Thanksgiving

My mom just had a very large cyst removed and I was the chosen one to bring her in for her surgery, so I have a little time on my hands; I might as well give a little update!

For Thanksgiving this year, we ended up staying home and having it at our house.  I think it actually turned out quite nice.  This year Gail's son, Jeremy and his wife, Joy, decided to surprise Gail and come in for the holiday.  I think the last time I saw them was like 5 years ago.  I'm all about surprises too!  The whole time, I knew that Jeremy was bringing a kosher turkey, but since Gail insisted on coming over the day before to teach me how to brine a turkey, I had to get one too, or else it would ruin the surprise!  So, we ended up with two turkeys.  But hey, I'm not complaining...I love leftovers!  I know some people don't like leftovers, but anytime I can just grab something out of the fridge without cooking is a good day in my book!

Anyway, Gail was completely surprised and it was fun to hang out with everyone.  Joe, Polly, Jill, Brandon, and Tyler also came down which was very nice.  Sydney and Lizzy had a ball playing with everyone! Jeremy and Joy even bought them a gift, so they were all quick buddy's!

Overall, we had a great time.  I had just had a minor surgery to remove a small bump in my forehead so I was in a little pain and had a bunch of stitches, but it didn't stop me!!  That night I decided it would be a wise decision to head out to Toys R Us at 9:00pm for black Friday.  However...it wasn't so wise; I won't be doing that again...but I might change my mind next year!  The line was wrapped around the store and it took over an hour to even get in.  But by the time you're in, you kind of feel committed.  So, I gathered up a bunch of goods for the kids and lugged them around the store...they didn't have carts because of the large mass of people, so everyone got bags (unless you were one of the first one's in the store, but those crazies had to camp out all day, and that is something I'm just not willing to do!!)  Then it came time to check out!  The line was literally wrapped around the entire store.  Like I said, you already felt committed, so you felt compelled to wait in line.  I asked a sales associate how long, and she said about 45 minutes, so that wasn't bad...until 45 minutes passed and I had barely moved. Then I asked a different person and she said about 45 minutes to an hour.  I literally wanted to drop everything and leave.  But for some reason, I stayed!  I got home sometime between 12 and 1am, and I really don't think I got anything too great...with all the hype I thought I would come out with these great things...maybe next time I need a list and a plan (and someone to wait in line for me while I shop).  This is not a one person operation!!  The bottom line is, I made it out alive and if I ever decide to do that again, I should sit down and read this blog or else it's my own darn fault for torturing myself...the things I do for the kids!

My Shopping Buddy

Well, it's that time of year again...time to buy winter boots (blah)!  Have I ever told anyone how much I hate winter?  Anyway, I had a 30% off coupon at Kohls, so I took Sydney there after dance class.  I happened to be wearing my Uggs that day and the first boots she saw looked just like mine (but fake, aka fuggs), so of course, she wanted the same ones that I had.  I told her no way, no how, not happening because they are not winter boots to play out in the snow and she needs to have winter boots for recess at school.  So I dragged her to the proper section and of course she picked out the most fashionable boots she could find.  They had the nice Totes brand with the hard toe and warm lining...but no....they weren't "cute".  So I caved and spent $40 dollars on boots that probably won't last the winter, but hey....they're cute....and apparently that's all that matters!  So, we put them in the cart and she still was begging to buy these fuggs.  I told her if she wanted them that badly, she had to buy them herself.  And that's exactly what happened.  My lucky kids somehow managed to get money for Halloween (not from me though...candy is enough!), so she spent her Halloween money on these boots...that just sounds weird...Halloween money??  But she willingly forked over the $32 ( I only charged her $30, aren't I nice?) and we were headed on our way....to my section!  HELLO...did you really think I could go into the store and not look for myself?  I have a coupon!!!

