A New Chapter

A new chapter in our lives. In lieu of being able to sell our house right now, we decided to lease it out. It doesn't feel like a failure because we didn't sell, we just chose another direction...a 'detour', if you will. Like I have stated before, Brad and I have conquered many challenges in our lives together. It seems that no matter what is put before us we always find a way to bend, twist, and figure out how to make things happen. I guess they call that flexibility and I would think that is a positive attribute. So the papers were signed and two weeks later, off we were to the "Transitional Housing Unit." So far, so good.

Even though the move is something that we've dreamed of for a long time, it has been bittersweet. The Woodworth House was our beginning. We settled there as a couple looking to our future, returned to it after our honeymoon, started raising our family and held many family gatherings. It was our home and the only home that our kids have known. All three of our children celebrated their First Birthday's there, not to mention all of the other 'firsts' that have encircled their lives. First steps, first ice cream cone, first skinned knee. I honestly couldn't imagine having any of those 'firsts' anywhere else. That was our home, it always welcomed us and brought us comfort. Even some of the not so wonderful life events, the Woodworth House was a 'safe' place for us. And now it seems that the next chapter is beginning for us. We may have left behind the place where we once lived and began our life together, but the home that provided the foundation for our family will always be dear to us.

This year was the first year since Brad and I have been together that we didn't make it Up North (in some shape or form) for our 4th of July week-long vacation. In the past, even having a 2 week old baby hasn't even been able to stop us from going (although it was a long car ride as new parents, but so worth it). So it was a strange feeling to be home. We put Beezer down for bed and let Owen and Avery stay up with us on our last night in the house. Brad got a fire going in our 'city fire pit,' we had Hot Shmoes (S'Mores -- the kids call 'em Shmoes), and Mom and Dad had some beverages to take the edge off. It was really a great night. The kids talked about some of their favorite memories in the house, what they'll miss and what they are looking forward to. Brad and I sat back and watched as they caught fireflies for the last time in that backyard, something they've always loved to do. Later on, Brad broke out the 'big guns' and started with his fireworks display. I say that lightly because he purchased the fireworks from Kroger...good Michigan-safe fireworks. After he lit the first 'fountain-type' one Avery said, "That's it?? Those stink!" We couldn't help but laugh because all she has ever seen are the fireworks at the Livonia Spree and the fireworks display the Gonos' Family have each year at Higgins Lake. We got a good laugh out of it, as each time Brad lit the next one and it was over the response from both was "LAME!" A wonderful memory to have of our last night in the Woodworth House....
Brad's Fireworks Display -- OOOH, AHHHH!

HOT SHMOES!
Owen enjoying the "City Fire."

The Best Intentions....

So, with this blog thing....I had the best intentions. Well, Brad and I both had the best intentions. Turns out life has been really busy and has been clipping along at a fast pace, especially this past year.

The Job --

I started a new job at a new hospital in late April. I was reluctant to make a change, but it has turned out to be the best decision for our family. Sure, it would've been ideal to continue to work 8 hours a week but it was truly a stretch financially to do that. I am blessed to have a career that allows me to compress my schedule and still be home with the kids. It's a win-win and I feel very proud to be contributing to the family finances once again. It also feels good to get back into my career and reap the benefits of all the blood, sweat, and tears that I put into getting my degree. Believe me....nursing school wasn't a walk in the park. So all that aside, we've all adjusted very well. The 12 hour shifts are long, but knowing I only have to do 2 makes it that much easier..and the kids look forward to the 5 days that I am home!

The House --

As for our home, we still have a 'For Sale' sign in front of it. No takers, not at this time...that is unless you want to give it away, let it go back to the bank, or burn it down. We don't want to do any of the aforementioned, so our plan is to rent the place out and begin building our new home. The moving/building/renting thing is a bit scary, but we've been able to conquer pretty much everything that has been set before us in the 13 years we've been together. Brad and I both have total faith in our decision for this move and know that we won't look back. The kids are ecstatic about being across the street from the Percy's and all of the new friends that they'll have in the neighborhood. This is something we've talked about with them for years and always thought we'd be in rocking chairs before it happened. It's so surreal, but we're pretty sure when they pour the basement and ask for the first installment...it'll become all too real! We can't wait!

