Summer 2012

Summer has been busy this year and boy did it fly by.  It started out with no break in activity but a slew of sport camps. Scott had three days off from school then football summer camp started. It really stunk – well mostly for him since he had to be the one to go. Of course these summer camps are scheduled at the oddest hours so as a working parent I had to perform the most juggling of schedules I have ever had to deal with. Once football camp was done he had volleyball camp. Annabelle did a badminton camp too, while going to the archery range every weekend. On top of these camps both the kids had summer jobs. Scott painted with a professional painting company – thank you Hancock Decorating – and Annabelle was the neighborhood dog sitter.

Then July came and we took off for the Northwoods. We had a wonderful vacation and missed one week of more football camp, but I don’t think you’ll hear Scott or his friend Jacob complain about this.  We came back for Scott to finish the second week of this football camp, Annabelle to dog sit and Scott to finish his summer painting job. Now we have three days of rest then the official H.S. Football season starts.  Of course this means two a-days for Scott and some more schedule juggling for me– thank goodness for carpooling. With school starting in less than 10 days, I’m asking, where did summer go? It’s hard to miss school when you were there every day.

Along with the kids’ activities we had wedding showers and weddings to attend as well as a few birthday celebrations. I’ve also been getting ready for the 2012/2013 inside concession season at the high school since I volunteered to be a co-director this year for the Athletic Boosters.  So when I say I think the summer flew by it must of because it all seems like a BLURRR to me.

Disclaimer: Please note that this is not a complaint. I wouldn’t change my kids desire to give it their all when it comes to the activities they choose. I just wish they had the down time I think kids need over the summer to just breathe.

With all this being said, I look forward to fall. The temperature this summer was too hot. Cooler days and much cooler nights will be a longed-for change. The regularity of a school schedule with after school practices, some homework and Friday night games will also be a welcome constant.

Guy Thing?

For the last 6 days I’ve been driving my hubby’s Dodge Challenger with some old school aftermarket enhancements. While driving his car I’ve experienced weird reactions from other drivers. I’ve had various people give me the thumbs up, a head nod and others shouting at me “Nice” (mostly men).  At stoplights if there’s more than one lane going in the same direction, drivers feel the need to put the pedal to the metal like we’re at the starting gates of a drag race; to their disappointment, I just don’t do that in any car. I agree the car looks nice, but the friendly nod of approval from complete strangers is unnerving at times. A couple of times, on my way to work,  I found myself looking down to see if I remembered to put my blouse on because the reaction was ridiculous to me over a car. It's just not something that I feel should attract that much attention. I admit I like the look of many cars but not with so much enthusiasm that I would want to make those drivers feel awkward. Maybe it’s a guy thing?

We've been busy Part III

Annabelle has been keeping up with her archery. It's hard to believe she's been doing it for almost 2 years already. She seems to really be enjoying it even if the league she's been competing in is slacking on handing out her awards.

Bullseye at 40 yards. 2nd one of the day!

Annabelle shoots animal targets during league but enjoys shooting at paper targets when she's practicing. She lucked out on this day - the arena was empty so she had the whole place to her self. She was so relaxed and really enjoyed it.

Like her brother, Annabelle is an excellent student. She is just about done with 7th grade and enjoyed her first year of Jr. High. She even played on the school's bowling team. I don't have a picture of that! Oops. When she's not doing activities, Annabelle is an avid reader. Thankfully her eyesight still keeps improving after all these years and her script has been going down. Perhaps reading does make ones eyes stronger and not weaker???

Annabelle likes to bake cookies too when the jar is empty. She likes eating cookies. Thankfully at 5'9" she can handle them. Yes, it's official I'm the shortest one in our house. Never thought I would describe myself as short, oh well it's only downhill from here.

This summer Annabelle has a couple of dog sitting jobs set up. She will be in heaven because these people allow their dogs on furniture so she will be enjoying having their dogs lay all over her when she's not playing with them. Better someone elses furniture than mine.

We are proud of our tough young lady. She definitely has forged her own personality and has some wisdom beyond her years. Can't wait to see what she does with her life. Oh wait, yes I can wait, I don't want my baby to grow to quickly. I will be cherishing every day of the next few years.

We've been busy - Part II

Scott has been playing on the high school Freshman boys volleyball team. This is something new for him and at 6' seems to be enjoying the game at the net. Mark and I have been traveling to all the games and are having fun trying to figure this sport out. The rules are much different from playing as a kid in gym class or out on the beach.