So, we walked over to my section and Sydney started running and yelling at the top of her lungs..."JENNIFER LOPEZ".  Everyone was looking at us.  She said, "mommy, you HAVE to get these earrings"  She was so excited that she knew who Jennifer Lopez was.  She dropped them in my cart, but I wasn't going to get them.  Then there was a sale rack and I started pulling out a couple things, but Sydney kept putting things in my cart saying I had to try them on...what a little instigator!  So, we finally made it to the dressing room with way more than I anticipated and she sat there very patiently while I tried things on.  She kept telling me to take my time (she obviously didn't want to go home and go to bed) and she gave me some very honest opinions.  She would say, "eeeewwwww, but that in the NO pile", or "yes, yes, yes, you HAVE to get that."  I guess I have a little fashionista on my hands.  And in case you're wondering...I bought the earrings....they were so cute!

We finally left with way more than I expected, but hey...they gave us $20 Kohls cash.  Now I get to go back and buy more!!!  I think I'll take my shopping buddy....we had a good time!

Conferences

We have completed both of the girls' conferences!  It's always fun (or maybe not so fun) to sit down with the teachers to hear what they have to say about your kid!

Sydney's conferences went very smoothly just like they always do.  She is always a very good student.  She would never do anything to act up at school or cause her to get in trouble (it's a total different story at home).  But Mrs. McGorisk had nice things to say about her and she seems to be right on track with everything, so we are pleased.  Although she is frustrated with writing lower case letters, it is not officially taught until the end of November, so we are all good!!

This is the first time I've ever had a conference for Lizzy.  It wasn't quite the same as sitting in on one for Sydney....what a different kid she is.  She doesn't like to listen at circle time, she kind of stares off into space.  She doesn't like to share with others, she doesn't make a lot of different choices from day to day meaning that if given the opportunity, she will always do the same thing, so the teachers have to suggest that she try different things.  And both of her teachers said with an overwhelming, "YES", that Lizzy can sure defend herself.  None of this comes as a surprise at all. We just like to say that Lizzy has a strong personality.   But in my opinion, she has a fun personality and she is always saying something clever and making me laugh.  So, we have some work to do with Lizzy, but she is a very bright little girl and I'm not worried in the least bit...she's just a 3 year old acting just like a 3 year old!!  And Sydney is 5, acting like a teenager!!!

Halloween

Wow, Halloween used to be just one night.  But now, as the kids get older, it seems as if there are a million activities that actually lead up to the real Halloween.  I think I had to dress Sydney up like 4 or 5 times....crazy!!  She had a schoolwide halloween roller skating party at Bonaventure where she wore her Belle princess dress.  Then, the next day, she wore her Cinderella dress (the one she bought at Disney World because they were sold out of Belle, but obviously we eventually HAD to get her Belle too) to the Enchanted Hike at  her school.  Then, that weekend we had a party at Samantha and Addison's house (Addison is currently in Lizzy's class and Samantha was in Sydney's class last year, but they rock....so we keep in touch).  Sydney wore her Little Mermaid costume and Lizzy wore Strawberry Shortcake.  Fortunately Lizzy only had two Halloween events and she was Strawberry Shortcake for both, so we didn't have all of the costume changes!! Anyway,  It was a lot of fun to have all of the kids together.  They had a blast painting pumpkins and doing other crafts. Well, Lizzy had fun painting the pumpkins, but then she got antsy and decided to play with all of their toys...I wasn't surprised....she loves other people's toys!

