Last Week of August

Ok I'm still in shock that August is almost over- I need to get over it! To catch you all up from last post- I added a few new photos to my slide show- so make sure you take a gander at it. There are 2 new photos of me! Gasp- I know I hate photos of me- do I really look that bad? - it has to be the camera, right?

Love this photo of Owen "reading" and thought my layout of it was appropraite for school starting.

StoryLand was a blast- although busier than when we went last year. My advice to anyone going is to go after Labor Day. It is open on the weekends only after Labor Day from 9-5. The lines weren't horrible this time- but were longer than last year. We packed a picnic lunch and just splurged on cotton candy and some lemonades. We didn't hit all the rides but made sure to hit the favorites. For Hannah that is the flume ride and the roller coaster (she takes after me with thrill rides) and for Owen it was the train and the drive your own cars (tractors really). We saw one of the shows which was a "circus". Not a real circus as some of you know I am against animal circuses due to their animal cruelty- ok I'm off my soapbox now. Anyways they had 2 quick change artists- I have no idea how they change their outfits so darn fast- it was pretty amazing. A women who could handle 25 hula hoops (I can't even do 1), a "clown" on a trampoline, some trained cats- no inhumane training here, and a daredevil in a wheel on a revolving arm. We spent about 6 hours there and then headed on home- stopping at McDonalds for dinner (it was not the most nutritious day).

Saturday we did not make it to our friends party, which was a bit depressing, but the cold that had hit Hannah, Izzy and Charlie, finally hit Owen and I. And poor Owen gets croup with every head cold. So we bowed out instead of infecting everyone. We still had some fun around the house and the kids even swam in their kiddie pool.

Monday after work I took Hannah to an ice cream social at Hannah's school. She seemed to have a good time and I'm very happy to see that she knows a lot of other children. There will be 3 other kids from her daycare in her class- as well as a girl on our street, plus she knows 2 in the PreK program, 2 in 1st grade, 1 in 2nd and 1 in 3rd. She should be all set- now it's just me I have to worry about. I promise not to cry on her first day until after I have dropped her off. Her last day at BB is tomorrow and kindergarten starts Tuesday!

I'm more worried about Owen. He will be going to BB by himself this year. He is so used
having Hannah there with him. Even though they were in different classes they saw each other a lot and were able to play outside together. Izzy was going to go- but now that Charlie will be out of work for a bit (hopefully not too long), she will stay home. Owen will be participating in the preschool program which is why we will still send him.

Izzy is doing well- although still not walking more than 3 steps on her own without holding onto something and only says about 5 words. I'm really not comparing - oh ok I am a bit, it's super hard not to compare siblings- but I'm trying not to stress about it. She can still get into tons of mischief- especially with stairs, the bathroom and the dog bowls (thankfully we have wonderful dogs and cats that put up with her torture).

My extra night hours are over- I did pretty well and made a bit if extra cash for us. We had one of our doctors leave unexpectedly for family matters- not sure when (or if) she will be back- so I get to do a few extra days as well. Will be doing 3- which means I will be doing 4 days a week and one 5 day week. May get some in October too- we'll see. We are still planning on purchasing a new (larger) car (most likely minivan)- just don;t know when. Also still planning a Disney trip for October 2009 (yes I will be taking the kids out of school for a bit- they are only young once).

I think this is enough to bore you all with now- take care!

Where did the summer go?

Ok I'm in a bit of shock to realize that summer is almost over! What happened and where did it go? It does not help that I think we have had only 1-2 days of 80+ degree weather thus far in August. Last night was down right cool and you could almost smell fall! We actually needed our comforters. I guess we can take the AC unit out- huh?

Today is August 20th and while technically there is still another whole month until summer is truly over- we all recognize back to school as the end of summer. For us back to school is Sept 2nd. Hannah will be starting kindergarten and Owen will officially be in preschool. Hannah was supposed to start Thursday the 28th but they are doing work on the heating system and won't be finished until after Labor Day- so her first day got pushed back. So we get an extra few days of summer. I did organize their closets and they look all set with clothing for this fall- it helps that Hannah has a uniform.

