Bounce U

Befitting of any five-year old boy, it was a Batman theme this year. My nephew, Lance (yes, the one in the thrown chair sporting a crown), is turning the ripe old age of five come March 3rd. His birthday party was today and in a celebration, we went to his first 'real' party. Not that family parties don't count, but when there are twenty other five-ish year olds running around, it becomes a whole new ball game.

For the kids, a visit to Bounce U was in store. Their first venture to such a place, it was bound to be fun. And it was. Upon entering the first room, we were greeted by some mildly loud music and three enormous bouncy things. There was a huge slide, a dodge ball thing and a regular bounce area. All of the kids immediately ran for the slide and the fun began. Well, everyone but Olivia. Had I snapped a shot of her, you would have seen her thrown to the ground (all her doing) and screaming like a lunatic. She wanted nothing to do with any of it. I guess I can't blame her - at first it was a little overwhelming, and I'm a lot bigger than her.

Thankfully, we moved into the second room after 30 minutes of play - and grown men pegging each other in the dodge ball thing. Finally, Olivia caved and let Jason take her up the slide. You would have then seen a completely different child.

The fun truly began.

After completely draining themselves of energy, the kids and parents were shuttled into yet another room. This time, to eat. Pizza and drinks were served. Cake was eaten. Presents were ogled, but not opened. After just a couple of hours, the fun came to an end. Back we piled into the car for our two hour drive home.

All and all, a great family day. We all had a good time. Jason and the girls got some good bouncing/sliding/jumping time. I got to take some good pictures and watch everyone have a good time. Just how I like it.

King Henry

So last week, the MIL acquired a puppy. Several weeks back, the girls and I accompanied her to go and look at the little pups. We all fell in love. How could you not! So, after very little thought, it was agreed that the now aptly name Henry would become a part of the family.

He made his first official visit to our house last night. Everyone reacted well - except for Riley, or as I call her, Jason's dog. She was less than thrilled, but after some time, was content to ignore his presence in her house. Zoey was thrilled!!! She chased him and tried to herd him as best as she could. By the end of the night, his head was sopping wet from her. They both dropped from exhaustion - he because of his wee age of 10 weeks and her because of her ripe age of 13 years.

It was the best medicine for yesterday. Much thanks to the MIL - again - for making a difficult day a little easier to stomach. Nothing better than laughter and cheap entertainment to put a smile on your face.

Sleeping Angel

It has been seven years.

Is that a long time? A drop in the bucket? I have tried to decide but haven't quite reached a conclusion. I think back over the past seven years and am amazed at how much has transpired. Moved to RI. Moved to MI. Births. Deaths. Countless family 'issues'. Moving. Job Loss. And so much more.

I think about how different the last seven years could have been. If Madison hadn't died seven years ago today, where would we all be? Would we still be in CO? Would we have decided to move closer to family? Would we have had two more children? How would she be doing right now? What would she look like? How would her quality of life be?

All the 'what ifs' and wondering is obviously not going to change anything. Then I think, would I want it to change? How do you come to terms with knowing that if you changed one thing that it would completely alter everything else? How guilty I feel sometimes for wondering how things would have been different.

But then I see my girls. Sleeping soundly in their beds. Not knowing what could have been. Healthy. Innocent. And so loved and needed.

Madison holds a special place in my heart and always will. I believe her purpose was to bring us all closer in a way. Her short life changed so many other lives. I am not the person I was seven years ago. Never will be again. I have a vastly different perspective on life because I had her in my life.

Her life and death has meaning. I have to believe that everything that happened was for a reason. Sometimes it's hard to understand the reason, but it's there.

Seven years is a long time. But there is so much more ahead.

The Tooth Fairy Cometh

Emma gleefully came out of her room this morning proclaiming 'my tooth came out!'. I was in the shower still, but I heard her telling Jason all about it. She was beyond excited. Now she joined the ranks of a few kids at school who had already reached this milestone.

