The Year in Review

I thought it only fitting to do kind of a year in review... actually I knid of feel obligated as there are recaps of the year for everything from the economy to celebrity breakups-- I'm pretty sure mine isn't as exciting but here goes:

What I have learned--
--That you can believe about 50% of the stuff you read in the media ( sorry Stace!)-- the rest is much hype.
--That even after school is done, you continue to learn.
--That a job can pay the bills but a career is more rewarding.
--That the stock market is an unpredicable beast however I kind of have a sixth sense when it comes to investing in stocks and have made great decisions when it comes to buying or getting out. I wish I could bottle it and sell it.
--That kids grow not only in height but also in your heart.
--That a conversation with your child is memorable -- and a mother never forgets.
--That friends with new beginnings are way to exciting for words.
--That growing older makes you realize that skin does not stay the same and your body wants do it's own thing.
--That having a year without giving birth to a child gives you the ability to step back and assess in order to get ready for the next one in a couple more years.
--That a new house is exciting but also exhausting.
--That entertaining has become a way fo life in our house-- not a month went by without at least 2-3 get togethers with friends and family-- and we loved every minute of it.
--That watching your husband work more hours in 2 weeks than most of us work in a month makes you realize how hard of a worker he really is and how laziness is an opposite trait of his.
--That Facebook is an addiction but also a way to keep in touch with those far away.

Finally, that next year will bring many new experiences, new growth, new ideals but what has already occurred is what created who I am today.

Cheap Chick!!

Well I never thought I would do it but I have secumbed to using coupons. Honestly maybe it is out of boredom or it's just a challenge ( I needed something to do! ) but I have become the ultimate saver! Seriously on average I save $20-$50 a WEEK just by using coupons, watching sales, and buying at the right time. I picked up a lot of ideas from "The Grocery Game" and of course the girl who started it all about 20 years ago my friend Sarah. I now am at a point where grocery shopping is a game and I stock up on items that I know now to be at the lowest price they will be. Take for instance a recent deal I got. Toothpaste-- seems easy enough right? Well most people get it when the tube is almost out. I planned ahead! Colgate was on sale at Target for $3.20 ( down from $3.49). then I had a $1 off coupon for Target and a $1 off manufactuer's coupon so... do the math and voila toothpaste for $1.20! That's $2.29 in savings! It adds up quickly believe me. Every single week I scan the sales and the coupons for items. Then I make my lists for various places and off we go to save money! It's not that we are desparate to save money it is more like I know better. Having worked for retailers for over 10 years and knowing what "markups" and "discounts" really do to a business-- I feel that we are doing them a favor by taking advantage of the sale prices. Stores put items on sale to drive people into the store. If those items don't sell then there is no concrete proof that promotions even work-- thus it is back to the drwaing board for the Marketing team. I'm trying to help the economy is all.... oh and challenge myself to save money... now where did that 30 cents off of 10 cans of Green Giant vegtables go?

Pictures!

Where has all the blogging gone....

Ok, ok I'm back! After a couple of "what the heck is wrong with you" emails, I decided that the blogging needed to continue. As an update let's see what's been going on around the Larson household:

House: Since March we have been headstrong into making our house a home.... nothing has chnaged. We recently added a backsplash to our kitchen which Mike did on his own and I do have to say it looks great. We also painted the dining/living room this great color I found called "rust". It's kind of a fall color but I think it looks fabulous. We also finally purchased a water softener... sooooo needed. So what's next? ahh yes the man cave. We are plainning to begin construction our basement which I have begun referring to it as the man cave. Why? Mainly because of such elements as a pool table, dart obard, bar, projection TV and comfy seating. So what do I get? peace and quiet upstairs so I can watch "the Real Housewives of Atlanta"

Family: So my family's bodies are falling apart. My brother recently had knee surgery and just had to go back under the knife because of an infection. Marge well she's just old but she has a cornea transplant in her left eye. I keep asking her if they screwed up and gave her a hazel eye instead of her brown one. You never know-- it could happen. Both are recovering, but let's hope that's the last of the surgeries for a while.

The boys: Mike has been working a bunch but has also had enough time off to do house projects. Let's just hope he takes some of that time off and goes x-mas shopping for me in the next couple of months. Momma needs some bling. Matthew is a true 2 1/2 year old--- abosultely figuring out the world and is turning more into his Mom each day. Seriously what kid would freak out because his hands are dirty.... ummm mine? Then there is Nathan. If he doesn't make it in the NFL, then the world will be missing a great player. He is a brute at the ripe age of 15 months. He tackles EVERTHING! He has recently moved up into the toddler room at daycare and has his eye on this little chica named Jade. I thinks it's her curly hair that makes him melt.

