April 22, 2008
More pics...
Are you sick of pictures yet? I had so much fun taking and uploading and editing the engagement pics that I had to take the kids and take pictures too! Definatly not quite as easy to work with them! They don't take "orders" as well! 
April 21, 2008
Some more pics...
OK, here's a bunch more pics that I've had time to edit. I have to say that I actually like some of them, I only say this b/c the whole time we were taking pics I was worried that they were going to turn out like crap and I would have to tell them to hire someone, definately not saying it b/c of them, they were awsome, Matt was very cooperative (and Gabrielle too, but that wasn't a suprise), and they looked great, but I have to think that there is at least one that they can work with. Oh, and can I also add that there are a TON more pics that are edited, I just don't have time to resize them for blog right now! Maybe later!
April 20, 2008
Can't even think of a title... I can not wait to get the jeep fixed, we are a one vehicle family right now and ugh, that's not fun! We are so blessed to live in an age when we can have two cars. The window on the jeep is about to crash in, if we open the door one more time it will probably fall. It's like a suction in thier, when you open the door you can just see it droop more and more!
Those black things you see... those are feathers! Lovely huh?
We had such a busy day today... my own doing of course and once I got past my extremely tired slump I was good!
After church Cobe came over to play baseball with landon, sounds like they got some pitching practice in! When Sarah dropped him off we left to go look at the house and get a second opinion on some flooring stuff at Lowes. (Thanks Sarah!). Then we went to Sams Club and then went to look at her house. We stopped by another house to to check things out, I really liked the house we saw and got some good ideas.
After that I went to take some engagement pictures of Matt & Gabrielle. They are so cute! Here is one of my fav's so far, I had to take a break so I'm done for the night and probably not even half way through!
After that we all went on a little mini private parade of homes with Sarah & Ryan. Saw some really nice houses and got some good ideas! I'm still lovin' the black & white floor, trying to convice Matt on that one though!
Now I'm off to bed... I'm exausted!
Those black things you see... those are feathers! Lovely huh?
We had such a busy day today... my own doing of course and once I got past my extremely tired slump I was good!
After church Cobe came over to play baseball with landon, sounds like they got some pitching practice in! When Sarah dropped him off we left to go look at the house and get a second opinion on some flooring stuff at Lowes. (Thanks Sarah!). Then we went to Sams Club and then went to look at her house. We stopped by another house to to check things out, I really liked the house we saw and got some good ideas.
After that I went to take some engagement pictures of Matt & Gabrielle. They are so cute! Here is one of my fav's so far, I had to take a break so I'm done for the night and probably not even half way through!
After that we all went on a little mini private parade of homes with Sarah & Ryan. Saw some really nice houses and got some good ideas! I'm still lovin' the black & white floor, trying to convice Matt on that one though!
Now I'm off to bed... I'm exausted!
April 19, 2008
A little story for you...
6 things to be thankful for...
1. Tempered Glass
2. the reflex we have to close our eyes when we are about to be hit by something
3. A backseat to ride in when the front seat is covered by slivers of glass
4. a second vehicle
5. the fact that we can laugh about it
6. thankful we hit a turkey and not a dear or something else larger
So, did you catch the idea of that story...
on our way home from gr we got hit by (notice I didn't say that we hit, but got hit by) a STUPID turkey! Right in front of my face, in the windshield. Point of impact was very low on the windshield, but the whole thing is shattered, thankfully it's tempered so it's mostly still in place, but there are little pieces/slivers of glass EVERYWHERE! I was COVERED, the seat is covered, my shoes were covered (sandels no less, which means I think there are pieces in my feet), my arms were cut a little, just itty bitty little cuts, but thankfully it wasn't my face or eyes, I didn't even try my pop b/c I'm sure that was full of glass. Luckily we can laugh about it (quite hard really, and quite a bit too), I mean honestly we were due again, it's been a whole 2-3 months since our last car incident adn we tend to be qutie frequent with "incidents".
1. Tempered Glass
2. the reflex we have to close our eyes when we are about to be hit by something
3. A backseat to ride in when the front seat is covered by slivers of glass
4. a second vehicle
5. the fact that we can laugh about it
6. thankful we hit a turkey and not a dear or something else larger
So, did you catch the idea of that story...
on our way home from gr we got hit by (notice I didn't say that we hit, but got hit by) a STUPID turkey! Right in front of my face, in the windshield. Point of impact was very low on the windshield, but the whole thing is shattered, thankfully it's tempered so it's mostly still in place, but there are little pieces/slivers of glass EVERYWHERE! I was COVERED, the seat is covered, my shoes were covered (sandels no less, which means I think there are pieces in my feet), my arms were cut a little, just itty bitty little cuts, but thankfully it wasn't my face or eyes, I didn't even try my pop b/c I'm sure that was full of glass. Luckily we can laugh about it (quite hard really, and quite a bit too), I mean honestly we were due again, it's been a whole 2-3 months since our last car incident adn we tend to be qutie frequent with "incidents".
April 18, 2008
Almost the weekend...