Now the pressure is on. I have to find a tooth fairy pillow that will hold the precious little tooth under her pillow tonight. We looked a couple of weeks ago, but didn't find anything. Figured I had plenty of time to find one. Maybe order one of the zillion cute ones I found online. Time, however, was not on my side.

Off I go after music class to locate one. Emma already picked out the little box that the first fallen tooth will reside in, but it's not the same as the pillow. I have to find one. I am on a mission today. Trying to think of anywhere that may have one that I deem appropriate.

This won't be easy.

Taking Care of Kitty

So I know it's hard to tell, but that is Olivia's blabla kitty (best dolls/critters ever!!). Wrapped up in kitchen towels. Laying on her Giraffe rug. Being read an Olivia book. She has grown very attached to her 'meow meow' as she calls it.

If she doesn't do it, who will?

This Morning - In Color

After having a wonderfully relaxing and sublime weekend, it's back to the weekday junk. I heard the alarm this morning and I cursed it. My mind knew it was Monday, but my body was screaming for the weekend again. I begrudgingly got out of bed and began to get ready. Sometimes I wonder why I bother. I don't have any plans today other than picking Em up at school and cleaning. Does that really require me to get up, shower, dress, dry my hair, etc.? Probably not. But there I am. Every morning. Doing just that. Crazy-perhaps.

At least some of us know how to start the day off. Maybe I can learn something.

Happy Birthday my Angel

For most people, their child's birthday is cause for celebration. Preparations. Parties. Gifts. Laughter. All of that should be what happens. Maybe, someday, I will get there. For now, though, this day is not any of those things. Sadness. Tears (lots of them at times). Regret. Anger. Guilt. That is my day.

Today is Madison's 7th birthday. How I wish that she were here. Every day I thank God for my two beautiful, healthy, living children. And I also thank him for my sweet angel, Madison. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her in some way. Over the years, the thoughts have changed, grown, like she should have. It's hard not to think about what might have been, what could have been. No - what should have been.

I have met, talked with and read so many stories about other people's loss of a child. Every story is different, but the end result is the same. I hate having my own story. No one should ever have to suffer the loss of a child. But here I am. Living it every day. Never will I live without it.

I hope that they throw parties in Heaven, because there should be one today. I can see the balloons that I send every year to Madison sitting on a table next to a beautiful cake and a stack of gifts from all the friends she has made in her seven years there. I can see her smiling and laughing. No pain. How wonderful it must be.

Happy Birthday my sweet Angel.

A New Frontier

My brother - Dirt Dawg - is entering into new territory. He has joined the 'Podcast' world. His love of running is being taken to new heights - sharing it with the world. Audio style. Ever since he purchased the now dubbed 'Jesus Phone' (aka Apple IPhone) he has become entranced by its wonders and abilities. That now includes the ability to podcast his runs.

I have never been much of a runner. Used to in HS but that is a distant memory. I wish that I could find some type of exercise that I could totally devote myself to in the way that he is to running. If I was then I may be closer to my weight loss goal. However, even w/o the exercise I have managed quite well on my own. Still, some kind of exercise wouldn't kill me.

Kudos to him for his dedication, devotion and sheer craziness. Runs in the family. The craziness that is. The other stuff too. Some just trumps others.

Things to Do...

Thanks Dirt Dawg (big bro) for the heads up. Come March 13th, we will be sucking up our pride and purchase tickets via Ticketmaster.

Come July 28th, we'll be lovin' life just a wee bit more.

Coming to an end...

Emma has been basking in the glory of three days off from school this week. Of course, she had President's Day off like everyone else. But, her school had two more days off for teacher something-or-another. Much lounging. Lots of playing. Story time. Play date with a friend. Music class - Olivia's that Emma got to sit in on. McDonald's - of course. Cocoa. Snacks.

It's kind of nice to have some extra time with her like this. Usually during the week she is a little grumpled when she gets home from school - claiming she's tired, hungry, both, neither. We haven't been to story time in a while and she loves that.

Having a whole day vs. from noon on makes a huge difference.

Plus, there was no having to wake up on time, scarf food and bolt out the door in an effort to make it close to being on time.

