bathroom sink):

First day of Kindergarten and Pre-K!

2008-08-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

Tom and Katie have survived their first days of public education! While I recognize it is only a few days into the 180 day school year, they both seem to have adjusted well to their respective schools. Tom is cheerful when the girls and I go to get him - we walk to the school - and Katie doesn't want to leave when I come in to pick her up in the afternoons. It is so comforting to know they are settling in to their new classrooms. They have great teachers, so I know they are in good hands. Here they are on their first day:

Allison also started at her new daycare, which is in the same building as Katie's school. She has already charmed everyone in her classroom. She cried when I dropped her off the first day, which is to be expected, but she hasn't so much as let out a fuss the last two mornings. I know I have said it before...but it feels good to say it again...Life is good.

First Week Accomplished!

2008-08-09T16:16:00.001-07:00

Well, I made it through the first week of school. Of course, the students don't return until Monday...but all the same, I made it!

I feel really good about the upcoming year. Before the end of this week I had been apprehensive and concerned. I was worried that I wouldn't have enough emotional strength to give to the students. I am not worried anymore. I am excited. I am rejuvenated. I am blessed. Now, I am ready.

Bring. It. On.

Does summer have to end?!?!

2008-07-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

So...I am in the last few days of my summer vacation. Maybe it was Steve's death, or the craziness that followed it, but I just don't feel like I got enough of a vacation. I just need a few more weeks...or months... If I could just go back to Fire Island for a little while longer and relax, I think it would be perfect. I know that I will feel better once school starts back up and the students are there and I am in the midst of school-life. I love to teach, I love my career. I just worry that I won't have enough to give to my students.

In the last few days, though, I have been working on my knitting projects. I am almost done with my 1st sock...YAY! I am also edging closer to finishing Allison's blanket.

Speaking of Allison...she is home with me today with a case of pink-eye. Whenever I spend time with her I am struck by how happy she is. She really is this happy, bubbly, cheerful, fun-loving kid. I love how her chubby little arms will reach up for me with an enthusiastic "UP!!" Melts my heart every time.

Having Fun with Allison

2008-07-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

So, Mike took the kids on a big adventure - tent camping. Where they went (along with two other families) does not have cell phone reception, so I haven't been able to find out how it is going. I can only imagine they are having the time of their lives.

Then...there is Allison and me. Having a blast just doing stuff together. Allison is going very easy on me, the earliest she has woken up in the morning is 7:30. YES!!! I haven't been sleeping well, so being able to sleep in has been wonderful. This morning we were super-busy. I had a bunch of errands that needed to be accomplished and I figured Allison would enjoy being out and about. I was right. First we went to the YMCA and signed Tom up for Fall Soccer and Katie for Gymnastics. Then we went to visit Tom's T-Ball team and drop off the water cooler. Lastly, we went to my favorite knitting store in the world, KNITCH!! I put on the baby sling, put Allison into it and we went yarn shopping! Knitch is having their annual "ducky" sale (you pull out a rubber ducky out of a water barrel and the discount you receive is listed on the bottom - lots of fun) and I just couldn't miss it. Allison charmed everyone who caught her eye and helped me pick out some great yarn for some projects I am hoping to start. Now - at 1:00 pm- she has been fed her lunch and is sound asleep taking her nap. ::Sigh::

Last night Allison was watching the Wiggles while I got her dinner ready. When I peeked in on her...this is what I saw...too cute for words...

Hitting the Ground Running

2008-07-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well...vacation is officially over. We got back home on Sunday and as soon as the alarm went off Monday morning, we were off and running. Maybe it was the shock of being back to reality, or just PMS - either way, I was NOT happy about running at what felt like break-neck speeds to get things done. Dropping the kids off at their respective locations was a new experience, since Tom is now at a new camp. Then, there was getting caught up on all the stuff that was waiting for me during the beach break. Ugh. It is only Wednesday and I am ready for another vacation. 50 more weeks (give or take a few days). I can't wait. Here are a few pics, just to keep the memories alive.

