Zoo Boo Style

So our venture to the Zoo Boo was a grand success. The kids bags were full of candy, their smiles wide and often and memories were made.

After everyone gathered at our house, we got suited up in our costumes. We had witches, beer, Little Red Riding Hood, a dog, a bee, a pilot, a penguin, Tinkerbell & 'grapey'. Quite the array this year. It was too hard to coordinate like last year - but that was just fine. We were all in the spirit. Even my brother trusted me to provide him with a costume. He got off easy this time since I gave him Jason's penguin costume from last year.

We packed up in a few cars and zipped over to the zoo. It was a chilly and slightly damp night, but we lucked out and didn't get rained on. Upon entering the zoo, the kids raced ahead of us and ran to see what animals might be out. Once we got the trick-or-treat trail, it was all business. They were very careful to make sure they didn't miss any station - and I think they even hit some twice.

After the trail, we got to the children's zoo area where the 'carnival' was set up. Since we didn't want to spend the extra money, the kids didn't have any tickets to play the games. Never fear, they scammed their way into several. Even made off with a few prizes.

The carousel topped off our evening with two rounds of rides. I even got to ride once! Olivia passed on the first go-round. But offering up my friend Linda to her was enough to get her on the second time.

After we were done there, we hurried to the cars to warm up and head home for pizza. The second the kids hit the door, it was like they were transformed. You would think that we had kept them caged all day with a cupcake dangling just out of their reach. They were crazy. They were everywhere. To say they had energy would be an understatement. Even dinner didn't slow them down much. I think it was just a speed bump to them.

It got late quick. People had to pack up and head home. Some had driven for a couple of hours to join in the festivities. Poor Olivia had hit her limit and was completely melting into a crusty pile of child. Our day had come to close.

Until next year, Zoo Boo. A year to think of costumes. Idea are brewing already.

Pre-Post

Thanks DirtDawg for providing me with the group photo from last night's trip to the Zoo Boo. Thirteen of us braved the lovely MI weather to enjoy the festivities - and the candy. Everyone, including my 77-year old great aunt (that's Little Red Riding Hood to you) dressed up to get into the 'spirit' of things.

Most people really liked our passion for Halloween. My brother fetched many a comment on his recycled penguin costume. There were some, however, who frowned on my dad and Jason being beer bottles. Come on people - get the whole picture. My mom and I were witches - they were witches brew. I wanted 'Manwich' costumes for them, but I couldn't find any. Beer costumes may not be completely appropriate for a family outing, but when Em said 'daddy are you going to be a gummy bear for Halloween?' how could we say no? Yes, she can read. But she never looked at the writing on the front.

So, to all of you head shakers and poo-pooers, get a grip and get in the friggin' spirit.

Now that I've settled that, I have more pictures. I haven't downloaded mine just yet. I will add those and talk more about our fabulous night. Let's just say that it's an awesome family tradition and I hope that it continues for years to come.

And as a footnote, I am approaching a year of this blog. It was last year's Zoo Boo outing that inspired me to start it. It's a nice little blog. It gives me a tiny outlet for some daily events and gives family a chance to gleam a little more of our lives. So, thank you blog. We shall celebrate in style.

Apple Picking

So we ventured out this past weekend to our new favorite spot - Gull Meadow Farms. It's a really nice farm that offers apple picking, pumpkins, cider, donuts, and an array of activities for the kids. We packed into the van and shuttled ourselves over there on Sunday to do our yearly apple and pumpkin picking.

Naturally, I didn't bring the camera.

I always forget that damn thing. Family events. No camera. I can't seem to remember it until it's too late. I told Jason that we were going back so that we could pretend to pick apples and walk through the pumpkin patch just so that I could get some pictures. He graciously took some with his phone - none of which has graced my email yet.

Aside from this snafu, we had a great time. Olivia didn't really want to pick any apples, but she sure enjoyed eating them. She happily strolled up and down the lanes chomping on a delish Macintosh. Emma delighted in filling up the bag and then huffed it around. Pumpkins were found - after much debate over their form, touch and presentation. We are picky pumpkin people. And when I say we, I mean Jason.

Of course, no trip is complete without some of their tasty donuts. They are heavenly.

Until next year, Gull Meadow.