Me: Not much to report over here. I'm learning to fill my days that have been voided because of the lack of Law School with the kids, Mike, sleep, Facebook ( can we say obsesssion?), organizing, cooking, cleaning, shopping, decorating, work, watching TV oh and reading. And you were worried I'd be bored... Am I ready for more school?-- heck no! Another kid? Not for at least a year. Another career? Hah. I'm happy to be normal and not have to have my world scheduled down the the minute.

Final thoughts: The one thing that my mind has been reeling from lately is the economy. Maybe because I know too much and how each fluctuation in the market, each company that lays off workers, each financial institution that screams for help affects me and those around me. Do I know how to fix it? I do have some ideas. Am I worried? Knowing what I know, seeing what I'm seeing-- yes. Does it stop me from investing? No--- that is not the answer. Sometimes knowledge is power but in this case I sometimes wish I was little more naive to the business world. My advice-- spend wisely.

A woman after my own heart

I love women who are the epitome of multitaskers . I was deeply enthralled last night by Sarah Palin's story through her VP acceptance speech. Not just because I share some of those conservative views but because I share much of her life. I had to laugh thinking about how she went to work 4 weeks after having her last baby... hmmm I was back at school within 1 week and back at work within 8 weeks-- I love her. Although I too am not completely sold that she can do the job-- I'm pretty sure she would give it one heck of a try--- let's see a man try to live her life!

Brothers

When I first found out I was pregnant with Nathan, I kind of panicked seeing as how Matthew was only 7 months old at the time. Now I'm starting the see the fruits of my labor in terms of dealing with 2 babies so close together in age. The boys are starting to play together and whatever Matthew does is the coolest thing to Nathan. I predict they will fight like brothers do but be best friends in the end... what do you think?

Happy Birthday Nathan!

Well my baby turned 1 on July 18th. In true fashion, we surrounded him with family as he got to experience his first taste of "Happy Birthday dear Nathan". I don't think he really understood what was going on-- other than he got to eat cake. Since Matthew had a football theme for his b-day, Nathan-- my boy of summer and the one born the week of the All Star Game-- had a baseball themed party. I think secretly our theme was a ploy to get him thinking about the concept of playing for the Cubs one day. Yes I said the Cubs-- my Grandmother who was a die hard Cubs fan would come back from the grave if one of her great grandchildren played for them some day. Oh and the weekly viewings of Cubs games at Grandma Kupiecki's house doesn't hurt the cause either. It may happen some day you never know. For now he is still my baby-- who has grown up way too fast in front of my eyes.

My brain hurts

Ok yeah it's me.... I'm still here in body but my brain is gone. Today I took the first half of the bar exam... yeah I know--- why the heck are you blogging? Well, if I don't know it now I won't know it is my philosophy so we went out for a family dinner, went to go look at plants for our ever growing landscape plans and I have decided to spend my night relaxing and preparing myself for another torturous day. Here has been my life this last week--- kids to daycare-- me to the library for 7-8hours--- pick up the kids, go home have dinner, put the kids to bed, get Mike off to work, study for 2-3 more hours. Seriously-- no life! It was so nice today to get 1 day of the exam out of the way. I felt pretty confident with what I accomplished today but still--- it's not exactly my idea of a fun time. I just can't wait to have a glass of wine, relax on my deck and read a magazine--- that is all I want right now..... 24 more hours.... until no more studying EVER!!!

Speaking of landscaping here are some pics of where we are so far ( and a couple of the boys on a hot day)-- check it out!

35 years

On Friday we will be attending the 35th anniversary of Mike's parents 4th of July neighborhood block party. Interestingly enough, I have been to 13 of these events and low and behold there are certain traditions that have held true. Marilyn makes her rice hotdish, Harriet makes her potato salad ( that I crave all year), we have a horseshoe tournament ( that in the last 5 years I have made every excuse in the book not to participate because I am THAT bad), we eat 2 meals and most of all we visit. When I say visit.... there are between 30 and 50 people each year to hear all about who's doing what, where, with whom, and why. It's amazing when they bring out pictures how the people have changed but their idea of a celebration has stayed the same. When we first told Mike's parents that we were expecting Matthew-- one the things we wrote in the book we gave them was "I can't wait to play in the 4th of July tournaments"... I think we may have to wait another year and after 35 years I have a feeling, there will absolutely be a next year.

