Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Happy Date Night

As you know, date nights with Jamie are far and few between. At least I think so. We worked very hard early on when our children were first born to encourage them to have good sleep patterns. Our children have always been easy to put to bed. Because of that, Jamie and I usually have a few hours each night alone. Time to talk, watch a movie, play a game. So, most of the time I don't really crave an actual date with him. But, about once every 3 months it's time to go out!

Last night was one of those nights :)

Friends of ours watched Maggie and Michael for us. Jamie and I headed to Panera for a nice simple quiet meal. Panera isn't one of our children's favorite places to eat. So I don't get to eat there very often. And the idea of being able to sit and talk with Jamie without feeling rushed was appealing to me.

I think we sat in there for about 2 hours!

We went over our calendar's and schedules. Michael's birthday is coming up so we talking about party's and gifts. We're going to rent a cabin up at Rock Lake Christian Assembly for a few nights next week so we discussed some details about that. Talked a little about our children's responsibilities around the house and when to begin rewarding them for jobs. We also talked about going out more. We made a list of babysitters that we know we could call and decided to do that more often.

After all that talk, we went shopping. Bought Michael some presents. A baby gift. A birthday gift for a friend. Oh, and we talked about tv's. Again. I want a new one really bad! It's just not in the budget right now.

After our exciting date we went to our friends to pick up Michael and Maggie. We love Katrina and Brian! We can talk to them for hours. And we did!

When we first arrived we gave the kids the 'ol 10 minute warning. That 10 minutes turned into... er.... a few hours!

So, we're talking and talking with our pals. Then, Brian and Katrina notice that it's getting time for them to pray* at our church. Jamie and I offered to stay with all the kids while they went and did that.

They went and prayed and came back. Then we started talking again! Hehehehe We finally pulled out of their house around midnight!

Came home, tucked the kids in bed. Jamie and I finished some talking that we didn't get to before. Then, Jamie actually left to go to the church to pray* a bit. He came home around 3:30 AM.

I'm not use to staying up that late. But, it was very very enjoyable. I'm looking forward to going out with my husband more often!


*Meridian Christian Church held a special prayer time from 8:00 PM until 8:00 AM the next morning. We're having a big shin-dig at a local park and inviting the community so we wanted to cover the event in prayer. People of our congregation were encouraged to sign up for 1 hour time slots.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Wed - Sat

Michael didn't have school on Wed, Thurs, or Friday, which made for (of course) a five day weekend. A nice little mini vacation.

I had a check up at the doctor. I'm pretty healthy :) A bit over weight and a little bit of high cholesterol. Both of which can be 'cured' with healthier eating habits... of which I am working on.

Then, the kids and I headed out to my parents. We spent Thurs. at The Village and at the Museum with my sister and her kids and my parents. It was a little cold outside, but not too bad. We rode the train around and visited a few of the kids favorite attractions. Very nice. We came home that night. The kids and I both slept great!

On Friday we met our friends at Jumpin' Jax and then that evening we went to our first night of a new study that we're going through with friends from church. It was a busy but fun day.

I'm actually not at church this morning. Maggie was coughing all night and this morning. I thought it wouldn't be a good idea to take her and have her spewing her germs all over. So, it's been a rather nice morning. I feel like I'm finally taking a breath and slowly moving. It's truly a restful day before Monday comes.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Great Week!

Michael has had a great week at school! I've been very impressed with his teacher. I was able to volunteer in the classroom on Monday and saw her skills first hand. She is very... strict isn't really the word I want to use... scheduled, consistent, structured. It's a perfect fit for Michael. He hasn't been singled out with behavior issues. The whole class has missed parts of recess and things like that, but he hasn't had to be punished for poor behavior. Praise God!

Maggie and I have had a fun filled week. Our church has teamed up with another local church for a play group. A group of ladies at this other church have been planning outings with their young children for years. It was so nice of them to allow our church to tag along. The best part? My two favorite friends are in the group, which means Maggie's favorite pals are too. So fun!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Up And Running Again

We got our new computer! Actually, I think we've had the same keyboard for about 10 years now but when you open the casing of the cpu it's all shiny and new... and running great! Jamie just orders the inner parts online and puts it all together himself. I know! He's amazing, right? He could be making millions if he continued his education in computers instead of switching to the ministry. But then we would have never met and I wouldn't be sharing all the wonderful snidbits of our fabulous life with you all :)

Tonight we had a little b-day party for Michael. His birthday is actually the 30th. He's been waiting for The Clone Wars movie to open so he and a few friends went and saw it with the dads. They came home all fired up. There were light sabors flying for about an hour afterwards. Apparently they loved it!

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Wednesday's Happenings

6:30 ish Woke up, prayed, exercised, showered, and got ready for the day. I've been sleeping till about 8:30 this summer. Although, I really like getting all my 'stuff' done before the kids wake up.

Somewhere in between this time the kids woke up and were fed and dressed.

8:30 Watched my friends boys... all 3 of them. I know, totally not like me. But, it was the Long boys. They are my favorite! One is going into 5th grade, one is Michael's age (they were in the same class at school last year), and the youngest is Maggie's age. They play so well!