Back to the usual schedule tomorrow though. Thankfully, it's only two days worth until the weekend is upon us again.

I think we'll be lazy this weekend.

A Pending Visit

Discovery of the first loose tooth last night. Emma is beyond excited. Preparations will be made. Yet another milestone. Suddenly, she's not so little anymore.

Those Pesky Pants Gnomes Strike Again....

The good news. This time they left socks.

Best Valentines.....EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me start off by saying this. I hate Valentines Day. I think it is a waste of money and total Hallmark dominated farce. The fact that it's even considered a 'holiday' by some people makes me ill.

Now, I do love the cute little cards for kids. The decorations - we currently have little jellied hearts sticking to some windows. The girls were adorned in their heart clothing today - never can miss an opportunity to dress them cute.

However, as far as Jason is concerned, he is off the hook. I am a firm believer in the 'just because' gifts. Something that tells me he was thinking about me and wanted to get me something special. Not an 'oh crap, I HAVE to get her something today' gift. Gee, nothing says I love you more than a gift given out of necessity. How romantic. Right up there with the dozen red roses - how creative! Did you think of that all by yourself or did the sign at the store help you?

Anyhow, enough complaining. Let's get to the meat of the day. It is after all, an important day.


OLIVIA'S FIRST HAIR CUT!!!!!!!!!!


Now granted, she doesn't have a whole lot of it right now. But, she was getting a wee baby mullet that was not very attractive. So, today, while I was 'basting' with hair color, Olivia got her turn in the chair. Complete with race car cape. She was SO good for the whole thing. She sat there. Stone faced. Watching the whole thing in the mirror. I couldn't believe it. Quiet. No screaming. No squirming. Nothing. It was great! Now, she is trimmed and not so shaggy - looking as cute as ever.
Tonight, we did go out.

No. Not to join the masses at eating establishments or at some supposed romantic venue.

As a family! We went to see my friend's daughter and sister perform in community theater. It was so much fun! The girls loved it. Emma said on the way home that when she was eight (like my friend's daughter) that she would like to do that. Or maybe when she five. Like now. Olivia clapped and danced to the singing. They shared a piece of cake at the intermission. Emma fell asleep on the way home. Olivia sang to herself and is finally going to bed right now.

We all better get to sleep in tomorrow.

I couldn't have asked for a better day. Spent with my girls & Jason. Having fun together. And it was all real.

Happy Friday Night!

Who are those crazy people?

The 100th Day

It is Emma's 100th day of school today. It's hard to believe, but it's true. She's happy. Party to be had. Snacks to be eaten. Oh, and of course, Valentine's to be handed out in honor of the 'holiday' tomorrow.

Sometimes I wish I could trade places with her. Life was certainly easier at that age. She may not think so at times, but I would gladly trade places with her sometimes. Reality-not going to happen. I can dream though, right?

Rainy Rain

Gloomy skies today. Rain here. All day. Thanks, Michigan. Appreciate all you do for us in the weather department. Yesterday, gorgeous. 60's. Today, rainy. 50's. Tomorrow, smack of reality. 30's. Yeah for us.

No jacket for kids yesterday. Today, break out the rain jackets - Olivia is thrilled as she practically lived in her rain jacket last year. Tomorrow, back to bundling like a freakin' Eskimo.

Complaints. I have a few.

The Pants Gnomes

It's a mystery to us all. Suddenly, they were gone. All that could be seen was the fleeting streak of bare legs and a glimpse of diaper. Surely, it must have been the work of pants' gnomes. They must be responsible for the current state of my child.

That, or genetics. Those are really going to work against her for years to come. At least she had the sense to accessorize with some stylish boots later on.

Re-Connected

It is the coolest thing to be able to reconnect with an old friend after so long. My dear friend, Linda, recently reached out to find me and see where I was in life. Oddly enough, I had been trying to find her as well, but wasn't having a whole lot of luck. Knowing that it would be easiest to locate me through my dad, she sent a letter there and of course, it was sent along to me. After a good ten years of not seeing each other or speaking, we have found each other again.