Through the years...

This weekend is a big weekend for Mike and I, here are the statistics....

On June 27th, 6 years ago, Mike proposed.

On June 28th, 5 years ago, we got married.

On June 29th, 13 years ago, we had our first date.

Boy how time flies!! How are we celebrating? The same way we did 5 years ago....

At a Twins game.... how romantic huh?

Random Thoughts

The words "I love you" from a friend really makes you smile.

A brother's teasing can bug you just as much at 33 as it did at 13.

Kids just like footy pajamas... nuff said.

I made cookies for the first time in a long time.... it didn't take as much time as I remembered.

I love KFC.

I need a pedicure... it's very important in the summertime.

Around 75 degrees in air temperature, the decision to turn on air conditioning becomes a stressful one.

Applesauce is really good... I understand why kids like it so much.

Why do gutters cost so much?

Cats are good at soothing an upset baby.

Cooper is getting old.

The elderly really do tend to gear their car decisions toward Buick's and Oldsmobile's.

My niece went horseback riding today on a horse named Wyoming. It would be fun to name horse.

Even with email as the main mode of communication the walk to the mailbox is still filled with anticipation.

Diva Weekend

Ahh Diva Weekend. This is one of those weekends that I long for each year. Why you may ask? Well just imagine this 6 of my best friends all congregated around the concept of talking, laughing and just being with each other. This year on the 9th annual weekend, we were able to enjoy what I would consider the ultimate Diva movie "Sex in the City" as well as a day of total fun. I remember looking down at my 2 rows of friends and thinking-- with how busy our lives are as career women, Mom's, wives, etc.... but we always make this weekend a priority and each year plan months in advance to ensure each member of this amazing group of women can attend-- without one of us there, it's not the same. Imagine these great women as some of your best friends and you will understand:

Becki- Becki can make you laugh at the drop of a hat with her quick wit, but it is her unmatchable devotion to the concept of friendship that really makes her special. She would do anything for anyone of us ( include stand out in 30 mph winds to light a grill so we can eat) without a thought.

Emily-- Emily can suprise you. She is so knowlegable about well just about anything hense her nickname of "Dr. Emily". She always seems to have a new adventure going on in her life. She can be the life of the party but can also be one of the best listeners I have ever met. She is never short of hugs or time just to lend an ear to a friend.

Dawn-- Ah Dawn, talk about adventure. She always has a story to share-- which makes her as a friend exciting. She is also never short on compliments-- genuine compliments I might add. Peple just love her the momemnt they meet her.

Sarah-- Even though Sroe ( Sarah Roe-- get it?) lives in Kansas City we still cherish her friendship as a Diva. She always seems to be laughing or smiling--- even through the worst of times. Her good nature seems to shine through in everything she does and she is a true testament to "never give up on what you want".

Kim-- ahh Kim, the glue that holds us together. I don't know what we would do without you. She has a heart of gold and a sensitivity that is so amazing -- it is unmatchable. She has a "genuine soul" that is so caring and compassionate that it shows in every aspect of her life-- including friendships.

Casey-- Casey's life is never short on drama, however her confident sense of self allows you to believe that she is one of the strongest women alive ( emotionally that is). She is never short of laughter and like Emily--- a true listener, she is ALWAYS there as a shoudler to cry on if need be. She truly doesn't have a mean bone in her body and believes in friendship as a truly special phenomena.

Now after describing these women I bet you are jealous? Yeah I would be too. I am truly lucky to know them and even more lucky to be a part of their lives. On Saturday, sitting in that movie theater looking at these women I can't help but pinch myself at how blessed I am to have them in my life. I love my divas!

I like food

I have never seen a child consume as much food as my little Nathan. Typically nothing goes to waste but in this case the yogurt was too much fun...

Hug your loved ones a little bit closer tonight.

