My right eyelid had started to look puffy some time ago....over the summer, after watching The Shield with that black actor Forest Whitaker whose eye is like half shut, I decided that I had the same problem and I was doomed to yet another health condition that would eat away at my self-esteem.
Self-diagnosing via the Internet.
I went to the eye doctor on Wednesday, Dr. Dexter at Harbor Optical, and he asked me if I had noticed that my eyelid was puffy. Having chosen to try and forget about it and not wanting to discuss what I thought was a hopeless situation, I said yes, but I assumed my muscles were getting weak. And then I admitted it: I had used the Internet to diagnose myself.
He suggested next time, I ask my doctor.
"You're allergic to your own proteins," he stated.
"Really???"
"I just made that up" he teased me. Then assured me, that yes, I had heard right. The proteins from my body that were sticking onto my contact were creating an allergic reaction every time I put it back in my eye. I told him I was just surprised because it was NOT the answer I expected.
He gave me a new cleaning system which involves something with peroxide that kills all the proteins and eye drop to stick in my to help the swelling go down. If it doesn't work, that I have to switch contact "material". I don't want to go back to glasses and it isn't vanity. I hate how dirty and sweaty they get on my skin...how if it's hot or cold they steam. But he seemed to think we could find a solution.
For once, it was better that I predicted, not worse :)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Boots & Babies
So a couple of weeks ago I realized my kids needed boots. Here's the truth. I had never bought Adam boots. They seemed like such a big investment for something they wouldn't need much. But the first snow came (late) and served as a wake up call. My kids weren't babies anymore that I carried to the car. They are full on crazy toddlers who run out the door, pushing each other over into the snow. Check out Abbey's new boots. She loved them. Target. 
Todd and I had talked about getting them rain boots that can be used past the snow and also that are gender neutral and can be passed down. These were half price... Adam LOVES them...here's my boy with his favorite stuffed babies from the old mobile snacking and showing off his boots. 
Sadly, they are way too big...we walked across the street and the poor kid lost them with almost every step. Sigh. Now I still need to find him something, though this winter has been pretty mild.... 
So I added these photos because they are great. Abbey was grumpy, despite liking her new boots and was ticked off as she tried to get the last dried apple out of the bag. This picture really shows the miserable side of Abbey...I love it! When this girl is happy, every one knows it. And when she's not, we all know that, too! 
Abbey doesn't talk as much I thought she would at this age, though she is perfectly normal, she walked so early I guess I thought she'd be having full conversations by now. But the words she whips out are pretty amazing. Her first word besides mama, daada and baba was "Monsters" when she wanted to watch her favorite movie. She says done and stuck and yesterday, while working on her third apple kept saying "apple apple BALL". She loves jewelry, especially her necklaces and I love it when she grabs ahold of one of the zillion of dinosaurs around here and makes it ROOOOOAR at me. Mister Adam in the background watching a truck out the window. 
He is growing up SO fast. Some of my favorite sayings of his include "Let's talk about it", "There you go, guy" and Two-toppy (triceratops). He calls cereal "Circles" and can pick out words that start with most letters, though he still speaks like Yoda a lot like "Eat me" instead of me eat when he's hungry. 
He is SO creative and his imagination keeps him up a lot. he's kind of going out of the nap stage, but it's hard because he's too tired when he doesn't nap and not sleepy enough at night when he does. I used to stress out when he didn't sleep in bed, but now I just make his stay in there and rest...and he acts things out with his stuffed animals. He loves his dinosaurs, of course, but loves most animals, pointing their names out and making the noise. He calls alligators...Abbey-gators and though we know we should correct him, it's hard when it's so cute.
Oh, and Abbey kisses are the best. These days, she's handing a few out without prompting, practically bringing Uncle Bobby to tears when she kissed him three times last week. I just got a couple this morning. Makes your heart melt. Right now, she's sitting on the floor setting up her tea set, or as Adam calls it, the coffee set. So girly and so not all in one. She's getting so BIG. She's gone from undersized to the top of the range. She's built like an athlete and plays like one.
Todd and I had talked about getting them rain boots that can be used past the snow and also that are gender neutral and can be passed down. These were half price... Adam LOVES them...here's my boy with his favorite stuffed babies from the old mobile snacking and showing off his boots. 
Sadly, they are way too big...we walked across the street and the poor kid lost them with almost every step. Sigh. Now I still need to find him something, though this winter has been pretty mild.... 
So I added these photos because they are great. Abbey was grumpy, despite liking her new boots and was ticked off as she tried to get the last dried apple out of the bag. This picture really shows the miserable side of Abbey...I love it! When this girl is happy, every one knows it. And when she's not, we all know that, too! 