The kids --

They are doing fantabulous. Summer vacation has been a blast and they've pretty much been outside enjoying the water slide on a daily basis. That water slide has lasted us three full summers, going on the fourth! Sure, it doesn't blow up as firmly as it once did but that doesn't stop them. Best investment in summer play equipment we've made. Water bill gets a little high, but there could be worse things. The important thing is that they are having fun! Brendan LOVES to be outside. That child throws a fit when it is time to come in, so it is imperative to time it with a meal/snack time. Food or beverage always wins. We've had to nearly surgically remove him from his wading pool. Brendan's little fingers and toes were so 'pruney', we didn't think they'd go back to normal! He's so awesome. As for Owen and Avery, they are so funny. Those two are like frick and frack. Some of the things they come up with just kill us. Owen has Avery into trading Pokemon cards with him...she even DVR's the Pokemon cartoon, so they can watch it together. Brad and I have just about had it with anything to do with Pokemon.....yeah, we've reached that stage in our lives where our kids are into something that we just don't "get." Oh well, won't be the first time.

So, just a quick update and a few pics to let you all know that we're still alive and kickin'. We are 99% sure that the big move to the 'transitional housing unit' (a.k.a. Apartment) will be happening within the next few weeks. Apartment living again, just like the old days. Well, except we have a little extra baggage...

It's a New Year and Life Goes On....

Beezer -- We can't wrap our heads around the fact that our little monkey, Mr. B, is going to be a year old. He still amazes us everyday. His personality has really emerged over the past few months. Likes: crawling/army crawling everywhere and anywhere he can, cruising the furniture, putting anything in his mouth, putting fingers in outlets, climbing stairs, eating the remote control, you name it. Dislikes: being pulled away from any of the above mentioned, peas, and being restrained for any reason. We truly thought that Avery was our 'Curious George', but have quickly realized that Brendan definitely fits the bill. He wants to know about everything and having three children, we can definitely see the difference in him. We never had to truthfully 'child-proof' things in our home. Yeah, we locked up the solvents, cleaners, and bad stuff..but we've been pretty lacks on the outlets and keeping the floor absolutely spotless. Hey, with children it is absolutely impossible..unless you are a total freak and mop/sweep your floor 5 times a day. I don't have time for that. If there is a small piece of paper, he'll find it. If there is a morsel of food that has missed the quick sweep of the morning, he's got it. I guess we'll never have to worry about him going hungry (ha-ha...most of you will find humor in that comment). I guess all of his mischief evens out the total wonderful disposition that this child has. God definitely waited to send us this angel. He is truly a gift from God for many reasons. I mean, sometimes I find that we have to pinch ourselves when we sit back and think about how great of a baby he has been. Doesn't cry much, sleeps really good, naps, eats well, and just has an overall pleasant disposistion. Well, I guess when you put it up next to Thing 2, anything less than that would be an improvement (we love Avery to pieces, she is just a little 'trying' on the nervous system). But it has been a wonderful year and we have enjoyed every moment. Even though he is our third child, all of the 'firsts' have been just as special as they were with Owen and Avery. He is now saying 'done' and waving bye-bye or night-night, and he loves to say 'uh-oh!" We are looking forward to each day, as it brings a little glimpse into the little person he is becoming.

Avery Mei -- Miss Avery. She is still a ball of energy. She still loves her ballet slippers, pink crocs (fleece ones, for the winter), tutu's, and any dress of any kind. Avery loves a good pair of tights, preferably striped or flowered, definitely pink. Pink anything, actually. Looking back, I now think that all of the pink clothing that she received as a newborn was just a small glimpse into the Pepto-Bismol world that we'd be submerged in with her taste in color..clothes, shoes, tights, you name it. I got her a dress from Old Navy for the spring and if she hasn't worn that thing everyday, in the house, for the past two weeks. She just loves dresses and loves to dance around..just like her favorite Princess Giselle (for those of you that have seen Enchanted). Good thing Mommy can sort of carry a tune, it helps when Avery requests one of Giselle's songs. Then there are the daily makeovers and the seventeen layers of lipgloss she likes to apply to her 'victims', er I mean, 'customers'. I secretly pray that she gets past the lipgloss phase because the mere thought of cake/frosting flavored/scented lipgloss makes me gag. But she is truly a Daddy's Girl and has Daddy wrapped around her little finger. Although with all the begging, pleading, and eyelash batting, she hasn't quite convinced him that she needs a kitty cat for a pet that she can name "Hello Kitty." Daddy won't budge on that one and I really don't blame him. Kids make a big enough mess! As for school, she has really grown so far this year. All the worries about her not caring about knowing the alphabet have been swept aside. She is constantly asking about letters and even has taken on a desire to write her own name. She is quite good at coloring and loves to draw, just like her big brother. Avery also loves to make people laugh. She has nearly made milk, or some other liquid substance, come out of Owen's nose on several occasions. Her latest thing, walking around like an old lady, all hunched over, making 'old lady sounds' and shaking her imaginary cane. It is quite hilarious, actually and we wonder if we have a future Gilda Radner or Molly Shannon, on our hands here. Whomever she becomes or whatever she decides to do, she'll make some guy really happy someday. She's tough, adventurous, strong-willed, and funny. She may be a lot to handle now, but she'll be able to hold her own later!