 On top of his practicing and game schedule, Scott has been maintaining his good grades at school. We are so very proud of him. He even took an extra class this year so he started an hour prior to the regular school day and he never complained. He took German and honors classes all year. Even having one of his classes count as a College credit. It's hard to believe his freshman year will be over in two weeks. It went so fast but was so much fun for him and us. Up next his driver's permit. He passed the test for the permit and will be able to get his permit as soon as his 15th birthday has passed. He's a bit excited about driving but nervous at the same time. This is all good but nerve racking for me though! How can my baby be ready to drive??? Time has surely flown by.

We've been busy Part 1

I know it's been a while since I've posted. Work, house, dogs and kids has kept me busy. Hopefully I can bring you all up to speed in no time. I don't remember much of February or March so I will start with April Fool's day. Thor turned 1!!! Since we really don't know when Thor was born we used the vets best estimate and chose April 1st for his birthday. You probably guessed why, because we were crazy fools to get another dog, but we are so grateful we did. We love having this awesome personality around the house. More on Thor and Mojo at www.mojosspot.blogspot.com

Easter was at out house with my side of the family. It was great to see some of the cousins together. Laura even had the day off so we got to see her. Paula, Mom and I planned an easter egg hunt. Paula painted the names on the kids on all the buckets. They turned out great. We had a great weather day and so it was nice for everyone.

Scott, Peyton, Annabelle, Riley, Mom, Seth, Randy and Adam.

Looking for the perfect egg!

Can't wait to see what's in here.

I see more!

I've got enough.

It's official - she's a teenager!

Annabelle turned 13. I find this facinating since I feel like she's been 13 for a long time, yet I feel she was just 5 yesterday. For her birthday, she wanted a northwoods looking room. She has been debating about what to do to her room for more than a year and since it was decorated 10 years ago, we figured it was about time. You be the judge. I personally thought her room was lovely before but she wanted a change, but not too much of a change, since red is her favorite color. So when I want to relax and feel like I'm on vacation, I step into her new room. Happy birthday to the young lady who makes me smile everyday.

Room prior to make-over

After Make-over - Happy 13th Birthday! Chalk board paint between the windows!

Couldn't forget the details.

Annabelle helped me hang all the wallpaper.

No need to make a wish, her wish already came true! 

Annabelle loves her new room!

Christmas

(This blog is long overdue but I had some computer security issues and blogger wouldn't let me upload pics -but I hope you enjoy!)Christmas was good for all this year. We spent the Friday prior to Christmas downtown Chicago. We went to the Kringle Market at the Daley Center, then off to see A Christmas Carole at the Goodman theatre. A wonderful gift from Mark.

Mark playing a street vendors drums!

Goodman Theatre Tree

Macy's on State!

 After the play we went off to Macy's on Michigan Avenue to see the famous window displays. They were cool but not my favorite that's for sure. It did bring back wonderful memories of shopping with my Uncle Tony at Marshall Fields though. I love that the plaques for Marshall Fields are still on the building. We then went inside to see all the splendor of decorations. I watched them create them on HGTV and was so excited to see them live. We traveled up to the 8th floor and viewed the big tree in the Walnut Room. I don't know why, but I remember it being more grand and lavish in my younger years. The cool part was the LED lighting they had installed, but otherwise I didn't see the extravagant ornaments I remember.

Ditka's huge twice baked potato - with Scott.

We later had dinner at Ditka's restaurant before retiring for the evening at the Affinia hotel on Superior, a block off Michigan Avenue. We won this stay at a charity event over the summer, so we were happy to be able to use it during this holiday season. It was all so much fun!


On Saturday, Christmas Eve, we spent our morning window shopping at Watertower Place. We then went back home to take care of our Mojo and Thor. Thank you so much Jacob (Scott's friend) for taking care of them for us while we were away. After we loved our dogs we prepped to go to my mother's house to spend Christmas Eve with my side of the family. Unfortunately my older brother, Mike and his kids could not make it in this year to celebrate the holidays with us. Randy, Riley and Seth seemed to really enjoy the evening with their big cousins, Scott and Annabelle.

Christmas morning was spent at home with the kids opening their gifts from Santa and Mark and I. I think they were pleased with their gifts this year. Mojo and Thor got gifts in their stockings too.

In the afternoon, we went to Mark's sister's home to spend the day with his side of the family. It was nice to see several nieces and a nephew! We enjoyed the visit very much and the food was once again, awesome.

On Monday, the day after Christmas we held a pajama day at our house. It was wonderful not to have to go anywhere. I spent most of the day laying on the couch watching "Band of Brothers" (So Christmas like - right?)  with Mark in between naps.
With the big days behind us, we have now the task of taking down all of the decor that got us all so excited for this weekend of events that flew by way too fast.

Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas as well and I wish you all much happiness and health in the new year.