The weather has been gorgeous hasn't it? I got a sunburn Wednesday on my neck/chest and I was only outside for about an hour. I ended up with a migraine that night so I'm wondering if there is some kind of relation, I'm always on the look out for what is causing the migraines, but really I got them all winter too and trust me, there was NO sun to be had. It was truly the worst migraine I've had since my blackouts have gone away, I was in bed from 5:30pm til 5:20am (when I couldn't sleep any longer).
Did you feel the earthquake tremmors this morning? I sure didn't, but I kinda figure that even if I had I wouldn't have reacted, we live with the train in our back yard so really when the house shakes (which is does quite often), I just figure it's the train.
We have a super busy weekend planned. Tonight we are going to go out for dinner with some friends. Thier son is going to watch our kids so that will be fun for all of them I think, hopefully E isnt' crabby or doesn't have a dirty diaper, that could be t-r-o-u-b-l-e as he's never changed a dirty diaper before...
Saturday Landon has baseball all afternoon and then Matt and I are going to go to the pool, spa and patio show to check out some options for our new house. We don't yet have a pool there, but we are (more literally - I am) hoping to put one in. The house is in Zeeland, just not in town like we are now.
Sunday we have church in the morning and then later in the afternoon I am going to take some engagement pics of Matt & Gabrielle!
As predicted the house is trashed again. The migraine threw it all off, I wasn't able to straigten up before bed and then fell WAY behind the next day.
The pipe situation for E was going great, cutting the ends off worked wonders, but then he kept finding other ones. One was an infant size and he still thought that was ok, then he found a big one that was whole and that was GREAT! He WILL not take it out of his mouth unless he's keeping it in his hands. If I do get a chance to snatch it I will and he will be fine without it, but that's seldom now. I'm ok with him having it to sleep, just not walking around and trying to talk, oh well, in time I guess!
All right, off to enjoy the sunshine with the boys! enjoy your weekend!
Did you feel the earthquake tremmors this morning? I sure didn't, but I kinda figure that even if I had I wouldn't have reacted, we live with the train in our back yard so really when the house shakes (which is does quite often), I just figure it's the train.
We have a super busy weekend planned. Tonight we are going to go out for dinner with some friends. Thier son is going to watch our kids so that will be fun for all of them I think, hopefully E isnt' crabby or doesn't have a dirty diaper, that could be t-r-o-u-b-l-e as he's never changed a dirty diaper before...
Saturday Landon has baseball all afternoon and then Matt and I are going to go to the pool, spa and patio show to check out some options for our new house. We don't yet have a pool there, but we are (more literally - I am) hoping to put one in. The house is in Zeeland, just not in town like we are now.
Sunday we have church in the morning and then later in the afternoon I am going to take some engagement pics of Matt & Gabrielle!
As predicted the house is trashed again. The migraine threw it all off, I wasn't able to straigten up before bed and then fell WAY behind the next day.
The pipe situation for E was going great, cutting the ends off worked wonders, but then he kept finding other ones. One was an infant size and he still thought that was ok, then he found a big one that was whole and that was GREAT! He WILL not take it out of his mouth unless he's keeping it in his hands. If I do get a chance to snatch it I will and he will be fine without it, but that's seldom now. I'm ok with him having it to sleep, just not walking around and trying to talk, oh well, in time I guess!
All right, off to enjoy the sunshine with the boys! enjoy your weekend!
April 16, 2008
Well...
I think we have a new house, pending all the details of course, but in a few minutes we will have accepted the offer. Kinda nervous and excited about the whole thing. A new house isn't a small purchase and there is ALWAYS buyers remorse (for me anyway) whenever I make a BIG purchase (like over $50). But I think we will be very happy with our purchase in the end!
April 14, 2008
I really wish..
that I had a gift for writing to inspire others, but alas, I do not, therefore I find much inspiration in reading others writing and just dreaming that I could write like that. There are some people that are so eloquent when it comes to words. Using words I've never heard of or would just never use... sometimes just in speaking, other times in writing. (Side note: Have you seen the new "Go" phone commercial... catchy I tell ya!... ok, diversion over)
I just saw this on the Nitty.Gritty. blog and wanted to share it with you... (this is a copy and past directly from her blog, no portion of this is mine, just so there is no confusion)
"The perspective needed to guide and shape my parenting is this-
When I begin to see the day to day as a delight, rather than drudgery...
When serving my children is seen as a privilege, rather than a chore...
Knowing that my actions are slowly and through repetition shaping them for the rest of their lives...
Then it [parenting] becomes a task of enormous and lasting consequence.
It becomes a 'higher calling' and the reality sinks in that
giving it my all, demanding my best and expressing love in ALL that I do, is the least I can offer to those who mean the most to me."
I, too, often find the job that I've been given to be a chore, a sometimes dreadful chore, now keep in mind that I DO NOT find my children to be dreadful at all, just sometimes the endless task of caring for thier daily needs. Making dinner, cleaning up thier messes, cleaning and folding thier laundry, buying the necesities for school and sports, changing diapers... you know what I mean. I find great joy in all of thier accomplishments and successes though, I find great joy in seeing thier smiling faces, making them giggle, I find great joy in being needed by them, when it's not over the top at least. I DO find great joy in being a mom, in being blessed by God with these great little children. It is an amazing gift, that is for sure! But sometimes I'm not sure that I can handle the little tasks that seem so big. I know that I will prevail if I just have the right perspective.
