September 1, 2013.
Just another day, right? Oh no, not just another day.
Today is the day Chris and I have started the Paleo Challenge.
What is Paleo you might ask? Please do because I have been researching and nothing has prepared me for today like living it has.
It is a healthy diet focused on lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. The idea is that we are eating similar to what the caveman ate...but not really. All the food we eat today is nothing like it was then. The cave man could not have a banana (without a bunch of seeds in it) and fish in the same day, more than likely, because the caveman had to hunt and gather and that does not include grocery shopping at the local Whole Foods Market (and what a joke that place is! For another post maybe).
What is okay to eat? Fruits, veges, lean meats, healthy fats (olive oil, coconut oil, fats from fish), seafood and nuts and seeds. We have to avoid all grains, dairy, processed foods and sugars, legumes, starches, and alcohol. We eat three meals and a snack or 2, whatever we are hungry for. No measuring, no calorie counting, just eat Paleo. Easy right? Um, think again!
Shopping to eat Paleo seems easy at first, just stick to the outside of the store, right? Then I set out to buy the ingredients. Where is the coconut flour? almond meal? and finding natural almond butter (like peanut butter but with almonds) sure did feel like I was hunting! (HyVee health foods area has the almond butter. It has to be pure almond butter without vegetable oil. A rare thing I guess).
Today, day one, we started off good. I ran, biked and did a 10 minute HASFIT workout (yes, I need to blog about HASFIT because it is amazing). I was ready to eat! Chris and I had been preparing, so Chris had already made a couple of good omelets with onions and peppers in it. I had intended on having that this morning, but was too sick to eat it by the time we got around to breakfast. I had watermelon.
By lunch, we were hungry. Lunch was a Kale salad with homemade dressing and chunks of apple. The dressing looked awful but tasted wonderful. Who knew, we can make our own salad dressing. We did not measure our salads and they were not big enough. And, we were missing protein. We were starving by 1pm. Chris and I also always have a little treat after our meals (bad, I know). Something small usually, like a Werther or a Dove Chocolate. So, right away, we were missing something sweet to top our meal. Remember, no sugar.
By 2, I needed to go to the store to get ingredients for our planned meals for the week (yes, this diet calls for more shopping! I HATE SHOPPING!). I could not find anything. I was standing in the check out line on the verge of tears because I was hungry, tired, and I just wanted a freaking piece of chocolate! :) I went to one more store before coming home to find Chris dragging like I was from lack of food.
Chris and I spent longer in the kitchen preparing our fresh dinner. I created another Kale Salad to go with our new Chicken Recipe, Balsamic Glazed Chicken drumsticks from the Paleo go to site, Mark's Daily Apple. The sauce, again, looked awful, kinda like tar, but it was very good. I had baked squash with olive oil to go with my salad and had a little chicken. I have not had chicken legs since I was pregnant with Addison (long story), but this chicken was very good. The recipe was good, but the organic chicken tasted better, too! Finally, Chris and I were full. He had 5 chicken legs! and his salad.The kids had hamburgers by their choice. :)
For a small dessert, I made Paleo spiced almonds. They are very good, too, and will be a great snack for us. So, already today I have made three new successful recipes. I would have made more if I could only find the ingredients!
Day one has been tough to say the least. We spend most of the day hungry, tired and hunting for food...like a caveman maybe? :) We were so hungry that plain natural nuts were eaten like candy when I found them in the pantry. As the month goes one, we will find new snacks, new meals and get used to this new lifestyle.
As for the kids, they are eating dinner with us but will continue to eat cereal and waffles for breakfast and whatever they want for lunch. Alivia said there is no way she will give up candy for a day (or a month!). I don't blame her at all.
This idea came to Chris as he starts his new workout routine, at Crossfit Omaha. He went with our neighbor after much encouragement from me. He needs it for his mind, body, confidence and a social place without me. He needs it. And, after one hard core workout, Chris agreed. His one on one starts on September 10, so we have a few days to get this eating thing down so he can make it through their brutal work outs (where their mascot is Pukie the Clown because one works out so hard they "Pukie." Nice, huh?
Why am I doing it? In my research, I found this Doctor presenting in Iowa City. It may be a long video, but watch it when you get a chance. It convinced me to try it, at least for 30 days. That is all I am giving it for now.
Tomorrow is off to day 2 where I will try my first ever omelet. I will miss my Kashi go lean crunch and my oatmeal, but I will give this a go. We already miss our Greek yogurt with blueberries, too, but I have eaten my fair share of frozen fresh blueberries today as I didn't know what else was "paleo."
By the end of September, I hope to have this Paleo thing all figured out and look glowing. :)
Sunday, September 01, 2013
Our 14th Wedding Anniversary
Most of our friends and family predicted our marriage will never last. A few times, I'll admit, I was not so sure, either. But, here we are, 14! year later. Amazing.
To celebrate, Chris booked a trip for us in Estes Park at the Deercrest Resort where he stayed in July on his trip with his Dad, brother and nephew. I really had no idea what to expect, but I was excited to get away together for our now annual anniversary trip.
We took the kids to school on Friday morning, August 23, and set off on the 9-10 hour trip to Estes Park. The drive is one of the longest drives. Nebraska is so boring to drive through. But, Chris and I were able to talk, uninterrupted, which may not happen again until our next anniversary. :)
We arrived to Estes Park around 4. The resort sits right on the Fall River and our room was right by the waterfall. It was beautiful. The room was older, I will say that, but we did not care. The scenery was fabulous, the resort is adult only and non smoking. Perfect. :) The air smelled so fresh. It was cooler there, too. It was not cold, just cooler, in the 70s.
Friday night we walked around Estes park and did a little shopping before stopping at Poppy's Pizza for dinner. Believe it or not, we did not order pizza. I had a very good raspberry salad and Chris had a Chicken sandwich. It was good and fun to eat local. We chilled the rest of the night and prepared for our hike the next day.
Saturday morning started very early, too early for me. :) We were awake at 5:15 to slam down some Greek Yogurt before hitting the trails. We set out to the Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance and then to the Bear Lake Trail head. Chris had been there the month prior, but we set out to see even more, hiking a total of 10 some odd miles in all. It was beautiful, but it was effort. We did a little climbing up and a little climbing down to see pretty lakes and waterfalls. It was gorgeous.
After our hiking, we got in the car and drove Trail Ridge Road up to the Alpine Visitors Center and hiked up the many stairs to the top for an amazing view. I am not a fan of driving on roads that have cliff drops on either side. Chris sure had fun making fun of me and trying to scare me more than I already was. Anyway, after a day of hiking, we were exhausted. Time for some pizza! We stopped at Picnic in the Park for some wood fired pizza. I was AMAZING! We ate the entire thing. Mind you, we only had trail mix, apples and cereal all day through our hiking. It was a fun day.
 |
| Longs Peak Trail |
Sunday was our last day there. We slept in and walked to Big Horn Restaurant for some home cooked breakfast. This was Chris' favorite. Our walk to and from the restaurant helped relieve our achy bodies from our hiking. We thought we were in shape, too! We jumped into the car and set out to the Longs Peak Trail head. Chris has it in his mind that he wants to summit Longs Peak. We will see about that. The place was really crowded as we got there mid morning not anticipating hiking much after our big day on Saturday. We got there and decided to hike the trail a bit (good thing we came prepared with our packs!). The trail was STRAIGHT UP over boulders. It was crazy! It was not busy on the trail like it was the previous days as you have to be in amazing shape to set up on this trail. We hiked up about 3 miles and then we could see Longs Peak. The view was beautiful as well as the view of the Rocky Mountain National Park. We were above the treeline at almost 11000 feet. We could have set up farther, but we were not equipped to summit (which is 6 hours up and 6 hours back I believe). So, we set back down. At least it gave Chris an idea of the terrain if he ever does return. This hike was beautiful, too. But, the trail did us in.
We relaxed at the resort until it was time to leave the next morning.
We had a wonderful anniversary trip. The kids had a blast with my parents, too, going to Shelby Fun Days, eating out two times and playing with their dog Kota. So, we all had a little vacation!
Until next year...
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Answered Prayers
A couple months ago, Chris Googled (yes, he googled), "Why prayers go unanswered."
The reasons, according to google (and the website he found) were
1. Sin
``But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear'' (Isaiah 59:2 NIV)
2. Unforgiveness
"If you have unforgiveness in your heart then God cannot answer your prayers. "
3. Lack of persistence
"The best gifts of heaven are reserved for those who persist in prayer."
