Despite being a few hours "late", John and I (and our children) thoroughly enjoyed Geekfest 2006.
We started off our weekend fitting in one day care visit (decided not to attempt two--and it was a good thing, too) on Thursday morning. "Small World" passes inspection and I may send Keith there two or three days a week for preschool if nothing else.... Then John had to go to work "for a couple of minutes" (yeah, right). THEN we had to pick up Mary from school. THEN we still had to pack up the mini-van and go to the grocery store. Considering all that, I'm actually impressed that we were moving down the road at 1:15.
We got stuck in a rainstorm in Cleveland during rush hour for over an hour, so we didn't get to the resort until around 7:00. We shoved food down our throats, threw on our suits, and headed to the waterpark. Hey, after being stuck in the car for six hours, the kids deserved a little bit of fun before bed!
It was a great weekend, and we really liked the resort. Plenty of room, awesome kitchen. The kids had a ball. Mary flew down those slides without even a second thought. Keith was a little more tentative--but we did get him to go down some of the "medium" slides by Saturday. One bump on the head, and one total immersion later, and he declared his sliding days were over! Izzy had fun just standing in the water and splashing everyone. And we were ALL spoiled by the hot tubs.
By the last day, the kids were incredibly tired and cranky, and so were the parents. We were ready to go home to our own beds. We didn't get in until after 9:00 pm, and it was a bear trying to get up (and get everyone else up) Monday, but it was worth it.
Now it's Wednesday, and so far I haven't managed to unpack the cooler (it was mostly empty anyway), and two outfits in the kids' suitcase. Not bad, all things considered.
We are excited about the idea of doing this again next year. Maybe taking a group side trip to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame or something. Not too many side trips--I kind of liked the ease of just walking (albeit down very long corridors) back and forth to the waterpark and not having to pack up the kids in the car every day.
Let's start the plans for Geekfest 2007!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
VACATION, ALL I EVER WANTED. VACATION, HAVE TO GET AWAY!
Woo hoo! Dave's blog says about 5 1/2 hours until vacation. Of course, ours is starting a little behind due to having to wait until Unit #1 gets out of school at 11:30. BUT we're still taking the whole day off, so I guess it's technically still good. And I'm getting antsy.
The laundry isn't done, I haven't packed, I still need to make another run to the grocery store, I'm still not 100% happy with the bathing suit I bought, and the list goes on.... It's only a 4 (well, 3 1/2 now) day weekend, and it's kicking my butt!
BUT since we're going to have a late start tomorrow anyway, I've made appointments to check out two day care centers near our new house. I'm not the day care type person. I prefer to send the kids to individuals who run day cares out of their homes. I feel the kids get more one-on-one attention that way. And leaving my current provider, whom we've had since Mary was 6 1/2 months old, is breaking my heart. She was certainly a second Mom to them (and a very good friend to me). If only I could take her and her family with me!! Anyway, all the at-home people I called are already full for the fall (cripes!), so we may be stuck with a center--which does have benefits of its own (don't have to worry about finding back-up for vacation time, open longer hours, etc). So tomorrow morning we'll be checking out places with names like "Tots U" and "Small World." Ugh. Just the names make me cringe.
Izzy is feeling much better, thank you. And except for another Frankenstein fit the other night (think she might be teething again) she's back to her old self.
Mary had her kindergarten "spring show" on Monday. I was stuck with my nose to the "payroll grind" at work, but John got to go, and he tooks lots of video. Quite adorable. Now if only my adorable one would stop waking me up at 3:00 am EVERY MORNING. Even bribery isn't working. Ugh. No wonder I'm not getting anything done around the house.
The laundry isn't done, I haven't packed, I still need to make another run to the grocery store, I'm still not 100% happy with the bathing suit I bought, and the list goes on.... It's only a 4 (well, 3 1/2 now) day weekend, and it's kicking my butt!