OK, so that's not why I came here... I really just wanted to update you (as if you really care though) on the sale of my grandpas house... we got the FHA requirements today, they wanted the house scraped and repainted (which was no suprise at all) and the hot water pressure fixed in the bathroom sink and the light in the laundry "room" repaired! So with some luck the bank can rewrite the loan for the way the buyer wants so that we only end up paying an extra $300 and the buyer will pay to have the house resided (doing all the work themselves), plus we pay to fix the water pressure and the light (which may end up being just a light bulb...). Works out pretty good if you ask me!
Oh, and "Project 365" is still on, I'm just WAY intimidated by the daunting task of getting caught up right now, but I WILL prevail, I promise!
I just saw this on the Nitty.Gritty. blog and wanted to share it with you... (this is a copy and past directly from her blog, no portion of this is mine, just so there is no confusion)
"The perspective needed to guide and shape my parenting is this-
When I begin to see the day to day as a delight, rather than drudgery...
When serving my children is seen as a privilege, rather than a chore...
Knowing that my actions are slowly and through repetition shaping them for the rest of their lives...
Then it [parenting] becomes a task of enormous and lasting consequence.
It becomes a 'higher calling' and the reality sinks in that
giving it my all, demanding my best and expressing love in ALL that I do, is the least I can offer to those who mean the most to me."
I, too, often find the job that I've been given to be a chore, a sometimes dreadful chore, now keep in mind that I DO NOT find my children to be dreadful at all, just sometimes the endless task of caring for thier daily needs. Making dinner, cleaning up thier messes, cleaning and folding thier laundry, buying the necesities for school and sports, changing diapers... you know what I mean. I find great joy in all of thier accomplishments and successes though, I find great joy in seeing thier smiling faces, making them giggle, I find great joy in being needed by them, when it's not over the top at least. I DO find great joy in being a mom, in being blessed by God with these great little children. It is an amazing gift, that is for sure! But sometimes I'm not sure that I can handle the little tasks that seem so big. I know that I will prevail if I just have the right perspective.
OK, so that's not why I came here... I really just wanted to update you (as if you really care though) on the sale of my grandpas house... we got the FHA requirements today, they wanted the house scraped and repainted (which was no suprise at all) and the hot water pressure fixed in the bathroom sink and the light in the laundry "room" repaired! So with some luck the bank can rewrite the loan for the way the buyer wants so that we only end up paying an extra $300 and the buyer will pay to have the house resided (doing all the work themselves), plus we pay to fix the water pressure and the light (which may end up being just a light bulb...). Works out pretty good if you ask me!
Oh, and "Project 365" is still on, I'm just WAY intimidated by the daunting task of getting caught up right now, but I WILL prevail, I promise!
Let the music begin...
OK, so if you were a reader last year you remember my rants about the community keyboard... the neighbor that sits in his front yard in a lawn chair and plays the keyboard for hours. Well apparantly it's getting nice again because... he's outside playing away. My windows are closed and I can still hear it plain as day and guaranteed he will play for HOURS. And once it get's warmer it will be ALL DAY! Am I doing a good job selling my house to you????
Oh and the house front... we got a counter offer today! We'll see what happens, we recountered already!
Oh and the house front... we got a counter offer today! We'll see what happens, we recountered already!
April 12, 2008
Ahhhhhhhhhh...
the house is perfectly clean! So if you were thinking you wanted to come visit tonight would be the time to do it, I may even let you in the house, and if you wanted a full tour you may even get that. I've NEVER let anyone in my bedroom b/c it is always soooo trashed, but it's completely clean. The walls are all wiped down (which if you remember I have a boxer... he drools, so washing the walls is very necesary and very hard work), the dressers are dusted, the bed is made, the floor is clean, the closets are both clean, the clothes are all put away, it's so nice and I really want to keep it that way, it's a much better example for the kids too!
The people that went through our house that wanted to rent I think are actually going to be renting, we need to get them a contract and possibly an application, not sure we will go through all that, unless someone wants to tell me that I have to... we know nothing about renting so i dont know the rules. It's a perfect situation b/c they don't need to be in until mid July to August, which is when we kind of think we could be out! They were super nice and were very honest about financial stuff. They were super excited about how much storage was in the bathroom which kind of makes me laugh b/c we dont think there is enough, but I guess it depends what they are coming from. So, if you have any tips for renting, contracts, applications, please let me know!
And another request... do you have any great websites/resources for decorating? I've been scouring trying to find what I like. I don't have a specific style that I like, which is kind of frustrating to both myself and Matt, I have an idea what I want, but I don't want to get sick of it in a few months either, like I did in this house. Right now our house is pretty dark colors, besides our bedroom at least, and I'm kind of sick of dark colors, but that could be b/c I'm sick of winter and just want bright stuff right now. In fact, the colors I"m looking at right now are bright mostly. Matt is a little put off by my current ideas, but he will do whatever I want, within reason (so he can say "I told you so" later I'm sure... :), just kidding).
It can quit raining ANY DAY NOW! I'm soooo incrediby ready for some sunshine. it looks like it may happen next week at least, but wow, it can't come quick enough that's for sure!