4. Doubt
"Many others ask but doubt while asking. Such doubts destroy your ability to receive answers to prayer. "
5. Wrong Motives
"God searches the heart2. He understands every motive behind our thoughts. Therefore He refuses to answer prayers that have wrong motives. "
6. Not Praying According to God's Will
"Therefore seek to pray according to God's will. If there comes a struggle between your desires and God's will ask God to give you grace to accept His will. Then pray for His will to be done"
7. Not Listening to Godly Counsel
"You also need to note that disobedience to God is a direct result of not listening to Him. Therefore check your life to find out if there is any disobedience in your life. If you find it, confess it and come back to the path of obedience"
Chris has been struggling with his unhappiness with his job for nearly 4 years, worsening in the last year and a half, getting to its worst point this spring to summer when he bailed from the Florida contract (and he bailed WAY too late!). He applied to many jobs and had a handful of interviews, often times getting to the third and final interview, all to miss the opportunity to another "more suitable" candidate. What does that mean anyway?
Growing in frustration and becoming more depressed about his situation, pressure mounting, Chris googled why God was not listening. I don't believe Google helped Chris, as one really never knows why prayers go unanswered. Perhaps Chris was not knocking on His door enough (not persistent) or Chris had the wrong motives. Who knows. As the Garth Brooks song goes, "Some of God's Greatest Gifts are unanswered prayers." Sometimes.
Last week, Chris finally got his prayer answered. He was offered a job at a new company in Omaha. His new title will be a UX designer (the title Chris wanted), a change over the software engineer title he had had since college (although he did many things outside of that title). He is beyond thrilled with a little apprehension since his job now has been his only job since college. But, it is not in Des Moines or in Florida. We do not have to move (boo hoo on the Florida move though. But, I could live without sink holes I suppose).
We are thankful that this prayer was answered, however long we had to wait. :) On September 16, I will be praying for Chris as he leaves for his first day of work. Good luck!
The reasons, according to google (and the website he found) were
1. Sin
``But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear'' (Isaiah 59:2 NIV)
2. Unforgiveness
"If you have unforgiveness in your heart then God cannot answer your prayers. "
3. Lack of persistence
"The best gifts of heaven are reserved for those who persist in prayer."
4. Doubt
"Many others ask but doubt while asking. Such doubts destroy your ability to receive answers to prayer. "
5. Wrong Motives
"God searches the heart2. He understands every motive behind our thoughts. Therefore He refuses to answer prayers that have wrong motives. "
6. Not Praying According to God's Will
"Therefore seek to pray according to God's will. If there comes a struggle between your desires and God's will ask God to give you grace to accept His will. Then pray for His will to be done"
7. Not Listening to Godly Counsel
"You also need to note that disobedience to God is a direct result of not listening to Him. Therefore check your life to find out if there is any disobedience in your life. If you find it, confess it and come back to the path of obedience"
Chris has been struggling with his unhappiness with his job for nearly 4 years, worsening in the last year and a half, getting to its worst point this spring to summer when he bailed from the Florida contract (and he bailed WAY too late!). He applied to many jobs and had a handful of interviews, often times getting to the third and final interview, all to miss the opportunity to another "more suitable" candidate. What does that mean anyway?
Growing in frustration and becoming more depressed about his situation, pressure mounting, Chris googled why God was not listening. I don't believe Google helped Chris, as one really never knows why prayers go unanswered. Perhaps Chris was not knocking on His door enough (not persistent) or Chris had the wrong motives. Who knows. As the Garth Brooks song goes, "Some of God's Greatest Gifts are unanswered prayers." Sometimes.
Last week, Chris finally got his prayer answered. He was offered a job at a new company in Omaha. His new title will be a UX designer (the title Chris wanted), a change over the software engineer title he had had since college (although he did many things outside of that title). He is beyond thrilled with a little apprehension since his job now has been his only job since college. But, it is not in Des Moines or in Florida. We do not have to move (boo hoo on the Florida move though. But, I could live without sink holes I suppose).
We are thankful that this prayer was answered, however long we had to wait. :) On September 16, I will be praying for Chris as he leaves for his first day of work. Good luck!
Home Alone
The kids have been in school a week now.
It is quiet at home. WAY TOO QUIET.
It is just Pippa and I most days. I do not like Pippa (she STILL poops in our house at least once a week!).
I have kept busy, don't get me wrong, but it is not fun busy. I have been cleaning, trying to keep up on laundry, and trying to show Chris that I am not just sitting around all day eating bonbons. I have a list of to do's that I have been putting off for the day when our babies were all in school, that day I have been dreading for years. That day is now...so the list should probably be looked at. Things like restain the playset (I just did this a year ago spring and it looks like crap already!), restain the outdoor shutters, organize the kids rooms, touch up interior paint, etc, etc).
This week I worked Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights (meaning I slept Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until I had to wake to pick up the kids from school). Chris and I are adjusting to me not working weekends anymore and working strictly during the week. Chris, for the first time EVER (And Alivia is in the fourth grade), had to get the kids up and ready for school as well as get himself ready for work. I do not like not being the one to take them to school. I feel like I hardly see them. Chris said this morning he about had a heart attack getting everything and everyone ready to go (and then forgot about the dog and she pooped inside!). So, needless to say, we are all adjusting and not really liking it. We will get used to it as my new schedule is either Monday-Wednesday nights every other week and I will pick up one night MAYBE on the off week or Sunday-Tuesday night every other week. I'm scheduled for 6 shift a month right now (8 hour shifts) with an extra thrown in there for the time being. Chris is not going to be available to watch the kids in the morning times in about a month, so I probably won't be picking up too many extra shifts. We will see, though.
On the days I am not working, I try to stay busy and my mind focused on other things so I am not all tearful about missing them. I miss Asher mostly since he is the one that did everything with me last year. I am no longer going to the zoo or the children's museum. I am going to Target, but nobody is with me to ask if they can go to the Bakery for the free cookie. I go to Costco, but Asher is not there to get a hotdog or share a lemonade with me. There is no hand to hold as I walk away from taking the kids to school in the mornings, or give hugs to all day long. I tried to catch up on the photo book for 2012 (yep, I am that behind), but I was in tears so stopped. I was sobbing I missed the kids so much. In the book, Asher was not even in preschool yet. Where does the time go? I want to go back and hug him even more.
Writing this blog is giving me a huge lump in my throat!
It's quiet. Too quiet. I am not sure I want to adjust to this. But, with time, I am sure I will (maybe).
It is quiet at home. WAY TOO QUIET.
It is just Pippa and I most days. I do not like Pippa (she STILL poops in our house at least once a week!).
I have kept busy, don't get me wrong, but it is not fun busy. I have been cleaning, trying to keep up on laundry, and trying to show Chris that I am not just sitting around all day eating bonbons. I have a list of to do's that I have been putting off for the day when our babies were all in school, that day I have been dreading for years. That day is now...so the list should probably be looked at. Things like restain the playset (I just did this a year ago spring and it looks like crap already!), restain the outdoor shutters, organize the kids rooms, touch up interior paint, etc, etc).
This week I worked Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights (meaning I slept Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until I had to wake to pick up the kids from school). Chris and I are adjusting to me not working weekends anymore and working strictly during the week. Chris, for the first time EVER (And Alivia is in the fourth grade), had to get the kids up and ready for school as well as get himself ready for work. I do not like not being the one to take them to school. I feel like I hardly see them. Chris said this morning he about had a heart attack getting everything and everyone ready to go (and then forgot about the dog and she pooped inside!). So, needless to say, we are all adjusting and not really liking it. We will get used to it as my new schedule is either Monday-Wednesday nights every other week and I will pick up one night MAYBE on the off week or Sunday-Tuesday night every other week. I'm scheduled for 6 shift a month right now (8 hour shifts) with an extra thrown in there for the time being. Chris is not going to be available to watch the kids in the morning times in about a month, so I probably won't be picking up too many extra shifts. We will see, though.
On the days I am not working, I try to stay busy and my mind focused on other things so I am not all tearful about missing them. I miss Asher mostly since he is the one that did everything with me last year. I am no longer going to the zoo or the children's museum. I am going to Target, but nobody is with me to ask if they can go to the Bakery for the free cookie. I go to Costco, but Asher is not there to get a hotdog or share a lemonade with me. There is no hand to hold as I walk away from taking the kids to school in the mornings, or give hugs to all day long. I tried to catch up on the photo book for 2012 (yep, I am that behind), but I was in tears so stopped. I was sobbing I missed the kids so much. In the book, Asher was not even in preschool yet. Where does the time go? I want to go back and hug him even more.
