Mother’s Weekend and beyond May 19, 2007

This year I had more than a happy Mother’s Day. I had a wonderful Mother’s weekend! First of all, it started with Ellie’s gift. She made her hand print on a tile and that beautiful card at preschool. It was special because it was the first thing she has ever made for me. Friday night, Thomas and I went to the mother/son dance. We had a great time and Thomas loved it. He danced for the first hour. He spent the second hour running around. I was pretty tired at the end, but it was worth it. On Saturday, I met my mom in Jackson and we went to lunch and a movie. Lunch was fabulous, but the movie, Lucky You, was horrible. Despite the bad movie, I think we both enjoyed the time together. I know my mom missed my kids but I’m pretty sure she enjoyed having time with me uninterrupted too. Finally, on Sunday, we went to Mass w/Andy’s parents and then to a local family owned restaurant, Rose’s. It’s a wonderful Italian restaurant that we just don’t go to enough. (Who eats out much w/two small children anyway!) By the way, Ellie and I told Andy about Thomas joining our family at Rose’s. And, we ate there before I was baptized. So, it will always be a special restaurant. Anyway, I felt special all weekend. Sunday afternoon, Andy and Ellie went out and bought me flowers. I love my family!

This week has been busy too. Ellie will be going to All Saint’s Preschool next year. She is so excited. Meeting her teacher and seeing her school was so exciting. Preschool and swimming lessons are almost done for the year. She is sad, but I keep reminding her that it means we get to go camping soon. Swimming lessons are a highlight. Last week and this week, she jumped into the deep end and went under water. Miss Emmaleigh was so proud because Ellie handled it so well.

Thomas’ favorite part of this week was Greenfield Village I think. He loves riding the train and carousel. He is using more words all the time. Most people don’t understand them. Well, we don’t understand them all either! I just can’t believe how fast he is growing up. The funniest thing about Thomas is his fascination w/shoes. He used to hate them. Well, he has his favorite pair that he must wear every waking moment. The problem is now that they are getting too small. One of these days, those shoes are going to disappear. I have taken him to try on other shoes and he just screams. He will not allow it. I suppose it will all work out. But, an almost two year old boy can be fairly stubborn! Oh, and his tantrums. I’ll have to try to take a picture of him on the floor. I just don’t think about the camera when it is happening.

Well, that is all I can think of now. I’m sure there are plenty of stories that I’m forgetting. But, I’m tired!

A brother and a sister May 15, 2007

I just wanted to write this down while it was fresh in my mind…

Today we went to Greenfield Village again. We walked around the farm area, rode the carousel and the train. While riding the train, Ellie rode between me and Thomas. Thomas did not need to sit on my lap, he was so big and so well behaved. And, Thomas and Ellie played together, laughed together. It was the sweetest thing. It was like they had their own language and I was not needed at all. It was bittersweet. I want them to be close. And, they are close. They love each other. My heart melts when they look at each other and make each other laugh..all without a mom or a dad. So, I enjoyed the train ride. And, they enjoyed the train ride, together. It is so clear to me that they are peers and I’m the mom. And, that is how it should be. I am just amazed as I watch them grow…together.

Just hilarious! May 15, 2007

I found this very amusing…

1. go to www.google.com

2. click on “maps” (above the search box)

3. click on “get directions” (under the search box)

4. type “New York” in the first box (the “from” box)

5. type “London” in the second box (the “to” box) and click “get directions”

6. scroll down to step #23

Thomas dancing May 12, 2007

Mother/Son Dance May 12, 2007

These are the days…. May 8, 2007

that I just don’t want to forget. Granted, there are many moments that I’ve blocked out of my mind, but overall, life is good.

Ellie’s second week of school..we were leaving and she said, “Mom, don’t forget, you take my picture before we go to school!” She is such a routine oriented girl. Notice that she is standing at the same place as the first day of school. This week, her third day, I told her that we didn’t have time, but we will try to do better next time.
Ellie and Thomas playing outside w/the water table.
Another day at the zoo…
Ellie’s favorites were the kangaroos. I just love the weather these days. It isn’t too hot and it isn’t too cold. Thomas and Ellie are really enjoying too.

I haven’t been very good about updating the last couple of weeks, but here are some highlights…

Grandma and Grandpa Jackson made it home from Texas safely.

The Fisks made it home from Australia safely too. Today, we celebrated Aidan’s pretend birthday. He turned one while in Australia. But, I couldn’t let that milestone pass without a little celebration. Thomas and Aidan had Elmo cupcakes and they made a mess! I have pictures, but have not uploaded them. I hope I remember next post. We also went to Miss Colleen’s store in Northville and bought him a pair of shoes. By the way, if you haven’t visited her store in Northville, you must!

Thomas is taller and using more words. He is enjoying his trips to the park while Ellie is at school. But, when I say, “Let’s go get Ellie!” he goes right to the car. He really loves his sister and misses her when she isn’t there. Sometimes, in the morning, he wakes her up if I don’t stop him on time!

Ellie is doing well with swimming and at preschool. One of my proudest moments lately with Ellie was when I caught her praying for Maleficent. She is the “bad guy” in Sleeping Beauty. I was trying to clean while Thomas was napping so she was watching the movie. I walked around the corner and heard, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Now I lay me down to sleep, now I pray the Lord my soul to keep…..” After she finished her prayer, I asked her if she is helping the princesses go to sleep. She said, “No, I’m praying for Maleficent so she will learn how to make better choices.” Wow, pooping in the potty isn’t mastered yet, but praying for people to make better choices…I’ll take it!

Andy and I are doing well. Andy is running the marathon that is the end of the school year. Tomorrow night is the awards ceremony. One more thing checked off the list. I’m not sure exactly when he is finished but I’m looking forward to it. As is he!

I’m still swimming and still losing weight. The scale is now moving very slowly, but that is OK, it is still moving in the right direction. I’m starting to feel like a “regular” at the Monday and Saturday water aerobics classes. And, I’m getting stronger.

So, that is it for now. I have to work on bed time with these children.

A Day Out With Thomas May 1, 2007

At Greenfield Village… Thomas was pretty tired in the above picture. Both Ellie and Thomas enjoyed this music, though.

But, the carousel is still a favorite! Thomas, of course, was very interested in how the carousel works. He spent much of the ride studying all of the gears and moving parts.

We also went into the museum with the Ekblads. There were several field trips at the time. Ellie was quite overwhelmed. But, we spent the whole day at the Village and Museum and had a great time.