BUT since we're going to have a late start tomorrow anyway, I've made appointments to check out two day care centers near our new house. I'm not the day care type person. I prefer to send the kids to individuals who run day cares out of their homes. I feel the kids get more one-on-one attention that way. And leaving my current provider, whom we've had since Mary was 6 1/2 months old, is breaking my heart. She was certainly a second Mom to them (and a very good friend to me). If only I could take her and her family with me!! Anyway, all the at-home people I called are already full for the fall (cripes!), so we may be stuck with a center--which does have benefits of its own (don't have to worry about finding back-up for vacation time, open longer hours, etc). So tomorrow morning we'll be checking out places with names like "Tots U" and "Small World." Ugh. Just the names make me cringe.
Izzy is feeling much better, thank you. And except for another Frankenstein fit the other night (think she might be teething again) she's back to her old self.
Mary had her kindergarten "spring show" on Monday. I was stuck with my nose to the "payroll grind" at work, but John got to go, and he tooks lots of video. Quite adorable. Now if only my adorable one would stop waking me up at 3:00 am EVERY MORNING. Even bribery isn't working. Ugh. No wonder I'm not getting anything done around the house.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Sick, sick, sick (not for the faint of heart--or those who faint at the mention of vomit and other such excretions)
So last Wednesday while getting Izzy out of the carseat, she decided to do a Jackson Pollock right onto our parking lot. Thank heavens none of it flew into the van or on my person. Poor Izzy spent the next several hours creating impressionistic art on all kinds of media (her jammies, her sheets, my shirt, her favorite blanky)--and even when she had a lack of "paint", as it were (yes, that would be "dry-heaving"). Reminding myself that I just don't get to spend nearly enough time with my family, I "burned" a vacation day Thursday to stay home with the poor thing. Even on Friday, while the creative spurt had been all used up, she really wasn't quite herself. By Saturday, she had a slight fever and was obviously having issues going #2 (perhaps due to the lack of food and fluids for the previous two days). By Sunday, the "blockage" was bypassed--and apparently cleared the way for the much "smoother fuels" waiting in the tube. NOT pleasant. And she's still not quite herself even today. ugh.
Despite Izzy's issues, we did manage to have some fun this weekend. We took the kids to a farm where we got to meet three baby horses--and a couple of the parents, too. The kids were enthralled--even a slightly feverish Izzy managed to crack a smile and say "horse!" We were promised a ride on the mama horses if we come again (on a not-so-impossibly hot day).
I took Mary and Keith to the apartment swimming pool on Sunday (and wondered if after we move I could still get in with my non-dated pool passes. no, better not. curse me for being so gosh-darned honest!). This is the first year Mary was willing to get in and doggie-paddle around with no whining, clinging, or otherwise drowning-attempts on her mama. Not so with little Keith. After much cajoling, I got him to get in and showed him how he could actually touch bottom. But it was to no avail. After the "thrill" was gone, he spent a half hour whining and screaming and clinging before I finally gave it up and let him sit on the side of the pool. But how humiliating that then when Mary wanted to do laps with me, she beat me far too many times for me to be willing to publish here. Granted, she was doing shorter laps, but STILL.
*sigh* I'm getting old.
Despite Izzy's issues, we did manage to have some fun this weekend. We took the kids to a farm where we got to meet three baby horses--and a couple of the parents, too. The kids were enthralled--even a slightly feverish Izzy managed to crack a smile and say "horse!" We were promised a ride on the mama horses if we come again (on a not-so-impossibly hot day).
I took Mary and Keith to the apartment swimming pool on Sunday (and wondered if after we move I could still get in with my non-dated pool passes. no, better not. curse me for being so gosh-darned honest!). This is the first year Mary was willing to get in and doggie-paddle around with no whining, clinging, or otherwise drowning-attempts on her mama. Not so with little Keith. After much cajoling, I got him to get in and showed him how he could actually touch bottom. But it was to no avail. After the "thrill" was gone, he spent a half hour whining and screaming and clinging before I finally gave it up and let him sit on the side of the pool. But how humiliating that then when Mary wanted to do laps with me, she beat me far too many times for me to be willing to publish here. Granted, she was doing shorter laps, but STILL.