Writing this blog is giving me a huge lump in my throat!
It's quiet. Too quiet. I am not sure I want to adjust to this. But, with time, I am sure I will (maybe).
Sunday, August 18, 2013
First Day of School 2013 & Asher goes to Kindergarten!
On August 13, 2013, all of our babies went to Elementary school. It was a big day!
Alivia started in the 4th grade with Ms. Allen as her teacher. Alivia was pleased with her teacher assignment. There are 3 fourth grade classes this year. Alivia knew just a couple girls in her class, but she did not seem to mind at all. On the first day, she wore a orange butterfly outfit and new pink shoes. She looked for cute shoes at a reasonable price on Zappos. So funny. Oh, and she wore contacts for the first time! We just got them the week before school and she was so excited. Alivia is so sensitive about having to wear glasses, so Chris caved. I'm still not sure about it, but so far it is working out.
Addison is in the 2nd grade with Ms. Erickson as her teacher. Ms. Erickson was Addison's teacher last year. Alivia had her for a 1st grade teacher followed by Addison now for 2 years. We love her. Addison asked to have her again. Addison is in a class with all new students, at least new to her. Although she was upset by this at first, she already made new friends, Avery and Megan. New friends are always good, right? There are 4!! second grade classes this year. Addison wore a purple butterfly dress and her new Keens from Zappos (and I think they were the most expensive shoe in her size!).
Now for Asher. It makes me sad just to write that he is in school now. Our baby Asher :) is now a big Kindergartener with Ms. McMains as his teacher. He has friends he already knows in his class, Henry, Cameron, and Will. So, at least Asher has some familiar faces. Asher had a difficult time deciding what to wear. He knew what shoes to wear, but he asked to be picked up and held as we looked for the perfect shirt to wear from Gymboree. Needless to say, we left the store without a shift and he selected a t-shirt from his closet.
Yesterday Chris worked from home so he could join me to walk them to school (last year he was in Florida). Asher selected an airplane t-shirt, navy blue shorts, new sneakers and his airplane backpack for his big day. We walked them up and got each of them placed in their grade line. All the other parents appeared to go in with their Kindergartener. But Asher, he said he could do it. I wanted to, but I didn't as I knew I would cry. Asher knew I was sad and did not need me balling down the hallway. :) And, Chris was nowhere in sight and was not going to go with me. Now, a day later, I wish I would have gone in and snapped a picture and then left.
The first morning went by quickly at home. I walked the dog, caught up on bills, went and grabbed subway for the kids for lunch and picked up pictures for Asher for a school project he had already (from open house). By then, it was 11:40 and time to pick them up. They said they had a good day. Asher may or may not have got left on the playground (really!?!) but he did not seem too upset by it.
Today, day 2, is a whole other story. I was alone when I said my goodbyes. Asher, again, did not want me to stay. There are SO MANY people everywhere it is overwhelming. There is not really a place to stand. I put Asher in line, gave him and hug and wondered, "Where do I go? Where do I stand? I need a hand to hold!" They all went inside without a problem. I walked home in tears.
Being a stay at home mom with kids was my life. I would not trade it for the world. But, now alone at home, I miss them. I miss Asher's hugs, his little conversations with me, cartoons on as background noise, giggles, play dates, laughter, tears and boo boos to kiss. Now, all of those things have to wait until 3pm each day. Time with the kids at home with me went by so fast, too fast!
So far, the dental assistant already asked, "Do you not work or anything or do you just have the day off?" on day 2 of the kids being in school. I almost went off on her saying my kids just went back to school yesterday! But, I didn't and said I work on call as a nurse at night (Well, I do!). Then, a friend of Addison's who works full time as a nurse asked me the same thing, "What do you do here all day without kids?!" Um, it was like she did not have a home. There is a ton to do! Mow the lawn, clean this freaking house, grocery shop, etc. And I DO WORK! I will figure out what I will do. It will come and I am not going to stress about it. For now, I am just going to catch up on all the things I let slide while I watched my babies grow up.
And, I think I want to home school. :)
Sunday, August 04, 2013
Numbered Days
I have been a stay at home mom for 5 1/2 years, starting right after Asher was born. In a meer 10 days, all 3 of my babies will be in elementary school. It is an end of an era, one that I am not exactly ready to end.
When I started staying home, Alivia was 3 1/2, Addison 15m and Asher a baby. It is hard to believe they are all old enough to be in school. I will miss getting hugs all day long, playing with them all day long, going to the zoo, museums, etc, etc, all day long with them while they are in school. I am dreading sending them all to school.
I know Asher is ready. But, I am not.
I know I would never be ready.
I don't know what the next step is for me. I decided that I wanted to enjoy this time with them at home and not focus on what happens next until the time came. I still have a few more days until I really should give it some thought. Until then, I have some hugs to give all day long.
I'm off to soak up the summer sun with my 3 beautiful babies.
When I started staying home, Alivia was 3 1/2, Addison 15m and Asher a baby. It is hard to believe they are all old enough to be in school. I will miss getting hugs all day long, playing with them all day long, going to the zoo, museums, etc, etc, all day long with them while they are in school. I am dreading sending them all to school.
I know Asher is ready. But, I am not.
I know I would never be ready.
I don't know what the next step is for me. I decided that I wanted to enjoy this time with them at home and not focus on what happens next until the time came. I still have a few more days until I really should give it some thought. Until then, I have some hugs to give all day long.
I'm off to soak up the summer sun with my 3 beautiful babies.
To the Lake AGAIN!
Last week, I loaded the kiddos in the van along with a few supplies and set off for a mini vacation to my parents lake home. Chris had taken a vacation the week before with his Dad to Estes park, leaving us at home. I wanted to go back to the lake that week, but my parents had guests at the lake (and they were not even there!). So, last week was better than nothing, making it our second trip yet this month.
The drive took 5 hr and 15 minute with one brief restroom stop. I amazed myself. I was about to jump out of my own skin after driving that far alone, but was happy I could do it without a navigator. Within minutes of our arrival, we were in the water. It was so warm compared to our visit earlier in the month. All the kids were jumping in the water, going down the slide and having a blast. My hesitation about going to the lake alone was gone. This is why I stay home!
While at the lake, we visited the Lake of the Ozarks Beach in Osage Beach where the kids played with 2 little girls their age for about 6 hours. They had a blast. The kids got comfortable swimming without their life jackets in the lake as I stayed just inside what they found to be deeper water to keep them at bay. It was a lot of fun. We spent a lot of time jumping off of my parents dock and just swimming around. We went out to Papa Chubbys for pizza one night and the kids swam on the beach there. On our last day there, last Friday, it rained most of the day. So, we loaded up and went shopping at the outlets, school shopping and ended (somehow) at the candy store. We love the candy store. :) After the rain, Asher climbed up Grandma and Grandpa's slide, laid down head first and face up and went down the slide! What a crazy, brave boy!
Last Saturday, we climbed in the van at 750am and make it home within 5 hours without stopping so Alivia could make a birthday party that afternoon. It was an amazingly fun trip that I would do again this week if I could. Shoot, what do we have going on this week, hummm...
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Addison's 7th Birthday!
On Friday, our little girl Addison turned 7 years old. She wanted to celebrate in style and had a whole day planned. But, if you know our Addison, her plans are never concrete.
Addison woke up to excitement for her big day. After a brief breakfast, she opened her glow pet that she has been asking for since well before Alivia's birthday. We have heard so much about this glow pet that we did not want to wait any longer to give it to her. She was, of course, thrilled!
Our day started early, with a 9am hair cut appointment in northwest Omaha. We left our home at 8:45 (ooops). Clearly, 9am was a bit too early for us. Addison wanted to donate her hair to pantene hair donation on her birthday. But, once she arrived to Concepts Salon, Addison only wanted a few inches cut off. Really Addison?!
Addison did get 4-5 inches cut off of her long locks, just not the 8-10 that she had planned. She always had her hair styled and her nails painted, but she skipped the make up. Alivia also got all dolled up.
Next up, Addison wanted her ears pierced. Alivia had hers pierced on her 6th birthday. Although Alivia was scared, she thought it was something she was supposed to do. Addison, on the other hand, has been really hesitant. We arrived to Claires (where else do you go for this anymore?!). Addison picked out a $55!!! earring piercing package (unbelievable!), had her ears marked. The gun came out of the box and Addison was out of there. That was that. She was not having her ears pierced. Maybe next year, she said. See what I mean about plans? :)
Our next plan was to play at the park with friends before library picnic story time (after the story, each kiddo gets to select a new book to keep). The kids played at the park, had their picnic and selected a book. However, our friends were sick and could not make it.
