Time for an update!

Not really sure where I left off. I kind of thought I would be done with the blog but have had some new families find me on here. I feel obligated to give a little more.

First, we finished our living room remodel. It came out really nice and I’m happy to have a finished living room and make it feel more like my home.

Thanks to Facebook, I think the word got out that Nathan’s adenoid surgery went well. It was rough coming off of the anesthesia but once we were home Nathan perked up and was ready to eat. He loves having his picture taken and doesn’t miss a pose.

waiting on the operating room!

Nate 3 hours after surgery!

As some of you might know, I went back to school. Going to become a nurse. I’m finishing up the rest of the classes need to apply for the program. I took Anatomy & Physiology and Introduction to Nutrition. I got a 4.0 in both classes and striving to do the same in the final 2 classes that I’m taking. I also made the Dean’s List. I really feel so proud of myself. Although I did okay in college (Ahem!) 13 years ago, it really makes me feel good that I still got it. I think it has also put an importance on education that my daughter sees.

We had a fabulous 4th of July! We saw a private fireworks show that our friends put on along with a great party. It was so nice not having to fight crowds over the holiday. I posted the video on Facebook. I didn’t realize that his fireworks were going to be that long (20 minutes) so the video is long. To long to put on blogger. Here’s a few pics.

I also am growing my garden this year. Sorry no pics because I really wasn’t planning on doing this blog. I started off real good and then my garden took a crapper on me. I couldn’t figure out what was going on. I went back there just the other day to pull a few more weeds. This time I pulled the weeds after I had watered the garden and let it sit (easier to pull weeds in HOT weather). Well, I solved the problem. The amount of water I was giving it wasn’t adequate enough for this hot weather. I think it was drying up before it ever reached the root of the plants. I flooded the garden and we had some heavy rain that day and the plants perked up. I just hope that I will still get some good veggies. Once thing that is coming is a huge pumpkin. It trails out of my garden into my neighbors (about 15 feet long and going). She said that was fine. She’s pretty cool as opposed to the pecker heads that live on the other side. Hopefully I will have a nice pumpkin to show you all.

Oh my, I forgot the biggest news of all. 8 years ago when I was pregnant with Audrey my parents moved to Iowa. I got to see them about once a year. I really missed having them around and them getting to know their grandkids. Well suddenly, they got the news in June that they were moving back. YEAH! I know have my parents back here by me. My mom already claimed she was doing the holidays which I am super excited about. I missed holidays with my family. Since they are back, we planned a trip up north for some R&R. They way we always did it and I get to meet my 2nd cousins kids for the first time. I think the oldest is 5 and my cousin Jenni’s boy and Nathan are only 4 days apart. They should have a blast!

We also have 2 new additions to our family. Meet Big Red & Blackjack!

I think you can figure out who’s who!

Here’s some wild clouds we had after a rain storm. It was also very yellow outside. I thought I was on Mars!

This is how Nate likes to swing. He puts his arms out and we call him “Super Nate!”

Time for an update!

I’m surprised that I even know how to log into my blog. I’d be more surprise if anyone reads this. Yes! It has been a long time. I really admire those that can make such a commitment to blogging. I looked back and I’ve been silent since October. I must think of all the stuff that has gone on.

For the most part we were enjoying holidays and birthdays. The kids dressed up for Halloween and got lots of treats. We enjoyed the fall colors and waited for Turkey day! I just love the smell of a Thanksgiving feast. I prepared for Christmas! I like to get the shopping done early and since I have the kids birthdays right around the corner, I get all that done too! On the big day, Santa almost didn’t arrive since a little girl wouldn’t stay in bed. Too much excitement! Don’t worry, he did make it!

We have also been lucky to not have too much sickness. The year before it was pretty bad. Audrey has enjoyed school and planning sleepovers. It seems every week she wants someone to sleepover. Nate loves having Audrey’s friends over too and often ask if he can go play with them. I hope with spring coming we can get some of his friends over.