Abbey doesn't talk as much I thought she would at this age, though she is perfectly normal, she walked so early I guess I thought she'd be having full conversations by now. But the words she whips out are pretty amazing. Her first word besides mama, daada and baba was "Monsters" when she wanted to watch her favorite movie. She says done and stuck and yesterday, while working on her third apple kept saying "apple apple BALL". She loves jewelry, especially her necklaces and I love it when she grabs ahold of one of the zillion of dinosaurs around here and makes it ROOOOOAR at me. Mister Adam in the background watching a truck out the window. 
He is growing up SO fast. Some of my favorite sayings of his include "Let's talk about it", "There you go, guy" and Two-toppy (triceratops). He calls cereal "Circles" and can pick out words that start with most letters, though he still speaks like Yoda a lot like "Eat me" instead of me eat when he's hungry. 
He is SO creative and his imagination keeps him up a lot. he's kind of going out of the nap stage, but it's hard because he's too tired when he doesn't nap and not sleepy enough at night when he does. I used to stress out when he didn't sleep in bed, but now I just make his stay in there and rest...and he acts things out with his stuffed animals. He loves his dinosaurs, of course, but loves most animals, pointing their names out and making the noise. He calls alligators...Abbey-gators and though we know we should correct him, it's hard when it's so cute.Oh, and Abbey kisses are the best. These days, she's handing a few out without prompting, practically bringing Uncle Bobby to tears when she kissed him three times last week. I just got a couple this morning. Makes your heart melt. Right now, she's sitting on the floor setting up her tea set, or as Adam calls it, the coffee set. So girly and so not all in one. She's getting so BIG. She's gone from undersized to the top of the range. She's built like an athlete and plays like one.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
My Health
I've been starting each day with the exercise bike. Fifteen to thirty minutes. A goal that I'd be able to keep was important and I have. I actually feel a difference in my overall energy level for the first time in my life due to exercise...less sluggish and blah. I officially lost four pounds in a month, nothing to get too worked up about. I've also been watching what I eat, which I think helps. Let's see if I can lose another 4 pounds, that will be the true test. My endocrinologist is keeping a tight watch on me, having previously blamed my health problems on my weight, though now he's seeing it may not be that simple as my lab results constantly come back all over the place. (I understand that losing weight can make me healthier, but I HATE skinny doctors who suggest it's to blame for EVERYTHING.) That would have been my last visit to him if he ignored all the other symptoms again and told me to diet.
For over a decade, I've been diagnosed with one endocrine issue or another, but nothing fit. We'll see what happens next, though I've realized many years ago, the issues will never be suddenly fixed. But at least I can drop a little weight and feel healthier. How I look now concerns me very little...I want to be healthier and I think about longevity.
If only exercise could cure my back aches and my hands going numb...etiher from sleeping wrong or even just know, as I type, my left hand has started to go numb. Had this issue since I gave birth to Adam. "Carpal tunnel syndrome" a neurologist proclaimed after an odd needle test poking into different points of my hands and arms. "Nonsense" scoffed my chiropractor Dr. Falanga, a man who has been adjusting backs since the 50's. "It's your spine out of whack." I tend to believe Dr. Falanga because when I was going to him it got a little better and the sleeping positions he suggested sometimes works. And he the hell wakes up with carpal tunnel syndrome one day? That didn't make sense to me. Hmm...maybe it's time to go back and have him re-align me some on his 60 year table that goes up with a crank. Exercising has actually made my hands WORSE!
For over a decade, I've been diagnosed with one endocrine issue or another, but nothing fit. We'll see what happens next, though I've realized many years ago, the issues will never be suddenly fixed. But at least I can drop a little weight and feel healthier. How I look now concerns me very little...I want to be healthier and I think about longevity.
If only exercise could cure my back aches and my hands going numb...etiher from sleeping wrong or even just know, as I type, my left hand has started to go numb. Had this issue since I gave birth to Adam. "Carpal tunnel syndrome" a neurologist proclaimed after an odd needle test poking into different points of my hands and arms. "Nonsense" scoffed my chiropractor Dr. Falanga, a man who has been adjusting backs since the 50's. "It's your spine out of whack." I tend to believe Dr. Falanga because when I was going to him it got a little better and the sleeping positions he suggested sometimes works. And he the hell wakes up with carpal tunnel syndrome one day? That didn't make sense to me. Hmm...maybe it's time to go back and have him re-align me some on his 60 year table that goes up with a crank. Exercising has actually made my hands WORSE!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Trinket Box to the Past
I was at Target the other day and I actually had some time to wander a little. Usually, I have a list and I have to get in and out as quickly as possible. But my list was kind of short and my brother told me to take my time because he missed seeing the kids.
I don't buy a ton of "stuff". As it is, I always think I have too much stuff and am looking to get rid of "stuff". But then I saw something that caught my eye. Something, that for some reason, brought my back to being 5, 6 or 7.