We then came home to prepare for Addison's big 7th birthday party. For Addison's birthday, she asked for an inground pool. She had a friend come for a play date early in the summer. Maybe 15 minutes after arriving, this friends' mom came and picked them up because their neighbor invited them over to play in their inground pool. The little girl said she would come back to play when Addison had an inground pool. Are you kidding me?! I was not sure whose behavior was more shocking, the girl's or her mothers. I mean really, the girl left before her mom picked her up to go to a better play date. The whole thing is shocking. I told Addison, one, the girl is not a true friend if she means what she said. Two, pools cost as much as 2-4 cars (and our cars are old and have 100,000 miles on them, so mabe 10 of our cars. :) ), and three, that little girl would never be invited to play in the pool if we did get one! With my explanation, Addison still beleived she would be getting a pool (like we could sneak one in the ground over night while she slept of something). Well, to make her somewhat happy, but knowing we would probably get one of Addison's worst stink eyes anyway, we bought her a blow up pool slide from blast zone. The thing cost a small fortune, but not as much as an in ground version would have set us back. In the end, Addison was quite thrilled with the slide. We got out her new slide, the blow up pool and a bunch of pool toys and that she celebrated turning 7 with a splash with her friends.
She got some nice journals from Justice and a bag full of art supplies. She was excited by all the attention and presents.
Next up, the dinner party with her Grandparents. We grilled hotdogs and hamburgers and celerbated some more. She received a much desired fur real horse from Chris' parents and a new bike from my parents. Both gifts have been used a lot already since Friday's party.
Our little Addison is growing up. She is tall for us (50%) and skinny, which is typical for us, but healthy. Addison, even at 7, is always seeking our attention. She likes to read, draw, play with her millions of puppies, is usually walking around with a stuffed dog, likes a few close friend opposed to having many not so close friends, likes the color purple and is a healthy eater. Addison is, by far, our biggest challenge. She whines more than any child her age I am sure of it. She typically whines and whines. If you cave and give it to her, she still whines (so we never cave because we can never win). She is an award winning stink eye giver and gives us looks that could do serious harm. But, she has an amazing and beautiful smile, if you are lucky enough to get to see it. Chris and I would have our lives too easy if we did not have Addison, so we will keep her. :) She keeps us on our toes, that is for sure.
Now for her birthday questions, favorites:
Fav color: Purple
Toy: Horse and glow pet and new dog from grandma Bet
Fav fruit: Apples, grapes
fav thing to eat for lunch. Watermelon (or a chips and cheese lunchable that I will not buy her :) ).
Fav game: Baking games, Animal Jam
Fav snack: Pringle sticks
Fav Song: Puff the magic dragon (ask Chris about this one!).
Fav book: Elephant and Piggy
Best Friends: Kate, Haley and Kaityln
Fav cereal: chocolate mini wheats, cocoa puffs
fav thing to do outside: ride in the jeep, scooters, swim
Fav drink; COKE! (Ask Daddy again! She never gets coke).
Fav Holiday: Christmas
What do you take to bed with you at night: Glow pet, stuffed dog
Fav thing to eat at breakfast: Mini donuts, waffles, bacon
What to eat for your birthday? Hamburgers
What do you want to be when you grow up? A vet or a teacher.
Addison said she had a great birthday! Happy Birthday little Addison! You continue to amaze us everyday. We love you!
Addison woke up to excitement for her big day. After a brief breakfast, she opened her glow pet that she has been asking for since well before Alivia's birthday. We have heard so much about this glow pet that we did not want to wait any longer to give it to her. She was, of course, thrilled!
Our day started early, with a 9am hair cut appointment in northwest Omaha. We left our home at 8:45 (ooops). Clearly, 9am was a bit too early for us. Addison wanted to donate her hair to pantene hair donation on her birthday. But, once she arrived to Concepts Salon, Addison only wanted a few inches cut off. Really Addison?!
Addison did get 4-5 inches cut off of her long locks, just not the 8-10 that she had planned. She always had her hair styled and her nails painted, but she skipped the make up. Alivia also got all dolled up.
 |
| They looked so cute! |
Our next plan was to play at the park with friends before library picnic story time (after the story, each kiddo gets to select a new book to keep). The kids played at the park, had their picnic and selected a book. However, our friends were sick and could not make it.
We then came home to prepare for Addison's big 7th birthday party. For Addison's birthday, she asked for an inground pool. She had a friend come for a play date early in the summer. Maybe 15 minutes after arriving, this friends' mom came and picked them up because their neighbor invited them over to play in their inground pool. The little girl said she would come back to play when Addison had an inground pool. Are you kidding me?! I was not sure whose behavior was more shocking, the girl's or her mothers. I mean really, the girl left before her mom picked her up to go to a better play date. The whole thing is shocking. I told Addison, one, the girl is not a true friend if she means what she said. Two, pools cost as much as 2-4 cars (and our cars are old and have 100,000 miles on them, so mabe 10 of our cars. :) ), and three, that little girl would never be invited to play in the pool if we did get one! With my explanation, Addison still beleived she would be getting a pool (like we could sneak one in the ground over night while she slept of something). Well, to make her somewhat happy, but knowing we would probably get one of Addison's worst stink eyes anyway, we bought her a blow up pool slide from blast zone. The thing cost a small fortune, but not as much as an in ground version would have set us back. In the end, Addison was quite thrilled with the slide. We got out her new slide, the blow up pool and a bunch of pool toys and that she celebrated turning 7 with a splash with her friends.
Next up, the dinner party with her Grandparents. We grilled hotdogs and hamburgers and celerbated some more. She received a much desired fur real horse from Chris' parents and a new bike from my parents. Both gifts have been used a lot already since Friday's party.
Our little Addison is growing up. She is tall for us (50%) and skinny, which is typical for us, but healthy. Addison, even at 7, is always seeking our attention. She likes to read, draw, play with her millions of puppies, is usually walking around with a stuffed dog, likes a few close friend opposed to having many not so close friends, likes the color purple and is a healthy eater. Addison is, by far, our biggest challenge. She whines more than any child her age I am sure of it. She typically whines and whines. If you cave and give it to her, she still whines (so we never cave because we can never win). She is an award winning stink eye giver and gives us looks that could do serious harm. But, she has an amazing and beautiful smile, if you are lucky enough to get to see it. Chris and I would have our lives too easy if we did not have Addison, so we will keep her. :) She keeps us on our toes, that is for sure.
Now for her birthday questions, favorites:
Fav color: Purple
Toy: Horse and glow pet and new dog from grandma Bet
Fav fruit: Apples, grapes
fav thing to eat for lunch. Watermelon (or a chips and cheese lunchable that I will not buy her :) ).
Fav game: Baking games, Animal Jam
Fav snack: Pringle sticks
Fav Song: Puff the magic dragon (ask Chris about this one!).
Fav book: Elephant and Piggy
Best Friends: Kate, Haley and Kaityln
Fav cereal: chocolate mini wheats, cocoa puffs
fav thing to do outside: ride in the jeep, scooters, swim
Fav drink; COKE! (Ask Daddy again! She never gets coke).
Fav Holiday: Christmas
What do you take to bed with you at night: Glow pet, stuffed dog
Fav thing to eat at breakfast: Mini donuts, waffles, bacon
What to eat for your birthday? Hamburgers
What do you want to be when you grow up? A vet or a teacher.
Addison said she had a great birthday! Happy Birthday little Addison! You continue to amaze us everyday. We love you!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Lake of the Ozarks Vaca 2013
This year we visited my parents home at the Lake of the Ozarks Friday, June 28 through Friday, July 5. Asher stayed until Sunday, July 7 with my parents.
We arrived to dropping temperatures. It was 80 at 8pm when we pulled up to my parents home. I thought it was weird that it was warmer at home. Little did we know that 80 would be the warmest we would see it until the end of our trip. The first couple days we just chilled by the dock. The first morning it was 67 degrees. I went running and was shocked to not get hot (but I saw a deer and my first ever armadillo!). Anyway, even with the cool temperatures, the kids jumped right in, going down the slide. Chris got in, too, God bless him, as I sure was not getting into the cold water. The kids played in the water on and off during Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday night, my parents arrived. We then got out the jet skis and took many rides, the boat for scenic rides as well as to go tubing. All the kids love to go tubing (with Daddy) but my body just can not hack the jarring of tubing. I'm a nervous wreck just watching the kids tubing. Addison and Asher liked to go on canoe rides with Chris and I, seeing deer, big bullfrogs and water snakes. Addison was so mad I could not catch this huge frog the size of a raccoon. Honestly, I did not want to be anywhere near it, let alone catch the thing in the net! Asher liked to go in circles really fast on the jet ski with Daddy or Grandpa (Mommy was too slow), Addison liked to go slow on the jet ski, and Alivia drove the jet ski like a mad woman. She did slow down (under 60mph) after I told her 40 mph should be her limit. Gees! I was glad she went speedy with speedy Grandpa and not with me.