Church tomorow, then I was supposed to take some pictures of Matt and Gabrielle in the afternoon but I think the weather will prevent that from happening, although I'm not complety sure yet what they are thinking b/c I haven't heard from Gabbie... *hint*hint*hint* - we'll probably end up sitting here messing up the house! Oh Joy!
Oh... and I forgot to tell you this big news! Guess who peed on the potty today?!?! Just random I know... b/c then he finished on the floor,b ut he did it and we were all there to offer positive reinforcement with cheers... all of us! And he didn't so much pee IN the potty as it was on my hand b/c I was trying to point it in (those with girls, be so thankful that you don't have to try to aim that thing for them...)! But he thinks he peed on the potty! Big stuff! Don't get me wrong, I'm not disillusioned at all, I know that he is at least a year or more out, but it's a start adn it was exciting for him! (Oh, I never told you it was E, just in case you were confused!)
The people that went through our house that wanted to rent I think are actually going to be renting, we need to get them a contract and possibly an application, not sure we will go through all that, unless someone wants to tell me that I have to... we know nothing about renting so i dont know the rules. It's a perfect situation b/c they don't need to be in until mid July to August, which is when we kind of think we could be out! They were super nice and were very honest about financial stuff. They were super excited about how much storage was in the bathroom which kind of makes me laugh b/c we dont think there is enough, but I guess it depends what they are coming from. So, if you have any tips for renting, contracts, applications, please let me know!
And another request... do you have any great websites/resources for decorating? I've been scouring trying to find what I like. I don't have a specific style that I like, which is kind of frustrating to both myself and Matt, I have an idea what I want, but I don't want to get sick of it in a few months either, like I did in this house. Right now our house is pretty dark colors, besides our bedroom at least, and I'm kind of sick of dark colors, but that could be b/c I'm sick of winter and just want bright stuff right now. In fact, the colors I"m looking at right now are bright mostly. Matt is a little put off by my current ideas, but he will do whatever I want, within reason (so he can say "I told you so" later I'm sure... :), just kidding).
It can quit raining ANY DAY NOW! I'm soooo incrediby ready for some sunshine. it looks like it may happen next week at least, but wow, it can't come quick enough that's for sure!
Church tomorow, then I was supposed to take some pictures of Matt and Gabrielle in the afternoon but I think the weather will prevent that from happening, although I'm not complety sure yet what they are thinking b/c I haven't heard from Gabbie... *hint*hint*hint* - we'll probably end up sitting here messing up the house! Oh Joy!
Oh... and I forgot to tell you this big news! Guess who peed on the potty today?!?! Just random I know... b/c then he finished on the floor,b ut he did it and we were all there to offer positive reinforcement with cheers... all of us! And he didn't so much pee IN the potty as it was on my hand b/c I was trying to point it in (those with girls, be so thankful that you don't have to try to aim that thing for them...)! But he thinks he peed on the potty! Big stuff! Don't get me wrong, I'm not disillusioned at all, I know that he is at least a year or more out, but it's a start adn it was exciting for him! (Oh, I never told you it was E, just in case you were confused!)
April 11, 2008
Exausted, but with hope
We've been enjoying what is left of spring break. Wednesday Landon went to a friends house in the afternoon and then to Craig's Cruisers his friends brothers birthday party and Bailey left to spend the night at a friends house and go swimming at the Aquatic Center. They both got to have a great time w/o any effort by me!
On Thursday, Landon and I started a heated game of Monopoly, which lasted on and off ALL DAY! (it ended when I went bankrupt and Landon had an insane amount of $500 dollar bills). We took a break in the morning to hit up Crazy Bounce with Kate. It got quite busy by the time we left, but we all had a good time, I think at least! After that we went for lunch with Matt at Red Robin! So all in all it was a great day!
Today was an exausting day... exausting I tell ya! I've been cleaning all day, and not just surface cleaning... DEEP cleaning! Packing, scrubbing, condensing... all of it! We have someone coming to look at the house tomorow, not to buy unfortunatly, but to rent! Let's hope it all works out b/c we also made an offer on a house today. Not sure how it will all work out, but we'll know by Tuesday at 5pm what will happen with all that!
Tomorow morning we get to get up and do some more cleaning and then the showing in the afternoon! After that it will be trashed again within 15 minutes, guaranteed! Oh well, it'll last for a little while at least!
On Thursday, Landon and I started a heated game of Monopoly, which lasted on and off ALL DAY! (it ended when I went bankrupt and Landon had an insane amount of $500 dollar bills). We took a break in the morning to hit up Crazy Bounce with Kate. It got quite busy by the time we left, but we all had a good time, I think at least! After that we went for lunch with Matt at Red Robin! So all in all it was a great day!
Today was an exausting day... exausting I tell ya! I've been cleaning all day, and not just surface cleaning... DEEP cleaning! Packing, scrubbing, condensing... all of it! We have someone coming to look at the house tomorow, not to buy unfortunatly, but to rent! Let's hope it all works out b/c we also made an offer on a house today. Not sure how it will all work out, but we'll know by Tuesday at 5pm what will happen with all that!
Tomorow morning we get to get up and do some more cleaning and then the showing in the afternoon! After that it will be trashed again within 15 minutes, guaranteed! Oh well, it'll last for a little while at least!