10:30 Boys got picked up. We headed to the grocery store.

11:45 Made and ate lunch. One of the neighbor girls joined us... my own little mission field. She stayed a few hours and played.

During this time I was preparing food for dinner and playing referee. The neighbor friend needs a bit more attention.

3:00 Took dinner to a family that just had a baby. So cute! My kids love holding babies... even if they're crying.

4:00 Came home. The neighbor girl was back to play for a bit.

5:00 Ate dinner.

5:30 Left to go to my sister-in-laws house. Jamie was helping John with some landscaping stuff. The kids and I hung out and swam in their pool. It was so relaxing!

10:30 Came home.

Crazy huh? It seems like this has been a typical schedule for us this summer. Frankly, I'm tired of it. It's really a lot for me. I used to do one thing a day. That was actually a struggle for me. I love staying at home. But, I've prayed about it and really wanted this summer to be fun for my kids so I force myself to get out more and do things with other people. I'm slowing down starting tomorrow. This list of stuff that I did is just a small part of my week. It seems like every day has been like this. I have a pile of laundry to prove it!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Another Morning

Yup, I'm awake again all by myself. I'm sure God is trying to tell me something but I just haven't stopped long enough to listen. It's really a blessing to be on the first floor of our house... alone. It's quiet. I made some tea again and I've been puttsing on the computer.

I'm thankful for this kind of start to my day. It's been a tough week with the kids. I'm tired of being around them. I love them to death, don't misunderstand me. But, I feel a little whacked out right now and I feel like I just need some space. So, thank you Lord for two quiet mornings in a row!

We've got quite a nice busy weekend ahead of us. Last night we went over to some friends house for a cook out. Jamie had been working with them on their landscaping all day so he was a bit pooped out. But, it was nice to have some mommy discussions and eat food that I didn't have to prepare. It was good!

Tonight we're going to a Lansing Lugnuts game with another family. Jamie can get free tickets from Great Lakes Christian College where he teaches Hebrew (the language, not the book) every other semester or so. It's a nice little perk that they offer for staff and faculty. The Lugnuts are actually going into the playoffs so it should be a fun game. Also, they have fireworks afterwards. Yea, my favorite.

Sunday, after church, we're having a get together at my sister-in-laws house. It's a family renuin of sorts. Jamie has an aunt and uncle that live in Negaunee and a cousin and her family who live at the Sioux. Also, another cousin and his family who live... hm, not sure where nowadays. She's from Japan so they've moved back a forth a bit.

Anywho, our weekend will be filled with good friends and family, baseball, fireworks, swimming, and yummy food!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Gettin' Ready

I think I did a pretty good job on the house yesterday. The bedrooms and bathroom upstairs are neat and tidy. I did lots of laundry and it's all put away. I only did part of the dishes, but that's all right. I made a simple dinner of canned soup, canned peaches, and home made biscuits (I make the best!). Overall it was a good day. To top things off, Jamie went to the grocery store last night for me.

I've been bustin' my booty just as much today. Maggie and I went to story time at the library and had a Valentine's party. It was fun. I've been doing dishes and laundry again. Just small loads this time. So, it was a lot easier to tackle. My mother-in-law stopped over to chit-chat with me while I was baking and left me a bowl full of Dove chocolates. Yea, I've already gotten into them :) Thanks mom!

I just finished baking chocolate chip cookie's and banana/chocolate chip/walnut muffins for our UP trip. I haven't started packing yet. Hopefully that will get done sometime today. I'm trying not to stress over it. I've got a rough list going, but nothing put together so far.

I'm leaving with Mag's in a few minutes to get Michael from school. Since we're headed up north tomorrow I want to make sure he remembers to bring home his snow pants and boots. So I'll go to the school early and walk in. He'll probably have a lot of stuff to take home anyway. Today was his Valentine's party too.

Later this afternoon... or would that be early evening? Anyway, he has swimming lessons. I'd skip it, but it's been canceled the past two weeks due to the weather. I think it would be good to have him go.

Hope you all have a great weekend. Hopefully I'll have pictures to share from our mini vacation. And, maybe some news to share from my friend Katie who's going to have a baby soon!

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Snow day and sickness

Michael is off of school again today due to the snow. Don't ask me how much we got. I don't pay attention, remember? That makes 5 snow days this year. 4 of which have occurred in the past two weeks. Crazy! He better go back tomorrow. It's killing me!

Our friend, Tom, was so kind to take him over to his house to play with his kids this afternoon. It will be good for Michael to get out and play with the boys.

Maggie woke up a few times last night sobbing that her ear hurt. It was so sad. I took her to the doctor this morning. Turns out she probably did have the flu last week. Now she's got a bunch of fluid that's floating around her cavities. Inside her ear it got infected. The doctor took one look at it and said it looks like she has a cherry tomato in her ear.

... and the mother of the year award goes to....

I felt awful. The doctor proceeded to tell me that this type of ear infection comes on quickly and I got her in at a good time. She's loaded up on meds and sleeping right now. I actually had the pleasure of rocking and singing her to sleep. Something that isn't a normal occurrence around here. My children love their sleep time and don't want to be bothered with a sappy mommy. This was a nice change.

