a job, a chicken and a boy band

I have been reminded by my faithful follower that it has been one month since my last blog post. I feel like we don't have much going on, and therefore, nothing to write about. It seems like every day is like Ground hog's Day. We do the exact same thing- wake up, drop off kids, come home and work, get dinner prepped, play outside, etc...

Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. It's fun to hang out in the neighborhood and watch the kids play while we play cornhole or visit with our friends. The kids are at a great age where they all get along, all have someone there age to play with. It's been great. Hunter has even been getting in on the action as well and has loved hanging out with the men- and feeling like one of the guys. Even last night he called me from his friend's house asking if we were outside with the neighbors and if we were playing cornhole. 10 minutes later, he and his buddy showed up ready to get in on the action. For reference if you don't know (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornhole).

Speaking of Hunter, he went to Cedar Point last weekend- and lost his cell phone while riding a roller coaster. I shouldn't say lost, but more like it slipped out of his pocket during a ride. So- on Monday, I had to take him to get a new phone. He wanted a smart phone this time, so we told him, that would mean our plan would go up, etc and that he was 16 now, he should get a job. So- he called about 15 places, applied at 6 of them and got called for an interview.

I should have taken a picture, he looked so handsome as he was getting ready for his interview. Black dress shirt, Blue tie, grey pants, black dress shoes... this boy looked sharp. He had studied and prepped- read all up on the establishment, spoke to a friend who worked there for hints and pointers and was set. Sean and I both drove him there and we waited in the car. He came out about 15 minutes later- happy and confident- and lo and behold, about 3 hours later received the phone call saying he got the job. He'll be making just more than minimum wage, and it will be so great for him. Something to do this summer, an opportunity to save towards college and give him a little spending money (not to mention the ability to pay me the $20 a month that the cell phone bill went up from his new smart phone.

He also managed to get a 3.0 this quarter (I think), so that means we can finally let him get his license. He just needs to work a bit on maneuverability, but I think he is ready. Yay!!!

Other updates- Owen, at age 4 years and 10 months, finally was almost 40 pounds so we caved and got him his booster seat. This kid has tried so hard to gain some weight. He is such a little beanpole- and so lean!

He also had his preschool graduation, we'll call it one of two since he's not actually graduating. It was really a nice, simple event. Breakfast at the school and we were given an all about me book that I will forever cherish.

Quinlin has been doing well. She had her dance recital in late May and was the best little chicken there could be. The theme was chicken soup and rice and she was incredible.

 

And lastly, I went to see NKOTB when they came to town. The concert was ok. Boyz II Men opened and they were incredible- only played for 30 minutes, then 98* played and they were just ok. Maybe a little Nick Lachey eye candy, but other than that, it was hard to hear so just ok. NKOTB came on and they were good. Some funny moments- and of course a packed arena with all 30 something year old women. But- the highlight of the night was spending it with good friends.

 



Mother's Day 2013

I had such a fantastic Mother's Day weekend. I had been out of town for work at the end of last week and it was so nice to come home and squeeze my babes. I missed them, and Quinlin sure missed her mama. What a nice thing though now to see how technology has evolved and to have been able to facetime with them every night I was away.

For Mother's Day, we decided to celebrate with our mom's the day before, on Saturday. My parents came over and we took them to a local Italian restaurant for lunch. The food was great, portions were huge and the kids did great. We came home and watched Rise of the Guardians (though I think I fell asleep). They left and about an hour later we went to Sean's sister's for grilled burgers for his mom. We came home and relaxed for the night. Just before bed, Sean asked which concert I would rather go to- P!NK or Fun. I couldn't decide, but knew this was my Mother's Day  gift.

Woke up Sunday morning to the surprise of both concerts. I didn't have to choose. Yay! I'm very excited- I know this is Mother's Day and Birthday combined, but I cannot wait. Now I need to make sure he gets a nice present for Father's Day/Birthday as well.

The rest of the day was glorious. I was off-duty! Lazy day all day- couldn't have been better!

and how cute is this??? Quinlin's first stick figure family she drew on Mother's Day (051213)

Updates

Let's see... where to begin. I have been working from home for almost a month now. It has been fantastic. I don't have a home office, but do have an office phone at my house set up in my room, so I plant myself on my bed with my laptop and work away. I have been taking the kids to daycare in the mornings, I'll come home and throw a load of laundry in and just plug away at work. A girl could get used to this! Everyone has told me they wouldn't be able to get anything done, but surprisingly, I am even more focused. It helps that I have a huge project to do and have really been able to get at it.

We have been back in the moving kick again. We went and looked at a house a few weeks ago that was about 20 minutes from us (south) but decided it wasn't right for us. I would really like to stay in the area that we are and after being on house searches for almost the past 3 years and meeting with probably 8 builders, have decided that in order to get everything we want, it looks like we need to build it. We found a development that I really like and met with a builder there, but not sure if he can build exactly what we want. We found a house plan we love and I have been emailing with that builder, but that house will cost us a pretty penny. So- I think we are going to put our plans on hold and really work hard to save and will revisit later in the year. My car will be paid off in about 6 months, and that will help with the savings as well (especially because we are paying double payments to pay it off about 18 months early). This extra time will also allow us to make sure we are still secure with our employments, etc.