We took the short drive over to Osage Beach to go to the Outlets and to Grandma's Candy Store. We learned after this trip to make the shopping trip to the candy store late in the trip (so you only CAN go once) and leave the kids at home with Grandma and Grandpa when going to the outlets. Gees! I at least got a nice new yellow nike hat that I have already gotten my money's worth out of and Chris got some new Nike t-shirts. The girls, of course, loaded up at the Justice outlet (sigh!).
This was our first Fourth of July at the Lake. My parents' neighbor took us out in his beautiful new pontoon boat to see the show on the water at Tantara resort. It was fabulous! It was cool to see all the boats floating in the water waiting for the show, too. Amazing show.
It was a wonderful trip to the Lake, as usual. Now...for the list of family favorites.
Alivia: Learning to control the jet ski (with assistance), swimming, tubing, going down the slide, oreos, hot chocolate for breakfast, and Grandpa's home made ice cream.
Addison: Canoe rides, slow jet ski rides, the slide, eating candy, slow tubing, and sleeping next to Mommy and Daddy most of the nights at the lake.
Asher: Canoe rides, fast jet ski rides, tubing, Grandpa's Huge hamburgers with a slice of bacon on them, and getting to stay later with Grandma and Grandpa. Oh, and Asher loves candy legos and gummy worms from the candy store.
Chris: sleeping in, not working (although he did work anyway), canoe rides, jet ski rides, time with the family, shopping with me (love the metal store! Next year I am buying me something there!), and maybe a little tubing.
Me: Canoe rides, quiet runs in the mornings with my parents' dog Kota (but with brown bears in the area, running may not be very smart), jet ski rides, grandma's swing over the water, Grandpa's state of the art new dock.
Dislikes: the brown recluse spiders we saw. I hope the spray man gets these things before our return. YIKES! We had one crawling up behind our bed as we were about to crawl into it late on the 4th of July. Chris and I had insomnia that night! I wonder why?!
With that said, I am tempted to make a return trip to the lake. Seriously. I have not said anything to anyone, but I like the chill environment of the lake. It is so laid back and nice. I miss that when I get home, to reality. I need to take a piece of that laid back life back to Nebraska...and I think I left it all at the lake. I must return to get it. :)
We arrived to dropping temperatures. It was 80 at 8pm when we pulled up to my parents home. I thought it was weird that it was warmer at home. Little did we know that 80 would be the warmest we would see it until the end of our trip. The first couple days we just chilled by the dock. The first morning it was 67 degrees. I went running and was shocked to not get hot (but I saw a deer and my first ever armadillo!). Anyway, even with the cool temperatures, the kids jumped right in, going down the slide. Chris got in, too, God bless him, as I sure was not getting into the cold water. The kids played in the water on and off during Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday night, my parents arrived. We then got out the jet skis and took many rides, the boat for scenic rides as well as to go tubing. All the kids love to go tubing (with Daddy) but my body just can not hack the jarring of tubing. I'm a nervous wreck just watching the kids tubing. Addison and Asher liked to go on canoe rides with Chris and I, seeing deer, big bullfrogs and water snakes. Addison was so mad I could not catch this huge frog the size of a raccoon. Honestly, I did not want to be anywhere near it, let alone catch the thing in the net! Asher liked to go in circles really fast on the jet ski with Daddy or Grandpa (Mommy was too slow), Addison liked to go slow on the jet ski, and Alivia drove the jet ski like a mad woman. She did slow down (under 60mph) after I told her 40 mph should be her limit. Gees! I was glad she went speedy with speedy Grandpa and not with me.
We took the short drive over to Osage Beach to go to the Outlets and to Grandma's Candy Store. We learned after this trip to make the shopping trip to the candy store late in the trip (so you only CAN go once) and leave the kids at home with Grandma and Grandpa when going to the outlets. Gees! I at least got a nice new yellow nike hat that I have already gotten my money's worth out of and Chris got some new Nike t-shirts. The girls, of course, loaded up at the Justice outlet (sigh!).
This was our first Fourth of July at the Lake. My parents' neighbor took us out in his beautiful new pontoon boat to see the show on the water at Tantara resort. It was fabulous! It was cool to see all the boats floating in the water waiting for the show, too. Amazing show.
It was a wonderful trip to the Lake, as usual. Now...for the list of family favorites.
Alivia: Learning to control the jet ski (with assistance), swimming, tubing, going down the slide, oreos, hot chocolate for breakfast, and Grandpa's home made ice cream.
Addison: Canoe rides, slow jet ski rides, the slide, eating candy, slow tubing, and sleeping next to Mommy and Daddy most of the nights at the lake.
Asher: Canoe rides, fast jet ski rides, tubing, Grandpa's Huge hamburgers with a slice of bacon on them, and getting to stay later with Grandma and Grandpa. Oh, and Asher loves candy legos and gummy worms from the candy store.
Chris: sleeping in, not working (although he did work anyway), canoe rides, jet ski rides, time with the family, shopping with me (love the metal store! Next year I am buying me something there!), and maybe a little tubing.
Me: Canoe rides, quiet runs in the mornings with my parents' dog Kota (but with brown bears in the area, running may not be very smart), jet ski rides, grandma's swing over the water, Grandpa's state of the art new dock.
Dislikes: the brown recluse spiders we saw. I hope the spray man gets these things before our return. YIKES! We had one crawling up behind our bed as we were about to crawl into it late on the 4th of July. Chris and I had insomnia that night! I wonder why?!
With that said, I am tempted to make a return trip to the lake. Seriously. I have not said anything to anyone, but I like the chill environment of the lake. It is so laid back and nice. I miss that when I get home, to reality. I need to take a piece of that laid back life back to Nebraska...and I think I left it all at the lake. I must return to get it. :)
 |
| 4th of July 2013. |
June 2013 in Review
What a crazy month June was! We kicked off summer with Catholic
Education for 2 weeks, then swimming lessons for 2 weeks, ending June by
going to the Lake of the Ozarks (which will be in July's pictures). We
visited the Omaha Children's Museum, Durham Museum, Gene Leahy Mall and
went to the pool. The kids had many play dates, too. Asher, at 5 1/2, lost his first tooth and then his second tooth a day later. We celebrated Father's Day, Alivia ran her 2nd 5K run in Shelby, Iowa, Daddy continued his hunt for his next perfect job (still hunting). The month went by
too quickly, though. In less than a month, all of our kids will be in
elementary school!
Gotta run...time is running out to enjoy the rest of the summer!
JUNE PICTURES
JUNE PICTURES
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Asher's 1st Lost Tooth!
Yesterday, June 15, our 5 1/2 year old Asher lost his first tooth, a primary front tooth on the bottom. Today, he lost his second tooth, one right next to it! The permanent teeth are already there right behind them ready to slip into place.
Asher's teeth have been loose for a few weeks now. He hasn't been able to bite into an apple for at least a couple weeks. He said yesterday he would allow Daddy to take a look at them and pull them. Asher waited until 8pm to ask Daddy. Gees! Give the tooth fairy a little notice. :)
I, of course, should have been prepared but wasn't. But, the Tooth Fairy came through with a little, superman cup and a requested Superman t-shirt, $5 for the first tooth, and a cute little letter. Asher was so excited he woke up the entire house at 5:50 AM to tell us what the tooth fairy had brought him. Too cute!
Asher's tooth fairy, named Spider Sliversnap, better save her energy as she needs to return tonight.
We definitely do not have any more babies in our house...
Asher's teeth have been loose for a few weeks now. He hasn't been able to bite into an apple for at least a couple weeks. He said yesterday he would allow Daddy to take a look at them and pull them. Asher waited until 8pm to ask Daddy. Gees! Give the tooth fairy a little notice. :)
I, of course, should have been prepared but wasn't. But, the Tooth Fairy came through with a little, superman cup and a requested Superman t-shirt, $5 for the first tooth, and a cute little letter. Asher was so excited he woke up the entire house at 5:50 AM to tell us what the tooth fairy had brought him. Too cute!