I probably should mention that I feel amazingly well! I slept and relaxed as much as I possibly could yesterday. I woke up this morning feeling groggy and achy. But, I'm functioning rather well this afternoon. I'll keep the decongestions going in me to ward off any infected fluid in me.

I'm looking forward to a nice weekend at my parents house. Jamie has a staff retreat so the kids and I will head over to Livonia after school time. Should be a good time for all of us.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Happy Date Night

It's official. We're going out on a real date tonight! Woo hoo! It's not because we're hesitant leaving our kids. We'll leave them anytime and with just about anybody! It's just tough to find people who will watch them. And, like I've said before, we're really content with our time together right now. We spend time together just about every evening. So, who needs to go out when you're happy with where your at?

Our friends, Tyler and Nicole, have volunteered to take the kids overnight. We'll drop off the kids and then head out to see Juno. I hope it's good. Then, dinner at McAlister's Deli. Then, we've got a gift certificate for a one night stay at a suite hotel room.

Today has already been a packed day. I did the morning thing with Michael. After taking him to school I went and cleaned a few apartments with my mother-in-law for our mentally disabled friends. Then, back to Michael's school. Michael was receiving an award... again! He got all 3's and 4's on his report card. After the ceremony, Jamie, Maggie, and I went to lunch at Fazoli's. Yummy! Now, I'm home and packing for our date :)

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas!

This has been a great Christmas season for us! And, it's not over yet!

Last night we went to our church's Christmas Eve service. My mother and father-in-law went, and my Aunt too. And a family that we're friends with... we go way back. They have three boys. One is in Michael's class at school and one is Maggie's age. I sat with my in-laws and Aunt and Maggie. Michael sat with 'all the boys' a few rows ahead of me.

Highlights of the service: My good friend Bethany (I sometimes refer to her as my neat and tidy friend) danced to the song Breathe of Heaven. It. Was. Awesome. She did such a great job. I'm so proud :)

Ok, here's where I want to tell you a super funny thing that happened during the service. But, I'm a terrible story teller. But I'll give it a go.

So Rick, our senior minister, is doing a short sermon during the service. Towards the end he starts talking about how he loves Christmas Eve. How that's when things slow down. How everything is closed up for a day or two. How you can't go to Walmart, Target, Meijer, or even... he pauses... and says "Oh, sure 7/11 is open but who would want to go there?".

Michael shouts out "I do!". Thunderous laughter followed. Oh my goodness, I was crying. Partly because it was really funny. The timing was so perfect it couldn't even have been planned better. But also because I was super embarressed. I recovered, so did Rick, and thought for sure only Jamie and I would really know who said it. The place was packed and there were tons of kids and Michael was sitting in a sea of boys.

But, as I was walking down front for communion, about 20 people patted me on the back and said "Man, I love your son" and chuckled. Ahh... it was a good time.

After the service we came back to our house and had a few people over. We nibbled on pigs in a blanket, veggies, cookies, and nachos and talked.

This morning my in-laws came over (they live across the street) and also my Aunt spent the night. We opened presents together and watched the kids play. It was so nice. Arch, my fingers hurt but I want to tell you about their gifts and stuff. It was a great year present wise.

The only reason why I'm typing right now is because Maggie is sleeping, Michael is playing, and Jamie is gone helping at a Christmas Breakfast that our church puts on every year. He should be home soon and once he's showered a few times (he's a cook this year) we'll pack up the van and head over to my sister's for the evening.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

It's the little things

I'm totally done with my Christmas shopping. Everything is wrapped and under the tree. Except one gift that can totally be figured out by a little shake from my boy.

I'm really not stressed out at all. I've had some things hanging over my head but so far everything is completed. We've got some Christmas party's this weekend and I'm not too worried about getting my stuff together for them. I've been keeping everything simple. It's working!

Maggie and I have been shopping every day this week... except today. We are basically taking a day off from our normal routine. This morning we went over to my friend Bethany's house. She has two little girls that Maggie really enjoys playing with. Bethany and I try to get into some deep conversations but settle for the little bits here and there between the interruptions. It's really a lot of fun.

Here's my exciting news. I bought a new coat and boots yesterday! My old coat is about 10 years old and I donated my boots to the Ukraine clothing drive over the summer because they've grown too small since the kids have been born. I think I had them for about 10 years. Maybe longer.

I love my new coat. I bought a chocolate brown wool pea coat with a hood. I've heard from two people that it looks pretty good on me. And my boots are wonderful too. I was just looking for something to wear if I ever shovel or go outside with the kids. That's usually once a year. But, I found a pair that I like to wear all the time. Bummer that they're black though. They don't match my new coat, oh well. The only dark brown boots I found were the dressy leather kind. I bought a pair of Totes brand that are warm and water proof. Just what I need while trudging through parking lots and such.

Good friends... good clothing... It's the little things that make me happy. Actually, those two things are quite priceless. Ah, I'm having a nice day :)