I can't tell you how great it has been to talk to her and to catch up. You don't realize how much life has gone by until you figure out where you left off with someone. So much has happened to both of us and it seems like we may never be fully up to speed, but I'm sure it will just take some time.

Off we went on Saturday to GR for a nice shopping trip - just her and I. No kids!! Jason, God love the man, stayed at home and entertained our girls and Linda's little sweetie. It was perfect. Emma had a playmate. Olivia had someone new to stalk.

I so enjoyed the adult company and conversation. We talked about everything and anything. Caught up on some things. Reminisced about times together. Laughed. A lot. We rejoined the troops for pizza and some Wii before they headed home.

I look forward to many more fun times to be had. Linda and I have shared a lot over the years. I only hope we can continue to share more in the years ahead. She is the kind of friend that you have forever. Even if you lose touch for a little while, it's like coming home.

Up and Running

Mission accomplished. At least when I say it, I mean it.

I have successfully located (a chore I might add) and downloaded the software for the camera. I was surprised that it didn't take nearly as long as I thought it might to find the cd. I try to organize as best as I can, but for the most part, my efforts fall short. I dream about how this house could be organized - completely optimizing space and need to make any neat freak drool. However, when I open my eyes, it isn't there. Lack of time, resources, motivation, time and oh yeah, time. I have come to accept the half-ass attempt at getting things organized. The most organized place in the house is the storage closet where the Christmas stuff is crammed. And that just happened this year.

Anyhow, pictures will be forthcoming. For now, enjoy the latest addition to the furry family (oh my god, another one - I know that's what you are thinking). Suckers we are for a poor little creature with no home. This one, Chrissy, has been an interesting addition. She is about eight months old and has made it a priority to clean up after dinner because she has been found on the counter eating whatever she can find. Or in the sink. Or eating crusty bits off of the stove (that's right, my stove top is so clean that the cat can eat off of it). Or, as you can see, crawling inside the empty water bottle 'box'.

New Computer = No Pictures

It finally happened. The trusty dusty 'craptop' finally took its final breath Monday. Much to my dismay (sad state was I with no Internet connection!) the battery finally died and was not putting out any juice. When I went to Best Buy to check on getting a new one, it was not worth it, to me at least. For not much more, I could get a nice new laptop that probably wouldn't turn off in the middle of something 'just because'. I blamed senior moments or perhaps a little too much to drink that day.

So, I have my nice new little guy here with me and I have to work on getting it set up with all the familiar stuff that I have grown accustomed to. I hate that I may not be able to get some things off of the other one, but I think I'll be able to manage. Sorry favorites - you make take some time to rebuild.

Puppy Heaven

"Do you want to go see some puppies at 3 pm with me today?" asked my MIL today. Is the pope Catholic? She knew who she was asking and what my answer would be. She has been on a kick to add to her furry family and is really set on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cuties they are. Her mom had one many years ago and they both loved Willie beyond words. I had never seen one in person until today. How could you resist such a darling little face. The little guy in the picture above is seven weeks old and is just a sweetheart. He was all wiggles and tail wagging the whole time we were there.

The girls had a great time. There were puppies there that were around two weeks old - eyes still closed. Not walking. Cute as a button. Hard to resist. It was a fun hour.

Back tracking in the day a bit...it started out with Emma not having school today so we set out for a little fun. Shoe store - classified under fun because they get balloons. Olivia didn't attach herself to her shoes like they were sewn to her feet so we were actually successful at trying on some shoes and getting some new sneakers. Even Emma walked out with some. And of course, balloons. Colors carefully chosen by Emma of course.

Toys R Us was the next stop. That was a lot of fun. Trains were played with. Bathrooms were visited. Many toys were touched. Many requests were made to take said toys home. Many no's were said.

Last on the hit parade was Chuck E Cheese. Pizza, eaten. Games, played. Kids, fun city.
After a full day, the girl's finally gave in to the sandman. Good times had by all. What a great way to start off the week.