Asher's tooth fairy, named Spider Sliversnap, better save her energy as she needs to return tonight.
We definitely do not have any more babies in our house...
Alivia's 2nd 5K Run
Last weekend, Alivia ran her second 5k in my hometown of Shelby, Iowa. We drove out the night before and stayed with my parents in their home that is the midst of a total renovation. It was bananas there. I was so tired (as I worked Thursday night, stayed up all day Friday and then drive to Iowa to stay with my parents Friday night) that I could have slept on a rock and would have not known the difference.
Anyway, we woke on Saturday morning to a chilly one. Alivia was nervous. Funny, when I run with Alivia, the pressure is off of me. :) We had to ride to the starting line and just froze. They then went back to get more people and we froze some more. The race started 15-20 minutes late. Alivia and I were so cold!
The run itself was more of a challenge this time as Alivia has not been running as much as she should have been. The run was on a beautiful trail through town unlike anything we have here to run on. It was so pretty. As we approached the big hill at the end, I told Alivia to empty her tank. She just took off passing people up the hill. She finished in 28.50! Impressive for a 9 year old little girl. She did amazing.
For now, Alivia is taking a break. She loves to run, and vows to keep on running.
Anyway, we woke on Saturday morning to a chilly one. Alivia was nervous. Funny, when I run with Alivia, the pressure is off of me. :) We had to ride to the starting line and just froze. They then went back to get more people and we froze some more. The race started 15-20 minutes late. Alivia and I were so cold!
The run itself was more of a challenge this time as Alivia has not been running as much as she should have been. The run was on a beautiful trail through town unlike anything we have here to run on. It was so pretty. As we approached the big hill at the end, I told Alivia to empty her tank. She just took off passing people up the hill. She finished in 28.50! Impressive for a 9 year old little girl. She did amazing.
For now, Alivia is taking a break. She loves to run, and vows to keep on running.
Father's Day 2013
Happy Father's Day!
Today started off early in the Austin Household I got up 10 minutes earlier than my normal 5:45 workout time so that I could get in my workout and still be on time for today's activities. As I reached the basement to begin my HASFIT, I heard little feet running upstairs. I laughed as I imagined Chris getting woke up so early on Father's Day.
Sure enough, at 5:50 AM, Asher woke up Daddy to inform him what the tooth fairy brought Asher for losing his first tooth. Asher was so excited to run down the stairs to find me (after waking up Daddy and his sisters first). Kinda funny.
At 7, a little bit more reasonable hour, the kids ran in to officially wake Daddy with their hugs, kisses and Father's Day surprises. Each kiddo brought Daddy a special gift bag. Asher gave Daddy a Super Dad t-shirt, a book, and little forms about Daddy filled out by each of the kids. Addison brought in Daddy a Pinterest Special, a bag full of POP and Daddy things (POPcorn, blowPOPs, POProcks, POPsickles, Sugar Daddys - from me of course ;), etc. Alivia gave Daddy a framed letter to Daddy that turned out pretty cute, too.
We were on the road to the flight breakfast in Iowa by 7:30, visiting my Dad. By lunch, we were back at home and walked over to visit Chris' Dad, Aunt and Uncle and Grandparents at Chris' parents house down the street. We felt like we were crashing the party there as we were not really invited and Chris' brother was on his way...so we split for home. We spent the afternoon swimming in our little pool under the sun, finally.
It was a nice, peaceful Father's Day. With that said, I told Chris that we are going to start a new tradition for Father's Day. Everyone has family to go to, and well, we don't really. My Dad is busy at the air show and his parents are busy with, well, their family. So, it is time we make our own traditions. We will start that next year. I have a whole year to plan something fun!
I am lucky. I have an amazing Dad that I can call on for advise, to help me fix something, help me trade stocks, etc. My Dad is the most independent smart man I know. Then I have my amazing husband and Daddy to our 3 kiddos. He is always active with the kids, playing baseball, water fights, sledding, and usually blends right in with all the kids' activities (he looks like one of them!). Chris walks into the door and the kids run from all directions to give him a hug. He works all hours just to keep this big roof over our heads and us happy. What a Dad!
On the kids' surveys, they thought Chris was his age of 41, but thought he was 41 pounds, born in 1984, favorite saying was, "dong diggity" from Big Bang Theory". They thought Daddy's favorite food was pizza or shrimp (which was right on). It was fun to see how the kids filled them out.
Happy Father's Day! Shouldn't Every Day be Mother's and Father's Day?!
Monday, June 10, 2013
May in Review, Finally
The month started with May Day, visiting Grandma Marci. The weather has been weird, even snowing in MAY!! We went to the zoo with Addison's 2nd grade class, Asher graduated from preschool and finished up his Monday preschool, we celebrated Alivia's 9th birthday and Mother's Day. We had to say good-bye to our Grandma Marci. I'm so very thankful that Asher and I started out month visiting her...
MAY PICTURES
MAY PICTURES
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Alivia's 9th Birthday
Last Saturday, Alivia celebrated her 9th Birthday. Only one more year until she is in the double digits! Craziness. Where does the time go? Our little girl is growing up.
Alivia celebrated with her friends after the last day of school on Friday, having 5 girls over for a sleepover. They played spin the body on the bottle was nail polish. Pretty fun and cute game. They played twister, made friendship bracelets, before watching a movie. In the morning (after a long night I may add), they made sun catchers. They all had a good time.
We celebrated with Chris' parents, my parents, and Alivia's Great Grandma Patricia by having a little BBQ at our home. Turns out, Alivia no longer wanted a hotdog or hamburger! She is quite selective with her eating lately, liking something one day and not the next! I have a feeling this may get worse before it gets better. Alivia received Lego friends from her grandparents, clothes and money. She was thrilled. She had large lego friends pieces to put together, and she loved doing that over the next few rainy days (and we have had our share of those!).
From us, Alivia received an iPad mini with a pink little case. Now, I know, she is only 9! But, she was already using Chris' so much that he never saw it. Alivia only asked for a mini, so when I saw them go on price drop at Walmart, Chris insisted I jump on it. After opening it, Addison and Asher were not happy. But, they are used to the idea now. Addison and Asher have iPod touches, but they do not use them much except when we are traveling.
Alivia is growing up. Her tastes are changing. She likes technology, but she still likes art. She now likes to run, which we are pleased to see her take an interest in. Alivia likes to spend a lot of time with her friends, with Elizabeth taking up most of her time. Alivia likes to ride her scooter, roller blade, and break away and play animal jam on the computer (when Mom breaks down and allows her to play). Alivia has such a big heart and is quite thoughtful. She likes to talk and can talk for a great length of time without taking a breath. Humm...could that be her age? :) And, this year she claimed to have a little boyfriend named Caleb all year. Insane, am I right?!
Here are her questions answered for Age 9
1. Favorite color: Light blue and pink.
2. Favorite Toy: ipad that she got for her birthday/animal jam
3. Favorite Fruit: Strawberries
4. Favorite TV show: Zak and Cody or Jessie
5. Favorite thing to eat for lunch: Roast beef and cheese sandwich (Although she never eats it! She is a greek yogurt n fruit kind of girl. She loves her salads, too!).
6. Favorite outfit: Monkey shirt from Justice
7. Favorite Game: Animal Jam.
8. Favorite snack: popsickle
9. Favorite animal: Kittens, puppies
10. Favorite song: Taylor Swift: Never Getting Back Together
11. Favorite book: Bad Kitty
12. Best Friend: Elizabeth
13. Favorite Cereal: Chocolate Chex
14. Favorite Thing to do outside: Run around, basketball
15. Favorite drink: Lemonade
16. Favorite Holiday: Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Stuffed dog
18. Favorite thing for breakfast? Chocolate chex (Alivia does not like eggs, bacon, waffles, or donuts!).
19. Favorite restaurant? McDonalds?! ?!
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A vet and a singer.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Saying Good Bye to Grandma Marci
On Monday night at around 9:15, my mom called to tell me Grandma Marci had fallen in her apartment. When they got to UNMC, they found out that she had fallen because she was having a heart attack. She had like a 90+% blockage and was not expected to make it through the night.