This past week has been the same old same old- work, school, couple of play-dates. Had a doctor's meeting today and got the bills paid. Friday we are heading to StoryLand (http://www.storylandnh.com/index-flash.html) for a fun filled day of rides and fun. Guess this means I should scrap the photos from last years outing to StoryLand. Saturday is a multifamily party at our friends house- no camping out this time- but lots of fun, games, food and swimming. (Let's hope it warms up here quickly!)

Hannah had a bit of a head cold over the weekend, that we though was allergies- but seeing as Izzy has it now- I guess it was a cold. As long as O-dog doesn't get it- as his usually lead to croup. Izzy is also getting her lower 1st molars- boy she is not a good teether. She has still yet to take more than 2 steps on her own without holding onto something- but she can make it all around and get into some serious messes (mainly the dog's water bowl and the recycling).

Charlie has work until September 21st- we'll see if he gets another extension or not. Also waiting to hear from a few other places he has applied. I will be doing 4 days a week with every third Saturday as one of our doctors had to take some unexpected leave for family matters.

Still awaiting the birth of my new nephew (Baby Owen as my Owen as designated). Have plans to visit them in September to get my baby fill and hopefully not feel the need to have another myself.

That is all from here for now- hope you all are enjoying the end of your summer and are all done with back to school shopping. Catch ya later!

Oops I did it again!!!!

Maybe it's not a good thing to quote Brittany Spears what with her track record recently- but I let more than 2 weeks go by again!! Good thing I can't be fired from my own blog- or can I? Hmm. Ok I don't even know where to begin- hopefully I do not leave anything, or anyone, out as I catch you all up on the last few weeks.

Some good news- Charlie has received yet another extension for work and is now employed until September 21st. I'm happy with extensions but I hate the indecision. Plus it pushes the 6 months back to March. I have been doing ok with the extra shifts and may continue to do some in September- we'll see, I need to keep the appointments full to be able to do them. I also miss my "me" time- selfish I know, but I do like time to do things sans kids, or just veg out and relax.

My sister's new puppy- Luke- is adorable and we all survived fostering him the 3 nights he was with us. Our youngest dog (Lily) is 5 years old, so it was a bit tough dealing with house breaking again, but we just needed a routine. He got along great with the big dogs- except for Benjamin who was feeling a little put out. And he LOVED Izzy. I think he thought she was one of his littermates- he followed her all around and loved to tackle her. It was pretty funny to watch. Hannah and Owen were sad to see him go- but we'll get to play with Luke whenever we go to Grampy and Grandy's house.

We have been gearing up for Hannah to start kindergarten in 2 1/2 weeks! She is excited! Thankfully she wears a uniform so clothes shopping is done- now it's just picking up supplies for the room (paper, tissues, glue, ect). There is an ice cream social the Monday before school to drop off supplies and meet people. Plus she goes in the day before to meet classmates and see the class. I will be dropping her off in the morning (get ready for tears- from me!- that first day) and Charlie or a neighbor will pick her up. Owen will still go to Building Blocks but will be in the preschool program (he will attend kindergarten next fall) and until we know what Charlie is doing Izzy will be staying home with him.

There is a ton of milkweed pod plants at the end of our street and we were able to find (with my sister's keen eyes) a monarch butterfly caterpillar. So we are now watcing it eat lots of milkweed leaves and will await it's transformation. Hannah and Owen love to set the butterfly free and watch it fly away. We have had a host of summertime pets this summer- thanks to Owen. Many toads, newts or skinks, slugs, snails, even a tomato horn worm. Thankfully the snakes are too quick, especially sine many times the bug catcher makes it's way into the house! Oh and he loves to take the "pets" out and they sometimes get away!

We are still awaiting the arrival of my sister's new son. Due date is August 28th but she has been saying she's ready to go since July! She is at least moved into the new home (relatively speaking anyways). Talk about stress- she started a new job, moved to a new state and is in her third trimester all in the past few months. Will keep you posted!