April 9, 2008
Chi-Town Pics...
But first... I clipped the end off of E's pipe today, b/c I've heard that that works to break the habit... so far no change though, he needs it just as much as before, hopefully that wears off though... wish us luck!
There are a TON and I'm not even done downloading them all yet!
At the aquarium.
Matt & E at the hotel.
For some reason E loved the tub at the hotel.
E eating butter (b/c we didn't have food to eat) at the cheesecake factory.
Bailey & Marisol post hair style.
Driving a semi at ESPN.
All worn out...
Playing in the fun mirrors on Navy pier... did you know I was sooooo tall??? And all legs too... HA!
On the ferris wheel.
Playing in the water at the children's museum...
This was after our trip to the museum/navy pier... he was exausted and got out of the elevator and plopped down in the hallway, ready to fall asleep...
There are a TON and I'm not even done downloading them all yet!
At the aquarium.
Matt & E at the hotel.
For some reason E loved the tub at the hotel.
E eating butter (b/c we didn't have food to eat) at the cheesecake factory.
Bailey & Marisol post hair style.
Driving a semi at ESPN.
All worn out...
Playing in the fun mirrors on Navy pier... did you know I was sooooo tall??? And all legs too... HA!
On the ferris wheel.
Playing in the water at the children's museum...
This was after our trip to the museum/navy pier... he was exausted and got out of the elevator and plopped down in the hallway, ready to fall asleep...
April 8, 2008
Have you seen this?
Bring the Rain It's the story of Todd from the group Selah and his wife Angie and the birth and death of thier newest daughter. I'm am seriously in tears as I'm reading! WOW, if you start at the beginning it will make more sense and explain more, I just can't imagine being as strong as she is in the circumstances she has had to endure. On that note I need to go to bed...
Were Home...
Did you even know we were gone? And did you know I did without the internet for almost an entire 3 days? I connected once and downloaded emails so I could check if the realtor/lawer emailed... but that was it!
So, we left Sunday morning by 8am to go to the Aquarium. We made it there (with the help of the trusty Magellen) by 9:45ish chicago Time. Got to the Aquarium and did all that stuff and left by 1:30. The kids had a good time, but I'm not sure I was as impressed with the whole experience as the money I spent would have a person believe I should be impressed. Not the mention the $45 we spent on 2 lunchables, 3 string cheeses, 1 yogurt 2 drinks a philly beef sandwich and a deli wrap. Are you kidding me????
So we checked into our gorgeous hotel (The Allerton) right on Michigan Ave in the PERFECT location, within walking distance to EVERYTHING! Luckily we had talked to my brother and sister-in-law and found out that the rooms were extremely small so we upgraded to a suite, which meant that we had 2 rooms, one sitting room and one bedroom, perfect for a boy that we didn't know if he would sleep in the same room with the rest of us or not!
After settling in we walked down to the water towers mall to look for shoes for Matt (only 2 or 3 blocks away). Matt found some tennis shoes and some shorts, Bailey got some new earings (dangly ones, her first pair and boy is she PROUD), but that was all. We headed over to the Cheesecake factory for dinner, after struggling to figure out how to get into the restaurant with a stroller we finally made it downstairs and signed in. We waited about 15 minutes to get seated and then we waited almost an hour for our food. Let me tell you that normally cheesecake factory is the highlight of any trip to Chicago for me, that was ruined for all future trips though. We did get free cheesecake out of the deal, but Matt's $7 beers made up for that. $7 for a beer, are you kidding me (again)!?!?
After dinner we walked around for a little while, Landon picked up a new coat and then we headed back to the hotel and got some much needed sleep. Suprisingly Elliot went right to sleep in his pack and play. He has never slept in his pack and play (except for a short nap once in a while). We were so prepared for a terrible trip with little to no sleep. What a nice suprise that was! Really all in all the kids did so GREAT, considering all we did and expected of them!
We woke up bright and early Monday morning (7:30 our time, 6:30 chicago time), tried to waste time by laying in bed for a bit but eventually the monster made us get up and start moving. I asked at the front desk where a bakery was that we could go to for breakfast. The directions were left out of the hotel and then right at the next block and one block up would be the corner bakery. Well, I figured that out of the hotel would mean once we were on Michigan (the entrance to the hotel was on a side street), so we walked and walked and walked and ended up eating at a very very busy Dunkin Donuts. I was slightly discouraged but we all got something.
After breakfast we walked around some more, waiting for shops to open. Specifically American Girl. After we got sick of walking we headed up to the hotel again (which is when I got on the internet), then just Bailey & I headed back out at about 9:45 to go to American Girl. The goal was to get there early so that we could get her doll's hair done (it was looking pretty ratty). You have to get there early or you have to wait forever. We waited outside with a group of other girls and when they opened the doors we were the third group in and the first group upstairs in line for the doll hair salon (Yippeeeee!!!). That meant that we could get the dolls hair done in only 25 minutes (which turned into 45) instead of the hours that some have to wait. While we waited we explored and shopped. Bailey got a t-shirt and some pants and Marisol (the doll) got the same. She was so excited and carried her doll everywhere with her after that! It was fun to spend some one on one time with her too!