*sigh* I'm getting old.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The best laid plans
So yesterday as I'm driving to work, I'm thinking about all the things we are doing/need to get done this month: last t-ball game, dentist appointment, pack for vacation, pack to move, get groceries for vacation, the last day of school for Mary.... Hey, wait a minute. (Picture synapse firing in brain here). Uh oh. Mary's last day of school is June 22--the same day we're supposed to be leaving for our vacation in Sandusky! Yikes! HOW did that happen?
Well, the good news is that she only has to go a half day--dismissal will probably be around 11:20 or so--so I guess we'll just have a later start on our trip than originally planned. Curse the East and their late-starting, late-ending school year!!! @#$%
Well, the good news is that she only has to go a half day--dismissal will probably be around 11:20 or so--so I guess we'll just have a later start on our trip than originally planned. Curse the East and their late-starting, late-ending school year!!! @#$%
Thursday, June 08, 2006
UGH
We can't get out of this townhouse soon enough.
Last spring we had this young couple move next door. The very first weekend, they blared loud music all weekend. We talked to the couple, they apologized, and pretty much behaved for the next year (actually very nice people). Well....They broke up. The girl moved out, and the guy gets this new roommate a few months ago. Now we get loud, blaring music EVERY NIGHT. John's already been over there three times. "Oh, sorry! Anytime we get too loud, just let us know!" We've tried to be nice about it since they are always super nice to us when we see them. Well, the last couple weeks it has gotten worse and worse. John and I went to the manager's office (to sign our "intent to leave" paperwork), and mentioned to her about the noise and how we're tired of having to "remind" the neighbors to be courteous. "OK, I'll give them a call." Last night, at exactly 11:00, the music went UP. At 11:30, John went over and pounded on the door, and rang the doorbell several times. No answer. We figure either a) they're getting revenge for our "telling" on them, b) the stereo was up SO loud that they couldn't hear us, or c) they weren't home and kindly left the stereo blaring (with the windows open!) to share their music to the whole complex in their absence.
"Luckily," their stereo is up against John's and my bedroom wall, so WE get the brunt of the pounding, and the kids hardly hear a thing, so it's not really affecting their sleep. In fact, after John's failed attempt at the neighbors' door, I crawled in with Mary. BUT that's not the point! How can people be so rude! And on a work night!
John told me this morning that he went over a second time pounding on the door and getting no answer. He called the after-hours number for the complex, but he got no answer and had to leave a message (it's just maintenance--they don't give a crap about loud neighbors, only busted pipes, etc.). The neighbors didn't stop the music until 2:30 this morning.
Next time we're calling the cops.
OMG--we're getting soooo old!
Last spring we had this young couple move next door. The very first weekend, they blared loud music all weekend. We talked to the couple, they apologized, and pretty much behaved for the next year (actually very nice people). Well....They broke up. The girl moved out, and the guy gets this new roommate a few months ago. Now we get loud, blaring music EVERY NIGHT. John's already been over there three times. "Oh, sorry! Anytime we get too loud, just let us know!" We've tried to be nice about it since they are always super nice to us when we see them. Well, the last couple weeks it has gotten worse and worse. John and I went to the manager's office (to sign our "intent to leave" paperwork), and mentioned to her about the noise and how we're tired of having to "remind" the neighbors to be courteous. "OK, I'll give them a call." Last night, at exactly 11:00, the music went UP. At 11:30, John went over and pounded on the door, and rang the doorbell several times. No answer. We figure either a) they're getting revenge for our "telling" on them, b) the stereo was up SO loud that they couldn't hear us, or c) they weren't home and kindly left the stereo blaring (with the windows open!) to share their music to the whole complex in their absence.
"Luckily," their stereo is up against John's and my bedroom wall, so WE get the brunt of the pounding, and the kids hardly hear a thing, so it's not really affecting their sleep. In fact, after John's failed attempt at the neighbors' door, I crawled in with Mary. BUT that's not the point! How can people be so rude! And on a work night!