January came with 3 birthday’s! First Nate’s then Matt’s and finally Audrey’s. I survived them all by keeping it low key. Nate turned 3 and therefore graduated from Early One’s speech program. This bumped us into our school district and started him in preschool. A lot sooner than I thought. I figured I ‘d send him to 4 year old preschool so I would have had another 1 1/2 years. But I realize that this was the right thing to do. He has progressed so much in his speech and has been wonderful for his confidence. He just started riding the bus last week. I’m proud of him (but it broke my heart a little)! He has also made friends with a neighbor boy in his class. I’m sad that his friend will be moving on to kindergarten next year. Audrey turned 7 (more like 13) and has improved a lot this year in 1st grade. I see growth more this year then last. She is excelling in math and reading, although she likes the reading more. I hope she is taking after me!

Talking about me, yes me! I started back to school in January. Even though I have taken these classes they were too old to qualify for the nursing program. I’m taking Human anatomy and physiology (A&P) this semester and will be taking microbiology in the fall and then applying for the program. The program is competitive but I’m hoping that good grades and previous medical background will bump me to the top of the list. Since the majority of people receive C’s or worse in A&P, I’m hoping that a 4.0 in the class will draw their attention to accept me! I have realized since going back how much I love to learn. I feel like I need to be a professional student. Hmm, how do you get paid for taking classes. Guess I need a job to pay for that.

March brought news of Nate needing another surgery. This time to have his adenoids taken out. Shouldn’t be too bad since they are not doing the tonsils along with it. I was frustrated that his surgery that was to be this week had to be rescheduled. Threw a wrench in my plans along with Nate’s daycare center closing. Makes more work for mom. It lead me to reschedule the surgery right before Easter when I would have the most free time to handle him. I was informed that he would only need 2 days of recovery. He should be all set to bite the ears off of his chocolate bunny (which is all he’s been asking to do).

So I think that was a quick recap of all that has been going on. Beside us doing redecorating/remodeling the house. Guess when that is done I’ll have to do a post on that. I’ll post a few pics!

Best Friends!

Where Have I Been?

I feel the need to share a little. I’ve shied away from blogger. I do feel less stress to keep up with it. I’ve been enjoying being a mom. Audrey, as some may know, is in First Grade and way back in September she had her first day. I managed to get a couple of cute pics. She had a rough go, not wanting to be away from mom. But she managed to overcome her fears and is doing a lot better.

 

Soon after school started we went to Heritage Day at the local township. It was a short, fun filled day and the kids got to see some cool things. Nate really enjoyed the cars and loved the red Mustang! He’s just like his dad! Audrey enjoyed some cotton candy…a little too much. She had a pink beard!

Since I was having a good day, I felt overly generous and took the kids out for ice cream. Nate doesn’t like ice cream so he played on the playscape.

This is the slide that Nate would not go down.

This was the slide he would go down.

And this is his technique! On the belly feet first.

That’s all folks!♥

Family

I haven’t been on here in a while. After blogging for a year, I’m really burnt out. The excitement of doing something new has worn off. I have been thinking about my family lately. There has been a lot going on…

We made a decision to sell our car and am a proud owner of a mini van. Although I said I would never own one, I am liking it so far. Audrey is ecstatic about it. My SUV had limited seating and was not accessible for Nate. 

I also have made the decision to go back to school. It’s scary to think about going back, especially since I’ve already done it and said I would never go back. But things happen in life and your path leads you in another direction. A direction you thought wouldn’t happen. Hopefully, in 2 years I will be a nurse. After all, I practically feel like one after taking care of my kids. But this will give me something to do when the kids are in school (after Nate is anyway!).

I also have been thinking about my uncle. I ask that you all keep him in your prayers. He has been fighting stage 4 prostate cancer. He has had several different radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Since things have been so advance, the treatments haven’t been working. He was recently in the hospital for blood transfusions and is starting on a path of new experimental treatments. My heart breaks because he is only 60 and a first time grandfather last year. His father (my paternal grandfather) also suffered from cancer. I thank the Lord that my dad is still in good health. This has been a scary time for our family.

After Nate, I really took a look into the genetics of family (or at least thought about it a lot). Here I am 5’7” and my husband is 6’5”, we have two children. Audrey is 6 1/2 at is measuring 4’2”. The average for her age is 3’4”. This puts her into the average size of a 10 year old. Love to see what the age of her bones are. The doctor told us that she will be reaching 6 foot. Nathan, on the other-hand is a different story. Because of his dwarfism, he will most likely be in a 4 foot range. He is measuring 31 inches so far. Since he’s closest to a 3 year olds age, their average is 33 inches. So, he is still pretty close, but when he is next to someone his age, he is definitely looks smaller. I would love for someone to do a genetics study on my family just to see how these things happen, what you get from whom.