Beach Time

2008-07-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

It has been 5 days of pure bliss here at the beach house. Tom, Grandpa Wally, Grandma Nina and I are having a ball. Our days have settled into a soothing routine. Wake up, breakfast, then Tom goes to Youth Group and then I go for a walk. It is so beautiful here. I start my walk along the bay. It is refreshing to see all of the water and feel the breezes that have the slightest salt scent. After the walk I enjoy the outdoor shower. There is nothing quite like have the blue sky above you as warm water washes away the sweat of good exercise. Then, it is time for knitting, reading or email. Tom comes back from Youth Group for lunch and is full of tales from his morning activities and is usually charged up about the excitement planned for the afternoon. Once Tom returns to the Youth Group we usually sit and talk, or do more simple things, like reading or knitting. Once Youth Group is finished for the day we head to the ocean. Tom's favorite game is to hang on to Wally and me and the surf pull his feet out from under him. But yesterday he determined he needed to learn how to "dive" under the waves. So he and Wally headed out just past the breaking waves, not to deep, mind you. Tom was still able to stand, and when a wave was about to crash Tom would duck under it. He was so excited that he could do such a big-boy thing like dive under the waves. He kept looking at me and asking "Did I do good, Mom?" Of course, I jumped up-and-down and clapped and told him how proud I am of him. Once the waves have been conquered and showers have been had, it is time for dinner, story (which Tom reads to us) and taking turn to tuck Tom in and kiss him. What more could we ask for?

Family Fun

2008-06-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

The kids will never be able to escape our scientific bent in this family. The other night Tom and Katie were bored, dinner wasn't ready yet, but there wasn't enough time for them to go to the playground. Mike decided to let them make an experiment in the workspace. Here is the video...it is just so cute. The little scientists....

Here is the picture (finally) of Tom in his t-ball uniform and my most current knitting project...socks. Actually, A sock. I have never knit socks before, so this is fun. My goal is to get this pair completed for me, then knit a matching pair for Richelle. Only, the colors will be reversed. The funky, multicolor portion will the body of the sock, with the teal blue being the band.

Lastly, here is a picture of Wally and Nina with the kids. We celebrated Wally's birthday last night, and it seemed like a good time to snap a picture. It is always so great to see the kids with them.

Knittin' for Babies!

2008-06-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I just finished a gift set for one our good friends who just had a baby girl. (actually...she had her about a month ago...but who is counting, right?) I decided to make a pair of booties and a little hat. To change things up from my usual basic baby hat, I wanted to make a little cabled hat. I have never knitted cables before and I thought a small project would be good to try. SUCCESS!!! Here is a pic of the hat:

And here is a picture of the set:

I am so thrilled with how they turned out. I just hope the family likes them as much as I do!

Fun Weekend

2008-06-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

So we had a fun-filled weekend...at least I know I did! Tom had another t-ball game, and the team really came together. Tom is getting much better at hitting the ball and was able to (legitimately) get on base! YAY!

Saturday evening Mike had the kids all to himself since I was attending a good friend's wedding. It was so beautiful. The bride and gro

om were so sweet - they even danced a jig (literally!!) after their first dance. It was really amazing. There was a fair number of us irish dancers in attendance so we were able to pull out two groups of four for a four-hand and then we danced a jig, too. The rest of the night we boogied down. It was such fun to be part of so much joy and love. Both families are wonderful people and the celebration was a night to remember for everyone. Although...as one of my dance friends coyly quipped on Sunday...our bodies j

ust don't seem to handle all that "booty-shakin'" as well as when we were in our early twenties. So true...so true...

Katie had another swim class and jumped into the wat

er by herself for the first time! She is still wearing a flotation device, but she did so well! She was very excited and proud of herself. She has another 4 weeks of classes then she will move on to the next level. I am sure she will put her new swimming skills to good use at the beach.

As for Allison. She is into EVERYTHING!! BUT, she is also using sign language - which I am hoping will help her communicate and defuse some of the temper tantrums that Tom and Katie had at her age. She has: please, thank you, hungry (which is the very first sign she makes when I go to get her out the crib in the morning...very cute) cup, and eat. She can also say thank-you, which said for the very first time on her own this afternoon. woo-hoo!