So a year ago we got a call on a Sunday afternoon that one of Mike's college roomates, Adam Miller, had been in a pretty bad car accident that morning. This accident hit home particularly because not only was Adam a good friend, but he was also a police officer. Adam was driving home at 7am and fell asleep at the wheel after a long night of working... needless to say it could have just as easily been Mike in that driver seat on any given morning. We rushed to the trauma center at HCMC to show our support and were hit with the news that Adam may never walk again. Needless to say through many months of hard work and a drive to have a normal life with his wife Kelli and their son Ty, he is walking again. Over the past year they have shared their story on a caringbridge site and just so it never leaves my mind and enters yours today, here are Kelli's words-- a year after the accident:


Today marks the one year anniversary of Adam’s car accident. It has been a year of highs and lows, and has tested our faith, patience, love, and our will to keep it all together.
May 20, 2007 was one of the worst days of our lives. Some of you may not know this, but Adam had woken up just before his truck crashed, and he remembers the entire ordeal. He knew immediately there was something wrong with his legs. We are eternally grateful that there was a car driving behind him and they called 911 right away. Getting that visit from the police officer at my door was my worst nightmare, and the relief I felt when he told me Adam was alive was something I will never forget. The outpouring of support at the hospital that day was incredible. So many of Adam’s co-workers, friends, and our families came to the hospital as we waited for Adam to come out of surgery.
The first two weeks after Adam’s accident were probably the hardest for us. We were still in shock over what had just happened, and had no idea if Adam would regain feeling or movement below the waist. A glimmer of hope came in one of our darkest hours one week after Adam’s accident. That morning his doctor told him point blank he didn’t think he stood a chance at ever walking again. I remember how devastated we felt hearing that news. But it lit a fire within Adam; he spent that entire day trying to wiggle his toes, and by the end of the day he could do it. It was the first positive sign we had that he may be able to regain movement.
While staying at Sister Kenny Institute, Adam started regaining more and more feeling and movement in his legs. By the time he left 6 weeks later, he was able to lift his right leg off the bed, and transfer from the bed to the wheelchair with a slide board. He also started to stand with the aid of therapy equipment. The therapy he received at Sister Kenny was top notch and rigorous. Adam was extremely ambitious and looked forward to therapy every day.
After Sister Kenny, Adam spent 6 weeks at St. Gertrude’s and it was here that he made some tremendous accomplishments. By the time he left, he was able to walk with the help of a walker and transfer from a wheelchair to a car with the help of a slide board. During his time, Adam was able to return home for day trips due to the kindness of volunteers (friends, family, and co-workers) who built us a wheelchair ramp to our front door. Home visits were bittersweet. Adam so enjoyed being home, and it was hard taking him back to St. Gert’s at the end of the day.
In September, Adam transferred to the Courage Center for 6 weeks. The therapy he received there was incredible and he still goes there for out-patient therapy once a week. But by this time, the emotional toll on being gone from home for so long was evident in all of us. Adam was homesick and we missed him terribly. Adam made tremendous strides while at the Courage Center though. He passed his driving exam and was cleared to drive again. He could get in and out of a car completely unassisted, was walking with a walker and even began walking with a cane indoors and outdoors. Walking 5 months after a life-altering injury to the spine was a huge accomplishment and an answer to our prayers.
All in all, Adam endured 2 back surgeries, battled a staph infection that came back twice, and stayed at 4 different hospital/rehab facilities before returning home 5 months later in mid-October. For the first time in my life, I was actually happy to see the summer come to an end.Fall 2007 marked a new beginning for us. Adam was finally home and things started feeling normal again.
In January, two big things happened. First, Adam retired his wheelchair for good, and second, he returned to work. Although he wasn’t able to return to patrol yet, he was happy to be back and grateful for the opportunity to work in the office.
One year after his accident, Adam can walk up and down stairs, stand and bend at the knees, and pick things up off the floor from a standing position (yes I’ve been putting him to work cleaning the house). He even mowed the lawn the other day and ran on the treadmill in PT. These are all things most people take for granted everyday, but for someone with Adam’s injury, they have all been huge achievements and cause for celebration. He experiences varying degrees of back pain everyday, but it doesn’t hold him back. He looks forward to his PT sessions. They work him hard at the Courage Center, and he is extremely driven – hopeful that he will return to patrol some day.
As summer approaches, we have a lot to look forward to. We are expecting our 2nd child in July, and Adam is anxious to spend time outside, teaching Ty to fish, and do so many other things he missed out on last year (yes, even yard work!). He also can’t wait to take Trigger hunting again in the fall. We are thankful each and every day that Adam was given a second chance to walk.
Today marks the one year anniversary of Adam’s car accident, and we find it only fitting that we bid farewell to CaringBridge and close the book on this past year.
To all of you who have encouraged, loved, prayed, donated your time/energy/finances, and simply lent a shoulder to cry on:We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten!
Love, Adam, Kelli, Ty, and Trigger

Multiple Personalities

On Saturday I finally did it... I graduated from Law School...

After grabbing diploma and heading away from the Law School my Mom reminds me "even though you now have the title of Juris Doctor, at home you are still known as Mom"

Talk about multiple personalities....