The kids are good. Hunter joined track this year running the events of the 1 mile and the 2 mile. I am so proud of him for doing it. He isn't the fastest, but has gotten his mile time around 6 and a half minutes, and that is a huge accomplishment for him. He has had shin splints for the past two weeks so missed the first meet last week and will be missing the meet this afternoon. he still attends and helps time the races, but cannot physically participate until he is pain free to avoid the shin splints from turning into a stress fracture.
Owen is hilarious. He's been having a great time lately, especially with his friends. I feel like every weekend there is a birthday party or playdate to attend. The same for Quinlin. I will try and post pictures once I load them onto the computer and will update more regularly to keep my sister happy.

Transitions

Life has been chugging away for us. We have been so busy just kind of living life, I guess. The kids have been relatively healthy, with the exception of this past week. Owen ended up in urgent care for vomiting, and that ended up actually being strep. Quinlin then went to the doctor and had a sinus infection, and Sean is just overall run down so getting sick. Hunter has been the healthy one, minus one day at school where we had to pick him up early for not feeling well (and he only had an hour left to his day). He has a cough now, but I blame that on him being 16 and not wearing a coat, because he's "too cool".

Speaking of the 16 year old, he finishes driver's education tomorrow. So- now all we need to do is complete his 50 hours of driving and he can take his driver's test. I'm trying to let him drive more and more, but it's hard to have the time. I picked him up yesterday from school and he drove home (yet, after living here for 8 1/2 years, still questioned the way, which I found odd). He also is doing well in school currently, and with his social life. There's a girl he's interested in and he might have a date this weekend. We shall see. Of course, I'm the embarrassing mother and he wants to avoid me driving him if he can. I laugh. I always thought since I had him young, I wouldn't be embarrassing. Apparently, step dads are much cooler.

Owen and Quinlin are little sponges right now. Learning like crazy. Owen has started writing his last name and is getting so good at coloring in the lines and trying to write. Many things I still need to work on with him. We have decided to officially not start him in kindergarten this fall. It was a difficult decision, he's the only one in his preschool class not moving on, but he also is the youngest. We factored in the August birthday and determined that he just wouldn't be ready and would benefit from an extra year.

Quinlin, aside from her diva moments, is blossoming and growing so much. She's so sweet- with the things she says and does. Her expressions crack me up. We walked into a store this weekend and she exclaimed "wow, it's just so beautiful". Beautiful is her adjective as of late as well. Everything is beautiful- the weather, her brother, her food. I love her.

Work is going well. My office is going under a 4 month renovation and therefore, starting on Monday, I will be working from home. I can see this as a positive and a negative. My house is not large enough and does not have a home office. So- we will be a little hillbilly for the next 4 months and have a folding table in my bedroom where I will set up shop. I have an office phone at home already and that's where it is, so I will bring my boxes of things I will need in the next few months and see how it goes. I will pop into the office maybe twice a week for administrative things I cannot do at home (scanning, copying, and to check the mail). All of it is fine, I will adjust. And I am thankful I have a job and somewhere to work. So- little transitions here and there.

My friends are good. We've seen them quite a bit lately which is nice. Now that the weather is warming, we can finally come out of hiding and see the neighbors more and actually do things and not feel so cooped up.

Lastly, prayers to my friend Colleen as she and her husband are reaching the end of his cancer fight. Please keep them in your thoughts. Praying for peace and comfort to their entire family.

Professional Photos

I signed up for a free mini mini session in January. The photographer wanted to "give back" and offered these limited sessions so I jumped at the chance. I am so glad that I did. I didn't think she'd be able to get good shots in the 5 minute time allotment, but she amazed me. I was so happy with how they turned out. I wish I would have dragged Hunter with me so we could have tried to get him in it as well, but it just didn't work out that day (plus, she had so many people want to do it, she limited the sessions to 12 years and under).

All images courtesy of Five Eleven Photography.

Of course, with the free session, I got 2 free images. And, of course, I couldn't just choose 2. I had to get them all!

Tiny Dancer

Quinlin started dance class in January. I had to wait until she turned 3, so we got her into the class mid-season. When she started, she was very hesitant, shy, unsure of herself. About a month and a half into it, she loves it. It's Saturday mornings, and it's hard to get out the door sometimes, but once we're there, she's good.

I found the secret to our success is getting there 10 minutes before class starts. This gives her time to go in, find the square she wants to start on right away, and time to warm up a bit (when we first started, she took the first 10 minutes just sitting there watching, now she actually participates).

Sean went with me to the first class. The kids go in the dance room alone and the parents sit outside and watch through a window. Sean found some of the other women to be too chatty and catty so doesn't like to go and watch. Me? I love it. I don't know if it's because she's my little girl, or because she's my last, but I like to go and watch and take everything in. I either sit in the back with the other mom's or sometimes stand on the other side of the room and watch through another window (I can actually hear better when I do it that way). I don't want to miss a thing.