John told me this morning that he went over a second time pounding on the door and getting no answer. He called the after-hours number for the complex, but he got no answer and had to leave a message (it's just maintenance--they don't give a crap about loud neighbors, only busted pipes, etc.). The neighbors didn't stop the music until 2:30 this morning.
Next time we're calling the cops.
OMG--we're getting soooo old!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Friday, June 02, 2006
We found it(?)
We think we may have a WINNER!
John and I are putting a bid in TONIGHT!
I'm just a wee bit freaked out, here!
WISH US LUCK!
John and I are putting a bid in TONIGHT!
I'm just a wee bit freaked out, here!
WISH US LUCK!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
More house hunting
So last Saturday morning, John, me, and all three kids traipsed around the Brighton and Penfield areas looking for our dream home--biggish and yet within our price range (not an easy feat here in Rochester). The very last house that we looked at MIGHT be it. Four bd, two full bath, 2 car garage, large lr, den, and a huge, very well-maintained yard with lots of nice trees. Beautiful. We're contemplating putting in an offer--or taking a chance and looking around for another couple of weeks. Hmmm....
We got several compliments on our children's good behavior. Reminds me that what may be annoying and irksome to ME, is not-so-annoying to a third-party observer--especially one who has probably "seen it all" when it comes to the behavior of kids while spending a very long, boring afternoon looking at numerous houses and not being able to touch things! So kudos to the kids for being seemingly good around strangers that mommy and daddy are trying to impress. They've got their priorities straight!
So here is the first warning to all our wonderful family and friends. IF John and I actually pull this off and buy a house, there will probably be NO trips home this year. We'll be poor and begging you all to come see us. And maybe now we'll actually have room for you!
We got several compliments on our children's good behavior. Reminds me that what may be annoying and irksome to ME, is not-so-annoying to a third-party observer--especially one who has probably "seen it all" when it comes to the behavior of kids while spending a very long, boring afternoon looking at numerous houses and not being able to touch things! So kudos to the kids for being seemingly good around strangers that mommy and daddy are trying to impress. They've got their priorities straight!
So here is the first warning to all our wonderful family and friends. IF John and I actually pull this off and buy a house, there will probably be NO trips home this year. We'll be poor and begging you all to come see us. And maybe now we'll actually have room for you!
Monday, May 22, 2006
House hunting
John and I spent most of the weekend dragging the kids back and forth to the mortgage broker and open houses in our whirlwind, last second attempt to find, buy, and move into a house by mid-August. Of the houses we drove by, we are interested in them all but one (and we didn't even get to see that house--the road it was on was so narrow with idiot neighbors/drivers blocking the thoroughfare, we passed it by before we even noticed it and knew for a fact that that street was NOT for us). Sunday we managed to catch two open houses. We liked the second house better--but the location isn't the greatest. It's right next to a collision center--right next to a very busy road. Hmmm....we'll chalk it up as a "maybe".
John's pretty excited about the idea of finally owning our own home--looking up how to straighten the somewhat crooked garage of the one house and what is the life-span of a water heater, anyway? I'm keeping my excitement somewhat under the surface. I think the whole concept is still too surreal for me. John and me--buying a house? Inconceivable!
In the midst of the house hunting, Mary Anne also had her dance recital on Saturday. Mary is a very sensitive kid. You really never know how she's going to react to something until you see her actually react to it. All week she's been excited about this recital. Every time I'd mention it, she'd jump up and down and say, "Yay!" Not so, Saturday morning. I knew we were in trouble when she woke up and complained of being tired. Well, when I mentioned the recital, the pouting began, and "I don't want to go" became the theme for the day. She cried while getting ready and cried the whole 15 minute drive to the auditorium. She cried when I had to leave her--sitting on the floor of the dressing room in her tu-tu and tights, hair wrapped up in a bun. Thankfully, she seemed cheered up by her first dance. But someone must have looked at her wrong the second dance--the tap number to "Under the Sea." Right in the middle of it, the scowl came back. I took her out to Pizza Hut afterwards and said, "No dance next year, right?" She agreed. I guess she's going to be a sports kid--she said she'd rather do indoor soccer. Fine with me! I can certainly do without the outrageous recital/costume fees.