Day by day

2008-06-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

Things are getting better day by day. There are moments of profound sadness, missing Steve, but then there are moments when I realize that he is in a far better place than here. But I have been surrounded by some really amazing people in addition to my family. For the last two weeks I have been in a teaching fellowship and just loving it. It was incredible to be around other teachers who were as excited about learning as I. The vibe was positive, supportive and kind. While I only told a few of them about my trials, it never failed that they offered sweet words and gentle hugs. Today marked the end of the learning phase and the beginning of the implementation. As I begin to plan for how to make use of all the techniques I have spent the last two weeks learning about and practicing I am looking forward (yes, FORWARD!!) with eagerness for the next school year.

The kids are doing great....Tom has started t-ball (pictures to be posted soon) and is having a great time. He loves being part of a team and doing a "big-boy" sport. It is too cute. Katie has had two swim lessons and loves being in the pool. During the lesson she will look over and give me the most adorable little wave. She is all about hugs and kiss and her favorite phrase (which melts my heart every time) is... "I love you, Mommy" Allison is becoming more independent daily. She is trying to run...which usually results in her falling. After the fall, she squeals with laughter and tries again. She doesn't want to hold my hand, but she can't quite decide if she wants to give up being held. Depending on her mood she does, then she doesn't, then she does...oh, the life of a toddler...

Sad

2008-06-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I posted - because on the day of the last post - I found out my brother (actually he was my step-brother...but after having him in my life for 23 years...I think of him as a brother) died. It broke my heart. While I won't say that we were super close, I would say that I always knew he thought of me often. I hope he knew that I thought of him, too. His memorial service was last weekend. The service was nice, and helped me get a grasp on his being gone - but I find myself still waiting for him to call and tell me it was a cruel joke. It won't happen, I know. At some point I will get past that feeling and accept that he isn't here - instead, I will know that he is everywhere...in the beauty of the sunrise, in the rush of the ocean waves, in the cool breeze as I stand on the beach, in the joy of my childrens' laughter. I will find him there. But I still miss him here.

It is Friday...what to do, what to do

2008-05-30T04:32:00.000-07:00

Pictures of the kids from last weekend. So much fun was had as we hung out with friends.

So...it is Friday. Summer has officially begun. (actually, it started yesterday, but Allison had a fever and stayed home, so I don't count it as the beginning of summer) The kids are at their schools (aka daycare) and I am left to wonder what to do. I am torn between doing things I know I ought to do - laundry, putting the laundry away, cleaning - and things I WANT to do - knit, blog, knit, blog and some more knitting.

Oh, the trouble with summer. /giggle/

I think I will do a little of both sets of things to do. A little bit of laundry, a LOT of knitting and then I am going to go buy myself some much needed shorts.

Yep, summer has really begun.

I made it!

2008-05-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

Wow - Finals are over...exams are graded and put into the gradebook...now it is time to move into my new classroom! YIPPEEE!

I have to say, this year has probably been my best teaching year ever. I think I have learned more in this year than I thought possible. I have stretched myself as an educator, (and here is the best part) my students are reaping the benefits. For the first time I am REALLY looking forward to next year. I am excited (yes, excited...at the END of the year, no less) about the changes my fellow science teachers and I are talking about making to the courses to better engage the students. But even more than that, I am looking forward to the students. I have been so fortunate to meet so many wonderful young people this year. I can't wait to hear about all their successes (most of the them are seniors) and I am honored to have been part of their educational career. While they made me a little crazy at times, I feel I am a better teacher because of the challenges they offered.

Now, I get to move into my new classroom (no more floating for me - WOOHOO!!!) next week and add my personal touches. Then...summer and my teaching fellowship!

Katie's Birthday Party

2008-05-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

It was the perfect day for a birthday party! The sun was out, but it wasn't too hot. We brought toys from our backyard to the park at the end of our street and let the fun begin. I can't believe that our beloved Katie will be four on Monday. It just doesn't seem possible! We had a handful of guests along with us and Grandpa Wally and Grandma Nina. We played soccer, played with the great balloons Grandpa bought and munched on the snacks. Last, but certainly not least, we ate the scrumptious chocolate cake that Grandma brought from the Black Forest Bakery. It was moist, delicious chocolate cake with super-yummy chocolate icing.