Stitch Free

So I've never had 'real' stitches before. I've had staples - thank you c-sections. But, thanks to my gallbladder, and apparently my inability to stop bleeding from one incision, I had to get real stitches. The ugly black, poke-you-every-time-you-move kind. It sucked. They were so in the way. And so uncomfortable.

But yesterday, they came out. A little painful, but well worth it. Now, when I move, it doesn't hurt. My sweaters aren't getting stuck on them. My bra doesn't catch on them. Best of all, I slept on my side last night for the first time! I'm almost back to my version of normal. All of the villagers are delighted.

So, as far as my first outpatient surgery goes, I can't complain too much. After one week, I was feeling well enough to go to work - could have gone back earlier but with a death in the family, I thought it best not to. And now, at the end of the week, I'm feeling pretty good.

It's nice to be able to pick Olivia up again. It's nice to feel useful and not useless.

Random picture...

The Passing of a Legend

Grandma Eva passed away yesterday morning.

It wasn't a total shock. She was approaching 100 years old. She had recently moved into a nursing home. Her health was declining. But she was still here with us.

I remember the days of eating dinner at her house. A table was set up in the basement to accommodate everyone. Freshly made pasta. The smell alone would draw you in. The taste, nothing short of amazing. I remember one time she made ravioli. The person I brought along didn't like ravioli, but ate a small plateful out of respect. When Grandma saw that the plate was empty, she promptly refilled it, rather generously, insisting that more be eaten. I smiled.

She wore a hearing aid and would turn in on and off, depending on whether or not she wanted to hear the noise around her. Sometimes she pretended to not hear you even though her hearing aid was on.

She was an amazing person. She outlived a lot of people, including her husband and one of her children. She leaves behind a small but loving family who will now have to find a new direction without her.

http://www.funeralquestions.com/obits/martenson/memorial.asp?listing_id=141448

The Slow Heal

I was so hopeful. Figured I'd be feeling better today. But alas, I'm not. I did manage a shower this morning at least. I fed the fish and the guinea pigs. I napped. Watched bad tv. Napped more. Ate a little bit. Napped some more.

I must admit, if I wasn't feeling crappy and losing money by not being at work, I would have truly enjoyed the last couple of days. I can't remember the last time I actually sat around and did absolutely nothing. I've always been able to muster the energy and stubbornness to suck it up and get things done. This time, I am actually listening to those who have YELLED at me to ensure that I take it easy. It's hard too, though. I can't pick up Olivia even though she wants me to. I can't play with the girls. I can't feed the dogs. I can't clean. I feel totally useless. Poor J looks tired at night and I feel bad that I can't help him.

Although, I do take some satisfaction knowing that he is getting a taste of what it is to be me. He acknowledged the other day that he had a new found respect for when I was a SAHM. After only a brief trip to the doctor's office with both of the girls he was instantly impacted by how hard it can be to tote them around to even the simplest of tasks.

More things like that will speed my recovery.

Me Minus an Organ

Gallbladder extraction was a success. Feeling a little better than I did last night. Definitely not as bad as a c-section, but still not entirely cozy. Thank you pain meds for making it somewhat possible for me to sleep.

Time to rest and see if I can return to work later this week. Can't stand to sit around and do nothing for too long. Can't sit by and watch the house grow a new level of dust and colony of dust bunnies. God love J, but his version of clean and mine are on completely different levels. I am no June Cleaver, but I do have an idea of how things should be around here. No idea why, though. With kids and pets I am fighting a losing battle. Yet, I continue to fight it. Stupid, I know, but I do get some satisfaction from a semi-clean house.

Gallbladder Go Bye Bye

Tomorrow morning I get to head into the hospital for a little outpatient surgery to rid my body of its malfunctioning gallbladder. Apparently the little bugger decided that it was bored so it formed some gallstones and screwed with my digestion abilities.

Joke's on you buddy! A little snip and tug and you'll be outta there!

Never had any surgery before. Unless you count the three c-sections. I was awake for those, though. I get to have general anesthesia for this one. Not sure what to think about it. As long as I wake up feeling like I had an awesome nap I'll be happy. Oh, and as little discomfort as possible would be nice too.

Surgeon didn't think he could do any lipo or tummy tuck while he was in there. Figured it was worth a shot. OB wouldn't do it either - and I asked each time. I'm just trying to save some money and conserve the health care system in my own little selfish way. The added bonus of a flat tummy is course sublime.