Owen -- Last, but certainly never least, Owen. He is such a sweet, caring little boy. The other day, I was making his lunch and I asked him what kind of sandwich he wanted in his lunch. His reply.."Whatever is easier for you, Mommy." I stopped what I was doing and asked him again and he came over to me, put his hand on my back and said, "Mommy, whatever is easier for you is fine." God, I love that child! But seriously, he is smart, sensitive, and curious. He loves to make people happy and hurts deeply when people are sad. Owen reminds me a lot of someone else that I love very, very much...he is just like his Daddy. Always thinking of other's first, even if it is at his expense. Just like his Daddy, there isn't one selfish bone in that kids' body. Not one. He will make a wonderful husband and father someday.

As for school, all is well (above and beyond) in that department. He is being challenged enough to stay focused and that is a relief to us. We are very fortunate that he has such wonderful teachers. He is also learning other wonderful things at school from his friends, like trying to sneak his Star Wars trading cards into his coat pocket to play with on the bus. A big no-no. We especially love his friends that have older siblings. It's amazing what comes out of their mouths sometimes. Owen has really had a great time in first grade and the adjustment went fairly smoothly. I do notice that he definitely needs some 'down time' when he gets home, as he immediately makes a beeline to the basement to play quietly with his Legos. Remember when life was simple like that??

The big event of this year so far is that Owen lost the first of his two front teeth. I swear if that thing wasn't hanging on by a thread. Even though I am a Nurse in the operating room, teeth give me the willies. I HATE loose teeth. Maybe it is because I am exposed to teeth in their absolute worst state (i.e. rotten, abscess, etc.), when the patients come in to get them pulled in the O.R. Maybe it is because my parents took me to a dentist in Farmington that didn't use Novocaine when he did my fillings. I was 5 when I got my first one, the dentist chair was a harvest gold color, and there was an oil painting hanging on the wall directly in front of the chair. It was a 'fall scene' and I was already practicing meditation way before I knew what it was. Anyway, I just don't like teeth. So after two nights of major tooth wiggling, Daddy helped pull it out. He looks like such a big boy, now. I still don't know where all of the time with him has gone. It truly seems like it wasn't so long ago that it was just Owen and the two of us. It's important to take every opportunity to enjoy a snuggle when he requests it, or even to sit on my lap. Those moments are fleeting and frankly, might look a little weird when he is 16. The inevitable part of raising a family....seeing your kids grow up and become independant. A proud moment because you see that you've done some things right, but at the same time sad because you realize all of the time that has gone by.

Lessons in Democracy

As everyone knows, today is a very important day in our Nation's history. We have the opportunity today to make history, no matter what side you are on. Brad and I have been talking to the kids about what it means to vote and what it means to have your voice heard in this country. We have talked to them about how important it is to make their own choices about who is right for them. The last thing that we want is for our children to follow a particular party or agenda, just because that is what we do. It makes me sad when I hear someone talking about a particular candidate or issue, only to find that they really don't understand just why they are for that person/issue/party. We don't want them to have OUR voice, we want them to have THEIR own voice. Owen came home from school yesterday and told us that he asked his teacher if they could vote for president in their class. He then lead the class in a vote and told us, "Eleven kids held their hands up for McCain and fifteen held their hands up for 'Rock Obama'!" It was a proud moment for us to hear the excitement of a six year old talking about a Presidential Election. However the polls turn out, whomever wins, history is being made today. The future voters see this and we need to keep setting a good example for them, no matter what side you are on. Brad and I both have faith in this country and faith in the people to do the right thing. Above all, we have 'hope' for our children's future.

Back to Business

School is back in session, soccer has begun, and all of the usual running from place-to-place is in full swing. I hate to admit it, but having a 'schedule' again is a welcome reprieve after all of the running we do all summer. I guess you could say that summer is 'chaos' and the school year is 'organized chaos.' Any way you look at it we are knee deep in chaos. Secretly, I think that Brad and I both love it...how dull would our lives be without it?

In a nutshell, Owen is just doing a fabulous job in 1st grade. He is bored out of his mind because most of the work they are doing right now is stuff that he did in the beginning of Kindergarten. Hopefully the teacher will get the evaluation phase over with and begin to give him things that challenge him. He's ready to learn something new. As far as making new friends, he's off to a great start. The other morning the bus pulled up to the corner, the doors opened, and the first thing we hear is the sound of several children scream "OWEN!!!" The bus driver shook her head and said to me, "he's a popular guy on this bus." Great. Does that mean as in 'has many friends' or 'can do disgusting things that entertain fellow 6 year old passengers?' I guess we'll have to wait and see.