Once the guests went home the present-opening commenced. Katie received lots of dresses, courtesy of Grandma and Grandpa, and one from Mommy and Daddy. She also got hair accessories, a stuffed kitty-cat and butterfly purse. Mike bought her an art easel and lots of paints and paper/fabric to paint on. All three of the kids have enjoyed the set-up. Aunt Mary sent her a My Little Pony set and backpack to store them in. She has playing with them all afternoon!

It was a hectic week - the Final Crime Scene at school went very well. It certainly has room for improvement, but overall the kids said they enjoyed putting their skills to good use. I had a dance competition on Saturday morning, and Tom elected to come with me. We did well as teams and I did okay in my solos. I am ready for Finals this week - then on to my Teaching Fellowship at Emory.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!!! It was a busy day, but a good one. I am in the midst of preparing a Final Crime Scene for my Forensics classes to process. It is a TON of work, but I think the kids will really get to test out their skills and it is keeping them going in the last 10 days of the semester (and they are SENIORS...that is pretty amazing!!). I was at school for a few hours this morning and I just now finished the witness statements and the victim and suspect bios. WHEW!! I think I am just about ready to let it roll.

As for the rest of the family...they are doing great. Allison is continuing to improve after her surgery. She is still teething (1 more tooth made it through the gum and another is just about to cut through) so she isn't super happy, but she is WAY happier than she was before. Tom and Katie are doing well. Tom attended a tea with Peter Rabbit at our local library with a friend of his from school and had a great time. There was a puppet show, crafts, snacks and a picture with Peter Rabbit. It was really fun.

Surgery went well!

2008-05-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

Surgery is done and Allison did great (and I only cried for about 10 seconds)! She woke up fighting mad from anesthesia, which is normal, but she was quite a handful for a few minutes! Her ENT said that she did well with the surgery and that we should see improvements immediately. They took her back to surgery at 8:17 am and she was back in the room around 9:20 am. We are home and she is toddling around and is very chatty. She has already downed a sippy cup of gatorade (yay!!) and had some applesauce. I am going to lay her down for her nap and hopefully I will catch a little bit of sleep, too. Needless to say, I did not sleep much last night. However, right now, I am so thankful to have the surgery over and Allison home. Thanks for all of the well wishes, support and prayers. I truly believe those kept me sailing through the procedure.

Tomorrow is the big day

2008-05-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow is Allison's surgery. I know it isn't supposed to be a big deal, just getting tubes put in her ears, but it feels like a big deal to me. The idea of having to leave her in the hands of (very capable, the BEST, actually) doctors just doesn't leave me with a comfortable feeling. I have been told the surgery takes a few minutes and that I won't even be done crying before the surgeon comes to talk to me and tell me that the surgery went well, but that really doesn't help all that much. I am focusing on staying positive, though. Allison is already a happy-go-lucky toddler. Walking everywhere, waving and smiling at anyone that glances her way and trying to repeat every word we say. I can only imagine how much happier she will be once the tubes are in place and her ear infections stop. So put a happy thought out there for Allison tomorrow. The procedure is scheduled for 8:00 am, so hopefully we will be home by 11:00 am. Of course, after it is all done, I will FINALLY get some real sleep. :-)

Just a little side note...literally

2008-04-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of this...notice the Ravelry icon to the left. Well...I am totally html-code illiterate. It took me two hours yesterday (screaming at the computer, when I should have been grading) and a help chat room, (Pania on ravelry ROCKS!!!!!) but I GOT IT!!!!!!

So...PLEASE click on the Ravelry link, if only to make me feel better. :-) But, you really ought to check it out especially if you like to knit or crochet or do anything crafty.

A week in the life...

2008-04-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

So...it has been almost a week since I last posted...and it has been a relatively normal week. Normal - in other words - organized chaos!

Monday was our anniversary, Thursday was Allison's preop visit and my Irish Step Dance class, and then Friday was Tom's school performance. Saturday we moved more stuff from the old house and today Mike had to return the cargo van and I had to head to the knitting store to buy stuff for the Knitting Swap I am participating in on the Ravelry website. Oh...and I had to grade ~60 Forensics tests, am in the process of grading the same number of labs, trying to setup for the BIG final crime scene for the Forensic class in two weeks, finish two knitting projects, practice for a dance competition in May, get Katie's birthday party organized AND maintain my sanity. The sanity part is losing. Of course I would be in better shape if I were grading rather than posting to the blog...but procrastination is my middle name.