We headed back to the hotel after that and we all headed to ESPN for Landon and Matt. We played some (LOTS) of video games and got a wonderful lunch. We had our own private room (they must have seen E running around and screaming), so it was a little less stressful than most of the restaurants we went to (especially Cheesecake Factory).
As we were walking to ESPN we were approached by a homeless man and while I do have compassion, I'm convinced that asking those on the streets is not the answer, there are organizations that will help. Granted, I know this is up for debate and others have other opinions, but this is my blog/my journal so my opinion! Anyway, this man would NOT leave us alone. I was walking as fast as I could and he was talking to Matt behind me, I kept grabbing Bailey up by me and Landon was staying as close to Matt as he could because he was VERY curious as to what this "homeless" stuff was all about, he even grabbed money from his bank before we left to give to a homeless person (he remembered a man from last time we were in Chicago). When he finally left Landon had a lot of questions that we had to answer as best as we could. Landon will soon be donating to an organization that helps homeless very soon I'm sure! I'm glad that he has the compassion, it's all just very hard to explain. We had two other people attatch to matt's hip (figurative) and try to solicit money at two different times too after this.
So anyway... we headed to Navy Pier after lunch. We opted to take the free trolley instead of walking, but as we were getting off the trolley, Elliot's shoe fell off. We didn't realize it until the trolley was half way down the pier... oh joy! Matt wasn't worried about it, oh well, it's just a shoe. But I was, it was a NEW shoe darnit! So Matt walked down the pier (which didn't look far, but was quite a hike) and was able to retrieve it. Bailey, E and I stayed behind in case matt missed the trolley, I could catch it at the stop again. After two trolley's went by and neither one was the one I wanted I gave up and walked to meet Matt. We walked up the pier for a little while checking things out, fun mirrors, stores etc. We then went on a ride on the ferris wheel (which made me a little queasy, but was a fun little thing to do).
Landon's excitement at the whole idea of being in Chicago was fun, he just loved all the people and the tall buildings. It was almost magical to him! It was fun to hear his questions and his theory's for different things.
After the ferris wheel we went to the children's museum. It was Target Free Monday (the first monday of every month). So the kids were free, we just paid for Matt and I. It was so fun, Matt and I both agreed that it would be a great place to go when you don't feel like you are running out of patience (which we both were). We did spend a few hours there despite our lack of patience. The kids built stuff, splashed in water, painted, drew with chalk, climbed and just played and had a GREAT time. We may try to go back some time and just do the children's museum.
After Navy pier Landon and I went to pick up pizza from Ginos East. After ordering they told us it would be 45 minutes so instead of trying to go back to our room and waiting 20 minutes for elevators (which was a perpetual problem), we went to Garretts to get some popcorn at the recommendation of a few people (definately a good recomendation) and then hit Express where I found a few shirts that were on clearance, but since Landon was with me couldn't try them on and unfortunately they will all be going back. We still had time to waste so we went back to the room and them almost immediately turned around and left again (b/c of the elevator issues) and picked up our pizza, which wasn't all that great we didn't think. We then headed out to check out H&M (not impressed) and by the time we were done there everything else was closing so we went back to the room to settle in and watch the college basketball finals. We all fell asleep except for matt. At some point I woke up to him munching on popcorn rather loudly, which made me very irritated (or so he says, I was kinda out of it, although I do remember some of it, I know I get a little irrational when I'm woken up).
This morning we found the Corner Bakery (which we actually found on our trip home from Navy Pier in the taxi). When we got directions originally we were supposed to literally go left out of the hotel, not left on Michigan... duh!!! They had very yummy croissants (or however you would spell that... SARAH????). We were going to walk around a bit and check out a few other stores, but decided to just head to Ikea and then Michigan City instead. So we left our hotel around 9:15 chicago time. Made it to Ikea around 10ish (note to anyone wanting to hit ikea... Tuesday mornings are a GREAT time to go, no one was there). Walked around there for a few hours and got lots of ideas for our "new house", which may never come. AFter that we went to Bass Pro Shops for Matt and then we headed home. We skipped Michigan City... I guess I didn't need anything... hmmmmmmmm?
E was in his stroller or a highchair for about 80% of his waking hours but did exceptionally well the poor guy. The older kids walked forever and ever and ever and never complained. We were amazed at how well everyone did, absolutely AMAZED!!!! It was a great few days of some intense family time, we are all exausted and I have some serious laundry and cleaning to do. Matt is back to work tomorow adn I'm left with the kids. I can't wait to go crawl in my own bed and sleep (although the hotel beds weren't that bad really).
I will be back tomorow with some pictures to share, although I don't think I got anything great I'll share what I have. Just typing all this has worn me out even more!
So, we left Sunday morning by 8am to go to the Aquarium. We made it there (with the help of the trusty Magellen) by 9:45ish chicago Time. Got to the Aquarium and did all that stuff and left by 1:30. The kids had a good time, but I'm not sure I was as impressed with the whole experience as the money I spent would have a person believe I should be impressed. Not the mention the $45 we spent on 2 lunchables, 3 string cheeses, 1 yogurt 2 drinks a philly beef sandwich and a deli wrap. Are you kidding me????
