Declaration of Summer Fun

One of my dreams has always been to work part-time.  This summer, that dream has come true!!!  My co-workers and my boss agreed that I could take Wednesdays off this summer in addition to my regular day off, so now I am only working 3-3 1/2 days a week!  I made several declarations for how we were going to spend this 12 week period:

1. I am not going to spend my days off cleaning and/or grocery shopping.
2. We will go somewhere fun at least one day per week.
3. We will swim as much as humanly possible.
4. I will get back into healthy habits (eating well and exercising), and hopefully get back to where I was at the beginning of this year by the end of the 12 weeks (-22lbs).
5. Keeping goal #3 in mind, we will go out for ice cream once a week.
6. I will not wear eye makeup on my days off (that one's just for me-I LOVE not having to wear eye makeup). 

So far, I am really enjoying it!  Besides playing referree all day between Ben and Lauren, it feels good to be around my kids more.  As long as we are doing something active and fun for kids, they are fine.  Unfortunately, if I make every day a circus for them, I have no "down time" for myself before returning to work the next day.  Not to mention, there are only so many places we can go for free before they start wanting places we have to pay for. 

I have done pretty well with all of the goals, but I will say, I have had to put the brakes on a bit and do some cleaning!  I've determined our family is the messiest family in the world, so if I don't take some time to clean up after us, we would end up on Hoarders.  I have stayed true to going someplace fun on one of the days off, however.

Here are some of the things we've done so far:

played with some kittens

visited Kings Island

met Twinkie Man

went back to Kings Island

experienced a flea market

joined the YMCA 

...back to Kings Island

It's been a diverse Summer!  I've decided to make another goal: get back to writing blog entries once a week!

All's Well That...Starts Well

It always starts out so nice..."Mommy, are we going to the store?  I can't wait!  I want the push the little cart!"

"Look at my pretty outfit!  I am going to help you at the grocery store, Mommy.  Am I being good?"

"See?  I told you I would help!"

"Can I have this pretty purple ball?  Pleeeeeeeeeeeaaaase?"

And this is how it usually ends.  Not pictured:  various dirty looks from people who think I should beat her without mercy for whining so much.

Out of Hiding

Wow, it's been nearly SIX months since my last blog entry!  I felt like I was too busy to write, but as I look back through my pictures I think, "What was I doing?"

OCTOBER

The Ides of March debuted October 13th!  Mark's part made it in the film-it's pretty much one of the last scenes of the movie, so keep watching for him!  It was so exciting to see him in a major Hollywood production; I had the biggest smile on my face when I first saw him appear on film.  I am so excited for him to have had this experience.  It's something neither of us will ever forget! 

We did our annual pumpkin patch trip to Shaw Farm in mid-October.  As usual, everyone had a great time!  All of the kids got their faces painted, and this year, they had a giant combine for the kids to climb on and explore.  

This year, Ben dressed up as a ghoul and Lauren was a princess (Ariel to be exact) for Halloween.  Mark decorated the porch again and scared more children.  

Ben played his third season of Upward Flag Football.  His team didn't do very well this year, but Ben has improved with each season.  He says he wants to play tackle football this year, but we don't think that's going to happen.  Mom and Dad kind of like his brain in-tact.

NOVEMBER

November brought a big change for our family.  Mark left his job at Napa Auto Parts (which he had been at for nearly 8 years) and began working for  KOI (Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana) Auto Parts.  The company has been a complete blessing for our family.  They pay him more, they offer much cheaper (and better) health benefits than we currently have, and most importantly, they appreciate him and respect his input and ideas.  

Lauren celebrated her 4th birthday!  It's hard to believe that she will be starting preschool this fall :(.  She is such a delight to our family; I love to listen to how she talks!  Mark and I have discussed having another baby, but we feel that our family is complete, now.  Thanks, LJ, for making that happen!