She really has gotten the hang of it and even does some of her moves at home when we're playing. They have the cutest sayings that make the kids remember and cute little songs that make them interested (so I don't forget, the legs in the air is popcorn, shaking the head is- I like dance class- shake your head yes- I don't like stinky shoes- shake your head no, point together clap, step and point- too cold, step and point- too hot, Good morning, good morning, good morning all over the world!)

The big recital is in May and the whole dance school is doing dances to a theme of books. Quinlin's class is an ode to the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. All I know is I just spent $45 on a yellow feather costume for her to be a chicken (and they jump out of a soup bowl in the beginning).

Here's hoping by the time that recital rolls around that she'll be a happy little chicken. I have visions of the class dancing and her being a chicken in a little ball on the side of the stage not doing anything.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Ice fishing season has officially concluded for us this year. Sean was very busy in January/February (hence my absence and unmotivation for blogging, maybe?)

This is his absolute favorite time of year. Though sitting in a shanty on ice with a hole doesn't sound all that fun to me, it is absolutely the best time for him. He participated in 3 tournaments this year (all out of state) and I am proud to announce that I am married to a winner!

The first tournament, he and his partner, Andy, came in 4th place (and also won biggest fish). The second tournament, he took first!!! and the final tournament, he came in 9th (with his old partner Dan as Andy couldn't make it due to a work commitment).

I am so proud of him on how well he did. But, don't get me wrong, it was hard on the family having him gone. For two of the tournaments, he left at 4am on Wednesday and didn't get home until about 9:30pm on Sunday. Made for two little ones missing their daddy, one wife missing her better half, and one 16 year old needing to help more around the house. By the time he came home (and came home safely) we were all ready.

In addition to winning some prize money, he won the cost for his entries into next years tournaments and also qualified for the National Championships in December. I believe they take place in Minnesota. Not sure if he'll be able to go or not, we'll see.

Anyway- some highlights from the events:

I love this image. They knew they had it won!

Quinlin- 3 year well visit

Quinlin had her 3 year well visit last night. Can I first add how much I love our pediatrician??? Like really love her. She is so kind, sweet, good with the kids, personable, etc. She walked into the room and mentioned that she loved our Christmas card we sent her, asked how Sean's ice fishing was going, talked to Owen and asked if she could still fix anything (and gave the example of the basketball hoop). I love how much she knows our family- that we don't feel like just a number in the wide clinic system.

First the important stats:
Height-3 feet, 2 inches or 38 inches (65%)
Weight 35 lbs (84%)

She is on a nice curve of slimming down a bit which was nice to see. I can definitely tell she's getting taller and thinning out. She's only 2 or 3 pounds lighter than Owen- haha. Owen at her age was 32 1/2 lbs and 37 1/2 inches. So she's a tad taller and weighs more than he did.

She did so well at the appointment. She got her blood pressure checked for the first time:

Her doctor checked her out and thought everything about her was fantastic (of course). And then we all chuckled when she asked if I had any concerns and I didn't because the 3rd child is always the breeze. You finally feel like you know what you are doing!

She looked like such a big girl in her little gown. She was so funny during the appointment too- kept telling Owen it wasn't his appointment and that he needed to not be on the exam table. After the doctor was finished, we went down the hall for her vision screening. She had to stand on a line and look across to a chart, cover one eye and tell the nurse what she saw. I was a little nervous that maybe she wouldn't be able to answer, but then I remembered what a smart girl she was. She knew everything- every star, moon, circle (though she said the letter O for circle), flag, mug, etc. And then I thought, why did I doubt her? She's a superstar.

Hunter's birthday

I fell a bit behind and have so much to post about, but don't want to post about anything else until I dedicate a post to Hunter for his birthday.

Sweet 16!!! Can you believe it? His birthday was toward the end of January and we celebrated, very mellow this year. Sucks to be grounded on your birthday. But- and I agree with Sean- it's just another day and maybe it will help in learning the lessons of life.

His birthday was on a Sunday and his grandfather on his dad's side picked him up on Saturday for a small little family party with that side of the family. Before he left, my parents came over and we celebrated as well.

We had a little cake and sang to him and then he was on his way. He returned the next day and I had to take Owen and Quinlin to a birthday party and he didn't want to go. So- I, sadly, feel like we didn't really do anything special for his big birthday. I did get him his favorite dinner and we did eat our cake. But- that was it.

He is slowly getting off the grounding. I gave him his cell phone back; it was too difficult being able to get a hold of him (we eliminated a home phone a few weeks ago) and with Sean traveling for tournaments, I needed to be able to be in touch.

In the meantime, for the officialness on the blog, happy 16th birthday to my amazing, kind, caring, sweet, funny, smart son Hunter. I am blessed beyond belief and we wouldn't be on our path of life without him. 16! We love you!

Owenisms

New Owenisms (so I don't forget)

January 6, 2013
in response to not wanting to nap...  "I'm not even tired and neither is my penis".


January 8, 2013
discussing how far away my sister lives. "Does she live further away than the blimp?"

I wonder what makes his mind work sometimes


January 23, 2013
"Grandma- if you make me nap I am walking home"
of course, he doesn't realize it's a 15 minute drive.