So we checked into our gorgeous hotel (The Allerton) right on Michigan Ave in the PERFECT location, within walking distance to EVERYTHING! Luckily we had talked to my brother and sister-in-law and found out that the rooms were extremely small so we upgraded to a suite, which meant that we had 2 rooms, one sitting room and one bedroom, perfect for a boy that we didn't know if he would sleep in the same room with the rest of us or not!
After settling in we walked down to the water towers mall to look for shoes for Matt (only 2 or 3 blocks away). Matt found some tennis shoes and some shorts, Bailey got some new earings (dangly ones, her first pair and boy is she PROUD), but that was all. We headed over to the Cheesecake factory for dinner, after struggling to figure out how to get into the restaurant with a stroller we finally made it downstairs and signed in. We waited about 15 minutes to get seated and then we waited almost an hour for our food. Let me tell you that normally cheesecake factory is the highlight of any trip to Chicago for me, that was ruined for all future trips though. We did get free cheesecake out of the deal, but Matt's $7 beers made up for that. $7 for a beer, are you kidding me (again)!?!?
After dinner we walked around for a little while, Landon picked up a new coat and then we headed back to the hotel and got some much needed sleep. Suprisingly Elliot went right to sleep in his pack and play. He has never slept in his pack and play (except for a short nap once in a while). We were so prepared for a terrible trip with little to no sleep. What a nice suprise that was! Really all in all the kids did so GREAT, considering all we did and expected of them!
We woke up bright and early Monday morning (7:30 our time, 6:30 chicago time), tried to waste time by laying in bed for a bit but eventually the monster made us get up and start moving. I asked at the front desk where a bakery was that we could go to for breakfast. The directions were left out of the hotel and then right at the next block and one block up would be the corner bakery. Well, I figured that out of the hotel would mean once we were on Michigan (the entrance to the hotel was on a side street), so we walked and walked and walked and ended up eating at a very very busy Dunkin Donuts. I was slightly discouraged but we all got something.
After breakfast we walked around some more, waiting for shops to open. Specifically American Girl. After we got sick of walking we headed up to the hotel again (which is when I got on the internet), then just Bailey & I headed back out at about 9:45 to go to American Girl. The goal was to get there early so that we could get her doll's hair done (it was looking pretty ratty). You have to get there early or you have to wait forever. We waited outside with a group of other girls and when they opened the doors we were the third group in and the first group upstairs in line for the doll hair salon (Yippeeeee!!!). That meant that we could get the dolls hair done in only 25 minutes (which turned into 45) instead of the hours that some have to wait. While we waited we explored and shopped. Bailey got a t-shirt and some pants and Marisol (the doll) got the same. She was so excited and carried her doll everywhere with her after that! It was fun to spend some one on one time with her too!
We headed back to the hotel after that and we all headed to ESPN for Landon and Matt. We played some (LOTS) of video games and got a wonderful lunch. We had our own private room (they must have seen E running around and screaming), so it was a little less stressful than most of the restaurants we went to (especially Cheesecake Factory).
As we were walking to ESPN we were approached by a homeless man and while I do have compassion, I'm convinced that asking those on the streets is not the answer, there are organizations that will help. Granted, I know this is up for debate and others have other opinions, but this is my blog/my journal so my opinion! Anyway, this man would NOT leave us alone. I was walking as fast as I could and he was talking to Matt behind me, I kept grabbing Bailey up by me and Landon was staying as close to Matt as he could because he was VERY curious as to what this "homeless" stuff was all about, he even grabbed money from his bank before we left to give to a homeless person (he remembered a man from last time we were in Chicago). When he finally left Landon had a lot of questions that we had to answer as best as we could. Landon will soon be donating to an organization that helps homeless very soon I'm sure! I'm glad that he has the compassion, it's all just very hard to explain. We had two other people attatch to matt's hip (figurative) and try to solicit money at two different times too after this.
So anyway... we headed to Navy Pier after lunch. We opted to take the free trolley instead of walking, but as we were getting off the trolley, Elliot's shoe fell off. We didn't realize it until the trolley was half way down the pier... oh joy! Matt wasn't worried about it, oh well, it's just a shoe. But I was, it was a NEW shoe darnit! So Matt walked down the pier (which didn't look far, but was quite a hike) and was able to retrieve it. Bailey, E and I stayed behind in case matt missed the trolley, I could catch it at the stop again. After two trolley's went by and neither one was the one I wanted I gave up and walked to meet Matt. We walked up the pier for a little while checking things out, fun mirrors, stores etc. We then went on a ride on the ferris wheel (which made me a little queasy, but was a fun little thing to do).
Landon's excitement at the whole idea of being in Chicago was fun, he just loved all the people and the tall buildings. It was almost magical to him! It was fun to hear his questions and his theory's for different things.
After the ferris wheel we went to the children's museum. It was Target Free Monday (the first monday of every month). So the kids were free, we just paid for Matt and I. It was so fun, Matt and I both agreed that it would be a great place to go when you don't feel like you are running out of patience (which we both were). We did spend a few hours there despite our lack of patience. The kids built stuff, splashed in water, painted, drew with chalk, climbed and just played and had a GREAT time. We may try to go back some time and just do the children's museum.