Going Stir Crazy

Ok I'm officially going stir crazy. Prior to kids I have never gone more than 3 to 6 months without going on a plane to SOMEWHERE... it has been 2 years. I'm going nuts!!! I think it has been the timing of being pregnant, giving birth, school, work, etc. that has prevented me from expanding my wings. Thank god for road trips to Northern Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin otherwise I would seriously be wondering if my urge to travel were gone. I always think about that fact given our master plan we will be retired around the age of 53 and I fully intend on making Mike take me all over the globe.... but why wait? Is it better to do it now while we can still walk faster than those tour trolley's you see at tourist traps? I'm not sure. All I know is that given my lack of school this fall-- I need to go somewhere and as for next year-- a spring trip is a must. Now I just need to convince my husband of this-- maybe if I promise golfing at each destination he will go along with my plan? Maybe it's just my internal need to have more than 12 things going on at one time ( school's done, we bought a house, I'm not pregnant-- what can I do now?) Maybe it's hearing about fabulous trips that people have been going on ( do you know that there is a special out there for $1000 a person for 4 nights +airfare to stay in an Irish castle? Doesn't that sound cool?) Also, I want to boys to know that there is a world beyond the 4 corners of Minnesota, that experiencing new states, new areas is a good idea. Maybe I should change the boys' lullaby from "take me out to ballgame" to "leaving on a jet plane" by the master of all that is folk and frequent guest on the Muppet Show-John Denver. For now I will just settle for getting off this couch and traveling to my "bedroom retreat". Good night and happy trails!

Predictions

Do you ever look at or spend enought time with a child only to wonder or try to predict what a child will be when they grow up? This idea came to me as my friend Kim was explaining her son's recent obsession with police officers--- I wonder if he will be a police officer too? As for my family here are my predictions:
My neice Vivianne--- seeing as how she is super smart, kind of bossy and has no fear-- you will see this one politics!
My neice Katie--as for this one. Recently she had her Kindergarten appitude test wherby she was asked if she knew her numbers her response was "um 2+5=7 and 10+2=12" so this one will either be a math genius or on account of her tendency to argue very well-- a judge.
Matthew-- an engineer no doubt. Since the time he was little baby his small motor skills have been amazing-- also he always looks to see how something works before he plays with it.
Nathan-- a cop. We need one to give all of Mike's cop memorabelia to don't we?

Legal Eagle

I DID IT!!! I finally had my last class of Law School! It feels so good to fianlly be done with 4 years of hard wordk ( well I still have finals but I'm so used to them by now that I'm not even worried). I can't believe I am finally graduating. Luckily I had a great group of friends to share the classes, the stresses,the frustrations and the fears about the legal world with. The 10 of us who refer to ourselves as "The Syndicate" ( our law firm name or the name of our private island if we all make it big) And what an eclectic group we were.... there was the Republican, top our our class, who we know will do great things, there was the women's rights activist who was so wise of the world that it made me in awe of her, there was the hockey jock who's stress level always rose as the semester grew on-- almost a signal to us that finals were coming, the fashionista who could be seen shopping on Zappos when we were supposed to be learning Criminal Law, etc. It took such a common bond as the crazy world of law school to bring us together... and I could not have survived without them. Now it is off to the fulfill my career abition that I established during my undergad-- to become a lawyer--I just have to pass the Bar now:(

Getting older...

So I'm officially older.... not old yet... just older. It all of a sudden hit's you one day that body that you had when you were 20 is not the same body anymore. Some observations:
1. My hands--- I look down at my hands and I see my Mom's, not my Mom's as of 20 years ago but her hands now... I better start moisurizing better.
2. My alcohol tolerance-- it's gone. I have 2 drinks and the next day I feel like crap. What happened to the girl who could down 4 long island ice teas and a couple of beers on a Tuesday night and still make it to class the next day with a full attention span back in college? She went bye, bye.
3. Boobs--- let's not go there other than to say-- gravity.
4. Hair-- where did this gray come from? I'm not 65 yet-- I'm only 33-- what the?
5. Caffeine-- need it, want it, have to have it to survive the day.
6. Finally my mind--- I have always prided myself on my ability to have an amazing memory-- especially when it comes to useless knowledge ( Yes Tori Spelling was on Saved by the Bell- she played Violet Bickerstaff Screech's love interest! Oh and the cheer I tried out for cheerleading in 1989 with went a little something like this "Look out, watch out, here we come, the stong, proud Jaguars and #1) but recently I forgot my friend's Sarah and Stacy's B-day ( I called a day early-- sorry girls-- I'm losing it!) where did it go? I claim in some ways that as I gave birth a little of my mind slipped out as well but COME ON! Better try out for Jeopardy or the World Championship of Pop Culture now while I still have something up there!

