recap of life

So much has been going on, again. I sometimes feel like everything is spinning out of control around me. Something eventually snaps me into reality and I try to take stock of where we are in life. In addition to the drama we have been enduring for the last few years (thanks to an un-named relative) we have recently had car drama, house drama, child drama, work drama, etc. I think drama is lurking around every corner these days. You may not recognize it at first, because it has become quite crafty at disguising itself. That's how it lures you in. It can spot a sucker a mile away. 

So, in an attempt to have some fun and escape everything for a little while, we decided to plan a fun weekend. On Saturday, we were going to meet up with my dad & mom for a little bit of time at Greenfield Village. The girls were so looking forward to hanging out with grandma & grandpa - and so was I. They are very stabilizing. 

We did a quick walk through the village - because it isn't a visit unless we hit the carousel.

And then sought refuge inside the museum for some ice cream and fun. There is a super cool exhibit there called 'Play'. Who wouldn't want to play a life-sized game of pool?

We were team 'popsicle' - comprised of the six of us and another family of three. It was a blast. Everyone should do it!

Next on our agenda was a Tiger's game. However, fate stepped in and detoured us. The second the car doors shut, the girls morphed into possessed little people. You would think they had been caged in the hot sun, with no food or water, being poked with sticks all day. A complete meltdown occurred and we decided instead of blessing everyone at the stadium with their pleasant nature (and testing what little sanity we have left) we would head home. So ended our Saturday.

Father's Day - new day. New plans. New attitudes (please!!).

Toy Story 3 was in our sights. A quick trip to the grocery store and we were off to the movies. BEST MOVIE EVER!!! I think it was the best in the series. Kids loved it. We loved it. All smiles!

Dinner at Zazio's - definitely more for us, but we were determined to have a nice dinner. The kids tried to behave, but it was a struggle. It's a good thing the dinning room wasn't too packed. And we had made a 5:30 reservation in hopes of avoiding any major issues. Wonderful food, as always. Three desserts came home with us. 

All and all, a decent weekend. A couple of rough patches, but that is to be expected. There have been so many changes going on around here lately. I'm trying to stay focused. Happy. Sane (that one's a stretch some days). But, when you see this face, how can you not be happy?

Moving Up

The last day of school was finally upon us. After months of learning, living and being stalked by a fellow classmate, Emma is officially done with first grade. She now has the summer to ponder her life as a second grader. At first she wasn't thrilled with first grade coming to an end. But this morning, as she walked to her classroom for the last time, her second grade teacher said 'Hi Emma', and she was on cloud nine. 

"She knows my name!!!"

Instant joy. Elation carried her the rest of the way and deposited her in her chair. 

 I can't believe school is finally over and she is moving on to second grade. Before I know it she'll be seven. Then she'll be driving. Lord, this life is passing me by.

Weathering the Storm

We had some major weather this weekend. Saturday night was full of wind, rain and damage. I was going to head off to bed around 11ish, but it wasn't meant to be. Right around then is when things started picking up. Jason went outside to assess the incoming weather. Because, you know, he is a trained meteorologist. With all his years of camping, twenty years ago. He is skilled in the trade.

I watched the news reports repeat the same information every couple of minutes. It was quite obvious given the red, green & yellow on the radar that something was brewing. We heard one siren. No big deal. Figured it was just for the storm. Kept watching TV. Then the satellite went out - big surprise. Enter the iPhone - best little trooper ever. Could pick up radio reports and watch the radar via The Weather Channel app. So with the times we are. 

Then, the tornado siren went off. Midnight. Girls are soundly sleeping, oblivious to all that is rumbling around. Jason, who never wants to 'take shelter', announced we were going to the basement. Yippee! I scooped up a sleeping Olivia while he wrangled Emma. Armed with children, we headed down. Dogs trooped on as well and two cats followed. We lit candles and hung out. Olivia woke up to a groggy state of contempt. Thankfully, that gave way to a little a slightly improved mood.

Emma made herself cozy and settled in - questioning if we were going to camp out downstairs. And, why weren't all of the cats down there with us? Were the dogs going to stay with us? Why were they down there and not all the cats? Why is it raining? Why are we down in the basement? I don't think she stopped asking questions.

After it seemed like the worst was over, we emerged from the basement. Tired and a little bleary eyed, we all shuffled off to bed. Upon waking in the morning, we were greeted with minor damage right around us. However, just a mile away, a church lost its roof. The elementary school's sign was obliterated. Massive trees were lifted out of the ground. Branches were scattered all around. It was amazing. We felt very lucky and thanked our lucky stars that we were spared.

What's Ahead

There have been many changes swirling around our household lately. A lot of 'family drama' has hit an all time high and has pushed us into a new realm of thinking. For quite some time now, we have been (way too) involved in some family stuff. Stuff - the best word I can come up with right now. Hey, it's 5:30 am on a freakin' Saturday morning and I am up instead of being half asleep in bed. Beggars can't be choosers. 

Anyhow, our family is making some changes. We have recognized the importance of focusing on us - just the four of us. It seems like we became lost in other people's lives and issues and forgot that the four of us are a family unit. Our choices and decisions need to reflect the best of us - the four of us. So, there is a new perspective and focus now in our home. Spending quality time together. Not involving drama created by others, cause Lord knows we can certainly create our own. I mean  come on, Em + Liv = more drama than any adult can dream of.

Here's to a new outlook. Fresh perspective. Change. Happiness. Drama-free living (as best we can). And most of all, good times together.