Thanksgiving dinner was celebrated as usual at our house (NO pictures available).  We had received some scary news about the health of someone in our family, and it really hit home how thankful we should be for every day that we get to live this life.  

DECEMBER

Sadly, I have NO pictures available from Christmas.  This is why I need to blog often-it forces me to take pictures!!!!

We had a great Christmas this year.  We talked to Ben about Santa Claus because he asked if he was real or not.  We figured it was time.  As sad as that was, it was kind of fun to let him be in on the secret; we let him help us set up Lauren's gifts and put cookies out.  Now we wonder, how long will he be a good big brother and let his sister believe?  

JANUARY
January brought excitement over my friend, Casey's upcoming wedding!  We held a bridal shower at my work and had a good time celebrating with her.

The other BIG news is that Mark quit smoking!!!!  He did it before for nearly two years, let's hope that this time it sticks!  Way to go, Mark!


FEBRUARY
Casey's wedding was on February 4th.  It was a lot of fun and everyone looked wonderful-especially Casey & Jimmy!  

OTHER UPDATES
Mooky is still doing well.  We seem to have figured out the right combination of meds to keep him feeling well.  Now, if he could just remember that he goes to the bathroom OUTside, we would be great.


Currently, I am struggling badly with managing my weight.  I kept off all but 4-8lbs of the weight I lost in 2010 until this fall.  I started to gain a decent amount of weight back-quickly.  To date, I have gained back 24lbs.  I can't tell you how much that hurts to admit, but if I am going to celebrate the successes, I have to be honest when I am defeated.  And right now, I am defeated.  There are so many things I would love to blame it on, but the fact is, I got stuck at a certain number on the scale for too long, and lost confidence in myself and my ability to move past it.  I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to spring and summer, when I can get back to outdoor exercise.  Please, keep me in your prayers.  I really need them right now!

Lauren's First Dental Visit

My big girl is almost 4, so I thought it was about time she go to the dentist.  I talked to her about it a year ago and she was completely terrified, but all of a sudden, she told me one day, "I'm not afraid to go to the dentist anymore."  See?  This is what lazy parenting gets you, people!  If you wait to do things long enough,  they will come around!

She got to experience all of the usual dental visit routines, including catching up on Will and Kate's US tour...

After watching her brush her teeth, they sat her in the chair and put sunglasses on her (to keep her comfortable with the bright light shining in her eyes).  She had everyone in the palm of her hand in minutes!

The hygienist went to work and Lauren did great!  There was a little boy losing his mind 2 chairs over from her and she asked me, "What is wrong with him?"  Then she said (with a somewhat smug look on her face), "He must be scared."  


The hygienist and the dentist talked to Lauren about getting rid of her pacifier-yes, she STILL uses a paci at night (and in the car, and when she gets home from the babysitter's).  I know, we are the worst parents ever, call 241-KIDS now!  The dentist said to Lauren, "Lauren, we need to talk about something that you like to put in your mouth, what is that?"  She smiled at him and replied, "A TOOTHBRUSH!"  Everyone started laughing, he looked at Mark and I and said, "She's going to be a politician!"  


The truth is, Ben was very easy to break from the paci; he just gave it to the Easter Bunny, asked for it once, done.  Remember that lazy parenting thing?  That has always worked with Ben; if we didn't push, he would eventually do it on his own.  He was off the paci around 2, potty trained around 3-pretty typical but a little slower than others.  Lauren is very different than him.  She has tried to give it to the Easter Bunny, then to Santa Claus, but she falls apart the next night.  I know we should be more stern with her about it, but when I talk to her, she makes me feel horrible!   After telling her she needed to get rid of it one day she said, "Why?  It's my friend."  Today we talked about giving it to the "Paci Fairy" so another baby could have it.  She said, "I like babies, but I like my paci better."  At least she's honest!


So the task is in front of us: to gradually wean her from her paci.  The dentist recommended we start shaving off a sliver of it every night so that she feels that is doesn't work anymore, making it easier for her to give up.  If any of you moms out there have good advice for paci removal, let me know!