They had a pink one that I think I really loved, but it matched nothing in my house. So I walked away. But I found myself going back for the white one. It reminded me of going to my Grandma Charlotte (Duttinger) Entz's apartment. Carolyn and I and my cousin Charlie used to go there to get babysat when I was around 4 or 5. She had a master room and a guest room, both with dressers full of neat trinkets, cosmetics, and perfumes. This box didn't look exactly like any of those, but it reminded me of that time. Grandma Charlotte is in a rehab in Brockport and I need to go see her. My Dad was close to her, talking to her almost every day and he would want me to. I haven't seen her in years. Her second husband Fritz was a bit odd and as he got older, he didn't like to go anywhere or have visitors. But know, suffering from dementia in another facility, my cousins and aunts and uncles have been slowly going to visit her.
This box also reminds me of my great-grandmother, Margaret Rose Falcheck, known as "GG" in our family. She was the heart of our family...everyone adored her. She even raised my Dad for a time when my grandmother was overwhelmed with her 8 kids. He adored her. She was a traditional grandma, living out in the country. We would go see her when I was little, eating strange polish meats I pretended to like and cookies and pies I LOVED. Her house was furnished with old furniture and neat as a pin. It was a two bedroom home built next to my great uncle's farmhouse after my great-grandfather died young, in his 50's. She died when I was in London in 1997. I remember getting the phone call, devastated. I can still hear her voice, thick with her Pennsylvania dialect though she had lived in the Rochester area for years.
Silly and weird that something so small can remind me of so much. It sits on my dresser, which is mostly bare because of my disgust with clutter, a reminder of these two woman, of my past and somehow, most of all my Dad. And it's his way of telling me, I think, to not forget his mother, to make sure I send her cards and photos, like he would want me to.
I don't buy a ton of "stuff". As it is, I always think I have too much stuff and am looking to get rid of "stuff". But then I saw something that caught my eye. Something, that for some reason, brought my back to being 5, 6 or 7.
They had a pink one that I think I really loved, but it matched nothing in my house. So I walked away. But I found myself going back for the white one. It reminded me of going to my Grandma Charlotte (Duttinger) Entz's apartment. Carolyn and I and my cousin Charlie used to go there to get babysat when I was around 4 or 5. She had a master room and a guest room, both with dressers full of neat trinkets, cosmetics, and perfumes. This box didn't look exactly like any of those, but it reminded me of that time. Grandma Charlotte is in a rehab in Brockport and I need to go see her. My Dad was close to her, talking to her almost every day and he would want me to. I haven't seen her in years. Her second husband Fritz was a bit odd and as he got older, he didn't like to go anywhere or have visitors. But know, suffering from dementia in another facility, my cousins and aunts and uncles have been slowly going to visit her.This box also reminds me of my great-grandmother, Margaret Rose Falcheck, known as "GG" in our family. She was the heart of our family...everyone adored her. She even raised my Dad for a time when my grandmother was overwhelmed with her 8 kids. He adored her. She was a traditional grandma, living out in the country. We would go see her when I was little, eating strange polish meats I pretended to like and cookies and pies I LOVED. Her house was furnished with old furniture and neat as a pin. It was a two bedroom home built next to my great uncle's farmhouse after my great-grandfather died young, in his 50's. She died when I was in London in 1997. I remember getting the phone call, devastated. I can still hear her voice, thick with her Pennsylvania dialect though she had lived in the Rochester area for years.
Silly and weird that something so small can remind me of so much. It sits on my dresser, which is mostly bare because of my disgust with clutter, a reminder of these two woman, of my past and somehow, most of all my Dad. And it's his way of telling me, I think, to not forget his mother, to make sure I send her cards and photos, like he would want me to.
Piece of Family History
The other day Todd came home and asked me if I'd seen the day's Post Standard.
"There's a part of our family history in there," he informed me.
It was one of those days where I hadn't yet grabbed it off of the porch. I found it and looked at the headline. I didn't know what he was talking about.
"Keep reading," Todd told me.
There it was. A story on the front page; the bottom corner. A quick item about a restaurant closing because the owner owned forty plus thousand in back taxes. The Fireside Inn in Baldwinsville.
The first time I met Todd's father was at Canale's. Todd was excited, like a little kid, to have his Dad and me meet. I could tell. Though stuck carrying around an oxygen tank, Charles Butler had a twinkle in his eye I instantly recognized as Todd's legacy. I spilled wine on him as he flirted about taking off with me. Very old school charming, kind of like Todd but 40 years older.
Todd often met his Dad for breakfast on Sundays and I started going, too after we moved in together. His father loved Wade's (as did my Dad), the Port City Diner (which neither Todd nor I liked) and The Fireside Inn. He lived in Hannibal in the winter and in Cato on Cross Lake in the summer, so wasn't really that far from him.