For you Katamari Damacy fans, you'll appreciate this. Sunday I hear Keith humming the theme under his breath (very addictive, that tune). I look up, and he's got a lego man he built rolling a whiffle ball on the coffee table towards a collection of unsuspecting Little People. Oh no! Too funny!
John's pretty excited about the idea of finally owning our own home--looking up how to straighten the somewhat crooked garage of the one house and what is the life-span of a water heater, anyway? I'm keeping my excitement somewhat under the surface. I think the whole concept is still too surreal for me. John and me--buying a house? Inconceivable!
In the midst of the house hunting, Mary Anne also had her dance recital on Saturday. Mary is a very sensitive kid. You really never know how she's going to react to something until you see her actually react to it. All week she's been excited about this recital. Every time I'd mention it, she'd jump up and down and say, "Yay!" Not so, Saturday morning. I knew we were in trouble when she woke up and complained of being tired. Well, when I mentioned the recital, the pouting began, and "I don't want to go" became the theme for the day. She cried while getting ready and cried the whole 15 minute drive to the auditorium. She cried when I had to leave her--sitting on the floor of the dressing room in her tu-tu and tights, hair wrapped up in a bun. Thankfully, she seemed cheered up by her first dance. But someone must have looked at her wrong the second dance--the tap number to "Under the Sea." Right in the middle of it, the scowl came back. I took her out to Pizza Hut afterwards and said, "No dance next year, right?" She agreed. I guess she's going to be a sports kid--she said she'd rather do indoor soccer. Fine with me! I can certainly do without the outrageous recital/costume fees.
For you Katamari Damacy fans, you'll appreciate this. Sunday I hear Keith humming the theme under his breath (very addictive, that tune). I look up, and he's got a lego man he built rolling a whiffle ball on the coffee table towards a collection of unsuspecting Little People. Oh no! Too funny!
Friday, May 19, 2006
My first blog
Well, after years of keeping simple word documents as records of my life, I've finally made the great leap to blogging! What a concept!
Life is crazy for me, as always. My husband and I are running very quickly into the end of our lease in our townhouse and are desperately trying to find someplace else to live. Every year we go through this. We can never decide whether to move out of Rochester or stay and buy a house. This was supposed to be the year we make a firm decision. Well, the time has flown by, our landlord is knocking at the door wondering if we're going to renew, and we now have just over a month until the lease runs out. I actually called a mortgage broker out of desperation the other day. Maybe we can get lucky, get qualified for a loan, find a new home, and get moved into it within two months (and only have to extend our lease one month). From others' experiences, I know not to hold my breath.
Otherwise, the kids are keeping me busy. Poor Mary currently is on medication for an ear infection. And through this, she's having the busiest week of her life. Dance rehearsals (recital is Saturday) and t-ball games, and a visit from her Great-grandma. Through all this, it's almost impossible to get her to bed at a decent hour, and I feel bad for her. Now that GG has gone home and dance will be ending on Saturday, I'm hoping that her life will be a little less crazy and virus-free.
Izzy had one of her (what I call) "Frankenstein fits" the other night. Izzy is a very well-tempered baby--the most mild-mannered of all our three kids--but every once in a while, she goes into a screaming, stomping, rampaging fit from which she cannot be consoled. This one happend in the middle of the night, and I'm beginning to wonder if it was a night terror. Not something pleasant to behold. When you see your child screaming and crying you want to be able to sooth them. It's the most frustrating thing in the world when they won't let you and don't even seem to notice that you're there. I just put her on the floor and let her rampage around the house until she finally collapsed in my arms--sucking her two fingers. Poor baby.
Keith is the only happy one currently in the house. He's a great kid. Middle child with two sisters--he is so doomed.
Nothing else new to report except for my excitement about getting away to Cedar Point at the end of June with all our FTW Shadownet friends. John and I need a vacation this year, and this little weekend get-a-way is perfect timing....
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