I rushed into the hospital to see her. When I arrived in her room on the 7th floor, Grandma told me, "I had a bad day," and continued to mutter something about seeing a picture of the kids today and her face lit up. She spent that first part of Monday night into Tuesday morning in pain. Grandma no longer wanted to fight and asked for no treatment for her heart. She was given Morphine twice, which made her sick. I asked if she had an Ativan order (for anxiety) because she was so anxious due to the overwhelming pain, "I don't know what I'm going to do." I was so sad to watch. Grandma had taken Ativan in the past without the side effect of getting nauseated. Once she received it, she calmed and was asleep. I went home at 1:30 AM leaving my Mom and Aunt Marsha with Grandma. I had worked Sunday night and slept maybe 4 hours Monday, so I was a wreck.
By Tuesday morning, I called my Mom and Grandma was still asleep and had not work up since I left. The kids and I kept busy in the morning and then went to visit Grandma around noon. I was not sure the rules on if the kids could see her or even if I should allow them to see her in such a state. So, they waited in the waiting room with Marsha. My mom had left to go take a nap at Grandma's apartment. We left at 1:30.
By 2:30, Grandma was gone. We drove back to the hospital to be with my family.
My Grandma will be laid to eternal rest in Shelby, Iowa on Friday morning. I wrote a eulogy for my Grandma with input from my family, too. I am not sure how I will ever get through it, but I am going to try. I miss my Grandma Marci, but she will forever be in my heart.
My Eulogy to Grandma Marci
I am Krista Austin, the daughter of Bette and Derald, and the youngest of Grandma Marci’s grandchildren. It has not been easy to put together something to say about Grandma, as I can never do justice for all the things she accomplished during her 100 years. We are all grieving for a very special lady, mother, grandmother, and friend.
There are so many things I will remember about Grandma Marci. Grandma always knew she was one of a kind. Growing up, she was Grandma Jones to me. As time passed, she became Marcella Jones. She even called me once and said this is Marcella Jones. I was like, Grandma, you are just Grandma to me! More recently, she went by Marci Jones. She was always a bit of a princess.
Grandma always had an amazing sense of style and kept up with the latest fashion trends. I recall on several occasions she would arrive in her leather pants and a zebra or leopard print blouse. She dressed like she was 20, okay, maybe 30 tops. Grandma never saw herself as old, and we loved that about her. She always accessorized with many bracelets, necklaces and earrings. I remember waiting in her bedroom on Happy Hollow while she primped. She had all of these mirrors, fancy make up, and always had her nails done. Oh, and her hair. As a beautician, she knew just how she liked her hair. Though, I’m not sure she ever found anyone to style her hair just so for her. She was always so glam. Her friend Marilyn Manning made an unexpected visit to Grandma and found Grandma dressed to the nines. Grandma said she always dressed like that now. Why save clothes in the closet when you are 100, right? Grandma was an inspiration for aging in style and grace.
Grandma was always photo ready. If you get a chance, check out some of the pictures we turned up of Grandma. She would get her lip stick on and be ready with her beautiful smile. She always looked radiant!
Every family member would probably say they remember Grandma’s noodles. As my cousin Dave would say, “If you don’t know what I’m talking about that’s your loss.” But, I think Dave has the recipe.
Grandma always had our backs. Dave recalls when he and Wade were 5 or 7 years old, they refused to eat their vegetables at dinner. Somehow they talked Marsha into calling Grandma who convinced Marsha to just let the boys skip their vegetables for one night. What a grandma!
On one of Grandma and Grandpa George’s last trips to the lake, Grandma told us how she came to a bridge and was about to meet a truck. She was certain she was going to hit either the bridge or the truck, so she closed her eyes! Wow, I’m glad she did not give me driving lessons! We are lucky, her, the truck and the bridge all came out unharmed. Grandma renewed her driver’s license when she was 93 and it was good for 5 more years. She stopped driving when she was maybe 95. My Dad was the only one that ever told Grandma how nice her Cadillac was. So, on her 98th Birthday, she gifted my Dad her car. What an amazing gift that he continues to drive and remember Grandma, although he took the spinner off of the steering wheel. My Dad gave her a bad time after that telling her he had high expectations for the gifts he would get from her on her future birthdays. Grandma had planned on painting my Dad a picture of the airplane he had built. In the ER on Monday night, Grandma told my Dad how sorry she was that she was not going to be able to paint a picture of his airplane for him.
Speaking of birthdays, we helped Grandma turn 100 years old last July by taking her out to eat. As the waiter chatted with us, amazed that she was 100 years old, he asked her what her secret was. Grandma said something like, “Just clean living.” Yeah, clean living and a little Vodka. I guess Grandma had her fun in her day, too! Oh, and she then flirted with the waiter.
Grandma always had a green thumb. She had a backyard full of flowers in Happy Hollow, flowers all around their home at the Lake, and her apartment now is filled with over 67 plants that she continued to tend to! She was in fabulous health, too, only having one surgery her entire life and that was to have knee replacement. That is amazing! In more recent years, she really watched what she ate, trying to eat healthy taking a liking to walnuts, blueberries and pineapple. Now I know where I get my healthy eating habits from.
As many of you know, Grandma was very strong willed. She had to do things her way. Live her life her way, where she wanted to live it, and how she wanted to live it. Grandma was sharp as a tack and remembered about everything other than if she took her pills. She lived independently with the help of 2 loyal helpers, Rose Brown and Judy Cortess, and my mom and Marsha. There were many times that my Mom questioned her on her ability to live alone, but Grandma would not have it any other way. I believe she willed herself to pull through sickness, aches and pains, so that she could continue to live in her apartment overlooking Omaha’s beautiful city skyline.
As Wade and Allison and then Chris and I started having kids giving Grandma Great Grandkids, grandma was thrilled being surrounded by all her great grandkids. She loved watching the kids open presents, show her things, and run around making noise. The smile of her face was priceless. On Easter, Grandma rode the golf cart so she could watch the kids collect the Easter eggs. My son Asher and I would visit her in her apartment. She could hear Asher’s voice but could no longer hear the pitch of my voice, so Asher interpreted. During our April visit, Asher brought her flowers. She started to cry and gave him a big hug. She then told me to make sure that her Great Grandchildren know how much she loves them when she is gone. She always gave Asher a little something she had around her apartment when we left. Last time she gave Asher a birdhouse. He was so excited…we made her day and she made ours. When I saw her on Monday night, she told me that she had a bad day. And then her face lit up, despite her pain, as she said she saw a picture of the kids earlier in the day. She loved us all so much. I feel so lucky to have been able share my wonderful Grandma with my kids.
I never thought about not having my Grandma. I mean, I have only known my life with her in it. She was 100, so why couldn’t she live to 110? She was such a smart woman, trading stocks until the last few years, learning to draw and paint, and always looking for and enjoying the positive things in life.
In Grandma Marci’s 100 years, she was a wife, mother, friend, beautician, artist, interior designer, Grandmother, and so much more to all of us. We all have so many wonderful memories of Grandma Marci, memories that we will forever keep in our hearts and minds.
I will end with a poem I found titled, “God Saw You Getting Tired.”
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be so he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come to Me"
With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away and although we love you dearly we could not make you stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best
I am Krista Austin, the daughter of Bette and Derald, and the youngest of Grandma Marci’s grandchildren. It has not been easy to put together something to say about Grandma, as I can never do justice for all the things she accomplished during her 100 years. We are all grieving for a very special lady, mother, grandmother, and friend.
There are so many things I will remember about Grandma Marci. Grandma always knew she was one of a kind. Growing up, she was Grandma Jones to me. As time passed, she became Marcella Jones. She even called me once and said this is Marcella Jones. I was like, Grandma, you are just Grandma to me! More recently, she went by Marci Jones. She was always a bit of a princess.
Grandma always had an amazing sense of style and kept up with the latest fashion trends. I recall on several occasions she would arrive in her leather pants and a zebra or leopard print blouse. She dressed like she was 20, okay, maybe 30 tops. Grandma never saw herself as old, and we loved that about her. She always accessorized with many bracelets, necklaces and earrings. I remember waiting in her bedroom on Happy Hollow while she primped. She had all of these mirrors, fancy make up, and always had her nails done. Oh, and her hair. As a beautician, she knew just how she liked her hair. Though, I’m not sure she ever found anyone to style her hair just so for her. She was always so glam. Her friend Marilyn Manning made an unexpected visit to Grandma and found Grandma dressed to the nines. Grandma said she always dressed like that now. Why save clothes in the closet when you are 100, right? Grandma was an inspiration for aging in style and grace.
Grandma was always photo ready. If you get a chance, check out some of the pictures we turned up of Grandma. She would get her lip stick on and be ready with her beautiful smile. She always looked radiant!