We spent many Sundays going there. The food was excellent though there were days the service was VERY slow. Kathy usually called for a reservation because it was so busy and we celebrated a couple of birthdays and holidays there, too. Different family members joined us; my family all lived in Virginia so if anyone was visiting they'd go. Kathy's various sisters, an occasional member of the extended Butler clan. Todd's brothers Dale or Charlie and occasionally Alan would come. Colin, our nephew, was the person who came the most. He was still in college and one of the youngest Butlers, but is very extended family oriented.
Kathy would worry about Charlie taking his medication and Charlie would discuss who had what dumpster with Todd. Yes, a piece of our history. These are the kinds of things I don't want to forget and I want my children to know about.
Many of these Sundays, I was pregnant. With Adam, I was particularly nauseous all the time and my iron was low. Charlie suggested I try oatmeal, something I had loathed as a child.
It's now one of my favorite breakfasts.
After he died, two years ago in May, of course we never had the heart to go there again. Sad that it's closed. The food was good and we had fun going there. But in a way, it seems fitting. I don't think we ever could have gone back.
And it's interesting that Todd and I have been together long enough to have a history or a past. For the first four years, it seemed like it was the present. But now he is a part of a history as well as the center of my present and the promise of my future. Nice to be there.
"There's a part of our family history in there," he informed me.
It was one of those days where I hadn't yet grabbed it off of the porch. I found it and looked at the headline. I didn't know what he was talking about.
"Keep reading," Todd told me.
There it was. A story on the front page; the bottom corner. A quick item about a restaurant closing because the owner owned forty plus thousand in back taxes. The Fireside Inn in Baldwinsville.
The first time I met Todd's father was at Canale's. Todd was excited, like a little kid, to have his Dad and me meet. I could tell. Though stuck carrying around an oxygen tank, Charles Butler had a twinkle in his eye I instantly recognized as Todd's legacy. I spilled wine on him as he flirted about taking off with me. Very old school charming, kind of like Todd but 40 years older.
Todd often met his Dad for breakfast on Sundays and I started going, too after we moved in together. His father loved Wade's (as did my Dad), the Port City Diner (which neither Todd nor I liked) and The Fireside Inn. He lived in Hannibal in the winter and in Cato on Cross Lake in the summer, so wasn't really that far from him.
We spent many Sundays going there. The food was excellent though there were days the service was VERY slow. Kathy usually called for a reservation because it was so busy and we celebrated a couple of birthdays and holidays there, too. Different family members joined us; my family all lived in Virginia so if anyone was visiting they'd go. Kathy's various sisters, an occasional member of the extended Butler clan. Todd's brothers Dale or Charlie and occasionally Alan would come. Colin, our nephew, was the person who came the most. He was still in college and one of the youngest Butlers, but is very extended family oriented.
Kathy would worry about Charlie taking his medication and Charlie would discuss who had what dumpster with Todd. Yes, a piece of our history. These are the kinds of things I don't want to forget and I want my children to know about.
Many of these Sundays, I was pregnant. With Adam, I was particularly nauseous all the time and my iron was low. Charlie suggested I try oatmeal, something I had loathed as a child.
It's now one of my favorite breakfasts.After he died, two years ago in May, of course we never had the heart to go there again. Sad that it's closed. The food was good and we had fun going there. But in a way, it seems fitting. I don't think we ever could have gone back.
And it's interesting that Todd and I have been together long enough to have a history or a past. For the first four years, it seemed like it was the present. But now he is a part of a history as well as the center of my present and the promise of my future. Nice to be there.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Cleveland: Heart of the Rust Belt and Birthplace of Rock and Roll
After we left the Christmas Story house, we decided to drive around a bit before heading to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I love old cities and seeing the real side of them. I really love taking photos of these sites, though I took these from the car window. 
The sky line from the run down side of town looks pretty nice. 
Deserted industry. 
Railroad bridge. 
Cleveland Indians stadium. 
Then we hauled it down the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Getting out of the car after parking several blocks away, we got our first hint that maybe this was a hot and sticky day that maybe wasn't the best for hauling a one and two year old away. It was stifling but Todd and I are the determined types (though we've since learned our lesson) so we plowed forward. The architecture of the outside was really cool. 
So when we got in, the line to BUY A TICKET was huge. We hesitated, but we were here so we decided to go with it. These cars were part of the lobby art...really cute. 
THE LINE! I stood in it while Todd waited with the kids. 
View from a lobby window while I was in line. 
We couldn't take photos inside, but this was in the lower lobby -the motorcycle used in Uptown Girl. 
Janis Joplin's car. Pretty cool. 