On to the specifics: Thursday's pre-op visit went well except for the hour-plus wait for the anesthesiologist that never showed. The nurse finally let us go after telling me we could me with the doctor on the day of the surgery - May 5.

Friday was Tom's school performance. It was alot of fun. I had the opportunity to take Tom out to dinner (he chose pizza) and then we went together to the performance. His class sang a few songs, and then there was the "play". He was a cheetah. I forgot my camera, but many of his classmates' parents had cameras and I am hoping they will forward on some of the pics.

Lastly, Mike and his Dad moved a bunch of stuff from the old house to our current house. It was great to get some of the things over here that we had forgotten about. Now it will be on to the storage unit...

Another fun week awaits...only 20 more days of school!

Allison's new vocabulary word

2008-04-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Allison has a new word in her vocabulary! Here is the story...

I walked into Allison's classroom and I got the usual enthusiastic "Hi!!" I picked her up and said, "I am taking you to see the doctor today, okay?" She gave me huge grin and said..."OKAY!!" This was the first time she had ever said okay! The rest of the morning at the pre-op clinic she would walk up to people wave and say "hi" with the occasional "okay!" thrown in. It was very cute!

Wonderful Anniversary

2008-04-21T18:45:00.001-07:00

It has been a wonderful anniversary. Mike and I spent time talking about all of the events of the past seven years. It has been a great ride so far. We have moved around Massachusetts, and then here to Atlanta. We wouldn't trade a second and we love the life we have made. We have three beautiful, healthy children and have kept true to what we believe. Our families are awesome, our life is unbelievable. BTW, if you are ever in Atlanta...you MUST go to Feast, www.feastatlanta.com Their food is unbelievable. We also received a split of champagne and dessert on the house in honor of our anniversary! I had the scallops and Mike had the roasted chicken. To say the least, the food was delectable! I would highly recommend ANYONE going there. Our server offered a great recommendation on the wine, and it didn't fail. She also let us know where to buy it locally, so we can continue to enjoy!

Happy Anniversary!!

2008-04-21T06:26:00.001-07:00

Happy 7th Anniversary to us! I can't believe that it has been seven years since Mike and I got married. It has been an awesome, incredible seven years...and I think it will only get better. We are going out to dinner tonight (we have a babysitter...YAY!!!). We are looking forward to some quiet time with incredible food. We are going to Feast, which is in downtown Decatur. When we have pictures, I will post them.

Kids having fun

2008-04-19T08:29:00.001-07:00

It is Saturday morning and it is raining outside. The kids are forced to have some fun inside before Mike takes them to Children's Museum of Atlanta. They were going through their toys and for just a second, they were happily playing in the same area...so of COURSE I had to take a picture...or two...or three. ;-)

First post...YAY!!

2008-04-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

This is really for all of my extended family. I have a few friends that use a blog to share pictures and keep everyone updated with all the happenings...so I thought I would give it a try. My goal is to post once a week. I think I can do that!

Okay...for the first posting...I took these pictures last night. Katie has a new game she likes to play. She gets her "dress" (the blanket tied around her waist) on and states that she is going somewhere. That somewhere is usually work. It is very adorable. Anyway...it was dark outside and she has her coat and dress on and put one of her dollies in the stroller she then told me "I am going to the park, Mommy!" To top of the outfit, she has Mike's sandals. I had to snap a few pictures.

As for the past week, it has been hectic. Tom and Allison were both sick on Wednesday, 4/16. Tom had strep and Allison had a double ear infection. Poor thing...in addition to having to be poked and prodded in the morning by her pediatrician, we also had an appointment that afternoon with an Emory clinic ENT. This is the 5th ear infection in two months. The ENT decided that she does need ear tubes. That little event will be on May 5. I am not happy, but I know that her surgery will help her feel better, and will improve her hearing (which isn't great right now due to the infections).