After Navy pier Landon and I went to pick up pizza from Ginos East. After ordering they told us it would be 45 minutes so instead of trying to go back to our room and waiting 20 minutes for elevators (which was a perpetual problem), we went to Garretts to get some popcorn at the recommendation of a few people (definately a good recomendation) and then hit Express where I found a few shirts that were on clearance, but since Landon was with me couldn't try them on and unfortunately they will all be going back. We still had time to waste so we went back to the room and them almost immediately turned around and left again (b/c of the elevator issues) and picked up our pizza, which wasn't all that great we didn't think. We then headed out to check out H&M (not impressed) and by the time we were done there everything else was closing so we went back to the room to settle in and watch the college basketball finals. We all fell asleep except for matt. At some point I woke up to him munching on popcorn rather loudly, which made me very irritated (or so he says, I was kinda out of it, although I do remember some of it, I know I get a little irrational when I'm woken up).
This morning we found the Corner Bakery (which we actually found on our trip home from Navy Pier in the taxi). When we got directions originally we were supposed to literally go left out of the hotel, not left on Michigan... duh!!! They had very yummy croissants (or however you would spell that... SARAH????). We were going to walk around a bit and check out a few other stores, but decided to just head to Ikea and then Michigan City instead. So we left our hotel around 9:15 chicago time. Made it to Ikea around 10ish (note to anyone wanting to hit ikea... Tuesday mornings are a GREAT time to go, no one was there). Walked around there for a few hours and got lots of ideas for our "new house", which may never come. AFter that we went to Bass Pro Shops for Matt and then we headed home. We skipped Michigan City... I guess I didn't need anything... hmmmmmmmm?
E was in his stroller or a highchair for about 80% of his waking hours but did exceptionally well the poor guy. The older kids walked forever and ever and ever and never complained. We were amazed at how well everyone did, absolutely AMAZED!!!! It was a great few days of some intense family time, we are all exausted and I have some serious laundry and cleaning to do. Matt is back to work tomorow adn I'm left with the kids. I can't wait to go crawl in my own bed and sleep (although the hotel beds weren't that bad really).
I will be back tomorow with some pictures to share, although I don't think I got anything great I'll share what I have. Just typing all this has worn me out even more!
April 5, 2008
Guess what I got today...
a SUNBURN! What a gorgeous day it was... lot's of stuff got done and I mean LOTS and now I'm headed to BED!!!
April 3, 2008
Still laughing
I stil llaugh at the previous post... sorry!
We put our house up for sale/rent on Wednesday and we've now had 9 inquiries about the rent (some also may be interested in buy). One girl actually came and knocked on the door this morning, I wasn't expecting that! Not sure what we will end up doing, we didn't think it through all that much before putting the sign out, didn't think there would be this much action on it!
So this weekend we are packing packing packing, at least packing everything into a storage unit. It will be nice to de-clutter though and get this house show ready! We have a LOT of work to do to get there though, LOTS!!!!
The kids start spring break today, Bailey has a friend spending the night tonight and then maybe Landon tomorow.
I just took Elliot and Brecken to the park this afternoon, what fun! The boys are at such a fun age, and if E weren't such a bully they would probably even play well together, not that they didn't, E is just SOOO mean sometimes. He is bossy and possesive, I guess you could say he is one! Anyway, last year E needed lot's of help at the park getting down the slide and up the slide and to the slide etc. Not now though, I sat on the sidewalk and watched the boys go in circles, up the steps, through the tunnel, up more steps, down the slide and back around! So fun! I'm thinking we will spend lots of time at the park this year!
Yesterdays weather was the best (and today to), I could literally feel my mood change, we played outside, we played football, jumped on the trampoline, walked... ahhhh, it was the BEST!
OK, this is everywhere and maybe I'll be back later when I can make more sense, but for now enjoy your weekend!
We put our house up for sale/rent on Wednesday and we've now had 9 inquiries about the rent (some also may be interested in buy). One girl actually came and knocked on the door this morning, I wasn't expecting that! Not sure what we will end up doing, we didn't think it through all that much before putting the sign out, didn't think there would be this much action on it!
So this weekend we are packing packing packing, at least packing everything into a storage unit. It will be nice to de-clutter though and get this house show ready! We have a LOT of work to do to get there though, LOTS!!!!
The kids start spring break today, Bailey has a friend spending the night tonight and then maybe Landon tomorow.
I just took Elliot and Brecken to the park this afternoon, what fun! The boys are at such a fun age, and if E weren't such a bully they would probably even play well together, not that they didn't, E is just SOOO mean sometimes. He is bossy and possesive, I guess you could say he is one! Anyway, last year E needed lot's of help at the park getting down the slide and up the slide and to the slide etc. Not now though, I sat on the sidewalk and watched the boys go in circles, up the steps, through the tunnel, up more steps, down the slide and back around! So fun! I'm thinking we will spend lots of time at the park this year!
Yesterdays weather was the best (and today to), I could literally feel my mood change, we played outside, we played football, jumped on the trampoline, walked... ahhhh, it was the BEST!
OK, this is everywhere and maybe I'll be back later when I can make more sense, but for now enjoy your weekend!
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