The museum was hot and CROWDED. Really crowded. We went through the main display floor and tried to see as much as possible. I saw some really cool Beatles stuff, lyrics written by Jim Morrison and Slash's hat to name a few things. But then Abbey started flipping out. I knew we should probably leave, but Todd really knew how long I had waited to go there, so he wasn't willing to give up for me and so once she calmed down we headed up to a special display of women's rock fashion full of neat stuff, including Lady Gaga's meat dress lol and Stevie Nicks' black gypsy dress. It was SO crowded and Abbey started flipping out again. It was so bad we couldn't even get her out of there. We finally took a hint and left. She was so exhausted, she fell asleep in the hot stroller. We got in the car, irritable and disgusted with the sweat and humidity that covered our bodies and decided to head home instead of stay another night and hit the zoo.
We stopped at a run down Burger King on the way home and the kids had the most fun they'd had running through the play area. Here's what I learned: there is plenty of time later in life to visit grown up stuff like museums. I decided I would not drag my toddlers to that stuff and I'd keep them in mind when traveling in the future. Despite the fact that the trip didn't go as planned, six months later, I can look back and appreciate what we did do. I still saw some neat stuff, but I should've listened to my mom instincts! And I love making memories...and seeing new things and doing anything with my family.
The sky line from the run down side of town looks pretty nice. 
Deserted industry. 
Railroad bridge. 
Cleveland Indians stadium. 
Then we hauled it down the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Getting out of the car after parking several blocks away, we got our first hint that maybe this was a hot and sticky day that maybe wasn't the best for hauling a one and two year old away. It was stifling but Todd and I are the determined types (though we've since learned our lesson) so we plowed forward. The architecture of the outside was really cool. 
So when we got in, the line to BUY A TICKET was huge. We hesitated, but we were here so we decided to go with it. These cars were part of the lobby art...really cute. 
THE LINE! I stood in it while Todd waited with the kids. 
View from a lobby window while I was in line. 
We couldn't take photos inside, but this was in the lower lobby -the motorcycle used in Uptown Girl. 
Janis Joplin's car. Pretty cool. 
The museum was hot and CROWDED. Really crowded. We went through the main display floor and tried to see as much as possible. I saw some really cool Beatles stuff, lyrics written by Jim Morrison and Slash's hat to name a few things. But then Abbey started flipping out. I knew we should probably leave, but Todd really knew how long I had waited to go there, so he wasn't willing to give up for me and so once she calmed down we headed up to a special display of women's rock fashion full of neat stuff, including Lady Gaga's meat dress lol and Stevie Nicks' black gypsy dress. It was SO crowded and Abbey started flipping out again. It was so bad we couldn't even get her out of there. We finally took a hint and left. She was so exhausted, she fell asleep in the hot stroller. We got in the car, irritable and disgusted with the sweat and humidity that covered our bodies and decided to head home instead of stay another night and hit the zoo.We stopped at a run down Burger King on the way home and the kids had the most fun they'd had running through the play area. Here's what I learned: there is plenty of time later in life to visit grown up stuff like museums. I decided I would not drag my toddlers to that stuff and I'd keep them in mind when traveling in the future. Despite the fact that the trip didn't go as planned, six months later, I can look back and appreciate what we did do. I still saw some neat stuff, but I should've listened to my mom instincts! And I love making memories...and seeing new things and doing anything with my family.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Anxiety
I've been anxious on and off all day for no good reason that I can tell.
Like my stomach twisted in knots alternating with tightness in my chest.
I hate this feeling, especially when I can't quite figure out where it's coming from. I'm not depressed or unhappy today. I didn't get an argument with anyone and I am kind of on top of all the stories I agreed to do.
I know it's part of my genetic inheritance from my mother's side of the family. But usually there's a reason it kicks in. Well, at least 80 percent of the time.
Spent some time with Tammy yesterday after running around to get stuff down, and just talked like old times. It was good for me and I enjoyed the time after running around stressed about stories for the business magazine. Her loss is my gain... I love having her nearby again!!
Really got into American Horror Story, a new FX show. I recently learned that the producers have decided to make it an anthology, meaning each season will be a different story. I was disappointed at first, but then I started to appreciate that they were doing something new and different. And it is easier to force Todd to watch the next season with me :) This is a show my Dad would have loved. He would have said "Sit down, this is a real good one, you'll like it". I'd roll my eyes inside and sit down and then I'd have to admit he was right. That's how I ended up watching Dexter and True Blood.
Like my stomach twisted in knots alternating with tightness in my chest.
I hate this feeling, especially when I can't quite figure out where it's coming from. I'm not depressed or unhappy today. I didn't get an argument with anyone and I am kind of on top of all the stories I agreed to do.
I know it's part of my genetic inheritance from my mother's side of the family. But usually there's a reason it kicks in. Well, at least 80 percent of the time.
Spent some time with Tammy yesterday after running around to get stuff down, and just talked like old times. It was good for me and I enjoyed the time after running around stressed about stories for the business magazine. Her loss is my gain... I love having her nearby again!!