TV

Ok so I just read my friend Andrea's blog and I'm laughing at her empowering obsession over the show "Friday Night Lights". Although I don't share in the absolute devotion to the show... there are a couple of shows that make me check the clock every 10 mintues until they are on-- here are my top 10:
1. The Hills---- hello? LA drama stemming from the good old days at Laguna Beach... love LC!!
2. The Bachelor--- yeah I know it's been on for something like 10 years but each "most dramatic rose ceremoney ever" still gets me.
3. Top Chef--- the chef's amaze me. I have to read the instructions to make Hamburger Helper while these people can whip up a garlic based chutney styles chicken with rosemary dressing and a pearand escargot flan. -- What the?
4. Brothers and Sisters-- anyone who has ever seen Steel Magnolias loves Sally Field--and how can you go wrong with a family that owns a winery?
5. Supernanny-- learn how to control children-- 'nuff said.
6. The Real Housewives of New Your City/Orange county--- these women rock! It totally makes you want to go get yourself a sugardaddy.
7. How I Met your Mother-- Doogie Howser as a playa- how cool is that?
8. Rock of Love with Bret Michaels-- there is something about has been '80's hair band members and 20 something strippers looking for love that really warms your heart.
9. Scott Baio is 46 and Pregnant--- Betsy loves Chaichi!
10. Jon and Kate plus 8-- these people are my heros! A pair of twins and a set of sextuplets all in GAP clothing.

Smarty Pants

So when you have kids one of the main things you tend to wonder about is whether your kids will be smart. For my brother who is a genius and his wife who's mother's maiden name is Einstein, there was obviously no question. My neice is already throughroughly involved in doing multiplication tables and reading full chapter books at the age of 6-- yeah their kids are smart. But how do we measure our own kids? There are of course certain milestones that the books and doctors look for like saying full sentences, dressing themselves, etc. But does this indicate intelligence or just good parenting? Take for instance Matthew-- alot of people have told me that the fact that he knows his colors at the age of 2 is advanced.... but of course I go back to the fact that he won't even say his own name. Do I think he is smart? Of course-- I'm his Mom. But should I really be amazed when he does things that other kids aren't at his age? It all goes back to what you hope for your child. Of course I hope that my kids have intelligence but I really want then above all to have a big portion of their Dad's common sense. Especially as they get to be teenagers, the need to know right from wrong seems to be as important if not more than learning and excelling at geometry. I'm not knocking school ( hello I've been going for 22 years!) but I am hoping that I'm able to parent correctly in helping the kids learn... oh and send them over to their Uncle's Dave's for a little chemistry and algebra lesson every once in a while.

Pictures

Finally I downloaded some pictures I've taken over the last 2 months-- here are a couple of my favorites!

Garth Brooks got it right

So last night I got home from work and Mike was in the midst of painting the boys bathroom this great blue color we picked out. Since he was busy with that I was running around with the boys doing dinner, putting stuff away-- you know the usual coming home from work craziness. As I'm doing my thing Nathan is on my hip coming along for the ride as we bring Mike stuff, pick up a couple of things, etc. When I entered our bedroom to grab a towel from our bathroom the radio which Mike has turned on high enough so he can hear it accross the hallway began playing the song "Unanswered Prayers" by Garth Brooks--- seeing the opportunity to stop and enjoy, Nathan and I began dancing along to the song when I realized how perfect this song was as it pertains to him. Before he was born seeing as how I already had a boy, I secretly hoped so much that he would be a girl. Mike of course wanted his offensive line to grow and wanted a boy. As I danced along with Nathan last night I realized how thankful I was that my prayers weren't answered-- and he, not a little girl came along. He is just the sweetest thing and his smile could melt a thousand hearts-- including him Mom's!