On the brighter side, Audrey starts school on Sept. 7th! I’m so excited and so is she. She is in the 1st grade now. Her teacher, Mrs. Madigan, is so nice and I felt a good connection with her teacher. On top of that all her friends (most of them) from her old class are in hers. She also has some of the friends from her Daisy group. I’m so glad, it makes going back a lot easier. Since there are 4 different 1st grades, she may have ended up with no one. Obviously, the teachers pay attention to this and when they pick students for their class they work hard to keep friendships together. I hope to get some pictures up from the first day

Also, Nate is going back to speech therapy this week. He has been making good progress. He has been saying new words and putting together two word phrases. He’s still shy around new people and doesn’t talk. Most of the words he makes substitute for the real thing so only I know what he is referring to. I was super proud of him the other day saying “batteries,” it was really clear and it is a 3 syllable word. Now some pictures!♥

On FB I mentioned the shoe debacle. Nate loved his pair of shoes so much, no new shoe compared. I finally found this shoes online but they didn’t have the same color. But it was a success. Never knew boys would be so picky about shoes. Stubborn (wonder where he gets it from?) Also, this is his new way to lounge with the dog!

My parents with the kids this summer! Note I got Nate ready for bed and then my mom said, we need pictures!

Nate got some toy power tools. In it were safety goggles. Enough said!!

Nate wanted to give the cat a treat. That’s one of his favorite jobs is to give the dog and cat treats. He pulled out this huge tub of catnip. I thought he listened to me (emm hmm) and put it back. I’m making dinner and hear his giggle. I captured the action. One of the best things on Earth is the pure joy that comes from a child’s laugh!!

Lost Footage

Last year I was blessed with an abundant garden. This year I slacked off some and it shows. I got my garden in late and then hot weather hit. It took a toll on my little seedlings and stunted their growth. My yellow bell peppers are puny. I’m waiting on cukes and tomatoes and the other broccoli. I’m happy I got something.

Here’s Audrey with her friend Serenity. They had a sleepover that went really well. I swear these two are twins separated at birth. I’m really bummed that they won’t be going to the same elementary school together. Means I will have to schedule more play dates!

We did get outside for some pool action before rain came. Nate loves the water and I can’t wait to sign up for swim lessons. I also can’t believe that I got action pictures with my slow camera.

 

We’ve had some fun shopping excursions! We stopped at Traverse City Pie Co. for some cookies and coffee after lunch. You can see the kids enjoyed them. Not sure if you can see Nate behind that big cookie!

Then it was off to Trader Joe’s. My mom raves about the store which is at least 40 min from my house. Me not so impressed. The kids found these shopping carts, which I have heard are quite the rave. I did find a delicious chocolate bar! But not worth a 40 min drive.

So Friday I needed to hit Sam’s Club. The only place I buy diapers. Once again it’s after lunch but my lil’ man was worn out from the previous shopping day. He actually fell asleep while sitting in the cart. I pulled out the changing pad and a spare set of clothes to make a bed. I guess it was good enough. He got about a 30 minute nap in the cart!

Cheesy Nate

Cheesy Audrey

Nate finally had a play date with our neighbor. The boys are 6 weeks apart in age. It makes it hard not to compare them and expect Nate to be on the same level. I know that Nate will be there too, he’s just pacing himself. Nate did enjoy giving hugs. I hope that this is a start to a good friendship!

Other than that it’s been pretty low key around here. Started some back to school shopping and gearing up for the new school year.

Nashville~Part II

Had some issues with my blogger template that I had to address before I could finish my Nashville post. Onward!

Tuesday

We decided to sleep in this morning. All the hustle and bustle from the conference and the heat really got to us. After getting ourselves ready we headed for a short walk over to the Country Music Hall of Fame. It was a nice museum and took me back to being a kid. I remember many times being dragged to museums to learn the history of something. Nate enjoyed the freedom to run around and Audrey enjoyed the dresses. She especially loved the Taylor Swift dress.

Although I don’t know everything about country music, I learned a lot and respect those that paved the way for the music I listen to now.