Really got into American Horror Story, a new FX show. I recently learned that the producers have decided to make it an anthology, meaning each season will be a different story. I was disappointed at first, but then I started to appreciate that they were doing something new and different. And it is easier to force Todd to watch the next season with me :) This is a show my Dad would have loved. He would have said "Sit down, this is a real good one, you'll like it". I'd roll my eyes inside and sit down and then I'd have to admit he was right. That's how I ended up watching Dexter and True Blood.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Christmas Eve
Let me start off by noting that these are the only photos I got on Christmas Eve and they aren't very good...I just whipped out the camera for a minute, but was pretty busy otherwise.
We decided to have appetizers on Christmas Eve. Uncle Bobby was coming over after work and he didn't what time that would be and Todd's stepmother Kathy was coming by at some point. Holly had planned to come by, though she didn't make it until the next day. I liked that it was casual and low pressure. I did the basics like veggies, shrimp cocktail and fried mozzarella sticks to name a few. I actually overdid it; about half the food was left, but I wanted to make sure everyone was happy :)
I was a little stressed, but not too bad for me. I have gotten much better with my anxiety about hosting things, which I am actually kind of proud of.
Todd had to work, but was home by mid afternoon to make whoopie pie, which I can't believe I didn't take a photo of! When Holly said she was coming by, I realized I didn't have gifts for her grandkids and I felt like I didn't have enough for my brother. I panicked and ran out the door, spending 40 minutes wandering around Rite Aid until I felt like I had what I needed. Sigh. Sometimes I do this stuff to myself. Ha.
Kathy arrived 6ish, bearing generous gifts for our kids as I scrambled around the kitchen getting things done. The kids didn't want me out of their sight because they thought Kathy was going to babysit. But then Abbey spotted Adam's big gift under the blanket Kathy hid it with. She was very into it..!
Yep, it's a bike. Adam also got a dinosaur. No, this isn't it. This is one Pam got him for his birthday, but they are from the same set. And my kid LOVES things more if there is a "set". 
Kathy and Todd snacking. Bobby came a bit after 7, bearing horseradish to make cocktail sauce since I forget to get some. 
Here is the "set"...Adam calls the Triceratops Two-Tops. Love it. And by the way, my OCD son still has that box and he stores these two and the matching shark plane he got from Carolyn the next day in it. 
Abbey got some cute outfits, the movie Tangled (which she LOVES and we have it on DVR) and the baby doll version of Rapunzel, one of the few dolls she ever plays with. She hugs it under her arm. Cute.
Kathy left and the kids went to bed. Uncle Bobby was forced to put together Abbey's tricycle and shopping cart and I brought down the gifts I had hastily wrapped. I wanted a Christmas movie, but was actually not in the mood for my usual Christmas Story or Christmas Vacation. Todd declared it was his birthday, so he got to pick: Bad Santa. And it was exactly the right pick. It was pretty funny. Uncle Bobby got the stuff together and I wrapped everything, even the big stuff. Ready for Christmas morning.
We decided to have appetizers on Christmas Eve. Uncle Bobby was coming over after work and he didn't what time that would be and Todd's stepmother Kathy was coming by at some point. Holly had planned to come by, though she didn't make it until the next day. I liked that it was casual and low pressure. I did the basics like veggies, shrimp cocktail and fried mozzarella sticks to name a few. I actually overdid it; about half the food was left, but I wanted to make sure everyone was happy :)
I was a little stressed, but not too bad for me. I have gotten much better with my anxiety about hosting things, which I am actually kind of proud of.
Todd had to work, but was home by mid afternoon to make whoopie pie, which I can't believe I didn't take a photo of! When Holly said she was coming by, I realized I didn't have gifts for her grandkids and I felt like I didn't have enough for my brother. I panicked and ran out the door, spending 40 minutes wandering around Rite Aid until I felt like I had what I needed. Sigh. Sometimes I do this stuff to myself. Ha.
Kathy arrived 6ish, bearing generous gifts for our kids as I scrambled around the kitchen getting things done. The kids didn't want me out of their sight because they thought Kathy was going to babysit. But then Abbey spotted Adam's big gift under the blanket Kathy hid it with. She was very into it..!
Yep, it's a bike. Adam also got a dinosaur. No, this isn't it. This is one Pam got him for his birthday, but they are from the same set. And my kid LOVES things more if there is a "set". 
Kathy and Todd snacking. Bobby came a bit after 7, bearing horseradish to make cocktail sauce since I forget to get some. 
Here is the "set"...Adam calls the Triceratops Two-Tops. Love it. And by the way, my OCD son still has that box and he stores these two and the matching shark plane he got from Carolyn the next day in it. 