Home Sweet Home

Well we did it.... we moved. It was one of the most insane, fly by the seat of your pants couple of days I have ever experienced. Here is the whole story. So when we sold our house and the buyers wanted to move in in 17 days-- we knew it would be tight. We focused on getting all of our ducks in a row and in true Betsy organization fashion--- I was ready to hit the road, on time, with a plan in hand (even after packing up the house myself because Mike was suffering from influenza the week we moved). Our buyers... not so much. They were late in getting all their paperwork so it made their realtor, lender, underwriter, etc. work into the wee hours to get this transaction ready. So it became a game time decision as to when it was all going to go down. So just imagine this... we had the movers coming to pack up our entire house at 9am on Thursday, but as of Wednesday morning we weren't going to be able to move until Friday, then as of Wednesday afternoon, we were going to move on Thursday. Talk about stressful. So Thursday morning came, we packed up, said goodbye to our first house we bought together, the house be brought our babies home from the hospital to and the home we had put our souls into for the past 5 years. I cried a little:) So a caravan of cars and trucks headed south towards our new home in Lakeville while Mike and the squad car headed over the title office to pick up the keys-- this was at 2pm. At 2:30 we get the call from our realtor telling us that the buyers wire transfer of funds never came through and seeing as how the transactions were linked-- we couldn't move in! So we sat outside of new home ( with the snow flying by this point) for another half an hour until our realtor got verification from the buyers' bank that the wire would be sent the next morning. The verification came but it just meant that we would own 2 homes for 1 night (gulp!) and we were finally able to move in! So we rushed items into the house to avoid being affected by the snow, sighed at the relief that we were actually in and began unpacking in our big, brand new house. We unpacked until about 10pm when I headed to my Mom's to stay for the night( and prevent my Mom from having to do the 11pm and 3am feedings that Nathan still makes me get up for-- I can't complain too much though, I enjoy the quiet time with him even if it is in the wee hours of the morning). The next day was filled with deliveries of furniture, garage door openers, setup of Direct TV, setup of phone and internet and yep more packing. Around 1pm I headed to Sam's Club, Target and Byerly's to buy stuff for the new house as well as buy a present and food for Matthew's 2nd b-day the next day. At 2pm I get the call that Nathan has been running of 101.5 fever and he is pulling his ear. A call to the pediatrician and I'm taking him at in to the doctor at 4:15 with the knowledge that an ear infection is looking plausible. As I head home around 5pm knowing that by this time Matthew will be home-- I breath a sigh of relief that my family will sleep in our new house for the first time. So more unpacking that night-- along with a party for Matthew's b-day the next day ( with the warning not to look at our extremely box filled office and bedroom) and all is finally calming down. The consensus? We love it! In the first week we have day 4 new neighbors stop by with baked goods and plants to welcome us to the neighborhood. We recieved a list of the familes in the neighborhood complete with a list of babysitters, neighborhood activities ( men's sporting events, ladies bunco nights, playgroups, etc.) from one of our neighbors. Oh and the house is brand new and amazing--- we are super happy! Now comes the fun part-- decorating!!! More pictures and stories to follow....

Boys will be boys

Well this is what I get for having boys. About 3 weeks ago Matthew decided it would be a good idea to stand on the rocking chair at daycare. Of course just as his teacher told him to sit down he went head over tailpipe into the cement floor... a trip to the emergency room and 4 stiches later he is now fully aware of the word "owwie" and what it means. Now yesterday Mike's brother Andy brough their new puppy Baxter over to visit. Seeing as how the puppy is 9 weeks old and full of energy Cooper just watched him from afar but Matthew decided that a game of chase was in order to entertain the dog. Little did he know that obstacles such as coffee tables can halt a chase quickly. Matthew went head first into the coffee table so now not only does he have a scar that is just starting to heal from the stiches but a huge welt and black eye--- just in time for his 2nd b-day. If this is what the next 16 years will be like, I'm thinking we need to have our own seat at the ER....

Here is a picture--- pre accident.

Our New House!!!

Well we finally did it-- we sold our house. It only took a total of 1 year on the market to actually sell. ( A little bit longer than the 10 days that it took us to sell our townhouse back in 2002). Of course a normal family would sell it one day and plan to move our in 2 months or so.... not us- we had 2 weeks ( at the time of this blog we are down to 6 days!). So to put it into perspective we sold it on February 11th and we have to move on February 28th. Luckily over this year time frame we have kept abreast of the houses available on the market. So finding one wasn't an issue. We knew we ideally wanted to be in Lakeville ( for their great school district and recently rated as one of the best places to raise a family in the US) and we knew we wanted a 2 story house with 4 bedrooms upsatirs ( If I am blessed with a little girl in the next couple of years-- she gets the biggest room!) Mike wanted a family room and a living room on the main level, I wanted a formal dining room in addition to the kitchen. So we found what we were looking for and purchased it in 2 days. We found a brand new house in the south part of Lakeville in a brand new neighborhood that has swing sets in almost every yard-- PERFECT! We even have friends who live in the neighborhood so we have an in on the community events. So within these 2 weeks we have had to sell our house, get a mortgage, find a house, buy a house, cancel utilities, set up utilities, buy a washer and dryer, buy window blinds, buy a garage door opener, buy a new sectional couch, buy a bedroom set, pick our paint colors, pack up our house oh and plan for Matthew's 2nd B-day party the day after we move ( Thank god for Byerlys!). It's been a crazy time but super exciting. This is what we have saved for and hoped for for so long. this is definetly a new beginning for our family!