Oops I'm Already Behind- July 25th

Ok I'm already behind in my goal of posting once a week- it has been 2 weeks since my last post. Life has just been that crazy and busy. Let's see where to begin.....

I'm doing extra hours (about 3- 5/week) at work to gain a bit of extra cash as Charlie has to take a 6 month leave from his work. Since he is contracted by the company he is supposed to work 18 months and then take 6 months off (something to do with the whole Microsoft contractor hoopla and whether you get benefits or not, if they do it this way they do not have to give you benefits). We have been so fortunate that for the past 5 1/2 years he has been able to work straight through with no 6 month time off period- but alas our luck seems to be running out. His last day was supposed to be July 21st but they extended him a month (until August 21st) and may be extending him another month (see how we got to do 5 years!). For me it's a bit stressful being so up in the air- but I'm happy they keep extending him. He's been looking for other jobs and has an interview today as well- so we shall see. If it turns out we are fine- I'll have extra cash for bills and maybe some scrap goodies!!!!

Hannah had her 5 year check up last week and 3 shots for kindergarten. She is still so excited for kindergarten- I'm still having a hard time believing she is old enough! She will be attending a local parochial school, so at least there will be no fights over what to wear- it's a uniform. She is so smart and can read so well already as well as writing and spelling and addition and subtraction. I'm a bit afraid she will be bored at school- but do not want to have her skip right now. We are hoping she wants to try soccer this fall and she will continue to do choir at church. Owen may join choir this year as well.

Wednesday the 16th, I did a kennel call for Mrs P's at Chesapeake Safe Harbor she rescues Chessie's although she ends up with a bunch of others as well. The website is http://www.chesapeakesafeharbor.com/ . I go about 4 times a year and make sure all the dogs are up to date on vaccines, heartworm tests and are in good general health. Mrs P is an amazing women with a big heart and I'm always amazed at how she handles the dogs. If you don't know anything about them- Chessies are great dogs they can be as wonderful as Labs and Goldens but unfortunately, because of poor breeding the have a bad rep for their attitudes and can be aggressive. She had a mix breed mom with 4 puppies and my sister will be adopting the little boy.

We had a blast at our friends Midsummer Eve Dance Party and Camp Out. Her family invited a few families over for a BBQ that included dancing to an awesome mix of music, silly string fights, bubble blowing, chalk art, making slime, hula hooping, milkshakes and then camping out for the evening. It was our first time camping out with the kids and they did great. Of course now they want to do it some more! It was just an awesome, laid back time with the kids being kids- perfect.

Sunday we got together with a college buddy and his family. Just chatting and catching up. It's funny how we have changed a bit now that we have families of our own. We will be seeing them for lunch tomorrow as well before they head back to NY.

Monday we had another BBQ, this time at our house with our best friends from Virginia. They used to live across the street from us, but moved to VA in November. We miss them a bunch but it has been great seeing them the last few weeks. This was to be their last night before heading back home and we were able to get them addicted to the Wii. I see them getting one very soon. I unfortunately had to cut the night short because I was going to see Big Papi/David Ortiz play with the SeaDogs- our local double A baseball team for the Boston Red Sox. I have never seen that stadium so full and loud! Papi hit for 6 innings- and was 3 for 4. I got some pictures and had a great time, even got to enjoy a SeaDog Biscuit (an ice cream sandwich).

Wednesday we had a playdate with some friends from daycare- some we don't see much anymore as they are no longer in daycare with us, so it was fun to see them again. The kids played in the kiddie pool and sprinkler, played in the yard and had a great time. We host the playdate next week- I'm hoping for good weather. Then I had a lobster dinner with some girl friends. We had lobsters and steamers and an amazing pie, plus tons of laughs! They are crazy and I'm so happy they have included me in their circle- they are an amazing group of ladies and are so fun to be around.

Alright I think I have caught you all up to my life now. I have a long weekend this weekend- it is also the only weekend from now until school starts for Hannah on the 28th that is completely free of a commitment. So I'll try to stay updated but we are looking busy!