Abbey got some cute outfits, the movie Tangled (which she LOVES and we have it on DVR) and the baby doll version of Rapunzel, one of the few dolls she ever plays with. She hugs it under her arm. Cute. Kathy left and the kids went to bed. Uncle Bobby was forced to put together Abbey's tricycle and shopping cart and I brought down the gifts I had hastily wrapped. I wanted a Christmas movie, but was actually not in the mood for my usual Christmas Story or Christmas Vacation. Todd declared it was his birthday, so he got to pick: Bad Santa. And it was exactly the right pick. It was pretty funny. Uncle Bobby got the stuff together and I wrapped everything, even the big stuff. Ready for Christmas morning.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Last Hurrah
On Thursday, my kids were restless. I hemmed and hawed about taking them to the store, not sure how I'd handle it because Adam isn't great as staying close to the cart. At one, I just threw them in the car and knew I'd figure out somewhere. After dropping a bag off at the Rescue Mission, I was driving around and we passed the park by the court house. Adam said SLIDE! pointing to a big old fashioned rickety metal slide that are a huge part of my childhood memories and are quickly becoming extinct as plastic prevails in an age of lawsuits and helicopter parents. I was impressed that he wasn't intimidated.
I got them out of the car, all of us shivering but the kids excited. There was a pond below that slide. There was no way he could go down that safely and....it was really high. But I loved how he wanted to tackle it. I steered them towards the more modern play area (though it's wood, not plastic, so it wasn't brand new ha.) It was muddy and the mulch was wet but for 15 minutes, the kids had a blast. There was a big metal steering wheel that Abbey just spun around and made truck noises with. She leaned through the slats of the wood, her little cute nose all pink and her curls flying and gave me a kiss. Loved it.
Adam braved the slide although it was wet and muddy a couple of times and was shivering so much, I got him to keep his hood up...and got a warm-up hug. They left without too much of a fight, cold, but I was glad I took them because the next day the snow came. A Last Hurrah before the onslaught, I suppose.
As I was driving them around before we went home, Adam saw the Tim Horton's sign five blocks away. We haven't been getting them lately, though we've gone through streaks where they were a regular part of Sunday morning. He doesn't forget. I am learning that recently. Adam remembers a lot.
So I hear, timidly at first,
"Tim Bits?"
Then with more force.
"Mommy? Tim Bits? Tim Bits!"
"Ok, Adam"
So he ate his chocolate glazed tim bits and Abbey her old fashioned glaze and I brought them in covered in mud and glaze and cleaned them up. They couldn't be happier. Being a kid is great, isn't it?
I got them out of the car, all of us shivering but the kids excited. There was a pond below that slide. There was no way he could go down that safely and....it was really high. But I loved how he wanted to tackle it. I steered them towards the more modern play area (though it's wood, not plastic, so it wasn't brand new ha.) It was muddy and the mulch was wet but for 15 minutes, the kids had a blast. There was a big metal steering wheel that Abbey just spun around and made truck noises with. She leaned through the slats of the wood, her little cute nose all pink and her curls flying and gave me a kiss. Loved it.
Adam braved the slide although it was wet and muddy a couple of times and was shivering so much, I got him to keep his hood up...and got a warm-up hug. They left without too much of a fight, cold, but I was glad I took them because the next day the snow came. A Last Hurrah before the onslaught, I suppose.
As I was driving them around before we went home, Adam saw the Tim Horton's sign five blocks away. We haven't been getting them lately, though we've gone through streaks where they were a regular part of Sunday morning. He doesn't forget. I am learning that recently. Adam remembers a lot.
So I hear, timidly at first,
"Tim Bits?"
Then with more force.
"Mommy? Tim Bits? Tim Bits!"
"Ok, Adam"
So he ate his chocolate glazed tim bits and Abbey her old fashioned glaze and I brought them in covered in mud and glaze and cleaned them up. They couldn't be happier. Being a kid is great, isn't it?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Halloween 2011
So in the spirit of accurately recording our family history, I will admit Halloween wasn't one of our shining moments. Todd and I got into an argument, so he stayed home and I was really irritable while I took the kids around the block. But Tammy was with us and then Holly showed up, so there was plenty going on And later, I realized the kids, luckily, had no clue I was not at my best :)
Before all that, Jackie and Quinten stopped by as our first trick or treaters.
Maddie and Caitlin, Robbie's girls, came by. 
We offered to take the neighbors because Erin had to work and it isn't Tomo's thing. 
Abbey had more fun emptying our candy bowl than she had trick or treating. 
Love Abbey Girraff-y..Adam kept calling her that; so cute. 
And Adam Sourus. SO cute. The costume barely fit him but it was a surprise find at RIte Aid and I thought it was perfect. Adam was even willing to hear the hat after he saw himself in the mirror! Tammy took these two pictures and they are my favorite. 
The rare photo of me with my two kids. 