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After that we were off to lunch at Jack’s BBQ! The most talked about BBQ joint down there. It was really good but wish it was a sit down and order as opposed to a walk-up-and-order. We have a BBQ joint in downtown Detroit called Slow’s BBQ and there you sit down and order. After lunch we strolled back to the hotel and was lucky to bump into Liz and her 3 year old daughter Ashley. They live about 45 minutes from us and I’ve gotten to see them a couple of times at LPA events.

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later that evening we took a drive out to Historic Franklin and got some dinner.

Wednesday

By now everyone is crabby from the conference and bad nights of sleep. At this point I realize we should have gone home but I still had the banquet on Thursday and planned on leaving on Friday morning. By this time we are leaving on Starbucks for breakfast, just give me coffee. Today we headed out to the Nashville Science Museum. I know that it isn’t too far from the hotel but I accidently put the wrong address into the GPS and end up at some worn downed warehouse. Oops! Re-enter address and we are there. I didn’t tell Audrey we were going here and she kept trying to guess what the building was. I guess I choose a good place to go because Audrey and Matt disappeared. I was left with Nate to venture on our own. Some things he found exciting and others not so much. There was a whole area dedicated to the human body and healthcare. I tried to get Nate to put on this little white doctor lab coat but because I asked that wasn’t going to happen. Some day I will get those cute picture, right? In the center of the museum they have a play structure that you can go higher and higher up. Never let you 2 year old lead the way. I’m trying to be all encouraging, climbing through tight spot till we are at the top. You have 2 choices: you can go down the stairs that everyone is coming up or you have a twisty slide to go down. Guess who wouldn’t go down the slide and I don’t like heights, especially with a 2 year old who is prone to falling. I was the “fun police”, as Matt calls me, and carried Nate down the stairs with a diaper bag/purse in a steep stairway that’s about the width of me. Geez, what we do for our kids!

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Thursday

Starbucks again in the morning! Today was to be quiet, hang out for a while before the banquet. We ran into Jaime and Caty in the lobby and we excited to chat and get a couple photos.

We decided to take a drive, stop for lunch and of course, stop at Lowe’s (Matt works for Lowe’s)

Then back to the hotel for a nap for Nate. Audrey had been enjoying the Children’s Room at the conference and they loved having her. She wanted those tokens so bad so she could shop at the banquet. I tried to get some nice pictures of us for the banquet but I had the camera on the wrong setting and my kids don’t like their pictures taken together.

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We really only got to stay for dinner at the banquet by the time we were done eating, we had to get the kids. The food was okay and the prices on drinks were ridiculous! But we had fun at our table. We had a family crash our table, which split another family up. The table crashes refused to go to their assigned table because it was not place in the correct spot according to the diagram from sign-up. A mom and her younger daughter sat at another table which left 3 seats for her other daughters at our table. The one daughter was quite pissed and made sure that everyone knew it. I actually had someone come to me with the assignment book and asked if our names were on that table list. I proudly pointed to our names. But maybe it was for the best that those girls mother wasn’t at the table. They didn’t hold back and they had me laughing so hard I was crying. Mainly it was about the blind lesbian keynote speaking and some of the things she said. The one thing I remember is that LP’s are very sexual people (her words, not mine). Made me wonder who her partner was. Anyway, it was a nice night and the husband and I got a dinner without the kids.

Friday

Time to head home. We were up bright and early. Matt checked out at 6am and we were on the road at 8. It was a 1 1/2 hour drive to Mammoth Cave National Park. It was a pretty drive back to the visitor center. I didn’t realize how many people would be there and that they have different tours at different times. Should of done my research. I was expecting a Niagara Falls where you just walk up and look. We did however run into a couple families with LP’s. How cool is that. The cave is absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to go back and do a bigger tour. It was very humid that day and made it hard to hike. I was hot and sweaty but when I got to the cave opening it was like nature’s air conditioning. Underneath the temperature drops to around 68 degrees. You can see steam rising up out of the opening. After we got up the lenses on my camera and glasses fogged up. One thing I am happy for is that Nate only weighs 24 lbs. You are not allowed to bring anything down into the cave except a camera, jacket and a bottle of water. After taking pictures my new goal is a new camera. Something that might be able to get better pictures down there.

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