6 Months

Ah my little pumpkin, I can't believe it has been 6 months since you came into our lives. As our 2nd child, you would think there would be some overshadowing by your big brother... well you certainly let us know that you are a force to be reconed with! Like I've alwasy said, you wear your heart on your sleeve-- when you are happy you let us know and when you are sad-well we know that too:) You are my snuggly, cuddly boy and I completely enjoy those times on the couch when it is just you I snuggled in a blanket taking a nap. Your smile lights up a room and your laugh is infectious. You love to watch the pets--you can see it in your eyes how much they amaze you. I can't wait to see what you do/learn next!!! I love you very much, Mommy.

Friends for Life

When you are little you always tend to hear your parents say "We've been friends for 20 years" and you always thought that 20 years of friendship seems like an eternity. For Sarah, Stacy, Angie, Andrea, and I well.... can you believe it has almost been that long? It seems like just yesterday we were 14, doning our cheerleading outfits for the first time. Well as we can all atest that was about 20 lbs, a couple kids, and many "Beverly Hills 90210" espisodes ago. But what time has changed, time has also enriched. Our conversations have turned from boys to husbands and hangovers to ailments; yet they are still conversations and we are still having them after all these years. Although we don't get to see each other as much given schedules and distance between us, that never seemed to discern our ability to hold on to what will likely be lifelong friendships. Just as we were there to listen to each other's "first experience", we are there to listen to each other's wedding night and baby stories now. Just as we have discussed, not many people in life can say they are still friends with people from high school... we are some of the lucky ones. So this blog entry is an ode to you guys! I love you all!!!

Poop

I just had to blog my advanture that occurred all before 8am this morning. We decided about a month ago that we would start Nathan part-time at Kindercare with Matthew at the beginning of January. So today was the day. So I had his little outfit all laid out for his 1st day, go woke up at a decent hour so he was in a good mood and after a little relaxing in his bouncy chair... he pooped himself all up his back! Needless to say I'm rushing around getting him changed while I hear Matthew stating to wake as well. So by 6:45, the boys are all cleaned up, fed and ready to roll. Matthew on this particular morning is a little fussy... I think it had something to do with the fact that he gor to bed a little later than usual. So we arrive at daycare and as expected Matthew wants to be carried... so here is me with a 30lb toddler in one arm, a car seat carrying a 20lb baby in the other, and my purse and diaper bag slung around my back. I pretty much bust through the doors only to be greeting with the sight of Mike's Mom who not only runs the place but was there to greet me. So I put Nathan down, only to have Marilyn exclaim "Matthew has poop going up his back and it's all over your coat!" Great!!! So one of the daycare workers take him to start to clean him up, Marilyn takes Nathan into the baby room and I'm off to Matthew's room to get him a new outfit. So as Matthew is screaming because he doesn't want me to leave his side, Marilyn is getting Nathan settled. Thank god for her! After cleaning up Matthew I have to attend to the 1st day stuff for Nathan- paperwork, getting his crib set up with all his gear, etc... all while I'm trying to wipe poop from my coat. Needless to say I got to work a little late only to notify my co-workers of the possibility of a foul odor coming from me! Stinky me!

I'm finally feeling confident...

Do you ever feel like you take a chance on something not knowing if it is actually going to work out? I felt that way about my choice to switch careers and head from Finance into the Law arena. Over the last few years I've proven myself in the Finance area by constantly being recruited for jobs as well as being given great reviews over the years so to head out of my comfort zone is a little scary. Of course the area of Law has always been in my heart which took me to actually take the plunge to head to Law School. So over the last 4 years I've studied and learned only to culminate into the use of my studies in a disagreement Mike and I had the other night. I was very surprised to see how I've changed the way I approach disputes and how I handle conflict. In the end he was laughing at me and I just exclaimed "I'm going to make a good lawyer aren't I?" He agreed....