End of Summer

Well, Summer 2011 is officially ending, and I couldn't be happier!  I like Summer, but I really love the fall!  I look so forward to the hayrides, pumpkin patches, and all of the family activities that fall brings.  Here's what we've been up to lately:

We spent a lot of time at Kings Island's water park .  Ben was so excited for Aidan to go with us, so we took him the last time we went.  

 My friend Casey went to Mexico with her family, so I was hired to pet-sit for them while they were gone.  All of the animals (5 dogs and 3 cats) are very sweet and I did have fun-besides being woken up at 3:30am to feed them!  Casey warned me of that before she left; I told her it was like having a newborn baby again!

Aiden (with his typical expression of disapproval)

Chester, Nubbs, and Louie (so sweet!)

It was nice to have some time to myself at night.  I would put the kids to bed and drive over in my PJ's to spend the night.  Here's what bedtime looked like:

Yes, there are FOUR dogs in the bed!

When Casey got back, she announced that her and Jimmy were engaged!  I am so excited for them!  I am honored to be a bridesmaid in her wedding, and am enjoying hearing all of the wedding plans!  The wedding will be on February 4th, 2012.  Here's a look at what my dress will look like (it will be Navy blue)!

Yeah, I'll look like this in it!!

Ben has started 4th grade and is doing well so far.  He likes his teacher(s) and was thrilled that his friend, Will, is in his class.  That is good and bad; that probably means he will get in trouble for talking too much.

First day of school-no cute bus pictures this year (thanks to the school levy failing)

Lauren has become quite the fashionista in the White house.  All of a sudden, she has begun changing into absurd outfits right before we leave to go somewhere.  Here are some of her best:

Chad Johnson jersey, pink tights with hearts, and white dress shoes

Purple shirt w/butterfly, yellow skirt with Hawaiian dancers, my belt (wrapped around twice), and soccer cleats 

This week, she wore snow boots to the babysitter's house every day.  She is so darn proud of herself that I don't have the heart to tell her to go change.  I'm sure I'll have many more opportunities for that when she's a teenager!  So, if you see us out, and Lauren is wearing a bathing suit, socks pulled up to her knees, and a feather boa around her neck, just humor us.

The Ides of March is set to debut on October 7th.  Everyone keeps asking us if Mark knows for sure if he's in it; we won't know until we see it with everyone else!  

Not Much to Blog About...

I have been a boring blogger, so I thought I should check in.  Unfortunately, there's not much to talk about lately!  Here's an update of the fam:

Ben
I can't believe that it's August and I have to get ready for back-to-school supplies!  Ben is going to be in 4th grade this year; it's crazy how fast time is flying by!  His favorite thing to do right now is to go to Kings Island-he asks us to go EVERY day.  He rode the newest ride, Windseeker, the first day it opened and loved it!  Seriously, I have no idea where this kid gets his guts from!

He went to the pediatrician last week for his check up and everything is looking good.  He is 52.5" tall (up 2 1/2" this year) and 70lbs (up 14lbs in 6 months!).  Ben has always been in the 50th percentile for height and weight, but has all of a sudden jumped up to the 68th percentile!  The doctor said his weight is OK, but he doesn't want to see him gain another 14lbs in 6 months.  I was thinking about what has changed in the past 6 months, and I got my answer: the Wii!!!  He spends most of his time indoors playing now.  It isn't helping that it's been an incredibly hot Summer in Ohio, and the last thing anybody wants to do is run around outside when it's still 86 degrees at 9:00pm!

The other issue is that last Summer, he was always going places with my Dad, or going fishing with Mark's Dad.  This Summer, my Dad is back to work and no one else is able to watch him, so he is being shuffled from place to place every day.  It's been hard on him to have no consistency or routine.  Luckily, we only have a few more weeks 'til he's back at school!  Until then, Mark and I are going to make sure he does something active every night!