TGIF July 11th

Time to catch up on the home front. It seems we have been so busy I have not been able to catch up on things in my life. The last few weekends and days off have been jammed back with things to do- mostly all fun- but for an OCD, control freak like myself I need time to organize and ensure nothing is forgotten.

Had to work Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday we had a blast at our friend Heather's house. One of our favorite and best friends is visiting from Virginia with her girls and we all got together at Heather's house for some beach fun, frolicking in the river, picnicking on the beach and having a great time. Hannah and Owen were beat afterwards- although no naps were had on the ride home.

Izzy had her 1 yr check up yesterday- she is 24# 12oz and 29inches long (all in the 51%). She was pretty cranky last night after her 3 shots, even with Tylenol on board. Poor little girl. Seems better today- but not much sleep for me yet again (maybe 4 hours?)

Today I am paying bills, doing laundry, got my haircut (just a trim), printed out the school supply list for Hannah's kindergarten class, organizing the school paperwork for her doctor's appointment on Tuesday, writing the thank yous for Izzy's birthday presents, sending off e-vites for the MOMS club bowling event later this month, and then off to my in-laws for yet another birthday party for Izzy.

This weekend I'm planning on posting some old clothes and toys on Ebay and scrapping some. Also need to pick up some spools of thread for H and O's art class on Monday (Art with our friend Heather- she is so creative and fun. She planned 3 mini art classes for the kids of her friends for the Mondays in July). See why I'm afraid things may get lost in all the shuffle- there is so much to do!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Fourth of July Fun

Hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July. We were at my parents house in NH from July 3rd- 6th and had a great time. We were able to cram in tons of things this trip. Took Hannah and Owen to see the new Disney movie WallE, which was pretty good, although the message went over both of their heads. Went to Build A Bear where they were able to use their gift certificates from Christmas- Owen got a triceratops that he picked out the roar voice box and dressed in a Spiderman costume (he is all about superheros recently, my Mom bought the batman costume for his birthday- shh) and Hannah got the pink Cheetah and dressed her all in pink and added a blonde wig (she is soooo girly!) Their cousins Alexa (2) and Sydnie (10) joined us and picked out a cute rabbit and the Boston Red Sox mascot the green monstah, Wally, respectively (go SOX!!!) We were also able to run to Harrison's for some roast beef sandwiches which I got with extra sauce- love those sandwiches. Charlie went and picked up some fireworks which we set off on Saturday for the kids- just small ones and sparklers (the real hit). Sunday my family hosted a big family brunch for all available cousins, aunts and uncles- it was an informal gathering for all the June and July birthdays (too many). So, lots of yummy food and catching up with family I only see about twice a year. The children feel asleep on the way home (and so did I- sleeping with Izzy during the weekend did not allow for a lot of sleep) to Maine. Thankfully we were going into Maine and missed all the wonderful traffic heading out.

Hope you all had a fun filled Fourth. Please keep in mind all the soldiers fighting for our freedom!

This past weekend and Izzy's Birthday

What a blast we had this past weekend. I was on vaca this past week and did mostly boring organizing and purging stuff, ended the week with the yummy Strawberry Festival in town. Saturday we went to a friend's (Jen - she has been my BFF since high school- we met at the orientation and have been friends since- 21 years now!) lake house on Panther Pond (near Sebago). The weather wasn't great, but we had a blast! Played a bit inside, had lunch, went out on the boat (Izzy not liking the boat so much) and despite the 62-65 degree weather the kids, (with Charlie and Jen- Vaughn and I were the sane ones just watching) went swimming! You can not keep my children from being in the water. We picked up fast food on the way home and had a picnic in front of a movie before crashing for the night.

Monday June 30th was Izzy's first birthday!!! Hard to believe a year has gone by already. She is so stinkin' cute and has really completed our family. Owen adores her and Hannah is such a big help- especially reading to her. We had a small our family only party for her that day with cupcakes- but Izzy was not all that interested (Owen would have gladly helped her eat hers). We will have a larger extended family and friends party this weekend at my parents house. Will update after that.