Every family member would probably say they remember Grandma’s noodles. As my cousin Dave would say, “If you don’t know what I’m talking about that’s your loss.” But, I think Dave has the recipe.
Grandma always had our backs. Dave recalls when he and Wade were 5 or 7 years old, they refused to eat their vegetables at dinner. Somehow they talked Marsha into calling Grandma who convinced Marsha to just let the boys skip their vegetables for one night. What a grandma!
On one of Grandma and Grandpa George’s last trips to the lake, Grandma told us how she came to a bridge and was about to meet a truck. She was certain she was going to hit either the bridge or the truck, so she closed her eyes! Wow, I’m glad she did not give me driving lessons! We are lucky, her, the truck and the bridge all came out unharmed. Grandma renewed her driver’s license when she was 93 and it was good for 5 more years. She stopped driving when she was maybe 95. My Dad was the only one that ever told Grandma how nice her Cadillac was. So, on her 98th Birthday, she gifted my Dad her car. What an amazing gift that he continues to drive and remember Grandma, although he took the spinner off of the steering wheel. My Dad gave her a bad time after that telling her he had high expectations for the gifts he would get from her on her future birthdays. Grandma had planned on painting my Dad a picture of the airplane he had built. In the ER on Monday night, Grandma told my Dad how sorry she was that she was not going to be able to paint a picture of his airplane for him.
Speaking of birthdays, we helped Grandma turn 100 years old last July by taking her out to eat. As the waiter chatted with us, amazed that she was 100 years old, he asked her what her secret was. Grandma said something like, “Just clean living.” Yeah, clean living and a little Vodka. I guess Grandma had her fun in her day, too! Oh, and she then flirted with the waiter.
Grandma always had a green thumb. She had a backyard full of flowers in Happy Hollow, flowers all around their home at the Lake, and her apartment now is filled with over 67 plants that she continued to tend to! She was in fabulous health, too, only having one surgery her entire life and that was to have knee replacement. That is amazing! In more recent years, she really watched what she ate, trying to eat healthy taking a liking to walnuts, blueberries and pineapple. Now I know where I get my healthy eating habits from.
As many of you know, Grandma was very strong willed. She had to do things her way. Live her life her way, where she wanted to live it, and how she wanted to live it. Grandma was sharp as a tack and remembered about everything other than if she took her pills. She lived independently with the help of 2 loyal helpers, Rose Brown and Judy Cortess, and my mom and Marsha. There were many times that my Mom questioned her on her ability to live alone, but Grandma would not have it any other way. I believe she willed herself to pull through sickness, aches and pains, so that she could continue to live in her apartment overlooking Omaha’s beautiful city skyline.
As Wade and Allison and then Chris and I started having kids giving Grandma Great Grandkids, grandma was thrilled being surrounded by all her great grandkids. She loved watching the kids open presents, show her things, and run around making noise. The smile of her face was priceless. On Easter, Grandma rode the golf cart so she could watch the kids collect the Easter eggs. My son Asher and I would visit her in her apartment. She could hear Asher’s voice but could no longer hear the pitch of my voice, so Asher interpreted. During our April visit, Asher brought her flowers. She started to cry and gave him a big hug. She then told me to make sure that her Great Grandchildren know how much she loves them when she is gone. She always gave Asher a little something she had around her apartment when we left. Last time she gave Asher a birdhouse. He was so excited…we made her day and she made ours. When I saw her on Monday night, she told me that she had a bad day. And then her face lit up, despite her pain, as she said she saw a picture of the kids earlier in the day. She loved us all so much. I feel so lucky to have been able share my wonderful Grandma with my kids.
I never thought about not having my Grandma. I mean, I have only known my life with her in it. She was 100, so why couldn’t she live to 110? She was such a smart woman, trading stocks until the last few years, learning to draw and paint, and always looking for and enjoying the positive things in life.
In Grandma Marci’s 100 years, she was a wife, mother, friend, beautician, artist, interior designer, Grandmother, and so much more to all of us. We all have so many wonderful memories of Grandma Marci, memories that we will forever keep in our hearts and minds.
I will end with a poem I found titled, “God Saw You Getting Tired.”
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be so he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come to Me"
With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away and although we love you dearly we could not make you stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best
Grandma, we love and
miss you!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Mother's Day 2013
Mother's Day is just another day in our house, with a couple exceptions.
First, I woke up to flowers on the kitchen counter. They were beautiful and my favorite, from Trader Joe's. Chris and the kids also gave me a hand print framed piece that I love and a ring to replace my wedding ring I can not wear. Unfortunately, the ring had to go back since it only came in whole sizes and I wear a 5 1/2. Boo.
We also went and visited Chris' mom and Grandma, and my mom, grandma and aunt. They kids thought it was so fun to see so many grandmas in one day!
To top off the day, I worked. Ugh.
Happy belated Mother's Day!
First, I woke up to flowers on the kitchen counter. They were beautiful and my favorite, from Trader Joe's. Chris and the kids also gave me a hand print framed piece that I love and a ring to replace my wedding ring I can not wear. Unfortunately, the ring had to go back since it only came in whole sizes and I wear a 5 1/2. Boo.
We also went and visited Chris' mom and Grandma, and my mom, grandma and aunt. They kids thought it was so fun to see so many grandmas in one day!
To top off the day, I worked. Ugh.
Happy belated Mother's Day!
Alivia's First 5K run with GOTR
Girls on the Run is an organization that teaches girls about issues such as anti bullying, good nutrition and the importance of exercise. Alivia really got a lot out of the program and looks forward to doing it again next year.
The event itself was fun. Many of the teams dressed in fun tutus (but can you imagine running in them?!), balloons in their hair, and fun designed Girls on the Run t-shirts. It was a fun event.
The start was staggered, but that did not seem to help much. There was maybe a 2 sidewalk width for over 2000 participants to run along. And, considering these are girls 3rd through 6th grade, they did not know enough to move to the side when walking, to no just stop right in front of someone in the middle of the street, or to perhaps not hold hands while walking (or running) 6 kiddos deep blocking the entire path. Maybe you can sense my frustrations. Alivia, Katy and I found our way around the crowds and still finished until 30 minutes! Quite impressive for a couple of 8 year olds!
Now, Alivia wants to run another 5k, so she is continuing to run. Yeah for Alivia! She did an awesome job, and I am just glad she picked up one of my better habits. :)
Annual Garden Walk
A couple weeks ago, Asher and I decided to visit the Omaha Botanical Gardens. It is usually so pretty this time of year. And, they had a fun lego exhibit that I knew Asher would love.
At least I was right on one part.
Asher loved the indoor lego exhibit. They had a lawnmower, a flying bee, buffalo and more...all made out of legos! It was amazing. They had a fun little area for Asher to build with Lego's too, which he enjoyed doing for a long while.
Now, the gardens were not all that pretty. The place was honestly a total mess. I believe they said parts of the garden were closed for the sewer separation project, but don't quote me as I am not sure that was entirely the reason. Over half of the gardens, including the outdoor train exhibit, were closed! I could not see any reason why the trains had to be closed, too. I thought they entry should be cut in half considering over half of it was closed. Just saying. We were both quite disappointed.
I guess we will have to wait and see the gardens in their pretty state next year.
At least I was right on one part.
Asher loved the indoor lego exhibit. They had a lawnmower, a flying bee, buffalo and more...all made out of legos! It was amazing. They had a fun little area for Asher to build with Lego's too, which he enjoyed doing for a long while.
Now, the gardens were not all that pretty. The place was honestly a total mess. I believe they said parts of the garden were closed for the sewer separation project, but don't quote me as I am not sure that was entirely the reason. Over half of the gardens, including the outdoor train exhibit, were closed! I could not see any reason why the trains had to be closed, too. I thought they entry should be cut in half considering over half of it was closed. Just saying. We were both quite disappointed.
I guess we will have to wait and see the gardens in their pretty state next year.
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Asher's Last Day of Preschool
Fast forward to today, his last day of preschool. It was still hard for me to give him that hug as he walked into preschool the last time. I snapped pictures with his wonderful teachers as they reminded me how all the kids have grown up over the preschool year. They came in little 4 year olds, with little chubby cheeks and hesitant of school. Now they have all grown up a bit and are ready for Kindergarten.
And with that, I had to go, tears flowing down my cheeks.
It is sad to see Asher move on to Kindergarten. We have had 2 years of just the 2 of us at home, bonding, playing, going places, etc. I will miss him when he goes to school. Sniff, Sniff.
Congratulations Asher for achieving one more milestone! I love you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)