The monkey in the middle, Miss Avery, is having a fantastic time in her preschool class and wishes that she could go "5 days in a row." The teacher has connected with her in a big way and that makes Mom very happy. She is having so much fun making new friends and getting to do all of the big kid stuff that she has seen Owen do. The only sad part is that she misses Owen so much. She's had him around to play with all day, every day since the day she was born. It's a big adjustment for her.

And last, but certainly not least, Little B. Brendan is just a happy camper, as usual. I think the only time that we see him fussy or out-of-sorts is when he is getting sick or he is sleepy. Other than that, Little B is full of smiles, squeals, and plenty of 'raspberries.' He did manage to cut his two bottom teeth through right on schedule. Now all three of our children have had two teeth at 5 1/2 months. It looks like he is working on cutting the top two as we speak. We are just amazed every single day at how much he has changed. It is unbelievable to think that he's been with us for half a year. HALF A YEAR! So, we are just going to continue to enjoy each moment and watch him grow. We are sooooooooooooo lucky that he is such a good baby...so very lucky.

So that's it for now. We'll be posting soon and sharing all of our pics from this crazy summer. Until next time....

Where does time go??

Ugh. This summer just flew by. We are scratching our heads wondering how this summer went by even faster than it did last year. I've always heard that once you have children, your life seems to slip by quicker. I have really begun to understand that, now that "B" is here. It just seems like you blink and they're off to first grade...which is my segway into the next paragraph.

Owen starts first grade next week. Dad is excited, but nervous. I guess it's a nervous/excitement he has for Owen? Mom is just a plain wreck. There, I laid it out on the table. I don't care if it makes me seem weak or needy, the plain truth is that my BABY is going to first grade. Have I cried? Heck yeah, I did last night as I rocked little B to sleep. I couldn't help but think about how it seems that I was doing the very same thing with Owen not so long ago. It is difficult to believe that six years have gone by so quick. I know that I have told many, many of my friends pregnant with their first to cherish each moment. Any time that you feel frustrated and it makes you think "Oh, I can't wait until he/she can.....(walk, talk, entertain themselves)", stop yourself and just cherish the moment. Even if at that moment you want to knock yourself out to spare the agony of whatever is going on. My own Mother gave me that advice, along with pretty much every other veteran Mom that I have encountered in my life. You have your first child and you think, "I have 5 years to watch him/her grow and to be a part of every moment that I can." At the time you truly do not understand just how fast it goes. But I guess that is what happens and then we, as veteran Moms, pass along the advice to the new Moms..and then watch them do the same things we did.

Of course I am proud that he is moving forward. I am proud to know that he'll succeed and that he'll make lots of new friends but....I know that I will miss him. I will miss the hugs after lunch, the morning snuggles in the winter, and being able to just take off and do things together any time of the day. I am sure that this will be the scenario after his first full week of school: Avery, B, and I sitting around after he departs for school again, staring blankly at each other. Avery not having him to play dress up with, B not having the noise associated with said "dress up" activities, and Mom knowing that Avery's departure to becoming a 'big kid' is just around the corner....

Little B

Little B in his sling....his favorite place to hang out

Don't you just want to eat him!! Babies are so edible. Brendan just turned 4 months old this past Sunday. We cannot believe the time is flying by even faster than it did with Owen and Avery! He is still a lovable little guy with a great smile and lots of energy. About a month ago, he began the teething process. So after huge amounts of drool and some intermittent fussiness, the two little pearls that are under his swollen gums have not reared their ugly heads. Poor guy. We think that they'll make their appearance in the next month or so for sure.

As for the adjustment with Mom going back to work two weeks ago, he's been minimally phased by it. Takes a bottle like a champ (unlike some female child of ours that we shall not name in this post) and the 9pm - 6:00 am block of sleep that we have been so very blessed with since he was 2 1/2 months old has remained -- OH JOY! Mom loves that more than you know. It helps out tons when she doesn't get to bed until 1 a.m. on work nights. Mom is finding that her bedtime is a bit earlier than it used to be, since B was born...must be a 'getting older' thing.

As you can probably guess, the biggest adjustment with Mom going back to work has been for Mom and Dad....juggling the 'schedules' and making sure that the kids' daily routine runs as smooth as possible. We're doing a fine job so far, but it's going to take some time before it runs really smooth. And Dad is doing an awesome job with the kids at home, as always. He's the best! By the time things start falling into place here, it'll be time to shake things up again with the start of the school year. Owen going to first grade (frown) and Miss Avery beginning her first year of preschool (which she is soooooo excited about). We'll be updating the blog over the weekend with some 'summer fun' pics and some great stories. Until then....