And then finally....Halloween night (as if the kids needed MORE candy).  Lily came over to trick-or-treat with us and my mom passed out the candy.  The kids really don't understand the concept of "WALK" as they ran from house to house.  Fortunately, there were  no incidents this year.  Although, Sydney did make a comment which left me completely mortified.  We went to this one house and I didn't go right up to the door with the kids.  So, I was standing close to the street and yelled out to Sydney to make sure she said "thank you" becasue I didn't hear her say it.  And she yells out, "I can't, this house STINKS" (as she running away).  The people who live in this house happen to be Indian so what she was smelling was Indian food.  But, I told her that she can't say stuff like that (but couldn't really get in a huge lecture and she was running to the next house).  Her response was, "but it DID".  So, we'll have to have a bigger chat about how to keep some things inside sometimes.  Fortunately I don't know these people and it was dark outside so they won't remember us, but how embarrassing!!!  And one quick Lizzy story.  We went up to a house and Lizzy said, "trick or treat, I'm thirsty, can I have a drink?"  This was like two houses down from the one Sydney said smelled.  I was like, what the heck is wrong with my kids?  I told the nice lady that she didn't have to get her a drink, but she insisted and came back with a juice box!

Although we had a lot of fun this Halloween...I'm glad it's over!!  Next up....Thanksgiving....yum!  And on the menu....Halloween candy!  We have enough for an army including the 30 pack of full size candy bars that Jerry stopped by with for the kids!

Down on the Farm

Sydney's class went on a field trip to The Real Life Farm in Canton.  FINALLY, now that she's in kindergarten, parents don't have to chaperone.  They can if they want, but it's not mandatory that every child has a parent in attendance.  So, we signed Sydney up and figured she was good to go.  But my girly girl was a little hesitant about going to a farm.  Last year, our trip to the Bowers Farm was not successful at all, as Sydney stood there with her fingers over her nose the entire time...literally.


So, not only was she not excited to go on this trip, but she was even less excited about the fact that one of us wasn't going.  But alas, Grandpa Eliot came to the rescue.  Sydney begged and begged and finally got her way.  So, I had to call the teacher the day before the trip and make arrangements for my dad to go on the trip.  And what do you know...she LOVED the Real Life Farm.  From what I hear, it is pretty amazing.  They got to ride horses, which Sydney apparently loved (they must not have smelled).  They also had a fantastic playground and went on a hayride.  My dad even said that he had fun...despite the fact that I forgot to pack him a lunch...ooops.  The whole trip, he kept sending me text messages saying, "I'm losing strength, I need food.  Oh, but don't worry about me."  Obviously he was kidding, but yes, I did forget to pack him some food.

But all in all, Sydney had a wonderful time (and I got some pictures out of the deal...thanks Dad!).  Maybe next time she will be adventurous and attempt a field trip without one of us.  But then again, I guess I kind of like the fact that she still needs and wants to be with us.  It's only a matter of time before that changes...and from what I hear, it happens pretty quickly!

SCHOOL!!!!

So, both kids are in school this year, where has the time gone?  Sydney seems to be loving kindergarten!  Her favorite part is the bus, but I'm not quite sure that counts!  So, her second favorite part is gym.  Sometimes she comes home and says, "today wasn't very much fun at all", and the only reason she says that is because she has to go to art.  She's not a very big fan of art; perhaps she takes after me.  I can barely draw a stick figure, so maybe she should just aspire to be a little better than me and she'll be good!  But all in all, she is very happy.  She loves her teacher, since it's the one she really wanted.  They have small homework assignments which she is eager to do, so hopefully this will keep up!

As for Lizzy, we had a small hiccup along the way.  I had signed Lizzy up for a MWF class thinking it would be the same set up as Sydney's class last year at Alameda where the teacher had a MWF class and a completely separate T TH class.  So it was perfect, she would go all day MWF and I would leave work early on those days to pick her up and meet Sydney off of the bus and Sydney would go to Y Care on        T TH.  It was perfect until two weeks into the year, I realized that Lizzy and another kid were the ONLY one's going MWF and everyone else went every single day.  I realized this when the teacher kept planning big activities on Tuesday's and Thursday's and Lizzy was missing out and although I addressed my concern, nothing was changed.  There was no kid that only went on T TH, so there was no reason not to plan big events on MWF which would benefit everyone.  Also, a month into the school year and I didn't even know the teacher's email address...so that's not a good sign. But anyway, needless to say, I put Lizzy in a different class.