Adam loved going up to the houses and Abbey mostly wanted me to hold her. And there was a house around the block that had all these decorations ADAM loved.
That's Big Abby checking it our with her two brothers. 
And Adam excited to get stuff in his bag. 
When we got back, Abbey just wanted to eat candy from our bowl and Adam started looking through his bag. Glad they had fun!
Before all that, Jackie and Quinten stopped by as our first trick or treaters.
Maddie and Caitlin, Robbie's girls, came by. 
We offered to take the neighbors because Erin had to work and it isn't Tomo's thing. 
Abbey had more fun emptying our candy bowl than she had trick or treating. 
Love Abbey Girraff-y..Adam kept calling her that; so cute. 
And Adam Sourus. SO cute. The costume barely fit him but it was a surprise find at RIte Aid and I thought it was perfect. Adam was even willing to hear the hat after he saw himself in the mirror! Tammy took these two pictures and they are my favorite. 
The rare photo of me with my two kids. 
Adam loved going up to the houses and Abbey mostly wanted me to hold her. And there was a house around the block that had all these decorations ADAM loved.
That's Big Abby checking it our with her two brothers. 
And Adam excited to get stuff in his bag. 
When we got back, Abbey just wanted to eat candy from our bowl and Adam started looking through his bag. Glad they had fun!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The A-Team's First Pumpkins
I do realize that Halloween was over two months ago. But there are moments that I don't want to forget. This is one of them. We took the kids to a farm, if you recall, and had them pick out pumpkins. Shhh...don't tell Abbey, but I had to replace hers before Halloween because it had started to rot. Halloween evening, I pulled them out so the kids could decroate them. Too young for knives and I wanted it to be THEIR project, so I gave them crayons. Adam jumped right in. Please note that his trusty assistant Rexy is helping him. 
Abbey had some fun with it, too. 
My cute boy decided to stack it on his trick or treat pumpkin...boy he loves to group things together! 
Mommy wrote the names... 
I had them take them to the porch. Adam caught on right away and carried his own. 
Abbey followed us out. 
Then she got the idea. 
Adam reluctantly posed for a photo. 
Neither kid was happy with going inside and leaving their pumpkin outside. It took some work! 
It actually went well. They got the point and it was a nice moment on Halloween. And Abbey colored with the crayons instead of eating them, so that in itself was a victory!
Abbey had some fun with it, too. 
My cute boy decided to stack it on his trick or treat pumpkin...boy he loves to group things together! 
Mommy wrote the names... 
I had them take them to the porch. Adam caught on right away and carried his own. 
Abbey followed us out. 
Then she got the idea. 
Adam reluctantly posed for a photo. 
Neither kid was happy with going inside and leaving their pumpkin outside. It took some work! 
It actually went well. They got the point and it was a nice moment on Halloween. And Abbey colored with the crayons instead of eating them, so that in itself was a victory!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Saturday Mom Duty
You may recall that last summer, Melissa stopped by with Joey and they had gone to Darien Lake, bestowing their winnings on my kids. This dragon is basically Adam's pillow. He first ripped last summer and Adam freaked out when he went to nap, crying as I sewed him together hastily. Since then, he's been falling a part at the seams, and I kept meaning to put him back together. On Saturday morning, Adam waited until I got in to get him out of bed and he was very serious.
"Mommy, broke-y. Dragon broke. Please." I knew the please meant he wanted me, Mom, to fix him. He took this very seriously. I am ashamed to admit that he had holes on every seam and now his arm was completely severed.
I worked on this dragon best I could through out the day. There were more holes than I realized. 
By nap time, I had all but one hole fixed. Adam spread his (I mean her, as she is "mom" to the little stuffed frog Melissa gave Abbey that he stole and declared was her baby) and made her fly and then gave her a big hug. 
This is the true calling of Mommy-hood. I mean, his toy was broken and he turned to his Mom to make it right. Many times in his life, I can't or won't be able to. But this time, I could. 
And I think the more I stitched, the better I got. No, I'm not Martha Stewart or Donna Reed....but I'm Mommy :)
"Mommy, broke-y. Dragon broke. Please." I knew the please meant he wanted me, Mom, to fix him. He took this very seriously. I am ashamed to admit that he had holes on every seam and now his arm was completely severed.
I worked on this dragon best I could through out the day. There were more holes than I realized. 
By nap time, I had all but one hole fixed. Adam spread his (I mean her, as she is "mom" to the little stuffed frog Melissa gave Abbey that he stole and declared was her baby) and made her fly and then gave her a big hug. 
This is the true calling of Mommy-hood. I mean, his toy was broken and he turned to his Mom to make it right. Many times in his life, I can't or won't be able to. But this time, I could. 
And I think the more I stitched, the better I got. No, I'm not Martha Stewart or Donna Reed....but I'm Mommy :)
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