Lauren

LJ has been a lot of fun lately.  She has a bunch of bathing suits from her cousin, Olivia, and runs around in them constantly.  She is a total water-lover; wants to play on the slip-n-slide (aka "slipping slide"), go to a pool, or go to Kings Island's water park EVERY day (noticing a trend here?).  Last weekend we spent Sunday afternoon and evening at Kings Island, and for the first time, she measured tall enough to ride her first roller coaster, Woodstock Express (The Beastie for all you old-schoolers).  We sat in the front car and she LOVED it!  She doesn't seem as daring as Ben yet, but who knows?


Mark
Mark has been spending most of the summer in the garage.  He bought a 1990 Nissan 300ZX earlier this year, and has been doing everything from putting on new brakes to body work.  Every night, I venture out into the garage around midnight to find him looking like "Cooter" from The Dukes of Hazzard, dodging junebugs and moths.  He is loving every minute of it, I don't get it...

Besides his car, he is getting very excited for his Hollywood Debut in Ides of March, coming out October 7, 2011.  Last week, the trailer and poster were released which got us all buzzing again!  Here's the link:   http://www.slashfilm.com/the-ides-march-trailer-poster  Mark's hand is at the end, putting an ear piece in Ryan Gossling's ear!  This is so cool!  There are a ton of Cincinnati shots in the film-I noticed a big Bengals banner in the background of one of the shots and got all excited!  I am so proud of Mark and so excited for October!

And then there's Maude...
(Sorry, I have NO recent pictures of me to post!)  I'm still working on the weight loss.  This has been a very frustrating year for me, though.  To date, I am 4lbs heaver than I was at the end of the weight loss challenge in November.  I have continued working out and watching my food intake (though I haven't been an angel), but I have just gotten stuck!  I recently started doing a "boot camp" workout routine with my friend/co-worker/workout partner, Casey.  I was once again encouraged by my cousin-in-law, Trish to try something different.  We also joined Weight Watchers and have begun counting points to ensure that we stay on the right track.  Things seem to be looking up; I lost 5lbs this past week, so hopefully that trend will continue!

Well, I'll talk to ya' soon!

Mt. Vernon Trip

This weekend, my parents, my sister, Lauren, and myself drove up to Mt. Vernon, OH to attend a baby shower for my cousin-in-law, Vanessa.  Vanessa and Isaac (my cousin) are expecting their first child, a baby girl to be named Abigail, in August.  I am so excited for them!  I think they will make excellent parents.

The happy parents-to-be!

The ladies

We stayed at my Aunt Karen's beautifully remodeled house during our visit.  The highlight for Lauren was getting to feed the free-range chickens, rooster, and turkey that Karen's neighbor owns.  

I couldn't help but think that my grandpa would be so proud right now...

Lauren was also very excited to get to spend some time with her second cousin, Lily.  I like to watch them interact and listen to the things they say to each other.  It's definitely different from Ben and Aidan, that's for sure!

My cousin, Jacob, and his wife, Rachael, announced that they were expecting, also!  The Bush family continues to grow...who's next??

I had great bonding time with my family.  Sometimes I wonder if we are the only family who can talk the entire 2-hour car ride, and never re-visit a subject!

After the baby shower, we ate dinner and took Lauren to a park to expend some energy; I could tell she was about to blow after the car ride and sitting through dinner.

"concentrate...concentrate..."

She had that car rockin'!

As I watched her play, I thought about how different Isaac and Vanessa's life is about to be.  Right now, their time is their own.  They can come and go without having to consider feedings, sleep time, etc.  They can go to dinner without being embarrassed by a screaming kid, they can hold entire conversations without interruption.  I look at them and say, "They have it soooo easy!"  The crazy thing is, they have no idea how easy they have it.  Five years from now, they will barely remember what their lives were like before Abigail came along.  More amazing than that, they won't want to.  She will become their everything.   

I think I know how that feels.