The class Lizzy is in now only meets on Tuesday's and Thursday's all day.  I figured since she just turned 3, that is enough!  Sydney only went for 2 1/2 hours two days per week when she was three, so I figured it would be a good fit.  The teacher is awesome and emails me pictures of Lizzy and responds almost immediately when you send an email.  Also, this class only had 8 kids, where the previous class had 17, so the teacher/student ratio is much smaller.  Even better, I had to change my work schedule to leave early on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday ( I kept Friday since I still have to get Sydney off of the bus).  This would mean I would work late on Mon. and Wed. and need someone to watch Sydney on those days.  But since our nextdoor neighbor doesn't work on those two days, she offered to get Sydney off of the bus on those days so that Sydney doesn't have to go to Y Care, and thus saving me $130 per month.  So, I think this was a good move....MAYBE.

The maybe comes into play because Lizzy is TOTALLY breaking my heart.  It's been two weeks and she still talks about her friends in the other class.  She keeps saying that her best friend is Claire and that her old teachers still love her and that she misses all of them.  She sees them on the playground which in a way makes things harder because she will NEVER forget about them.  I'm trying to think on the positive side in that, now she just has more friends, but you should hear her when she talks about them, it really brings a tear to my eye and makes me think that I made the wrong decision.  I know kids are resilient, so hopefully this will all work out in the end.  Afterall, I figured that the kids who are going every day this year will naturally go every day next year so they would be in a different class next year anyway.  And there is NO WAY that Lizzy is not going to get Mrs. Bruder next year (the best teacher EVER), so I already know she will be going MWF next year.

So...here's to a good year without anymore glitches!!!

Lizzy's Birthday (and mine too...)

September 9th is both mine and Lizzy's birthday.  But since I'm old now, we try to focus on Lizzy!!  It wasn't the most exciting day, but we made the most of it.

First, Lizzy had her pre-school orientation, so I took the day off of work to spend with Lizzy since the orientation was in the middle of the day anyway. She bolted immediately to the toys...of course!  She had fun, and they even sang happy birthday to her!  Then, we met my mom for lunch, but all of a sudden she had a terrible pain in her leg and could barely walk...so we ended up at Urgent Care....fun!  Turns out it was a pinched  nerve!  We were supposed to go shopping, but as you can imagine...that didn't happen.  So, we went home to catch Sydney off of the bus!

That night my Dad and Gail came over for dinner.  The kids were both tired and cranky by this point, so we just got a carry out and stayed in (but we did go out to Dairy Queen for dessert...somehow ice cream all of a sudden puts kids in a good mood).  I don't think I have any pictures, but my Dad and Gail got me Uggs for my birthday...it was completely unexpected, but they are sooooooooooo comfortable.  I've been missing out all of this time with my cheap knock-offs.  Jason did exceptionally well this year too.  He made me a mouse pad for work with the girl's picture on it.  I also got a really cute Detroit Tigers shirt and gift certificate to Victoria's Secret.  I really wanted new  underwear....too much information, I know, but it was time for an update.  I also got a cute pair of pj's from Pink (part of Victoria Secret), and I learned that I love that store...they have tons of MSU gear...I'll be visiting that store again in the near future!!  And due to the fact that I've been slacking on this here blog, I can't remember what we got Lizzy for her birthday...that's probably because it wasn't too exciting....oh wait, that's right....Jason bought her Finding Nemo.  So, Lizzy got a DVD and Sydney got a Nintendo DS...seems fair!  We'll make it up to Lizzy when she turns 5 and can appreciate the finer things.  But my Dad and Gail got Lizzy some super cute clothes from Gymboree for the school year.  The only time Lizzy doesn't wear hand me downs, is when someone else purchases the clothes...poor Lizzy...mommy is a cheapskate, hence the old knock-off boots I've been wearing!  But I was happy with the way the day turned out despite the little mishap at the beginning of the day!  But I'm glad she's okay, that's the most important.